Action Comics #91 (1945)

Action Comics #91 (1945) features none other than Superman himself in a thrilling adventure that pits him against a gang of criminals who are sinking Great Lakes freighters. The crew on each ship that is lost hears the distant beating of a death drum—a chilling legend of Indian origin that has the sailors spooked. Clark Kent decides to investigate as Superman, and he quickly discovers that the criminals have a devious plan to capture and sink as many freighters as they can in shallow water. They would then return later to salvage the ships and sell the contents for a fortune. The criminals use a bank of anti-aircraft cannons hidden in the forest to create the Indian drum effect, thereby scaring the locals. Superman is up against it when the criminals lock him in a steel compartment on board and then sink the freighter. But our hero won't go down without a fight, and he manages to escape, take care of the gang, and deliver all the salvaged ships to their destinations. This Action Comics issue is a must-read for any superhero fan.