That doesn't matter... because you fought your fears, and tried your best! You never have to be ashamed of anything, not even losing... ...as long as you've done your best! 
- — Superman
Action Comics #538 is an issue of the series Action Comics (Volume 1) with a cover date of December, 1982.
Synopsis for "Superman: The Measure of a Superman!"
Bruised and half-conscious, Superman makes it to Jimmy Olsen's apartment and asks his friend to use his disguise skills to help him hide his bruises.
The next day, not one of his co-workers seems to notice Clark's injuries, although Lois Lane takes a hold of him to discuss the news of Superman's defeat at Jackhammer's hands and give him self-help books. When Clark brushes off her concerns and insists he likes himself just fine, Lois storms out.
For the next few nights, Superman keeps a low profile and uses his other skills to bust robberies from a distance as his wounds heal. At the same time, Jackhammer exploits his newfound fame to become the chief enforcer of every crime boss in Metropolis and goes on a crime spree.
After one week goes by without a Superman sighting, the Daily Planet staff starts wondering what has happened to Superman. At night, Clark Kent privately admits to himself he is afraid. Thinking of his parents, Clark remembers Pa Kent saying facing up your fears and beats them is the measure of a man. Clark suits up and heads out.
Later, Jackhammer and his crooks attempt to rob a theater. Suddenly, Superman freezes their weapons and baits Jackhammer out of the place. Superman fights hard, but Jackhammer's hydraulic punches and armor give him an edge. Nonetheless, when a crowd sees Superman being beaten they attack Jackhammer to save Superman. Jackhammer turns around to shout he'll come after them as soon as he kills Superman. His distraction gives Superman an opening and he knocks Jackhammer out by punching his unprotected lower face.
Superman receives the multitude's congratulations, but he insists he's the one who is grateful. Because they fought their fears and faced a danger, they gave him one chance to win.
Appearing in "Superman: The Measure of a Superman!"
Featured Characters:
- Superman (Flashback and main story) (as Superboy)
Supporting Characters:
- Jimmy Olsen
- Lois Lane
- Perry White (Cameo)
Antagonists:
- Jackhammer (Final appearance)
- Two Jewelry Store Burglers (Unnamed) (Single appearance)
- Two Movie Theatre Gunmen (Unnamed) (Single appearance)
- Lord Satanis (Mentioned only)
Other Characters:
- Four Daily Planet Reporters (Unnamed) (Cameo) (Single appearance)
- Metropolis Police Department
- Bill (Single appearance)
- Sam (Single appearance)
- Kent Family
- Jonathan Kent (In a photograph only) (and) (Flashback only)
- Martha Kent (In a photograph only)
- Movie Theatre Patrons (Unnamed) (Single appearance)
Locations:
- Metropolis
- Jimmy Olsen's Apartment
- Galaxy Communications Building
- Clark Kent's Office
- Perry White's Office
- Fast Eddie's Bar
- Jewelry Store
- 344 Clinton Street
- Clark Kent's Apartment
- Metro Cinema I
- Smallville (Flashback only)
Items:
- Daily Planet Newspapers
- Three Self-Help Books
Vehicles:
Synopsis for "Aquaman: Mera, Mera, on the Wave -- Who's the One You've Got to Save?"
Aquaman and Mera are beset by the attacking dolphins, and Mera's continued attempts to communicate telepathically with them electrify the porpoises like electric eels. Aquaman manages to get three of the dolphins to smash into his hard-water block, freeing him. But a dolphin's electric charge stuns Mera, and, going to her rescue, Aquaman receives Mera's image and her call for help in his mind.
The Mera-image declares that she is trapped, "imprisoned somewhere else!" When Mera (as Bridgeman) awakens in his arms, she says that the real Mera is her prisoner, and that she shares Mera's body, but dominates it. Then she starts to strangle Aquaman.
Appearing in "Aquaman: Mera, Mera, on the Wave -- Who's the One You've Got to Save?"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- V'lana (possessing Mera)
Other Characters:
- Dolphins
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
Notes
- In the Superman story Marv Wolfman is credited as consultant.
- The movie being shown was Astro Wars 2; which was "A Galaxy Production."
- Story continues from Action Comics #537 and continues in Action Comics #539.