All-American Comics#28(1941)

At the offices of Apex Broadcasting, Alan Scott visits Irene Miller in her office. She introduces him to Laura Brand, a relative to the recently deceased millionaire Cyrus Brand. Laura was his favorite niece, but, surprisingly, she was left nothing in the will. Laura is suspicious of foul play; while her uncle died of heart disease, he changed his will to make a worthless nephew his heir just before his death. Laura resolves to visit a private detective agency, and the case weighs heavily on Alan's mind. That night, Scott transforms into the Green Lantern, flying to the home of Dr. Mills, Cyrus Brand's physician. Interviewing the doctor, Green Lantern discovers that, while Brand died of heart disease, his heart was strong and his passing was certainly unexpected. Later, GL researches old newspapers and finds an interesting discovery. At Apex the next day, Irene reveals she has been doing some research of her own. Eight wealthy men have died of heart failure in the last month and left their fortunes to undeserving relatives. Alan is indifferent to her revelation but knows she's on to something. After work, Irene meets with Doiby Dickles, who says that he just delivered three known criminals at the home of Larry Brand, the heir of Cyrus Brand. They speed to Brand's home and witness a business deal happening between the criminals and Larry. As the thugs leave, they spot Irene and Doiby, capturing the former and leaving the latter for dead. Awakening, Doiby heads back to town and summons the Green Lantern. Rendezvousing with Doiby, Green Lantern and the cabby head to the Brand house, where they confront the misfit nephew. He reveals that the three killers were Parrot Malone, Harry the Hood, and Snitch Carter. Recognizing Parrot Malone, Green Lantern heads for the hideout on River Street. Unbeknownst to the hero, Larry Brand makes quick phone call to Malone, warning him of his impending company. Reaching the hideout, Green Lantern is met with the sight of Irene tied up and threatened by the Spider, the criminal mastermind of the operation. The villain has found a chemical compound that not only induces hypnosis but also causes heart failure. He has created a successful racket killing wealthy men and splitting the profits with their undesirable relations. The Spider forces Green Lantern to take the pills, seemingly killing him. Two racketeers drop off his body upstairs, while the Spider heads to the home of his next victim, John Van Dander. Suddenly, Green Lantern revives and easily takes out the thugs. Doiby arrives late for the party but is given the task of watching the thugs until the police arrive. Green Lantern reveals to Irene that he spat out the pill at his first opportunity. He leaves for Van Dander's home and arrives just before the Spider can claim his next victim. Green Lantern apprehends the villain, and the murder racket is arrested by the police.