Read: Flash Comics #12

Issue: Flash Comics #12 (Reprinted in The Golden Age Hawkman Archives v.1)
Title: "The Heart Patient" (suggested title)
Published Date: Dec 1940
Generation: Golden Age Carter
Retcon Status: In Continuity

Summary: Out on the town with Shiera, Carter Hall runs across his old friend Tommy, who is about three sheets to the wind.  Tommy never was a drinker, so when Carter talks to him, Tommy reveals that he has no reason to hold back, since his doctor tells him that he will be dead soon from a weak heart.  Carter is incredulous, as the two of them were atheletes together in college.  Tommy's physician, Dr. Halliday, overhears this and then tries to convince Carter he too has a weak heart by slipping a drug into his drink.  Carter sees through the ruse and fakes an ailment, then vows to get to the bottom of the mystery -- as Hawkman.

Hawkman checks out Tommy's apartment and finds out that his girlfriend, Betty, is working with Dr. Halliday to steal Tommy's money.  The two of them are slowly poisoning Tommy and plan to kill him, making it look like a heart attack.  Hawkman takes out the goons with Betty, but she escapes, so he goes after the doctor.  Meanwhile, Shiera and Tommy, unwilling to sit on their butts, start back to Tommy's apartment, but are taken hostage by Betty.  As Hawkman interrogates the doctor, Betty arrives with her captives.  But, in the ensuing struggle, Dr. Halliday and Betty accidentally shoot one another.  Tommy's heart condition will soon vanish now that he is free of the poison, and he expresses to Carter that he wishes he could thank Hawkman in person for his help.

Review: This story is similar to the previous one insofar as it is not the type of evil that you would expect to see Hakwman fighting against.  Moldoff has some fun breaking up the panels when Hawkman busts through a window, or disarms one of the goons, breaking up the normal panel-grid.  Hawkman's use of ancient weapons is demonstrated in this issue through the use of a sling.  Unremarkable but still enjoyable little adventure

Image: Flash Comics #12, 1940, Everett E. Hibbard.