the Comet - golden age SuperHero

The Comet is a Superhero created by Jack Cole (who later created Plastic man). The Comet was first introduced in Pep #1 (MLJ Comics, later Archie Comics). It had a 17 issue run.
The Comet is the scientist John Dickering who creates an experimental gas fifty times lighter than hydrogen. By injecting the gas into his bloodstream he gains the power to fly and shoot power beams from his eyes.

The Comet was an uncommonly violent superhero even for it's time. In the first issue he casually disintegrates three gangsters and drops one to certain death (technically honoring the crook's plea to be let go).

The reporter Thelma Gordon learns about the Comet's secret identity and writes positive news stories about him.

In Pep Comics # 17 the Comet is shot attempting to protect his brother Bob from getting killed by gangsters. Bob carries the Comet back to John Dickering's apartment. There the Comet dies from his wounds in presence of Bob and Thelma. His dying words is for Bob and Thelma to stick together.

Bob swears to avenge his brother's death and takes on the character of the Hangman, who carries on an even more violent war against the crime.