The device in the comic books was referred to as a 'neurolyser'. This is also where the concept of using Ray-Ban sunglasses to prevent an agent's memory from getting affected was introduced. It is seen more in the shape of a flashlight than a cigar-like shape made popular by the films. It does not simply erase memory like the movie counterpart does. In the comic books, the neurolyser is a device used for manipulation and control. When neurolysed, a witness is simply hypnotized and does what ever Agent Kay or Jay wants them to do, such as provide information, believe a lie and/or pass that lie along as fact.