Star Spangled War Stories

"The Slayers and the Slain"

Cover Date May 1968
Issue #138
Pages 23
Type Original Story
Cover Price 15¢
Featured Character Hans von Hammer
Also Featuring Greta (first appearance; a nurse); Schmidt (first appearance; Hammer's orderly); The Black Wolf
Guest Characters The Hangman (Count Andre de Sevigne French Ace - first appearance)

Synopsis

Enemy Ace takes up permanent residence in Star-Spangled War Stories with his first ongoing solo series. In this historic launch issue, Hans von Hammer faces a deadly new vanguard of Allied aviators, culminating in the dramatic debut of his ultimate arch-rival: The Hangman (Count Andre de Sevigne). Driven by a fierce personal vendetta, the brilliant French ace matches the Rittmeister's tactical aerial grace move-for-move, setting off a legendary, multi-issue blood feud. Their initial high-altitude interception remains one of the most mechanically tense, psychologically bruising dogfights of the entire Silver Age run.

Collector Notes

This issue marks the beginning of Enemy Ace's longest continuous publishing run. Kanigher and Kubert settle into an assured, masterful rhythm; the combat panels expand into highly detailed multi-page dogfights featuring Kubert's iconic expressionistic linework and cinematic cockpit perspectives, while Kanigher's introspective scripting grows increasingly poetic, exploring the deep psychological weight of survivor's guilt.

Creative Team

Writer Robert Kanigher
Penciler Joe Kubert
Inker Joe Kubert
Letterer Ben Oda