Unknown Soldier

"Killers of the Sky — Debt of Blood!"

Cover Date May 1982
Issue #263
Pages 8
Type Original Story
Cover Price 69¢
Also Featuring The Blind French Boy
Guest Characters Lt. Steve Savage (The Balloon Buster)

Synopsis

The high-stakes aerial tension pivots into a profound humanitarian crisis in Chapter Two of the 'Killers of the Sky' saga. After rescuing a young French boy permanently blinded during an artillery bombardment, the reckless American ace Lt. Steve Savage (The Balloon Buster) discovers that the only world-renowned eye surgeon capable of treating him is stationed deep within enemy lines. Risking a court-martial for treason, Savage intentionally lands his aircraft near the German airfield to forge a desperate, high-stakes truce with Rittmeister Hans von Hammer. Moved by the child's plight and bound to his strict aristocratic code of honor, the Enemy Ace agrees to the ceasefire—personally flying the blinded boy past his own anti-aircraft batteries to reach the imperial medical station.

Collector Notes

A major Late-Bronze Age milestone key issue for collectors tracking the historical crossover endpoints of the pre-Crisis DC war universe. This 8-page second installment beautifully exemplifies Robert Kanigher's core architectural genius, masterfully using a shared humanitarian goal to strip away the violent nationalism of the Western Front and force his two greatest WWI aerial icons into a temporary, uneasy alliance. Artist Dan Spiegle brings a remarkably clean, mechanically precise illustrative style to the vintage biplane panels, while master colorist Bob LeRose anchors the visuals with excellent, atmospheric palette choices. Set against Esphid Mahilum's distinct interior lettering typography, the narrative sets up a massive moral conflict for the upcoming grand finale

Creative Team

Writer Robert Kanigher
Penciler Dan Spiegle
Inker Dan Spiegle
Letterer Esphid Mahilum