Star Spangled War Stories

"Hell's Angels"

Cover Date August 1974
Issue #181
Pages 7
Type Original Story
Cover Price 25¢
Featured Character Hans von Hammer
Also Featuring Schultz
Guest Characters Steve Savage ('the Balloon Buster')

Synopsis

The historic kickoff to one of the most highly anticipated crossovers in DC war comics history. Rittmeister Hans von Hammer's path collides violently over the front lines with American aviator Lt. Steve Savage (The Balloon Buster), an insubordinate rebel whose reckless, borderline suicidal aerial tactics contrast sharply with von Hammer's rigid, disciplined Prussian calculation. This initial high-altitude dogfight establishes an explosive, blood-penned rivalry that leaves no room for personal sentiment, as the loyal squadron orderly Schultz watches his commander face an entirely unpredictable breed of adversary who fights by a lawless set of rules.

Collector Notes

A monumental Bronze Age key milestone marking the character's long-awaited return to original narratives after a multi-year publishing hiatus. This 7-page backup feature initiates a massive creative shift, with indie legend Frank Thorne permanently stepping in to succeed Joe Kubert as the core illustrator. Thorne delivers a looser, heavily stylized, and highly organic line style that perfectly captures the visceral, chaotic frenzy of the Balloon Buster's maneuvers. This issue serves as a spectacular anchor for the archive, seamlessly weaving two of Robert Kanigher's greatest historical properties into a unified continuity timeline

Creative Team

Writer Robert Kanigher
Penciler Frank Thorne
Inker Frank Thorne
Letterer Ben Oda