Star Spangled War Stories

"The Face of the Hangman"

Cover Date September 1968
Issue #140
Pages 23
Type Original Story
Cover Price 15¢
Featured Character Hans von Hammer
Also Featuring Countess Denise de Sevigne (first appearance; Hangman's sister)
Guest Characters The Hangman

Synopsis

The blistering three-part opening story arc reaches its dramatic, unforgettable conclusion. After a grueling dogfight over enemy territory, the Rittmeister is shot down and crashes behind Allied lines, only to be captured by his bitter nemesis, The Hangman (Count Andre de Sevigne). In a profound test of wartime chivalry, his wounds are treated by the Hangman's sister, Countess Denise de Sevigne, in her first appearance. Before he can be permanently transferred to a prisoner-of-war camp, von Hammer orchestrates a daring, high-stakes escape to reclaim the skies and return to his home airfield, drawing the final curtain on the series' first classic blood feud.

Collector Notes

This issue serves as a spectacular milestone for the archive, permanently defining the complex moral grey areas and strict rules of aristocratic honor that elevate Kanigher's writing. Joe Kubert delivers a masterclass in visual storytelling, showcasing the stark, vulnerable humanity of the characters on the ground before returning to the explosive, high-altitude aircraft combat that made the series a hit. The dynamic introduction of Countess Denise establishes a crucial recurring emotional anchor for the franchise's lore, making this a highly sought-after key issue among Silver Age war collectors.

Creative Team

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