Synopsis
A monumental dive into the ancestral foundations of the franchise. The Rittmeister's unyielding Prussian background manifests on the airfield in the form of his formidable father, Baron Otto von Hammer, an old-world aristocrat who completely embodies the strict military traditions that built the family name. As the two men navigate the silent, heavy pauses between operational sorties, Robert Kanigher expertly handles the script to contrast their conflicting vantage points. Hans von Hammer quietly struggles with the crushing toll of the slaughter, creating a deep, unspoken psychological divide against a father who stubbornly demands absolute battlefield victory at any cost.
Collector Notes
An exceptional, highly prioritized key issue for Bronze Age property archives, featuring a massive expansion of Enemy Ace's personal lore. This 6-page standalone short story features brilliant, clean interior line art illustrated by the legendary Larry Hama and inker Bob Smith, who deliver a beautifully kinetic and technically precise look to the vintage fighter planes. Master colorist Adrienne Roy establishes a moody, deeply atmospheric winter palette that matches the script perfectly. The introduction of Baron Otto gives Hans a profound extra layer of emotional complexity, showing a son who deeply honors his family lineage while quietly mourning the devastating human price it demands.
