Star Spangled War Stories

"The Bull"

Cover Date November 1968
Issue #141
Pages 23
Type Original Story
Cover Price 15¢
Featured Character Hans von Hammer
Guest Characters The Bull

Synopsis

Following his narrow, high-stakes escape from captivity behind enemy lines, the Rittmeister successfully returns to his home airfield, only to discover that his squadron has been joined by an aggressive, brutal new pilot replacement nicknamed The Bull. During their initial combat sweep together, The Bull callously allows a fellow German comrade to be shot down and killed just so he can ruthlessly pursue a defenseless, un-armed enemy observation plane for an easy victory. Disgusted by this total violation of the rules of the air, von Hammer confronts the newcomer, igniting an intense moral feud within the German ranks that ultimately drives the savage newcomer to challenge the Enemy Ace to a deadly, private duel.

Collector Notes

A highly unique installment in the Silver Age run that pivots away from traditional Allied dogfights to look directly at internal friction within the German ranks. Joe Kubert delivers a masterclass in tension, using sharp, heavy character linework to frame the moral divide between von Hammer's noble aristocratic chivalry and the raw, unhinged brutality of 'The Bull'. The multi-part, 23-page narrative is highly sought after by collectors for its deeply psychological examination of squadron politics and the dark realities of the air war.

Creative Team

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