Synopsis
Stepping out of the cockpit to act as a narrator rather than the protagonist, Hans von Hammer gathers two of his young squadron pilots around the airfield mapping tables to recount the tragic lore of the men who flew on the opposing side of the lines. Through this innovative framing sequence, the Rittmeister relays the haunting chronicles of a reckless American pilot striving to prove himself within a French flight squadron, and a pair of identical twin brothers torn apart by being forced to fly on opposite fronts of the global conflict. The framing narrative serves as a deep philosophical mirror, exploring what the 'Hammer of Hell' chooses to honor in his mortal enemies, and the profound psychological cost that such chivalry demands of him.
Collector Notes
A highly unique, experimental framing anthology within the Silver Age run that cleverly utilizes existing historical material. The issue integrates and reframes two celebrated standalone stories, giving them immense new thematic weight by filtering them directly through Enemy Ace's melancholic worldview. For historical tracking, the interior reprints include "Balloon for a Hawk!" (originally written by Bob Haney with art by Joe Kubert in Our Fighting Forces #60) and "Brother Enemy!" (originally written by Robert Kanigher with master artwork by Russ Heath in All-American Men of War #101). Highly sought after by collectors for its rare narrative structure, the issue features a stunning, brand-new front cover masterpiece illustrated by Joe Kubert.
