Star Spangled War Stories

"Return of the Hangman"

Cover Date July 1969
Issue #145
Pages 23
Type Original Story
Cover Price 20¢
Featured Character Hans von Hammer
Also Featuring Countess Denise de Sevigne; Schultz; The Black Wolf
Guest Characters The Hangman

Synopsis

The bitter, tragic blood feud that defines the early series reaches its absolute boiling point. Having survived his apparent combat death in their previous encounter, the brilliant French ace The Hangman (Count Andre de Sevigne) returns to the battle skies for a final, relentless ambush to eliminate the 'Hammer of Hell'. Complicating the deadly high-altitude interception, his sister Countess Denise de Sevigne watches the duel unfold, tearing Hans von Hammer between a brutal fight for survival and his strict code of honor toward the family that once saved his life. The resulting dogfight brings a definitive, emotionally exhausting conclusion to the legendary Sevigne story arc

Collector Notes

A massive milestone key issue for collectors, serving as the definitive grand finale to the multi-issue Hangman and Harpy saga. Joe Kubert delivers a visual tour de force, utilizing intense, razor-sharp panel choreography to capture both the blistering mechanical speed of the aircraft and the deep, agonizing psychological exhaustion of the combatants. Robert Kanigher's script brings the complex, honor-bound rivalry to a devastating and permanent close, making this one of the most highly sought-after and emotionally resonant issues of the entire Silver Age run

Creative Team

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