In this episode of The Unspoken Issues podcast, hosts Jesse, Dean, and Derry dive into a thought-provoking discussion about Enemy Ace: War Idyll, a haunting 1990 graphic novel by George Pratt. The conversation focuses on the character Hans von Hammer, a German World War I flying ace, whose story of war and survival offers a powerful commentary on the horrors of conflict and the lasting psychological scars that combat inflicts.

The episode begins with Dean giving a thorough background on the character, created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert. Hans von Hammer, also known as "The Hammer of Hell," is a reluctant soldier who excels in aerial combat but is burdened by the heavy moral toll of war. He is portrayed as a noble figure, disconnected from the jingoistic fervor around him, and the hosts reflect on the unique anti-war sentiment that underpins his stories. Dean emphasizes that Enemy Ace allows readers to explore the futility of war through the eyes of a soldier who doesn’t fight for glory but out of a sense of duty to his comrades.

The discussion also touches on the striking artwork of War Idyll, with its fully painted pages, adding to the emotional weight of the story. The hosts admire the surreal beauty of the visuals, which convey the chaos and brutality of war, while also serving as a vehicle for Hans’ introspective journey. They explore the deeper themes of the book, including how von Hammer’s story transcends his role as a German soldier, instead becoming a universal tale about the devastation that war brings to all sides.

As the episode progresses, the hosts reflect on the profound messages embedded in War Idyll. The story doesn’t just focus on von Hammer’s experiences during World War I but draws parallels to the Vietnam War, showcasing the cyclical nature of human conflict. Hans’ character becomes a mouthpiece for anti-war sentiments, encouraging readers to question the true cost of war. By the end of the episode, the hosts leave listeners with a sense of the timeless relevance of Enemy Ace, urging them to read this classic tale that speaks to both the heroism and horror found in the darkest chapters of history.