Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi
Artist: Laurence Campbell
Release Date: 29th January 2014

It’s all kicking off! The American pilots are making a break for freedom. They have taken an aircraft and are hightailing it through a wicked thunderstorm to escape the Nazis. Lightning strikes are the last thing on their mind as a Japanese sumo torture specialist is in hot pursuit. This chap is piloting a far superior experimental aircraft called ‘the Wing’. Meanwhile, Sledgehammer is down on his arse after being put there by one seriously dangerous foe – the Black Flame.

The Black Flame in this 3 issue arc is the most frightening bastard ever. His appearance in this book is something truly memorable. You need to see this guy to believe it; honestly – what a monster! The mid-air battles between him and Sledgehammer are just awesome. Add in planes, jets and an end-of-days thunder storm and this is nothing short of a spectacular fight between two demigods. Seriously, some of the panels really stick in your mind after reaching the conclusion.

The dialogue is peppered sparingly throughout this issue which is a great decision – it allows the action to flow without being interrupted. We can just focus on the hulking, shiny, armoured Sledgehammer battle the Nazi garbed bones of the Black Flame. It may not be the most subtle book but its relentless action, taut script and eye-widening art make it a truly unforgettable one.

Rating: 5/5.

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The writer of this piece was: James McQueen
You can also find James on Twitter.