A Pilot Who Belongs on the Ground (World War I Biplanes--Part 3)

cover art by Russ Heath

Lt. Blake is, frankly, in the wrong business. He flies a fighter plane during the First World War. Or, rather, he flies a number of planes--he keeps losing his planes to enemy action or random mishaps. All without ever actually shooting down an enemy plane.

This is the premise of "Ace In Reserve," written by Hank Chapman and drawn by Jack Abel. Appearing in All-American Men at War #100 (November-December 1963), the story is exciting, fun and (like last week's Man from U.N.C.L.E.'s story) full of both humor and cool-looking biplanes.

 When Blake's squadron commander saves him from losing another plane (even though that means losing a chance to shoot down a German ace), the poor guy can at least take comfort in the fact that he didn't actually lose another plane.

Seconds later, his plane is hit by lightning and he literally crashes into the headquarters of the enemy squadron. Adding insult to embarrassment, the German commander recognizes him as the guy who keeps losing planes and, after locking him, begins to make fun of him on a daily basis.

Finally, Blake snaps and makes a break for it. Chaos ensues. The Germans shoot at him, but accidentally set fires to some barrels of fuel. So Blake rolls the burning barrels into some of the enemy planes. Then he steals a plane for himself and manages to destroy several more aircraft before he takes off. 

THEN he gets shot down by his own squadron commander because he's flying an enemy plane. But the commander picks him up, pointing out that Blake is essentially a secret weapon--as long as he stays on the ground.

This brings our World War I biplane series to an end. Next week, we'll see what happens when Green Lantern gets amnesia.