Only the Lonely

 

cover art by Joe Kubert

Our Army at War #214 (January 1970) is a story that is pretty predictable in every story beat it hits. But it's still enjoyable in that Bob Kanigher (who is probably the writer) organizes those beats skillfully and Russ Heath (the artist) provides his usual magnificent pencils.

Easy Company is searching through the rubble of a shelled-out town and taking some casualties doing so. Fortunately, they get a replacement. Unfortunately, that replacement is a bit of a jerk.

Hogan, we learn, grew up in the slums of New York and he's used to watching out for himself. In fact, he declines to tag along with one of the patrols checking out the town, deciding he's better going it alone.

 

It's a bit of a stretch that Rock wouldn't simply order Hogan to do as he's ordered, but the story flows along smoothly all the same. Hogan begins searching the town, only to stumble upon a unit of Germans who capture him, tying and gagging him before he can shout a warning.

Hogan had been a bit of a jerk, but he's got enough strength of character to realize he's screwed up. He also has enough strength of character to give up his life for Easy. As Rock and the others are about to walk into an ambush, Hogan charges out into the open. He's shot, but Easy has been warned.

There's a brief battle scene in which Easy Company charges into the Germans and mops them up. Hogan is wounded, but alive and starting to learn that he doesn't have to win the war on his own.

As I said, each beat of the story is predictable. We know that Hogan's loner tendency is going to get him and Easy into trouble. We know that Hogan will redeem himself in the end. I think the only part that isn't predictable is where Hogan is alive and learning his lesson, or if he's dead but redeemed by his courage. Either ending would have worked and--as I said--skillful storytelling and great art keeps us engrossed in the tale from start to finish.

Next week, we'll visit with Green Lantern.