Manga – Chapter Summaries
Volume 01
| v01c01 – 001 – The Blue Skies of Betrayal (1979/04/25) | Shonen Big Comic 79-08 (c) Welcome to AREA 88. Meet Shin Kazama, Saki Vashtar, Mickey Simon, and Old Man McCoy! After Shin and Mickey refuse an order and are fined $5,000 each, they defend the base and cash in. |
| v01c02 – 002 – A Man Named Boris (1979/05/10) | Shonen Big Comic 79-09 Shin and Boris fly their F-8E Crusaders through the “Fang” air-defence fence while Mickey provides air support from above. |
| v01c03 – 003 – The Endless Desert (1979/05/25) | Shonen Big Comic 79-10 After his F-8E Crusader is shot down, Shin wanders through the desert and thinks back to how Satoru Kanzaki betrayed him and tricked him into enlisting. Just when he thinks he can go no further, Shin finds the end of AREA 88 runway. |
| v01c04 – 004 – The Old Soldier’s Fire (1979/06/10) | Shonen Big Comic 79-11 Facing the threat of a nuclear missile attack, the pilots of AREA 88 are grounded by a swarm of locusts. It’s up to Maurice, in his ancient T-6 Texan, to clear the runway so that Shin can take off in Saki’s new F-15 Eagle and shoot down the missile. |
| v01c05 – 005 – The Crossing Point of Solitude (1979/06/25) | Shonen Big Comic 79-12 While taking out his new F-5E Tiger II for a test flight over the Mediterranean, Shim narrowly avoids a collision with a Yamato Airlines 747-100 bound for Japan – flown by his old friend Kanzaki on his final assignment as a co-pilot. |
| v01c06 – 006 – Blue Mirage (1979/07/10) | Shonen Big Comic 79-13 (c) A flashback chapter! Mickey returns home from Vietnam, only to discover that the life of peace and prosperity is harder to adapt to than he thought. Turning his back on his family, he comes to grips with the truth that he craves the excitement of combat. |
| v01c07 – 007 – The Distant Battle (1979/07/25) | Shonen Big Comic 79-14 NP photographer Go “Rocky” Mutsuki arrives at the edge of hell – AREA 88 – and tries to get to the bottom of what Shin is doing there. Greg Gates makes his first appearance and then disappears! |
| v01c08 – 008 – The Vultures’ Afternoon (1979/08/10) | Shonen Big Comic 79-15 When Randy mysteriously wants to go out again after a routine flight, McCoy smells money. After Randy confides in McCoy that he believes that the A.G.F. has lost a shipment of gold, the vulture’s of Area 88 take flight in search of riches. When Greg finally returns and confirms that “Gold” was the name of a high-ranking enemy officer, Saki is dismayed to learn that the real treasure – the enemy strategy and tactics files – was destroyed by Greg in an effort to keep warm. |
| v01c09 – 009 – The Horizon of Anger (1979/08/25) | Shonen Big Comic 79-16 After a helicopter carrying Rocky is shot down, he spends some time in the Asranian desert with a group of nomads. Although he falls in love with the headman’s daughter, the war soon catches up to him and she is gunned down and killed by an A.G.F. forces tank. In a rage of fury, Rocky grabs a nearby jeep and enters into a game of “chicken” with the tank. |
| v01c10 – 010 – Longing At Dawn (1979/09/10) | Shonen Big Comic 79-17 Despondent after a crash landing destroys his F-5E Tiger II, wiping out his savings a mere $20,000 shy of the $1.5 million buy-out clause in his contract, Shin plans to desert. The only thing that stands in his way are the Escape Killers – a trio of black African pilots flying ancient BAC Lightnings, who take pride in hunting down and killing deserters. The tense standoff ends when all the pilots rally around Shin, the Escape Killers are sent packing. |
| v01c11 – 011 – Mercenaries vs. Mercenaries (1979/09/25) | Shonen Big Comic 79-18 AREA 88 comes under a sneak attack by the Wolf Pack, a mercenary team hired by the Anti-Government Forces! The professional level of the attack decimates the base and destroys all the fighter jets, forcing Saki to hand pick pilots to fly the ten Kfirs supplied by the Asranian government on an emergency basis. |
| v01c12 – 012 – The Wolves of the Air (1979/10/10) | Shonen Big Comic 79-19 The battle begins! The Wolf Pack unleashes their most feared combat tactic “The Bloody Screw” on the the pilots of Area 88. |
| v01c13 – 013 – An Angel in Camouflage (1979/10/25) | Shonen Big Comic 79-20 (c) After another skirmish with the Wolf Pack, Saki temporarily loses his sight and has a flashback to his childhood. With his mother Soria gone after the birth of Saki’s younger brother, Rishal, Saki goes abroad to Europe to study. However, during a trip home, the old king falls ill and, on his deathbed, passes over his eldest son Abdel and appoints his younger son, Zak as his heir apparent. This confusion over the succession sets in motion the series of events that kicks off the Asranian civil war. |
| v01c14 – 014 – The Requirements of Wolves (1979/11/10) | Shonen Big Comic 79-21 Mario Bandini, the ace of the Italian aerobatics team, the frecce tricolor, joins the Area 88 team. With a skill set as large as his ego, Mario blunders into the battle against the Wolf Pack despite a request for him to hang back. Although his reckless style produces results, there are grave concerns among the Area 88 veterans about the long-term sustainability. |
Volume 02
| v02c01 – 015 – The Death Loop (1979/11/25) | Shonen Big Comic 79-22 Despite having quickly earned a reputation as one of AREA 88’s top pilots, Mario Bandini’s cockiness finally gets the best of him when he can’t climb a loop fast enough to shake a missile on his tail. |
| v02c02 – 016 – The Explosive Sky (1979/12/10) | Shonen Big Comic 79-23 (c) Returning home from business, Ryoko and Saki have a chance encounter after being seated next to each other on a MacGregor Airlines flight from Paris to Tel Aviv. However, when a pair of bombs are discovered under the wings Saki calls in Shin and Mickey to assist. Flying inverted in their Kfirs, the Area 88 aces successfully shoot the bombs off the underside of the DC-10. |
| v02c03 – 017 – In the Distance Between (1979/12/25) | Shonen Big Comic 79-24 Ryoko returns home to find her father has arrange a marriage meeting and begins to question her loyalty to Shin’s memory. Meanwhile Old Man McCoy sells Shin a new radar array with a time limit. After a long day, both Ryoko and Shin enjoy a Cup Noodle Ramen. |
| v02c04 – 018 – Love Beyond Reach (1980/01/10) | Shonen Big Comic 80-01 Happy New Year 1980! Escaping for a moment of peace during the Yamato Airlines New Years party, Ryoko discovers Shins photo in a magazine. Although calls to the N.P. News Service and the Asranian Embassy turn up nothing, Miss Yasuda’s friend, Mr. Suzuki is able to share some information on the mercenary air force of the Kingdom of Asran. |
| v02c05 – 019 – The Wings of Rage (1980/01/25) | Shonen Big Comic 80-02 At the New Tokyo Airport, meets a young ten-year-old orphan named Josephine Citron. Since the girl has nowhere else to go but to an orphanage in France, Ryoko decides on the spot to take her under her wing. Meanwhile, Miss Yasuda spots Kanzaki talking with an exec from Maxwell International. |
| v02c06 – 020 – The Sky of Passion (1980/02/**) | Shonen Big Comic 80-03 (c) After hearing Kanzaki’s voice over the civilian band radio, Shin flies into a rage and nearly shoots down the Yamato Airlines B-747 bound for Tel Aviv. After Kanzaki tells him that Ryoko’s on board, Shin stands down, giving Saki and Mickey a chance to take control of the situation and get Shin to return to base. |
| v02c07 – 021 – Countdown to Intrigue (1980/02/25) | Shonen Big Comic 80-04 After confirming her suspicions, Miss Yasuda contacts the Yamato Airlines human resources department and opens an investigation into Kanzaki’s past. Meanwhile, Kanzaki meets the Italian crime boss, Gusieppe Farina, and his lovely personal assistant Gigliola Etti, and puts a hit out on Shin. Still in a fit of rage, Shin escapes the stockade and strikes Saki in the eye. |
| v02c08 – 022 – Clinging to Life (1980/03/10) | Shonen Big Comic 80-05 After Miss Yasuda is subjected to a sudden marriage proposal from Sawa, Ryoko reminisces about the first time she met Shin. During the flight to Oshima Island, Mister Tsugumo thinks back to his days as a failed Kamikaze pilot during World War II. Also, Phoenix Charlie arrives at Area 88. |
| v02c09 – 023 – The Heartbroken Lion (1980/03/**) | Shonen Big Comic 80-06 After he’s released from the stockade, Charlie tells Shin the story of how Saki was betrayed by his brother and cut the “X” shaped scar into his forehead in shame. Meanwhile, Ryoko and Miss Yasuda begin to uncover Kanzaki’s plot to take control of Yamato Air Lines by secretly buying up stock with the help of Maxwell International. |
| v02c10 – 024 – Like a Phoenix (1980/04/**) | Shonen Big Comic 80-07 After Shin’s plane is damaged in battle, Charlie offers to accompanying him back to base. Sensing the opportunity to make Shin’s murder look like a death on the battlefield, Charlie turns and runs when enemy fighters engage Shin. Back at base, just as Charlie finishes telling Saki that Shin has been shot down, Shin’s Kfir appears in the sky and crash lands. |
| v02c11 – 025 – The New Wings (1980/04/**) | Shonen Big Comic 80-08 When Shin and Mickey both receive new planes, Charlie convinces them to engage in a little dogfight training to see which is the better fighter – Shin’s new J35J Draken or Mickey’s F-14A Tomcat. After the mock battle, McCoy informs Shin of a rumour that Kanzaki has successfully taken over Yamato Air Lines and is now the new president. |
| v02c12 – 026 – Coffins in the Sky (1980/05/23) | Shonen Big Comic 80-10 (c) In Area 88, Shin puts his new Draken through the paces as the A.G.F. begin mounting a more sustained offensive. Meanwhile, back in Japan, Miss Yasuda needs a vacation following the changes at Yamato Air Lines and takes the train back to her hometown of Osaka – tailed by Gigliola the entire way. While visiting her parents’ grave, she unknowingly bumps into Rocky who has survived his battle with the tank at the cost of an arm and an eye. |
| v02c13 – 027 – The Festival of Demons (1980/06/**) | Shonen Big Comic 80-11 When the base comes under heavy attack, Saki personally leads the counter-attack. In the midst of combat, Phoenix Charlie reveals that he’s been hired to kill Shin, but Shin is able to turn the tables on him in the dogfight and Charlie is the one shot down. After Shin returns to base, Old Man McCoy reveals that Hoover “the Steel Ace” Kippenburg was also killed in the battle. |
| v02c14 – 028 – To Vultures, Lead Bullets (1980/06/27) | Shonen Big Comic 80-12 While Saki undergoes surgery to try and save his damaged eyes, Mickey awakens to find himself in the hands of Rishal Vashtar – the second-in-command of the Anti-Government Forces and Saki’s younger brother. After a conversation, Rishal allows Mickey to return unharmed to Area 88 in the hopes that he will deliver a message to his brother. |
| v02c15 – 029 – Barren Expectations (1980/07/**) | Shonen Big Comic 80-13 At the hospital in Zurich, Saki runs into Ryoko and Josie who are there to visit Mr. Tsugumo while he is recovering following the hostile takeover of Yamato Air Lines. Josie’s ability to read lips proves invaluable when she uncovers an assassination plot. While warning Saki that his life is in danger, Ryoko finally gets confirmation that Shin is alive and well in Asran. Meanwhile, Shin, Greg and three other pilots are reassigned from Area 88 to Area 85 to support the helicopter corps. |
Volume 03
| v03c01 – 030 – Warriors in the Haze (1980/07/25) | Shonen Big Comic 80-14 Thanks to Josie’s warning, and a little help from Sawa, Saki survives the attempt on his life at the hospital in Switzerland. Indebted, the agrees to tell Ryoko what she wants to know. Meanwhile, life at Area 85 is tense as the mercenaries find it hard to mix with the regular Asran troops. To make matters worse, a new enemy seems to have entered the battlefield. |
| v03c02 – 031 – The Passage to Hell (1980/08/08) | Shonen Big Comic 80-15 After the Area 85 helicopter attack squad deals with an ambush attack by a Leopard tank hiding under the sand, the Area 88 crew is called in to deal with another Harrier attack. The mystery of the enemy’s hidden runway is revealed – Giuseppe Farina and his Desert Land Aircraft Carrier! |
| v03c03 – 032 – Home is Far Away (1980/08/**) | Shonen Big Comic 80-16 The Area 88 pilots discover that the mysterious enemy planes they’ve been fighting are computer-controlled drones. Farina is using the Asranian battlefield to test the capabilities of his weapons technology. While investigating the hidden launch site, Shin’s Draken is shot down by a missile fired from the carrier under the sand. |
| v03c04 – 033 – Saki, Again (1980/09/12) | Shonen Big Comic 80-17 After being shot down, Shin awakes in the clutches of Giuseppe Farina, aboard the desert carrier. When Mickey goes out hunting for any sign of Shin, he too is shot down by missiles launched by the carrier. Meanwhile, Saki regains his sight after an operation in Frankfurt, Germany. |
| v03c05 – 034 – A Howling in the Fog (1980/09/26) | Shonen Big Comic 80-18 After coming under attack by the Mafia on the streets of London, Saki and Sawa pay a visit to Madame Vincent, the Asran royal family’s jewelry appraiser and economic consultant. They’re met by her exuberant daughter Velvet. After Mickey is also shot down, he and Shin hatch an escape plan. |
| v03c06 – 035 – The Dark Cloud of Intrigue (1980/10/10) | Shonen Big Comic 80-19 Shin and Mickey escape the Desert Carrier in a pair of F-18 Hornets, however after they learn from Farina that the planes are booby trapped, they are forced to perform a risky mid-air maneuver to disable the bombs. As Saki and Sawa confer with Prof. McGuyver on the strange goings on at Yamato Air Lines, President Kanzaki is briefed on some of the serious issues with their MB-14 airplanes. |
| v03c07 – 036 – Prelude to Collapse (1980/10/24) | Shonen Big Comic 80-20 As a direct result of the cost-cutting measures implemented by Kanzaki, Yamato Airlines Flight 31 crashes into Tokyo Bay, killing all onboard. Amidst the chaos, Gigliola kidnaps Miss Yasuda and attempts to have have her killed by making it look like a drunk driving accident. Luckily Rocky and the Honichi Times helicopter are on hand to save the day. |
| v03c08 – 037 – White Orpheus (1980/11/14) | Shonen Big Comic 80-21 As Kanzaki deals with the fallout from the crash, Ryoko comes to see him in an attempt to sell her remain stock in Yamato Airlines and raise enough money to buy out Shin’s contract. Kanzaki agrees, but wants to see if Ryoko will do whatever it takes to free Shin. |
| v03c09 – 038 – Ryoko – Melancholy Love (1980/11/28) | Shonen Big Comic 80-22 (c) Miss Yasuda arrives just in the nick of time to save Ryoko from making a big mistake. Meanwhile, the pilots of Area 88 prepare for an all-out assault on the Desert Aircraft Carrier. |
| v03c10 – 039 – Of Ants and a Monster (1980/12/12) | Shonen Big Comic 80-23 The Area 88 stage their first attack against the mighty Desert Aircraft Carrier… to limited effect. Meanwhile, Saki says farewell to Sawa and returns home to Asran from Europe… in style. |
| v03c11 – 040 – A Swan Carrying Death (1980/12/26) | Shonen Big Comic 80-24 Despite having next to no ammo, Greg and Campbell remain behind to keep track of the Desert Carrier as the rest of the Area 88 strike force returns to base to re-arm. In a desperate play to keep the carrier from disappearing under the sand, Campbell attempts a kamikaze-style run and crashes into the flight deck. |
| v03c12 – 041 – Grand Slam (1981/01/09) | Shonen Big Comic 81-01 Saki confronts Shin with the news that Ryoko is alive and well. Meanwhile, Prince Rishal comes to understand the true power of the Desert Aircraft Carrier and its secret weapon – the Grand Slam underground missile. |
| v03c13 – 042 – Song of a Fallen Angel (1981/01/23) | Shonen Big Comic 81-02 As snow begins to fall in the desert, Mickey informs Saki of Rishal’s request for peace. Shin reflects on a snow day at the orphanage when he was a child and then has his leg casts removed. |
| v03c14 – 043 – Under the Eyes of the Enemy (1981/02/13) | Shonen Big Comic 81-03 Having recovered from the injuries they sustained in the escape from the Land Aircraft Carrier, Shin and Mickey take their new F-18s out for a spin. Meanwhile, inside the carrier, Prince Rishal plots to destroy the carrier before it can unleash its true power in Asran. |
| v03c15 – 044 -The Blood of a Rose in an Iron Coffin (1981/02/27) | Shonen Big Comic 81-04 As Mickey and Shin search for the buried Land Aircraft Carrier, Prince Rishal sabotages the launch of the Grand Slam – and pays the price! |
| v03c16 – 045 – Under the Scarlet Sands (1981/03/13) | Shonen Big Comic 81-05 (c) Returning to Area 88, McCoy spots a wounded man in a suit lying alone in the desert and lands to assist. Back at base he is surprised to learn that the wounded man is none other than Saki’s brother Rishal! |
Volume 04
| v04c01 – 046 – The Vanishing Desert (1981/03/27) | Shonen Big Comic 81-06 When Shin discovers what he thinks is the location of the desert carrier, the pilots of Area 88 scramble to engage. Meanwhile McCoy is gravely injured when his men accidentally detonate the self-destruct mechanism of the captured F-18s and his warehouse is destoryed! |
| v04c02 – 047 – 88 Desperate Situations (1981/04/10) | Shonen Big Comic 81-07 (c) In an attempt the stop the Grand Slam missile from reaching the base, Shin comes up with a plan to use the B-1 Bomber to blow a local rock formation, known as “The Big Leg” into a hole in the ground created by precision bombing. Easier said than done. |
| v04c03 – 048 – The Longest Day (1981/04/24) | Shonen Big Comic 81-08 With the Grand Slam still on approach, Saki decides to sacrifice half of the Area 88 runway by having Shin and Mickey start their takeoff and eject from a pair of F-4s just moments before the noise sets off the underground missile. |
| v04c04 – 049 – When the Devil Greets the Dawn (1981/05/08) | Shonen Big Comic 81-09 (c) Ryoko and Miss Yasuda arrive in the Asranian Capital city just as the Gran Slam missile puts everyone in danger. Shin and Saki arrive to debrief King Zak on the danger. Meanwhile, in Italy, Gigliola, under Kanzaki’s direction, murders Don Giuseppe Farina, allowing Kanzaki to take over his crime operation. |
| v04c05 – 050 – The Winds of the Mediterranean (1981/05/22) | Shonen Big Comic 81-10 Shin comes up with a plan to save the city by using compressors to push the Grand Slam missile beyond the city limits and he and Saki try to track down one of McCoy’s associates to procure the necessary equipment. Meanwhile, the Desert Carrier launches a surprise attack on the damaged Area 88 base. |
| v04c06 – 051 – Battle Line 88 (1981/06/12) | Shonen Big Comic 81-11 In an effort to defend the base, Mickey uses rocket boosters to make an emergency take off in the F-100D Super Sabre. As Shin drives a jeep around the city to check on the compressors, he comes under attack from a spy. |
| v04c07 – 052 – Dunes of Steel (1981/06/26) | Shonen Big Comic 81-12 This is it! The final showdown with the Desert Air Craft Carrier. After the threat to the city passes, Saki recalls all the Area 88 pilots and mounts an all-out offensive against the arms merchants. |
| v04c08 – 053 – Beyond the Mediterranean (1981/07/10) | Shonen Big Comic 81-13 Saki and the pilot from Area 88 relocate to the training base in Greece and are greeted by Major Roundel. Mickey and Shin visit the Parthenon and Mickey runs into and old flame. Shin is also confronted with some ugly truths by a Japanese deserter facing a firing squad. |
| v04c09 – 054 – Spirits, Twilight, and Men (1981/07/24) | Shonen Big Comic 81-14 (c) Still shaken by his run in with the Japanese deserter, Shin is forced to set his F-5A Freedom Fighter down in an olive grove due to a mechanical failure. While waiting to be picked up Shin befriends the olive farmer’s daughter, but her friendly attitude suddenly turns cold when she discovers Shin isn’t just a soldier, but a mercenary. |
| v04c10 – 055 – Golden Warriors (1981/08/14) | Shonen Big Comic 81-15 After showing off his brand new A-10 Thunderbolt II, Greg has a run in with Mickey, whom he blames for Bugsy’s death during the desert carrier assault. Meanwhile, Saki reveals that Area 88 is now part of the regular Asran forces and Shin, Mickey, Greg and Leroy are each put in command of a squadron. |
| v04c11 – 056 – A New Set of Molars (1981/08/28) | Shonen Big Comic 81-16 (c) The newest recruit to Area 88, young Kim Abba is put through one of the most rigorous training regimes by his squadron commander, Captain Shin Kazama. |
| v04c12 – 057 – Dawn of Blood (1981/09/11) | Shonen Big Comic 81-17 Shin puts his newly acquired jet fighter, the F-20 Tigershark through its paces and is pleasantly surprised by its superior performance. Also, Saki receives news that A.G.F. forces are on the move and the order comes down to start the shift to the new, but as yet unfinished, Area 88 base. |
| v04c13 – 058 – The Magic Mountain (1981/09/25) | Shonen Big Comic 81-18 As the team settles in to the new Area 88 base, which is carved out of the side of a mountain, a major Asranian oil refinery is attacked and knocked out of commission by the A.G.F. which puts the bases supply lines in jeopardy. |
| v04c14 – 059 – 100 Miles of Hell (1981/10/09) | Shonen Big Comic 81-19 Major Roundel crafts a dangerous plan to fly a squad through a narrow trench and launch a surprise attack to seize an enemy fuel depot. After a late-night mission briefing the squad sets out under a blood red moon. |
| v04c15 – 060 – Flamenco Survivor (1981/10/23) | Shonen Big Comic 81-20 As Roundel leads the Area 88 attack squad through the twists and turns of the trench, in a deadly Flamenco dance of death, Kim Abba refuses to be left behind and heads straight for the fuel depot. |
Volume 05
| v05c01 – 061 – 88 Souls (1981/11/13) | Shonen Big Comic 81-21 The attack on the enemy fuel depot begins. Luckily Kim doesn’t follow orders and arrives at just the right moment to save the day… even though he pays for it by spending a little “quality time” in the brig. |
| v05c02 – 062 – Memoirs of a Tiger [Part 1] (1981/11/22) | Shonen Big Comic 81-22 (c) Greg’s origin story! In the days before he joined Area 88, Greg was known as “Greg the Transporter” – running an air smuggling operation, specializing in ferrying defectors from behind the iron curtain to the West. |
| v05c03 – 063 – Memoirs of a Tiger [Part 2] (1981/12/11) | Shonen Big Comic 81-23 Greg’s last transport mission proves to be one of his hardest. After straying off course into East German airspace Greg loses the confidence of his client. Then, the family reunion takes an unexpected twist… forcing both Greg and Bugsy to go into hiding by joining a foreign mercenary airforce. |
| v05c04 – 064 – The Funeral March of Betrayal (1981/12/25) | Shonen Big Comic 81-24 It’s the Fourth of July at Area 88! As Saki and Roundel debate the meaning of nationality in the context of a mercenary air force, Old Man McCoy returns. It’s a day to remember as he brings back a new F-14A Tomcat for Mickey, and Shin gets news of Ryoko’s debut in the world of Paris fashion. Meanwhile Kanzaki and Gigliola continue to consolidate power. |
| v05c05 – 065 – Devil on the Ridge Line (1982/01/08) | Shonen Big Comic 82-01 Ryoko and Miss Yasuda launch a new men’s fashion line in Paris. Meanwhile, at Area 88, Mickey tries out his new F-14A Tomcat and Kim takes his new Harrier for a test flight, as a transport supply convoy comes under a surprise attack from an enemy Yak-38. |
| v05c06 – 066 – Mountain Game (1982/01/22) | Shonen Big Comic 82-02 After investigating the disappearance of McCoy’s resupply convoy with Mickey, Kim and his new Harrier plays a deadly game of VTOL cat and mouse with an enemy Yak-38 in a mountain valley. |
| v05c07 – 067 – Land of the Sky (1982/02/12) | Shonen Big Comic 82-03 During a bit of down time in the mess hall Shin and Kim discover Old Man McCoy’s love of beans. Then Area 88 welcomes its newest recruit and an old “friend” of Mickey’s – Ngyuen Van Chom, the man-eating tiger of the Gulf of Tonkin! |
| v05c08 – 068 – The Man-Eating Tiger (1982/02/26) | Shonen Big Comic 82-04 The other members of Area 88 have a hard time adjusting to Nguyen’s bloodthirstiness after he shoots down an unarmed pilot after he’s safely ejected. The Shin has to make a life-and-death decision when Jess, who’s almost out of fuel, tries to jump the queue and land his plane ahead of pilots with a more critical need. |
| v05c09 – 069 – Bandit Report (1982/03/12) | Shonen Big Comic 82-05 Carlyle Benditz is the luckiest man in Area 88. Surviving until the end of his contract, Benditz is honourably discharged from Area 88 and makes his way home to London, England. During a stopover in Paris, Benditz raises a glass of the ’76 Steinberger in honour of his friend, Hoover Kippenburg, “The Steel Ace.” However, as soon as he lands at Heathrow Airport, his luck finally runs out. |
| v05c10 – 070 – Stairway to Ruin (1982/03/26) | Shonen Big Comic 82-06 (c) As the Area 88 team continues the search for the secret enemy base, Kanzaki meets with the “Merchants of Death”, a group of arms merchants and unscrupulous industrialists, in Greenland to set their dark plans for perpetual war in motion. Thus, Farina’s final “Project 4” is revealed. |
| v05c11 – 071 – Mid-Air Trap (1982/04/09) | Shonen Big Comic 82-07 After uncovering what looks to be solid intel on hidden Anti-Government Forces surface-to-air missile batteries, Saki sends Shin and Leroy’s squadrons to launch a bombing offensive against the new target. With Mickey and Greg’s squadrons continuing to provide air support for the ground battle around Haifa, the Area 88 mountain base is dangerously undefended. |
| v05c12 – 072 – Operation Skylark (1982/04/23) | Shonen Big Comic 82-08 Realizing they’ve been tricked, Shin and his squadron rush back to defend the Area 88 mountain base. Kim spots a group of Yak-38 VTOL jets landing in the forest and marks the location of the base. Meanwhile, McCoy makes a startling discovery while scrounging through the wreckage of the enemy MiG-21s. |
| v05c13 – 073 – The Plot’s Fuse (1982/05/14) | Shonen Big Comic 82-09 After discovering that the enemy planes are using Western-made parts and upgrades, Saki has Kim’s Harrier equipped with the same sensors as the Yak-38 jets. Then the team heads out for a bombing mission to flush the enemy out of hiding. |
| v05c14 – 074 – An Aura of Blood (1982/05/28) | Shonen Big Comic 82-10 Rishal is reunited with his father in Sweden. Meanwhile a recon plane from the Area 88 base discovers an amphibious landing in progress and is destroyed. Saki continues to have trouble with his eyes and experiences a black-out. |
| v05c15 – 075 – The Grim Reaper’s Fugue (1982/06/11) | Shonen Big Comic 82-11 (c) An F-111 Aardvark sent to investigate the invasion site is destroyed suddenly by the “anti-aircraft mines” hidden under the sand. As the invasion of Asran gets underway, Gary MacBurn and the rest of the Project 4 pilots enter the fray. |
| v05c15 – 076 – The Cavalry of Dawn (1982/06/25) | Shonen Big Comic 82-12 While Shin dreams of Ryoko, Nguyen goes out on patrol and is shot down by the mysterious new threat from the anti-aircraft mines – undetectable short-range ground-to-air missile launchers that are buried under the sand. |
| v05c15 – 077 – The Return of the Fangs (1982/07/09) | Shonen Big Comic 82-13 Led by Gary MacBurn, the Project 4 aircraft mount a surprise attack to test of the Area 88 mountain base’s defences. As Mickey and Shin leap to defend the base from the new threat, Mickey notices something very familiar about one of the MiG-21 pilot’s combat style. |
Volume 06
| v06c01 – 078 – Heaven and Earth (1982/07/23) | 82-14 (c) Mickey lands in the desert and comes face to face with an old acquaintance from the U.S. Navy – former Blue Angels pilot Gary MacBurn. Gary tells Mickey the story of how he came to be part of Project 4. |
| v06c02 – 079 – Sand and Trust (1982/08/13) | 82-15 During a particularly treacherous seasonal sandstorm, Greg is forced to guide McKinley, in his A-1 Skyraider recon plane, through the mountains using only the radio, a map, and the Area 88 mountain base’s alarm bells. |
| v06c03 – 080 – White Fang Dunes (1982/08/27) | 82-16 After spare parts finally arrive at the base, Shin is forced to borrow an F-5E Tiger II from Old Man McCoy while his F-20 Tigershark is down for maintenance. While flying patrol, Shin encounters and successfully evades the anti-aircraft mines, only to find himself facing an even bigger threat. |
| v06c04 – 081 – Queen of the Sand (1982/09/10) | 82-17 (c) After being shot down, Shin awakes in an ancient underground temple and meets the mysterious “Queen of the Sand” – Sirene Barnack. Meanwhile, back at the base, Mickey and Kim head out to find the missing Shin. |
| v06c05 – 082 – The Traitor’s Joystick (1982/09/24) | 82-18 As Sirene tries to recruit Shin to the Project 4 forces, he’s rescued by Mickey and Kim. After returning to base, Saki decides to take Sirene up on the job offer and leads a small team towards the Project 4 base to “defect.” |
| v06c06 – 083 – Valhalla (1982/10/08) | 82-19 Realizing the “defection” is a trick, the Project 4 forces engage the Area 88 fighters for the first time. Evenly matched in skill, Saki orders Kim back to base to bring reinforcements. |
| v06c07 – 084 – Winged Armor Corps (1982/10/22) | 82-20 (c) As Shin, Ken, Warren, and Nguyen rush to help their friends, Sirene brashly enters the dogfight and is shot down by Mickey. After the Project 4 forces disengage, Shin lands to rescue his Queen of the Desert and pay the debt he owes her. |
| v06c08 – 085 – One Step Towards Heaven, One Towards Hell (1982/11/12) | 82-21 When the Project 4 forces return with reinforcements of their own, Saki (low on fuel), Shin (with Sirene on his lap), and Mickey (on only one engine) head for home, while Nguyen, Warren and Ken cover their escape. However, Saki realizes they’re outnumbered and turns back to help. |
| v06c09 – 086 – Turbulence at the Front (1982/11/26) | 82-22 After Shin and Mickey return to base, Roundel assigns Kim to guard the prisoner Sera. Saki, low on fuel is forced to land in the desert, near the site of the old Area 88 base and wait out a sandstorm before he can be located and rescued. |
| v06c10 – 087 – 24 Hours of Destiny (1982/12/10) | 82-23 With the invasion now in full effect, the Project 4 forces quickly overrun the Asranian defences, forcing King Zak to flee the capital city. Realizing that the government will soon fall, Shin has a proposal for Sera. |
| v06c11 – 088 – 88 Air Force (1982/12/24) | 82-24 (c) WIth Mickey, Kim, and Old Man McCoy’s help, Shin is able to get Sera out of the base in a T-38 Talon. Just as she leaves, her father, the commander of the Project 4 air force, muscles his MiG-21 into the base and takes Major Roundel hostage. After Shin confesses Sera is safely on her way to Paris to deliver a message for him, Sera’s father leaves. After securing the city, Satoru Kanzaki steps foot in Asran for the first time. |
| v06c12 – 089 – Via Paris (1983/01/14) | 83-01 In Asran, Gigliola uncovers the secret of the cryogenic coffin of Princess Soria, Saki’s mother. Meanwhile, in Paris, as Ryoko and Miss Yasuda discuss their latest fashion industry project, Sera bursts in and demands to see Ryoko and deliver her message from Shin. |
| v06c13 – 090 – Love and Sorrow (1983/01/28) | 83-02 Ryoko, knowing in her heart that Shin is not dead, refuses to believe Sera’s tale. Meanwhile, fearing the end of the war, many of the Area 88 mercenaries abandon the base. Saki and King Zak are reunited, but what’s left of the Area 88 team must scramble to provide them cover on their way back to base. |
| v06c14 – 091 – Fortress of Solitude (1983/02/11) | 83-03 (c) Using the enemy’s electronic eavesdropping against them, Mickey is able to send the Project 4 forces in the wrong direction as he and Kim ferry King Zak’s damaged helicopter back to the relative safety of the Area 88 mountain base. |
| v06c15 – 092 – The Knights of the Blue Yonder (1983/02/25) | 83-04 After Shin, Mickey, and Nguyen fight off a Project 4 attack, Saki and King Zak return to Area 88. King Zak is impressed by Saki’s inspirational leadership – with a number of mercenary pilots remaining to continue to fight even though the war has been lost. |
| v06c16 – 093 – The Coffin of Flames (1983/03/11) | 83-05 After making his triumphant return home, Abdel Vashtar is beside himself after being tricked by Kanzaki into believing that King Zak loyalists have burned his dead wife’s mausoleum to the ground. Awash in grief, he becomes easily manipulated by Kanzaki as he plans the next phase of his Project 4 plans – the invasion of Asran’s neighbouring country Brasia. |
| v06c17 – 094 – Reminiscence (1983/03/25) | 83-06 As the Area 88 pilots ready themselves for what is sure to be an all-out assault on their mountain base, Saki orders Shin to fly King Zak to safety in Paris. Upon the completion of his mission, he’s discharged from his service in Area 88 and free to return to Japan! |
Volume 07
| v07c01 – 095 – Secret Paris (1983/04/08) | 83-07 After landing in Paris, Shin is discharged from Area 88 and, for the first time – free! Not quite knowing what to do next, he coincidentally arrives at the same hotel that Carlyle Benditz stayed at during his stopover in Paris and orders the same wine – a ’76 Steinberger. |
| v07c02 – 096 – A Champion of Liberty (1983/04/22) | 83-08 After a run-in with some local street toughs, Shin draws the attention of two Paris Metro Police inspectors. Suspicious of Shin, they follow him to the airbase of the Patrouille de France – the French aerobatics team and come along for the ride when base commander, Lt-Colonel Laurent Bosch invites Shin in for a cup of coffee. |
| v07c03 – 097 – The Whisper of a Lonely Sky (1983/05/13) | 83-09 Over coffee, Bosch reveals that he has a history with the viscous mercenary group known as Mark III and shares his views on the nature of mercenaries. He then invites Shin to borrow a SEPECAT Jaguar and join him and his men on a training maneuver. |
| v07c04 – 098 – In the Hell of Freedom (1983/05/27) | 83-10 Shin begins to experience withdrawal-like symptoms in the “hell of freedom” as his addiction to the high-octane lifestyle of a mercenary fighter pilot starts to take its toll. Meanwhile, back at Area 88, Saki’s final mission pep talk is rudely interrupted by an unidentified aircraft requesting to land at the base. |
| v07c05 – 099 – Southern Flight Plan (1983/06/10) | 83-11 After another sleepless night, Shin encounters three young Japanese tourists who convince him to join them on a sightseeing flight around Paris. When the pilot suffers a heart attack, Shin grabs the stick and lands the plane safely – saving both the pilot and the three girls in the process. He realizes that he can’t live a life of peace anymore and gives Laurent Bosch a call. |
| v07c06 – 100 – Love with Iron Wings (1983/06/24) | 83-12 (c) It’s the final stand of the Area 88 mountain base. Under intense pressure from the new Asran Government Forces, the mercenaries of Area 88 are forced to fight their way out of the base before it surrenders. Saki and Roundel land at the rendez-vous spot and light up a runway in the hopes some of the survivors will join them. |
| v07c07 – 101 – The Pandora Connection (1983/07/08) | 83-13 As Saki and Roundel wait for any Area 88 pilots to show up, Saki recounts the tale of Pandora’s Box and equates it to the situation in Asran – vowing to continue the fight now that foreign powers are at play in the conflict. Meanwhile Shin meets Bosch and is briefed on a Mark III operation in the southern African country of Bamballa – a complex mission that will play on both sides of a military coup. |
| v07c08 – 102 – To the South (1983/07/22) | 83-14 In a flashback sequence, Mickey and Nguyen make their last stand against the enemy onslaught. Injured after ejecting from his downed plane, Nguyen is rescued by Mickey and recounts – through a morphine induced haze – how his mother was killed by a bomb before he was born. Critically injured, Nguyen dies en route to the rendez-vous point and the Area 88 team flies in formation over his grave in a salute to their fallen comrade. |
| v07c09 – 103 – Beginning and End (1983/08/26) | 83-16 In Paris, Laurent Bosch introduces Shin to the rest of the Mark III team, men with codenames Slash, Map, Error and Nipple. Meanwhile, Project 4 forces, disguised as the Brasian military conduct a false flag operation to given Kanzaki the excuse he needs to invade Brasia. Overcome with grief, King Abdel leaves Kanzaki in absolute control. At the Area 88 mountain base, Sera decides to leave Project 4 after learning that her father is dead. |
| v07c10 – 104 – Wargames in the Sand (1983/09/09) | 83-17 All according to plan, Gary MacBurn and the Project 4 forces wipe out the play-acting “Brasian” military attack and inform Kanzaki that the invasion has been stopped in its tracks. Meanwhile Sera lands her Starfighter near an oasis and discovers the new Area 88 secret base. She informs Saki that the Brasian invasion of Asran is a ruse and asks to enlist in Area 88. |
| v07c11 – 105 – Again, in the Gunsmoke (1983/09/23) | 83-18 Saki accepts Sera into the newly reformed Area 88 rebel force. Meanwhile, Kanzaki, in the name of the King, orders the complete destruction of Brasia’s military in “retaliation” for the attack on Asran – with no chance of surrender. As Shin prepares to ship out from Paris with the Mark III group, he makes a tearful good-bye phone call to Ryoko. |
| v07c12 – 106 – Afternoon on the Battlefield (1983/10/14) | 83-19 Shin and the Mark III team parachute into Bamballa and are introduced to President Nadat and his family. Each member of the team is assigned to protect a member of the family, while Shin and Map start laying the groundwork for their escape during the coupe. |
| v07c13 – 107 – The Devils Stirs (1983/10/28) | 83-20 As Kanzaki continues to utterly crush anyone with any power in Brasia, Saki hatches a plan to gather up the remnants of the Brasian air force and fold the soldiers into the new Area 88. |
| v07c14 – 108 – Prelude to War (1983/11/11) | 83-21 (c) When Old Man McCoy shows up with a different float plane for their escape, and then Bosch orders the team to assassinate the President and his family, Shin becomes suspicious. His feeling is well founded as Bosch has changed the operation and plans to sacrifice the team in the process. Meanwhile, devastated by Shin’s departure, Ryoko attempts suicide. |
| v07c15 – 109 – With Baited Breath (1983/11/25) | 83-22 Shin and the Mark III team hide with the President and his family in the attic of the presidential mansion to avoid the revolutionary forces searching for them. Back in Paris, Mister Tsugumo comes to visit Ryoko in the hospital. Meanwhile, the Area 88 team attacks an air base in Brasia to create a diversion. |
| v07c16 – 110 – Crossroads on the Path to Hell (1983/12/09) | 83-23 The Project 4 forces arrive on the scene and engage the Area 88 team. Kemper wonders why the Area 88 mercenaries are still fighting a lost cause and Mickey answers “for our dignity” before shooting him down. Meanwhile, Sera and Kim have successfully infiltrated Brasia and begin their undercover recruitment mission. |
| v07c17 – 111 – Melody of Lead (1983/12/23) | 83-24 Shin and the Mark III team seize an opportunity to make their escape from the presidential mansion. In Paris, Ryoko begins to recover from her ordeal. Meanwhile, Kanzaki solidifies his hold over the bereaved King Abdel and begins to suspect that Queen Soria may be alive. |
| v07c18 – 112 – 50 Kilometres to Runga (1984/01/13) | 84-01 Shin and the fugitives evade capture and make their way to an abandoned water purification plant to rest and resupply. After weighing their options, Shin decides to make for the border of Runga, Kim’s home country, 50km away. Meanwhile, the Area 88 base starts running low on fuel and supplies. |
| v07c19 – 113 – The Fangs Behind (1984/01/27) | 84-02 Shin and the fugitives play a cat-and-mouse game with the pursuing Bosch and his men. As they speed towards the Runga border in their UNIMOG, they set booby-traps behind. But Bosch is relentless and now knows which way they’re headed. |
Volume 08
| v08c01 – 114 – Three Hours to Live (1984/02/10) | 84-03 As Bosch’s forces close in on the fugitives, Map makes a mad dash up the side of a mountain in the UNIMOG – leaving Bosch with no choice but to call in Kenny and his Gazelle attack helicopter. |
| v08c02 – 115 – A Matter of Life and Death (1984/02/24) | 84-04 After a gunfight destroys both the UNIMOG and the Gazelle helicopter, the chase becomes a footrace. It’s only 1 kilometre to the border with Runga, but Bosch is pursuing the fugitives under the cover of darkness. |
| v08c03 – 116 – Survival Game (1984/03/09) | 84-05 When Bosch kills Map with a knife to his heart, his life flashes before his eyes and he remembers his days as a rally car driver and a brutal moment during the African Safari Rally. |
| v08c04 – 117 – Showdown in the Forest (1984/03/23) | 84-06 It’s the final showdown with Bosch. With several members of the fugitives dead, Shin must face Bosch in hand to hand combat. Before his death, President Nadat gives shin a useful gift – a Swiss Bank card. |
| v08c05 – 118 – The President’s Legacy (1984/04/13) | 84-07 Shin and McCoy pay a visit to a Swiss bank in Zurich to conduct a little business following the escape from Bamballa. Meanwhile, Kanzaki launches the next part of his grand scheme, and sends the Project 4 fighters to sink oil tankers in the Mediterranean. |
| v08c06 – 119 – The Devil’s Pipeline (1984/04/27) | 84-08 (c) In Brasia, Kim and Sera continue their undercover mission to recruit the remnants of the Brasian forces and bring them to Area 88. However, Kanzaki’s plan to choke off the energy supply to Europe is proceeding quickly. In Switzerland, Shin is able to convince the Swiss Bankers that he is the legitimate holder of the account. |
| v08c07 – 120 – The Fog of War Blows in from the East (1984/05/11) | 84-09 Everyone is surprised to find out that President Nadat has left them $80 billion dollars, but having had enough of bloodshed and having fallen in love with Error, Lyla asks Shin to use the money to take on Project 4 directly. Meanwhile Sera discovers that Project 4’s next target is the Suez Canal. |
| v08c08 – 121 – An Escape Plan for Two (1984/05/25) | 84-10 When Sera discovers that the Brasian pilots are going to be used as live-fire training targets, she and Kim kick their plan to break out the 20 Brasian pilots and lead them safely back to Area 88. Although Saki doesn’t want to risk anyone for the mission, when he decides to go provide supporting air cover, he discovers the rest of the team are planning to tag along. |
| v08c09 – 122 – Supersonic Goddess (1984/06/08) | 84-11 Sera and Kim, in a borrowed Brasian F-4 Phantom II, crash the live fire drill and inspire Captain Bam Assam and his men to follow their “Supersonic Goddess” after seeing her courageous battle skills. However, with 20 aircraft incoming ahead, and 50 chasing behind, will any of them make it back to base alive? |
| v08c10 – 123 – Scattered on the Silver Sand (1984/06/22) | 84-12 It’s Area 88 to the rescue. Just when it seems hopeless for Sera, Kim, and Capt. Assam and his men, the 20 fighters from Area 88 arrive and get in a little target practice of there own! |
| v08c11 – 124 – The Counterattack Begins (1984/07/13) | 84-13 Saki effectively doubles Area 88’s fighting strength by welcoming the 20 Brasian pilots into their ranks. Meanwhile, Ryoko decides that it’s time for her and Josie to return to Japan for a while. Saki decides to start bringing the fight to Project 4 and targets their Mediterranean supply lines – however, little does he know that the attack gives away the location of the secret Area 88 base. |
| v08c12 – 125 – Hope Crosses the Sea (1984/07/27) | 84-14 Project 4 mounts a surprise attack on the hidden Area 88 base, much to the surprise of Saki and the rest of the team. With no time to prepare, and facing overwhelming forces, the base is quickly put out of commission, with both the fuel depot and the ammo dump totally destroyed. Things look hopeless, but then they receive a weak radio message from an unknown source. |
| v08c13 – 126 – Wings Laden with the Past (1984/08/10) | 84-15 (c) A newly wealthy Shin finally arrives home in Japan. His homecoming is marked by a strange coincidental meeting, with a kindly old man name Kaionji Hachibe. His first stop is back to the Yamato Airlines Headquarters to inform the former president that the company is now under new management. Meanwhile, Shin’s secret surprise gift arrives in Asran – an Enterprise-class nuclear aircraft carrier, quickly named the “Area 88”. |
| v08c14 – 127 – Feelings in the Twilight (1984/08/24) | 84-16 Shin runs into Kaionji Hachibe again at his hotel and is invited by the old man to join a party with his niece Kaionji Misuzu. Although the evening is a night of dancing, Kaionji leaves even more suspicious of Shin than ever. Afterwards, Shin meets with the private investigator he’s hired to track the movements of Project 4. |
| v08c15 – 128 – A Compass Pointing Towards Hell (1984/09/14) | 84-17 Aboard the Area 88, Mickey and Major Roundel – the only ones with Navy experience – begin training the rest of the troops on take-offs and landings at sea. Although the Area 88 survivors have similar experience from the mountain base, it’s completely new for the Brasian pilots. Meanwhile in Japan, both Shin and Ryoko (without knowing it) arrive at Kaionji Hachibe’s garden party in Hakone. |
| v08c16 – 129 – Garden of the Wandering Heart (1984/09/28) | 84-18 After a long discussion with Kaionji Hachibe and a pair of Japanese government intelligence officers, Shin prepares to leave the party. As luck would have it, he bumps into Ryoko! Meanwhile, aboard the aircraft carrier, Saki and Major Roundel start hatching the next part of their plan to blunt the Project 4 invasion of the Suez. |
| v08c17 – 130 – Love, Again (1984/10/12) | 84-19 In Japan, Shin and Ryoko enjoy a tearful reunion that was a long time coming. Meanwhile, the Area 88 looks for a port in which to re-supply, which leads them to Runga and a reunion for Kim with his parents. |
| v08c18 – 131 – The Peaceful Battlefield (1984/10/26) | 84-20 After a Japanese intelligence agent is assassinated in Tokyo, Maeda and Tsukasa discuss next steps in the investigation into Project 4. Meanwhile, in New York, Kanzaki starts looking into how Project 4 lost its controlling share of Yamato Airlines. In Japan, Shin finally realizes that he cannot keep pushing Ryoko away. |
| v08c19 – 132 – Amidst the Sound of the Waves (1984/11/09) | 84-21 (c) As Shin and Ryoko consummate their reunion in Japan, the crew of the Area 88 are briefed on a a major new plan that will kick off a new dimension to the war. |
Volume 09
| v09c01 – 133 – Overnight Castle (1984/11/23) | 84-22 The purpose of the mysterious all-out bombing mission finally becomes clear. Saki and Roundel blasted a part of the coastline, to create a dock for the aircraft carrier – overnight! |
| v09c02 – 134 – The Price of Peace (1984/12/14) | 84-23 Saki presses McCoy on the identity of the mysterious benefactor and the price of his aid. When McCoy responds he only wants peace, Saki says that an aircraft carrier will only bring further bloodshed. Meanwhile, Mr. Kaionji makes a fateful decision – the safety of Japan outweighs peace in the world. |
| v09c03 – 135 – Betrayal (1984/12/28) | 84-24 Double crossed by his Project 4 colleagues, Kanzaki survives an assassination attempt and extracts a bit of revenge of his own. Meanwhile, the Area 88 crew begin preparations to re-take Brasia from the Project 4 forces. |
| v09c04 – 136 – A Day for a Sortie (1985/01/11) | 85-01 (c) The liberation of Brasia has begun! As Sera and her squadron take off from the Area 88 aircraft carrier and attack targets in the capital city, Mickey and his squadron take off from their in-land temporary base and provide air cover using guerilla tactics to keep the Project 4 forces at bay. |
| v09c05 – 137 – Failed Strike?! (1985/01/25) | 85-02 As Sera begins her attack on Brasia, something’s wrong. The anticipated uprising by the resistance troops has not yet begun! Does Project 4 know they’re coming? Is it a trap? |
| v09c06 – 138 – The Women’s Battle (1985/02/08) | 85-03 As Shin settles into a life of peace with Ryoko at her villa in Japan, Josie quizzes Shin on what it’s like to take a life in combat, and is surprised by Shin’s candid answer. Meanwhile, Gigliola brings in Miss Yasuda on her plans to revive and cure Queen Soria of Asran – and then drops a bombshell bit of news. |
| v09c07 – 139 – Courage to Face the Future (1985/02/22) | 85-04 (c) Gigliola grapples with a future where she’s the mother of Satoru Kanzaki’s child, and Miss Yasuda tries to convince her that it’s still a good thing. Meanwhile, a drunken Josie takes out some of the pain of Ryoko’s suicide attempt on Shin, which awakens his own feelings. He can’t forget Area 88 as a thing of the past, as long as Mickey, Saki and the rest continue to fight. |
| v09c08 – 140 – The Cries of the Dead (1985/03/08) | 85-05 As Kim and Sera scout the old Area 88 desert base to determine if a return is possible, they get stranded during a sandstorm. Spending the night in the creepy deserted base is too much for the pair to handle… especially since they don’t seem to be alone. Meanwhile, and old – and very much dead – friend pays a visit to Shin to wish him well. |
| v09c09 – 141 – Overnight at the Old Base (1985/03/22) | 85-06 Given their pressing need for a base with a self-sufficient water supply, Saki isn’t happy to hear that Kim and Sera report the old base as un-fit for service. Intrigued by the ghost stories, Saki (and the Area 88 gang) goes to check out the haunting for himself. Shortly after the group arrives, Saki goes missing! |
| v09c10 – 142 – 7 Soldiers (1985/04/12) | 85-07 Saki returns in the morning, haunted by his own encounter with the desert base ghosts. They tell Saki that seven of his most trusted men will be waiting for him when he dies. Although Saki counts Mickey, Greg, Kim, Sera, Ken and Warren as his six most trusted soldiers… could Shin be the seventh? |
| v09c11 – 143 – Showdown with the Devil (1985/04/26) | 85-08 (c) While enjoying some peace and quiet with Ryoko in her villa in Japan, Shin receives a startling invitation to come out for a chat from Kanzaki. Silently vowing to kill him, Shin agrees to meet his “old friend” at a nearby hotel. Meanwhile, a strange and mysterious squadron of jet fighters is bearing down on the Area 88 coastal base. |
| v09c12 – 144 – A Man of Seven Days (1985/05/10) | 85-09 When Capt. Bam Assam and 25 members of the Brasian Air Force decide to honour their agreement and join Area 88 after the liberation of their homeland, Saki re-considers if perhaps Bam is the seventh man, not Shin. Meanwhile, Kanzaki drops a bombshell on Shin – they share a father named Hideto Kazama. |
| v09c13 – 145 – Confessions of a Storm (1985/05/24) | 85-10 The true story of Shin Kazama’s birth, and his complicated family connection to Satoru Kanzaki is finally revealed! |
| v09c14 – 146 – Time Passes By (1985/06/14) | 85-11 As Shin and Kanzaki reminisce about their first solo flight, the story of how Shin came to be left at an orphanage with a stocking around his neck is revealed. Shin finally understands why, and just how deeply his one-time friend Satoru Kanazki hates him. |
| v09c15 – 147 – Supreme Commander Kanzaki (1985/06/28) | 85-12 |
| v09c16 – 148 – Nightmare (1985/07/12) | 85-13 |
| v09c17 – 149 – A Return to Hell (1985/07/26) | 85-14 |
| v09c18 – 150 – Determination (1985/08/09) | 85-15 |
| v09c19 – 151 – Truth (1985/08/**) | 85-16 |
| v09c20 – 152 – Reunion (1985/09/13) | 85-17 |
| v09c21 – 153 – A New Declaration of War (1985/09/27) | 85-18 |
Volume 10
| v10c01 – 154 – Playback (1985/10/**) | 85-19 |
| v10c02 – 155 – Operation Order (1985/10/**) | 85-20 |
| v10c03 – 156 – Border Zone (1985/11/08) | 85-21 |
| v10c04 – 157 – The Sound of Pulling the Trigger (1985/11/**) | 85-22 |
| v10c05 – 158 – The Sortie of No Return (1985/12/**) | 85-23 (c) |
| v10c06 – 159 – Women’s Instinct (1985/12/**) | 85-24 |
| v10c07 – 160 – Fighter Pilot (1986/01/10) | 86-01 |
| v10c08 – 161 – TIME LIMIT (1986/01/**) | 86-02 |
| v10c09 – 162 – GOOD LUCK (1986/02/14) | 86-03 |
| v10c10 – 163 – Not for the Sake of my Own Life (1986/02/28) | 86-04 |
| v10c11 – 164 – FINAL TAKE OFF (1986/03/14) | 86-05 |
| v10c12 – 165 – Rest for the Brave (1986/03/**) | 86-06 |
| v10c13 – 166 – Amidst the Eternal Passage of Time (1986/04/**) | 86-07 |
| v10c14 – 167 – Labyrinth (1986/04/**) | 86-08 |
| v10c15 – 168 – Should it Cost this Life (1986/05/**) | 86-09 |
| v10c16 – 169 – Asran in Flames (1986/05/**) | 86-10 (c) |
| v10c17 – 170 – The Cost of Bloodshed (1986/06/**) | 86-11 |
| v10c18 – 171 – The Future Turns to Ash (1986/06/**) | 86-12 |
| v10c19 – 172 – Battlefield of Sand (1986/07/11) | 86-13 (c) |