Best of the West #24

In "Bait For Death," the patriotic fervor of a nation in crisis ignites a surreal shift in identity, as the American flag becomes both banner and battlefield. Written and illustrated by Bill Black, this 2001 issue captures a moment of collective transformation, with the iconic Fighting Yank standing tall beneath a sky heavy with consequence. The cover by Frank Bolle, a striking portrait of the hero in solemn salute, mirrors the story's tone—urgent, defiant, and deeply resonant.