Hellman entered the post-ban era much as he was before, but only for three issues. The Major, Max, Dekker and Brenner were on the run from Stalin's men, although thanks to the edits, there was no mention of the price on Hellman's head. Brenner gave his life for Hellman and the others to escape across a frozen lake, buying vital time for his leader. This left Hellman and his two remaining men a day away from the German army, on foot, without weapons. There was still some way to go before the remnants of Hammer Force reached safety, but on December 25th, the three men were sunning themselves in Italy, having been removed from the Russian Front to get away from the awkward bounty story.

The new campaign got off to a disjointed start, but settled down as Russia was forgotten. The [unidentified] regular artist was replaced by Mike White from the 22nd January issue. White took Hellman through the fall of Italy, the Normandy landings, a plot against Hitler and back to the Eastern Front before being replaced by Jim Watson for the final five issues. With Hammer Force all but gone once again, Hellman and his two trusty aides were forced to defend a school full of Wermacht cadets from the advancing Siberian shock troops and the Seidlitz Division, an army of German turncoats captured at Stalingrad. From there, Hellman headed for Berlin, to defend the Fatherland to the last, and on into the pages of Battle Action.

Included here is the first issue of the new material produced, as the Major, Max and Dekker arrive in Italy for the beginning of a new, less political era.