In the skies of France during the Great War, a red-painted fighter is chasing a British SPAD. The relentless German pilot eventually wounds his opponent mortally, and lands near the downed Briton to watch him die, confessing his delight in war and victory. Ten years earlier, a young Manfred Von Richthofen is attending a military academy in Berlin when, during an incident with classmates, he comes to realise he has an unnatural gift…

Manfred Von Richthofen survived his first aerial combat with light injuries only. As a rear gunner, though, he felt particularly frustrated by his inability to control the plane. Convinced that he must be able to fly and shoot at the same time to make the most of his mysterious mind-reading ability, he works hard to obtain his pilot licence. It’s in March 1916, in the sky over Verdun, that the Red Baron earns his first victory as a pilot…

Manfred Von Richthofen is now flying over Russia, where his missions escorting heavy bombers or strafing ground troops are doing considerable damage. So much so that he’s eventually offered the opportunity to transfer to the Western Front and pit himself against the best British fighters. But a nasty surprise is waiting for him: among his new colleagues is his old enemy Prince Friedrich. The foe in the air may not be the most dangerous one…