Step into the high-octane world of Wingman, where supersonic jets soar over a shattered America, and one pilot, Hawk Hunter, fights to restore hope! Penned by Brian Kelleher under the pseudonym Mack Maloney, this post-apocalyptic series blends military science fiction with heart-pounding action. Since its 1987 debut, Wingman has captivated readers with its vivid world-building and larger-than-life hero, making it a cult classic in the action-adventure genre.
Picture a ravaged United States, fractured by a nuclear holocaust after World War III. Amid the chaos, Hawk Hunter, a skilled fighter pilot nicknamed 'Wingman,' emerges as a beacon of heroism. With his trusty F-16, he battles pirates, warlords, and rogue armadas, all while navigating a world of lawlessness and betrayal. It’s a wild ride that’s equal parts thrilling and nostalgic, perfect for fans of Mad Max or Top Gun.
How Wingman Took Flight
Brian Kelleher, writing as Mack Maloney, launched Wingman in 1987, tapping into the era’s fascination with military thrillers and post-apocalyptic tales. A Boston native with a journalism degree from Suffolk University and a master’s in film from Emerson College, Maloney brought a cinematic flair to his storytelling. Inspired by the pulp fiction of yesteryear and the high-stakes drama of Cold War tensions, he crafted Hawk Hunter as a modern-day knight in a fighter jet, soaring through a world where technology and grit collide.
Maloney’s knack for fast-paced narratives and vivid imagery quickly won over readers. Published initially by Zebra Books, the series grew rapidly, with publishers eager for more as fans devoured each installment. Wingman’s blend of technical detail and unapologetic bravado made it a standout, even among giants like Tom Clancy’s techno-thrillers.
The Heart of Wingman
The series kicks off with Wingman (1987), where Hawk Hunter emerges from exile to defend Football City (formerly St. Louis) from an airborne criminal armada. In The Circle War (1987), he faces Russian invaders and a mysterious conspiracy threatening the fractured U.S. The Lucifer Crusade (1987) takes Hunter to the Middle East, chasing a terrorist mastermind, while Thunder in the East (1988) pits him against a neo-Nazi army. Each book delivers relentless action, with dogfights and daring missions that keep readers on edge.
Wingman’s themes revolve around heroism, resilience, and the fight for freedom in a broken world. The series paints a gritty yet hopeful picture of survival, with Hunter embodying the classic 'one man against the odds' archetype. Its post-apocalyptic setting, rich with radioactive wastelands and makeshift societies, draws parallels to films like The Road Warrior. Yet, Maloney infuses the saga with a pulpy charm—think over-the-top villains, loyal allies, and a touch of romance—that makes it irresistibly fun.
While the series isn’t without flaws (some critique its technical inaccuracies or dated gender portrayals), its strength lies in its immersive world and Hunter’s magnetic charisma. Maloney’s writing, though not as polished as literary heavyweights, delivers exactly what fans crave: non-stop thrills and a hero worth rooting for.
Why Wingman Still Soars
Wingman’s impact lies in its ability to transport readers to a world where courage and ingenuity triumph over chaos. Its cult following, evident in glowing Goodreads reviews, praises its addictive pacing and nostalgic appeal. For fans of military sci-fi or action-adventure, Wingman offers a rare blend of aviation expertise and pulp-fiction energy, making it a hidden gem in the genre.
The series’ longevity—spanning 21 books through 2021—speaks to its enduring charm. Maloney’s creation has inspired comparisons to other action heroes, from Rambo to Maverick, while carving its own niche. Its influence can be felt in later post-apocalyptic works, where lone heroes battle dystopian odds, proving Wingman’s formula remains timeless.
- First Published: 1987
- Total Books: 21
- Author: Mack Maloney (Brian Kelleher)
- Genre: Military Science Fiction, Action-Adventure
Ready to join Hawk Hunter in the cockpit? Grab Wingman and dive into a post-apocalyptic adventure that’s as thrilling as a barrel roll at Mach 2!