Here’s the intel on the latest issues of Commando (Issues 4911-4914) from DC Thomson, on sale now in all good newsagents and assorted digital platforms (detailed below). This batch of the ace war comic includes “Rogue Pilot”, featuring a cover by the late Ken Barr, affording interim editor Scott Montgomery to pay tribute to the artist’s fondly-remembered work for the title.
“Our thoughts are with the family of artist Ken Barr, who died in March,” notes Scott. “Ken painted the very first Commando cover, ‘Walk – Or Die!’ back in June 1961. Indeed, he illustrated a further thirteen consecutive covers straight after. The majority of his 175 covers appeared over a prolific ten-year period until April 1971.
“After a few rare appearances in the mid-1990s, a decade after this, Ken contacted then-Editor Calum Laird to ask if he could contribute a new cover. Of course, we jumped at the chance and the result was ‘Blood Red Battle’ (No 4138), published in September 2008.
“Our thanks and respect to this huge talent, who played a pivotal part in Commando’s 55-year history.”
Don’t forget downthetubes has an exclusive discount on a subscription to Commando comic, simply by ordering through the DC Thomson Online Shop using our special discount code. Follow this dedicated link to DC Thomson’s Commando subscription page
If you follow the link above, the discount is automatically applied – you do NOT need to enter the old DTT “COMDT” promotional code. Ignore the discount field on the check out page, too. (More information on our dedicated Commando Subscription Offer Page)
Commando Issues 4907 – 4910 – Published 5th May 2016
Commando 4911 – Codename “Magpie”
Story: George Low Art: Keith Page Cover: Keith Page
Captain Eric Brunt was a secret agent. His codename was “Magpie” — because he stole and hoarded vital enemy intelligence in the way that the bird allegedly hoarded anything that glittered.
When a Royal Navy Motor Torpedo Boat poised to pick up Eric was destroyed, the spy was trapped in occupied France, alongside Frank Nelson, a fellow survivor from the boat. Frank blamed Eric for the loss of his crew and ship. Now both men would have to work together to escape the clutches of the dreaded Gestapo.
Commando No 4912 – Rogue Pilot
Originally Commando No 219 (July 1966), re-issued as No 875 (October 1974)
Story: Clegg Art: Peter Ford Cover: Ken Barr
Sergeant Pilot Tim Cooney was a real happy-go-lucky chap. Some said he was just plain careless. Nothing really bothered him or took the grin off his face — nothing, that is, until he discovered the Germans testing a new and terrifying glider bomb.
However, when Tim made his report, no one would believe him. They thought it was just another of his jokes. It looked like he’d have to do something about this threat himself…
• You can read our tribute to Ken Barr here
Commando No 4913 – Sawdust Commandos
Story: George Low Art: Muller Cover: Janek Matysiak
The men of the Canadian Forestry Corps were known as the “Sawdust Fusiliers” — trained soldiers, they were also lumberjacks based in Great Britain during World War Two.
In a remote area of the Scottish Highlands a group of Commandos on a training exercise clashed with the Canadians.
However, the Green Berets and the Fusiliers expectedly came up against a group of invading German Navy Marines who were on a top secret mission. These “Sawdust Commandos” would have to put aside their differences and fight for their very lives.
Commando No 4914 – Trouble All The Way
Originally No 1122 (April 1977), re-issued as 2459 (April 1991)
Story: R.A. Montague Art: Mira Cover: Ian Kennedy
A Royal Navy destroyer is a formidable fighting unit — fast, well-armed and deadly. So when Pete Brandon was posted to join one in Rangoon, he was delighted. But what happened? Instead of joining the destroyer, he found himself on a little H.D.M.L. — a Harbour Defence Motor Launch!
Well, he didn’t know it then, but this was the start of the adventure of his life. Things really started to get really dangerous when his boat was attacked by a Japanese Zero floatplane — and the danger kept on coming.
“Ian Kennedy’s dramatic cover certainly sets up ‘Trouble All The Way’ as a sea and air story, but fairly quickly it changes into a tense jungle tale,” says Scott Montgomery. “Our Royal Navy hero, Sub-Lieutenant Pete Brandon, finds himself unhappily on land and in the middle of a guerrilla skirmish in occupied Burma.
“It’s exciting stuff from veteran writer R.A. Montague, ably drawn by interior artist, Mira — those bats on the opposite page look terrific, I think.”
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• There are more details of Commando on the official Commando website, the Commando Facebook page
• Commando Collections: Our Checklist
Don’t Miss Out on our Exclusive Commando Subscription Offer!
If you’re looking for a gift for a British comics fan, downthetubes has an EXCLUSIVE discount on a subscription to DC Thomson’s Commando comic, simply by ordering through the DC Thomson Online Shop using our special discount code.
If you follow the link above, the discount is automatically applied – you do NOT need to enter the old DTT “COMDT” promotional code. Ignore the discount field on the check out page, too.
Commando Digital Editions
- Available on the App Store for Apple devices
- Available on Comixology
- Available on Readly
- Android App on Google Play
- Available on Kindle
- Available as browser edition
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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