Long before “Charley’s War” in Battle, and the latest Commando mini-series, “The Weekes’ War” Dundee-based comics publisher DC Thomson pioneered the idea of seeing war through the eyes of different members of the same family in comics – all serving simultaneously on different fronts, including a sister on the Home Front.
“The Heroes of Paradise Rd.” ran in the then tabloid-format Beezer back in 1961, running for 46 issues from No. 284 (cover dated 24th June 1961) to No. 329 (5th May 1962).
A title perhaps better known for its humour strips, this World War Two story featured stunning artwork by Ron Smith, who worked on several DC Thomson titles down the years, as well as 2000AD.
An episode of the Beezer adventure strip, “The Heroes of Paradise Road”
Here’s part of another episode which shows how the series managed to link life on the home front with dramatic events like Hitler’s invasion of Russia, giving Ron Smith the chance to provide a spectacular comparison with Napoleon in the process.
Other work includes the “For Valour” series in the 1968 Beezer annual and the “Into Battle” series for the 1967 Beezer annual.
Here’s one of Colin’s favourites – a splash page from the “At War” series that featured in the 1964 Beezer annual.
With thanks to Philip Rushton for the heads up on “Heroes of Paradise Road” (© DC Thomson)
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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Categories: Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
Tags: Beezer, Commando, DC Thomson, downthetubes News, Ron Smith, The Heroes of Paradise Road, War Comics, World War Two