Commando’s 60th Anniversary bonanza from DC Thomson Media continues with not one, not two, but four brand-new issues in the set released this week – with not a reprint in sight! We’ve included a quick review of one of these special issues in this item.
With scripts from both the present and past members of its editorial team, Commandos 5447 – 5450 showcase the essence of the long-running British war comic, from the classic tale of a jinxed aircraft in “C-For-Cursed!” to a look at what the far-flung future holds for the planet, to a story about the beloved Commando ‘QM’ mascot, and “Die — or Walk!”, a sequel 60 years in the making!
“Die — or Walk!”, is set, initially, a few weeks after events in Commando No. 1, “Walk – or Die” recently reprinted as Issue 5444. Written by former Commando editor Calum Laird, artists Morhain & Defeo pull out all the stops to make the most of the tank battles featured – and there are plenty of those!
The story sees duplicitous Nazi Oberst Karl Oberth on the run, successfully reunited with his own army, and “haunting” the British tank team who helped capture him across North Africa and Europe. While the number of chance encounters stretches credulity a little, the story is a worthy sequel to the original landmark tale. We’re also treated to some real history, as we see how quickly tank design evolved through the war years, which is a welcome plus.
Commando 5447 – Home of Heroes: C-For-Cursed!
Story: Georgia Standen Battle | Art: Carlos Pino | Cover: Ian Kennedy
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First up in the Commando 60th Anniversary set is an homage to Commandos from the golden age of war comics where jonahs, jinxes and hoodoos were never too far from hand!
When misfortune starts to befall the unlucky crew of a Lockheed Hudson stationed at RAF Leuchars, they know there’s a curse on their crate — but can they work out what it is before their doom?!
This nod to classic Commandos doesn’t end there, as the canny reader may recognise the names of the crew as a dedication to those who have worked on Commando during 60-year history of the comic…
All this with a mysterious Ian Kennedy cover and magnificent interiors by Carlos Pino… well, you’d be dreadfully unlucky to miss it!
Commando 5448 – Gold Collection: Die — or Walk!
Story: Calum Laird | Art: Morhain & Defeo | Cover: Keith Burns
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Now to that Commando sequel 60 years in the making with Issue 5448 ‘Die – or Walk!’. The issue is written by former editor Calum Laird and is the sequel to Issue 1 ‘Walk – or Die’, which was recently reprinted as Issue 5444 with a brand-new Ian Kennedy cover!
In Laird’s follow up, after the dastardly Oberst Karl Oberth escapes from British custody, tankies Tom Gerrard, Bruce Willis and Guy Martin thought they had seen the last of that ruthless Jerry Colonel. However, fate decided that the four should meet again but this time not on the hot sands of Africa but on the war-torn landscape of Europe!
How the tables turn though, as Tom finds himself carrying the very man who had carried him on the cover of Commando No. 1!
This story offers an outstanding array of talent on this Commando, from Keith Burns’ cover homage to the original 1960s Ken Barr cover, to the explosive interiors from veteran duo Morhain and Defeo, to former Editor Calum Laird’s script.
Commando 5449 – Action and Adventure: After 2045
Story: R Tate | Art: Vicente Alcazar | Cover: Neil Roberts
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Have you ever pictured what Commando comics of the future might be like? Issue 5449 offers a glimpse at what the future might hold for humankind!
And what a future — with the planet in the grip of World War Three, the aggressor this time is manmade — a horde of machines and drones determined to wipe humans off the face of the planet. Only a ragtag group of Neo-Commando elite can hope to stop them!
But with the machines able to hack anything electric they must go old-school, back to the machines that served us so well in the last war like the mighty Spitfire!
Commando 5450 – Silver Collection: The Quartermaster
Story: Kate Dewar | Art and Cover: Manuel Benet
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Ever wondered what Commando’s Quartermaster Sean Hardgrave’s story is? Sure, he runs the stockroom, keeps the social media ticking over — but the man’s backstory is a mystery wrapped in an enigma!
Well, not any more!
Find out how the intrepid Captain in the Commandos came to be a Quartermaster in North Africa, with a few bumps, tricks, and dodgy dealings along the way! Sure, the QM doesn’t mind playing dirty to look after his men, and he certainly won’t stick his nose up at any nosh he can swindle some officers out of! But say no more, you’ll have to read to find out anything else!
Commando master at work, Manuel Benet is on cover and interior art duty for Kate Dewar’s exceptional script! Make sure you grab yourself a copy, by order of the Quartermaster!
But hold on to your helmets, because the anniversary fun doesn’t stop there! Don’t miss the next set of Commando 60th celebrations featuring the four never-before-reprinted classic issues voted for by fans, printed with brand-new covers by two brand-new Commando artists, on sale from the 8th July…
• Commando Comics is online at www.commandocomics.com | DC Thomson – Subscriptions | Facebook| Twitter | Commando Comics on AmazonUK
• Read Jeremy Briggs review of Commando Issue One
• The Art of Ian Kennedy is available to order here on Amazon (Using this Affiliate Link helps support downthetubes, thank you)
The book showcases Ian’s fantastic array of work for not only DC Thomson Media but also his own personal collection. The high spec 160-page art book includes both never before seen and classic covers, as well as illustrations from the DC Thomson archives, featuring titles as diverse as Lucky Charm and Buddy.
Set out chronologically, the book showcases Ian’s career at the famous Scottish publishing house, from his early days working on ‘Red-Skull Branson’ and ‘Commando Jim’ to his most recent covers and commissions for Commando
• The Art of Ian Kennedy is also available to order from DC Thomson direct
Commando issues 5447 – 5450 – Full Cover Gallery
• Commando Comics is online at www.commandocomics.com | DC Thomson – Subscriptions | Facebook| Twitter | Commando Comics on AmazonUK
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.
Categories: British Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features, Reviews
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