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Staz Johnson, Mark Harris make their debut as Commando cover artists

By John Freeman on July 7, 2021

Commando’s 60th Anniversary caps off with Issues 5451 – 5454 from DC Thomson Media – another four very special issues. Voted for by the readers over Thought Bubble Weekend 2020, this set is four never-before reprinted classics from Commando’s golden era of the 1960s all with fantastic brand-new covers!

Each of the eight anniversary issues in the two anniversary sets feature covers by eight different artists showcasing Commando’s diverse back catalogue — including two brand new cover artist making their debut! Get yours when they’re out!

This set also sees the debut of DC, Marvel and 2000AD artist Staz Johnson as a cover artist, a creator revered in British comics – and fans will be delighted as he finally lends his hand to Commando with a cover for issue 5453, “Silent Patrol”, that simply oozes grit and style in equal measure…

Also joining the Commando ranks, Mark Harris, whose debut cover for issue 5454, “The Avengers”, features everything war comic fans could ask for — Jerry kites, heroes, machine-guns rattling and plenty of action to boot!

Commando 5451: Home of Heroes: Killers From the Deep - cover by Carlos Pino

Commando 5451: Home of Heroes: Killers From the Deep
Story: Spence | Art: Ros | Cover: Carlos Pino
Originally Commando No. 26 (1962)
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In 1943, the Battle of the North Atlantic had reached its peak. Convoys of British ships braved attacks from U-boat packs and Luftwaffe dive-bombers. Then came the greatest threat of all. German battleships hid in Norwegian fjords, ready to raid the convoys. Among them was the mighty Lindoff, 40,000 tons of fighting steel, whose guns could send a whole convoy to Davy Jones’s locker.

Then, one dark night, three midget submarines, each with a crew of three, were towed from a Scottish harbour. They were Britain’s secret weapon — the X-Craft. Their destination: the Alten Fjord, Norway. Their orders: “Sink the Lindoff”.

Carlos Pino’s aquatic cover shows the brilliance of the artist’s thirty-plus years career at Commando and why he is such a beloved and outstanding artist. The colour and fluidity pay homage to the original while added that quintessential Pino flavour.

Commando 5452: Gold Collection: Lone Wolf - cover by Graeme Neil Reid

Commando 5452: Gold Collection: Lone Wolf
Story: Eric Hebden | Art: Medrano | Cover: Graeme Neil Reid
Originally Commando No. 40 (1962)
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This is the story of a “lone wolf” — a man who did things his own way. He was a ruthless enemy and a dangerous friend. His name was Steve Lacroix, and he was French-Canadian. His story began during the terrible nine-hour raid on the port of Dieppe in August, 1942, when five thousand Canadians stormed the beaches — and less than two thousand came back…

A cracking montage cover composed by Graeme Neil Reid himself, along with the meticulous detail he’s known for, Reid sets up the issue perfectly for the explosive content inside!

Commando 5453: Action and Adventure: Silent Patrol - cover by Staz Johnson

Commando 5453: Action and Adventure: Silent Patrol
Story: Henderson | Art: Cueto | Cover: Staz Johnson
Originally Commando No. 43 (1962)
• Buy the digital edition from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

They hated each other like poison, Sergeant Dan Cunliffe of the 8th Army, and big Carlo, the trigger-happy Italian freedom fighter. Trouble was, they had a job to do — a job that was vital to the whole Allied invasion of Italy. Their own quarrel would have to wait. But they did have one thing in common — a burning hatred for all things German… which was really tough on the Nazis!

Commando 5454: Silver Collection: The Avengers - cover by Mark Harris Full

Commando 5454: Silver Collection: The Avengers
Story: Barnard | Art: Sostres | Cover: Mark Harris
Originally Commando No. 56 (1963)
• Buy the digital edition from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

They were called “Marine Commandos”. Their job was to hit the enemy with lightning swiftness and fox-like cunning. They operated over land and sea, striking deadly, surprise hammer-blows at the heart of the enemy. They were hardened fighters, every man, and their training was the toughest in the world — especially when there could be a traitor in the mix. Fingers pointed at one such man of German descent, who just happened to be an explosives expert. The rest of the men would have to watch their backs — and the detonator!

• 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 5451 – 5454 – Full Cover Gallery

• Commando Comics is online at www.commandocomics.com | DC Thomson – Subscriptions | Facebook| Twitter | Commando Comics on AmazonUK

John Freeman

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.