Here’s the low down on the latest issues of the DC Thomson war comic Commando (Issues 4867-4870) – on sale tomorrow, Thursday 3rd December 2015.

Calum Laird in 2008

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish Calum Laird, the editor of Commando, the very best of luck in all his future endeavours, as he moves on from DC Thomson to pastures new (and undecided) this week. Since he took up the position we’ve interviewed him several times (most recently, here) and he’s been instrumental in ensuring the continued success of the comic, developing its readership base, looking at new ways to get the message out about new stories and projects.

We simply couldn’t have covered Commando in the way we do without his help and everyone on the team here at downthetubes would like to thank him for his support and wish him the very best for the future – whatever that may bring.

If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for a British comics fan, 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 No 4867 – Five Mile Snipers
Story: George Low Art: Carlos Pino Cover: Carlos Pino
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/3rd-december-2015-collection?issue=4867

It was the ultimate insult, being called “Five Mile Snipers” — with a sneering tone this phrase accused artillery gunners of being tucked safely out of harm’s way, a large distance from the front line.

After a run-in with American Army Ranger officer, Sergeant Stan Wilkins, who was in charge of a battery of 25-pounder guns, certainly resented the implication that he and his new crew were cowards. Stan was determined to disprove this and embarked on a deadly mission to hunt down a group of ruthless German paratroopers…

Commando No 4868 – Floating Fortress
Originally Commando No 172 (July 1965), re-issued as No 855 (July 1974)
Story: Bounds Art: James Cover: Ken Barr
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/3rd-december-2015-collection?issue=4868

They were Fleet Air Arm pilots on a carrier, Mike Scott, “Frenchy” Lafarge and the giant Red Knight. In the air they made a great team, but then their carrier was damaged, and they were forced to land with empty tanks on a desert island!

Mike wanted to organise the warlike natives into a private army to fight the Japanese occupying the island.

Big Red flexed his powerful hands and wanted to carry on his own personal feud against the enemy.

Poor Frenchy didn’t know who to follow. While they argued and the baffled natives watched — the Japanese were closing in…

“Going purely by Ken Barr’s wonderfully dynamic cover, you would imagine that you’re in for an air-sea extravaganza — and that’s certainly true of the first 10 pages or so, which are packed with some astonishing aerial action,” notes Scott Montgomery.

“Soon afterwards, however, the story changes gears and becomes instead a taut tale of jungle guerrilla warfare and survival — one that still packs a real punch, half a century after it was first published.

Commando No 4869 – Into The Fire
Story: Stephen Walsh Art: Vila Cover: Janek Matysiak
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/3rd-december-2015-collection?issue=4869

After a series of misadventures, US Army mechanic Justice Wade somehow found himself serving with a Soviet Penal Company armoured unit. His Matilda tank was one of a group of vehicles deemed expendable enough to act as decoys to draw the fire of their enemy, fearsome German Panther tanks.

To make things even more dangerous, Justice had been promoted from mechanic to driver and he had no combat experience. He and his rag-tag crew were thrust into the fire of battle — and there was every chance that they would crash and burn…

Commando No 4870 – Point Of No Return
Originally No 2358 (March 1990)
Story: Alan Hebden Art: Keith Shone Cover: Ian Kennedy
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/3rd-december-2015-collection?issue=4870

The mission was simple — bomb a Polish refinery making vital cold-weather fuel additives for the German army.

The target was easy — almost no anti-aircraft defences, as it was too far away for Allied bombers to get there and back.

This was launched one of the most daring adventures of the war — a game of bluff and double-bluff — as Major Barry Crofton and a small band of Free Polish troops tried to ensure that the bombers would fly home again once their job was done…

“This is a great example of a “men-on-a-mission” Commando book,” Scott enthuses. “Captain Jan Kaminski, a headstrong, borderline insubordinate, Free Polish Forces commander meets his match in no-nonsense M.I.5 operative, Major Barry Crofton. In true Commando style they clash with each other before their mission has even begun.

“Author Alan Hebden knows exactly how to keep the drama and action moving along at a great pace. Ably illustrated by Keith Shone, Point Of No Return is perfectly topped off with a stunning Ian Kennedy cover.”

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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.

• 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 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

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.

Categories: British Comics, British Comics - Current British Publishers, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News

Tags: Alan Hebden, Alan Mackenzie, Bounds, Calum Laird, Carlos Pino, Comics By Country, Commando, Commando, DC Thomson, DC Thomson, downthetubes News, George Low, Ian Kennedy, James, Janek Matysiak, Keith Shone, Scott Montgomery, Stephen Walsh, Vila, War Comics