Here’s your undercover intel on the latest issues of DC Thomson’s Commando (Issues 4963-4966), on sale now in all good newsagents (although you might have to ask for them in certain WHSmith stores, where they are kept behind the counter), and available on various digital platforms.
Commando 4963 – Deadly Dilemma
Story: George Low Art: Rezzonico Cover: Janek Matysiak
Stranded in Nazi-occupied France, his regiment gunned down, Corporal Bruce Newell is a hunted man. But when he comes face to face with ruthless SS Major Erich Benzler – the man who slaughtered Bruce’s friends in the chaos of Dunkirk – Bruce’s mission is no longer one of escape, but of revenge.
As Bruce closes in on his target, he realises his task is a heavy one… is the death of one despotic Nazi worth the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians?
Bruce is truly caught in a… DEADLY DILEMMA!
Commando 4964 – Yankee Buddy
Originally Commando No 204 (March 1966)
Story: Eric Hebden Art: J. Fuente Cover: Cortiella
When one lone Commando was transferred to the US Marines, every eye was on him from the moment they hit the Japanese-held beaches. How was his shooting? How was his nerve? Did he know this stuff? Every bullet-lashed yard was a testing ground for Commando Jacky Dean, who carried the proud reputation of all the Commandos on one broad pair of shoulders.
Jacky might never have passed that test, if he hadn’t found a real buddy amongst the Yanks…
“Who’s the toughest – US Marines or British Commandos? That’s the question on everyone’s lips except our reluctant Commando, Jacky Dean,” note the Commando editorial team. “In a story by legendary Eric Hebden, Jacky is a liar, a deserter and even possibly… a murderer. Hebden pushes the boundaries of what we would consider a Commando hero while J. Fuente’s impeccable interior art cleverly depicts Jacky as a loveable rogue.
“Set on the backdrop of the war in the Pacific, the plot rests on Jacky’s chaotic nature and unwillingness to fight ultimately being overcome through his friendship with his ‘Yankee Buddy’, Marine Andy Devlin. Enjoy!”
Commando 4965 – Black Sun Squadron
Story: Steve Coombs Art and Cover: Carlos Pino
Squadron Leader Marko Vida was a talented and fiercely fascist pilot. Backed by the Nazis, Vida and his Black Sun Squadron dominated the skies over Croatia…
— Or so they thought. A Partisan Air Force made up of old, stolen fighters and led by Flight Officer Zlatan Pavic and Flying Officer Petar Milic would not hand over Croatia so easily.
With their planes outclassed and outgunned, things were fraught for the Partisan Air Force. They dared to fight back against the might of the… BLACK SUN SQUADRON!
Commando 4966 – The Invaders
Originally Commando No 1101 (February 1977), reissued as No 2435 (January 1991).
Story: C.G. Walker Art: Llops Cover: Ian Kennedy
More than two thousand years before, the Roman legions had marched into North Africa as invaders, as conquerors. In the twentieth century the soldiers of Italy returned again, and among them was one man who thought himself the equal of the ancient emperors. But he was wrong, for the ancient Romans got the better of him – in their own sinister way…
“From prolific Commando writer C.G. Walker comes this classic tale of obsession, cruelty and survival, set against the stark backdrops of a brutal desert in North Africa and a fierce volcano in Italy,” note the Commando team. “The drama of the story is matched perfectly in the art by fantastic interior artist Llops, who brings the action to life.
“The story plays on the tension between past and present, and veteran cover artist Ian Kennedy rises to the challenge with an eye-catching and striking cover, despite his professed dislike of painting horses!”
• For more details on current issues of Commando and past titles visit www.commandocomics.com
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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