Here’s the low down on the latest issues of DC Thomson’s Commando (Issues 4747-4750), on sale today in all good newsagents and digitally for iPad and iPhone…
Commando No 4747 – In Flanders Sky…
Story: George Low Art: Keith Page Cover: Ian Kennedy
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/9th-october-2014-collection?issue=4747
On the morning of the 28 June 1914, two pistol shots fired in a Sarajevo street plunged the world into war and pitched men of all nations against one another.
For centuries men had battled for martial supremacy on the ground but now, after four years of war, they had taken their battles to the air. In the sky over Flanders, two of these new gladiators held the fate of many, many men in their gauntleted hands. Would those below live… or die?
“As a tribute to those who served during the years 1914-1918 — on the Home Front or at the Front Line — Commando has produced a series of stories of characters caught up in the tumult of the First World War,” editor Calum Laird reminds us.
“None of them are real people but we’d like to think that the experiences they have will not be a million miles from what actually happened to so many.
“Last month, our heroes were struggling with the desert’s heat, this month the focus of the story is the cold, clammy mud of Flanders and the impact that the new aircraft had on the men struggling to fight, to even survive, below them.
“I hope you enjoy this and the other stories in the series as much as we have.”
The series continues in four weeks with Clash At Cambrai, Commando No 4755
Commando No 4748 – Killer With Wings
Originally Commando No 103 (February 1964), re-issued as No 607 (December 1971)
Story: Stainton Art: Peter Ford Cover: Ken Barr
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/9th-october-2014-collection?issue=4748
Just imagine two brilliant fighter pilots flying off the same aircraft-carrier, hating each other more than they hated the enemy.
Just imagine them being dumped on a desert island with one fighter plane between them, and being told to get on with the war.
Just imagine what a feud that was…
“Originally this was called ‘Pete’s Private War’ and, once you’ve read it, you’ll see why,” says Calum. “The tale takes the Australian reputation for working outside the normal rules and strains it to the absolute maximum to bring you a story that you know can’t be true… but you really want it to be at the same time.
“Peter Ford’s crisp and detailed black and white artwork helps out with the willing suspension of disbelief as he makes everything look so plausible. While Ken Barr’s bright yellow Zero on the cover hints at the fireworks inside.
“All in all, a killer Commando and no mistake.”
Commando No 4749 – Reds!
Story: Ferg Handley Art: Olivera Cover: Janek Matysiak
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/9th-october-2014-collection?issue=4749
Young Joe Cooper was a convinced socialist. Sent to serve in the Korean War, the idealistic National Serviceman hated the idea that he might have to kill the Chinese communists he thought of as fellow socialists.
To keep his conscience be clear, he decided only to shoot to wound, not to kill.
Faced with the grim reality of battle, though, could he stick to his convictions in the desperate struggle to survive?
Commando No 4750 – Flying Wild
Re-issued as No 2331 (July 1989), originally Commando No 985 (November 1975)
Story: R.A. Montague Art: J.M. Jorge Cover: Ian Kennedy
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/9th-october-2014-collection?issue=4750
Sergeant Sam Brent was an ace pilot, but he took mad risks — and now he was in big trouble. A Jap shell had shattered his cockpit canopy, not only giving him a splitting headache but also affecting his sight.
It got worse and worse until he was virtually flying blind… and he still had to land…
“Veteran Commando writer R.A. ‘Monty’ Montague’s premise is a simple but engaging and ultimately thrilling one ,” notes Scott Montgomery, Deputy Editor of this re-presented tale. “What if, after an accident, a pilot refused to accept that his eyesight was no longer up to the task of aerial combat? Imagine the extra danger he and his fellow fliers might face…
“Featuring superb aircraft and jungle interior art from top class illustrator Jose Maria Jorge and Ian Kennedy’s stunning cover, this one is a real classic.”
• There are more details of Commando on the official Commando website, the Commando Facebook page
• Commando Collections: Checklist
DOWNTHETUBES 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
Art and covers featured © 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.
Categories: British Comics, British Comics - Current British Publishers, downthetubes Comics News
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