Men riding torpedoes, a doggy war hero, vengeance in Vietnam, and a truce hanging by a thread off of a cliff! All this in Commando issues 5611 – 5614, out Thursday 19th January, 2023 in newsagents, and available digitally now.
There’s a tinge of sadness to the release of this set, as Issue 5613, “Operation Precipice”, is artist Mario Morhain’s final Commando issue, after he sadly passed away last May. (You can read our tribute here).
He was a valued member of Commando, known for his striking interiors, and is sorely missed by all at title, and readers, too.
Commando 5611: Home of Heroes – Free Strike
Story: R Tate | Art: Vicente Alcazar | Cover: Mark Harris
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In the dense jungles of Vietnam, just after the infamous Tet Offensive, Sergeant Donnie Michaels leads an elite team with their new Kit Carson scout – codename “Monty”. But as they’re led into ambush after ambush, tensions are running high, and Donnie doesn’t know whom he can trust anymore!
This blinding issue is a classic Commando in the making – featuring the oppressive jungle brought to life by Vicente Alcazar alongside a tense, gritty story by R Tate, what more could you want?!
Commando 5612: Gold Collection – Wagger’s War
Story: CG Walker | Art: Ferreira | Cover: Ian Kennedy
Originally Commando No. 1106 (1977)
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How about this little chap for a war hero, then? Don’t let his looks fool you. Wagger is a dog that gets caught up in the maelstorm that is the British Expeditionary Force’s retreat to Dunkirk, and helps his temporary masters along the way.
This scruffy mongrel had more adventures than most soldiers ever did, and if medals had been given to dogs, he’d have won a whole row of them!
This Commando from 1977 is a firm favourite among fans, and it’s easy to see why. CG Walker’s poochie plot is a canine caper and no mistake! With FETCH-ing interiors by Ferreira and Ian Kennedy’s pawesome cover art – this issue will hound you if you miss it!
“This is a story that is full of pathos and will leave you smiling at the end,” our late, great contributor Colin Noble once noted, listing this story as one of his favourites of the 1970s releases.
Commando 5613: Action and Adventure – Operation Precipice
Story: Brent Towns | Art: Morhain | Cover: Neil Roberts
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Dick Hammond’s life was hanging by a thread. Above him was Grace Baird, holding on to the sheer face of the cliff for life, and below him was his doom. He would have trusted Grace with his life… if only he hadn’t killed her brother five years before!
• Read our tribute to artist Mario Morhain
Commando 5614: Silver Collection – Silent Danger
Story: Bill Fear | Art: Gordon C Livingstone | Cover: Ian Kennedy
Originally Commando No. 1397 (1980)
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Out of the murky depths, they came wreaking havoc in Gibraltar harbour, bringing death and destruction to the British Fleet. In silence they appeared… then vanished. They rode on torpedoes, faceless phantoms of the deep!
Issue 5614 is a Commando to be excited about – with a story by Bill Fear featuring underwater knife fights brought to life by legend Gordon C Livingstone, topped off with an Ian Kennedy cover.
• Commando Comics is online at commandocomics.com | DC Thomson – Subscriptions | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Commando Comics on AmazonUK
• Read our tribute to artist Mario Morhain
• Look out for new Heritage Comics and Commando Presents digital releases on the final Wednesday of every month – check out the Commando Presents Series Page on AmazonUK
Commando 5611 – 5614 Cover Gallery
• Commando Comics is online at commandocomics.com | DC Thomson – Subscriptions | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Commando Comics on AmazonUK
• Look out for new Heritage Comics and Commando Presents digital releases on the final Wednesday of every month – check out the Commando Presents Series Page 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, Comics, Digital Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
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