Charley’s War art offered on eBay, bids reach over £600

By John Freeman on April 5, 2018

A smashing item of “Charley’s War” art by Joe Colquhoun, created for the cover of a 1980 issue of weekly war comic Battle is being offered on eBay. Bidding, which closes this evening, is currently at £650.

“Charley’s War”, created by Pat Mills and Joe Colquhoun, is one of the greatest British war comic stories ever told and is rightly famous as a high point in Pat’ long career.

Joe provided beautiful artwork throughout the series long run, his ultra fine brush detail in clear evidence here in this cover featuring French rebel soldier Blue, published in the issue of Battle Action cover dated 1st November 1980

Battle Action Cover Art - "Charley's War" - cover dated 1st November 1980. Art by Joe Colquhoun

The full “Charley’s War” art board, complete with hand written production notes

Battle Action Cover Art - "Charley's War" - cover dated 1st November 1980. Art by Joe Colquhoun - detail

A close up of the art

Only the original art is being offered – there’s no masthead, which would have been added later in the comic’s production. Here’s how the final cover looked – the colour was added at production stage and was not by Joe himself.

The Southsea-based seller, who also has a number of 2000AD pages on offer on eBay, notes there is some wear to the page.

Rebellion are releasing the entire original “Charley’s War” story in three omnibus editions this year.

• You can bid on the item here on eBay

• View the seller’s other art items

• For much more about “Charley’s War”, including interviews with Pat Mills, Joe Colquhoun’s only interview about the project, a series timeline and much more, please visit the downthetubes “Charley’s War” micro site first created by the late Neil Emery

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With thanks to downthetubes team member Richard Sheaf

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.