Brand new Commando issues 5343 – 5346 are out this week, with special issues commemorating the formation of the British Commandos, 80 years ago.
Commando 5345 – “Churchill’s Commandos” – features this terrific Commando-celebratory wraparound cover by Neil Roberts, which DC Thomson Media have kindly shared with downthetubes.
Formed at the request of then Prime Minister Winston Churchill in June 1940, the Commandos were established as a new raiding and reconnaissance force. Well-trained and highly mobile, they were to carry on the war against the Axis after the evacuation from Dunkirk.
The first commando operations were small, but later they grew in complexity and size. As the World War Two raged on, commandos fought as assault troops in many key battles.
Commando 5343 – Home of Heroes: The Lone Wolf
Story: Kate Dewar | Art: Morhain & Defeo | Cover: Ian Kennedy
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Kommandant Josef Jewinski smells trouble aboard U-1215 — a wolf in sheep’s clothing. With a traitor amongst the men in whose hands he must place his life each day, the tension is hull shattering as the iron coffin starts to live up to its name!
Friendships fray and trust is left in tatters in this thrilling U-boat journey by writer Kate Dewar, with a remarkable cover from renowned artist Ian Kennedy.
Commando 5344 – Gold Collection: Night Ace
Story: Newark | Art and Cover: Ken Barr
Originally Commando No. 304 (1967)
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Ken Barr’s interiors really sing in this classic Commando from 1967, as a new pilot finds himself plagued by vertigo! But the insufferable spinning fades away in the blackness of the night, and pilot Nick Kirby soon proves himself as a formidable flyer.
For every night, there is a dawn but at 30,000 feet, will Nick be able to overcome his challenges and a CO who doesn’t believe a word he says?
Commando 5345 – Action and Adventure: Churchill’s Commandos
Story: Heath Ackley | Art: Khato | Cover: Neil Roberts
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80 years ago, Winston Churchill gave orders for a ‘hunter class’ to fight back against the Nazi onslaught, and so the British Commandos were born. In this new adventure from Heath Ackley, it isn’t all smooth sailing as the fiery Ambrose struggles to contain his rage… but with the capable instruction of the endlessly patient Sergeant MacKay, the trials he faces to defeat the Nazis will help him forge the bonds that made Commando units such a formidable fighting force.
This issue features this terrific Commando-celebratory wraparound cover by Neil Roberts, which DC Thomson have kindly shared with downthetubes.
Commando 5346 – Silver Collection: Find the Treasure
Story: Bernard Gregg | Art: Enriquez | Cover: Ian Kennedy
Originally Commando No. 1542 (1981)
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A strange tale from the archives where pre-war sporting rivals, Sandy and Otto, are brought together to hunt down a legendary treasure. But with only half the details each from their mysterious benefactor, they must work together to find it — and survive!
Reunited during World War Two, they reminisce over their failed attempt to retrieve the Kellenburg Collection, something Otto cannot let go…. Soon the search is on again and only Sandy’s Commando training can help him escape Otto’s greed!
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• More about the British Commandos in World War Two on the National Army Museum web site here
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- About the Author
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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, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
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