Commando Webbing: George Low

By John Freeman on July 18, 2010

Former Commando editor George Low (above right, with former Dandy editor Morris Heggie, left and Commando writer Ferg Handley, middle) was the surprise guest at the Oxfam Comics Event in Edinburgh on Saturday 17 July. There he joined an impressive line up of artists, writers and editors to talk comics for the afternoon, sharing memories of his time on Commando. Attendees also had the opportunity to buy a wide range of old and new Commandos from the event’s sales stall with all proceeds going to Oxfam.

Since retiring from Commando, George has maintained his links with the title by selecting the stories and writing the introductions to Carlton’s range of large Commando reprint books which has now reached a shelf bending eight different titles. Following on from the limited edition box set Commando Ammo Box, Carlton are releasing a second boxed set of Commando books.

Due for release on 4th October 2010, the Commando: High Explosive box set includes three of the reprint books – Bandits at 12 O’Clock, Rumble in the Jungle and D-Day: Fight or Die! – plus a special reprint of the second issue of Commando from 1961, They Called Him Coward!.

Also included in the collection, which is limited to 1000 copies, is a certificate signed by George Low and current Commando editor Calum Laird.

This boxed set is due to retail at £59.99.

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.