Despite the best efforts of enemy spies (and, possibly, a giant snake), the determined team at Commando have managed to slip us the intel on the latest issues of the war comic (Issues 4819-4822) on sale now in all good newsagents and through many digital platforms. These titles were released on 18th June 2015. Watch out for KGB spies on the corridors of DC Thomson!
Commando No 4819 – Brilliant Death
Story: Alan Hebden Art: Manuel Benet Cover: Manuel Benet
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/18th-june-2015-collection?issue=4819
The Convict Commandos are not known to do things the conventional way. Titch Mooney, Jelly Jakes, Smiler Dawson and Guy Tenby — not forgetting their ruthless confederate Dr Jane Mallory — always get the jobs where conventional is not an option.
Even by their standards, though, a boat chase through the centre of Venice was a bit extreme.
You really have got to read this tale.
Commando No 4820 – Lost Patrol
Originally Commando No 176 (August 1965)
Story: Powell Art: J Fuente Cover: Ken Barr
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/18th-june-2015-collection?issue=4820
Sergeant Jim Stark was trying to lead a lost patrol of fellow Chindits back to safety, through a jungle swarming with Japanese. A tight enough spot for any man, even worse for Jim who had lost his memory.
But Jim didn’t know the half of it.
Among the men of that lost patrol was a man already wanted in England for murder, a man whose burning dark eyes bored into Jim’s back every time it was turned, a man who had to kill the sergeant or die himself!
“The trouble with the records for the early Commando books is that the entries tend to be a bit cryptic,” notes Calum Laird, Commando Editor, of this re-presented tale. “Take the details for the names; usually it’s just a second name with an initial added only if there are two creators with the same surname.
Take the ‘de la Fuentes’, for example. There’s V de la Fuente, R de la Fuente and finally J de la Fuente. We know the first two are Victor and Ramon but we only think the last is José Luis as the work he’s known for is nothing like this.
“Not that it matters here as the work is as punchy as the hard-hitting Powell (no first name again) script. Classic Commando.”
Commando No 4821 – A Motley Crew
Story: George Low Art: Morahin Cover: Janek Matysiak
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/18th-june-2015-collection?issue=4821
In the lead-up to the hastily organised evacuation at Dunkirk, a disparate group of servicemen found themselves thrown together.
A Pay Corps clerk…
… an RAF policeman…
… and a Royal Navy Able Seaman…
… were joined by a shady civilian who was unsure whose side he was on, except his own.
They would have to combine their skills, intelligence and abilities if they were to live to fight another day.
Commando No 4822 – Full Speed East
Originally Commando No 1080 (November 1976), re-issued as No 2372 (May 1990)
Story: Mclean Art: Fleming Cover: Ian Kennedy
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/18th-june-2015-collection?issue=4822
THE MEN — Tough British sailors schooled in the traditions of Trafalgar. Lean, hard-fighting Americans spurred on by the memory of Pearl Harbour.
THE SHIPS — MTBs of the Royal Navy — four torpedo tubes, six guns, capable of 40 knots. Patrol Torpedo Boats of the US Navy — four tubes, five guns, a top speed of 45 knots.
THE OBJECTIVE — To close with the enemy…FAST!
“Character clash is at the heart of all fiction,” says Scott Montgomery, Deputy Editor. “Without it we simply would have no drama. This tough sea and jungle tale has that character clash in spades — British Royal Navy sailors face off against their US counterparts as they struggle to put aside their differences and fight the real enemy, the Imperial Japanese Navy. The tension builds gradually, unravelling like the coils of a giant snake…
“Oh, there is a giant snake in it as well. Just thought I should mention it.
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• There are more details of Commando on the official Commando website, the Commando Facebook page
• Commando Collections: Our Checklist
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Commando Digital Editions
- Available on the App Store for Apple devices
- Available on Comixology
- Available on Readly
- Android App on Google Play
- Available on Kindle
- Available as browser edition
- 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 - Current British Publishers, downthetubes Comics News
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