Commando issues 5599 – 5602 are out this week from DC Thomson Media, featuring a Native American hero, fighting and flying frogmen, alongside two sets of rag-tag groups hellbent on mischief.
This set sees Italian artist Salvatore Pezone makes his Commando debut on interior art on No. 5599, with a stunning cover by Mark Eastbrook. Alongside his comics work for Italian publisher Sergio Bonelli and French publisher Zephyr, and, previously, art for IPC, making his debut back in 1967, Salavatore is one of the teachers at Scuola del Fumetto in Treviso.
Commando 5599 – Home of Heroes: The Last War Chief
Story: Hailey Austin | Art: Salvatore Pezone | Cover: Mark Eastbrook
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Paul Yellowtail had to complete four ‘coups’ if he was to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and become a war chief:
- Lead a war party into battle
- Sneak into an enemy camp and steal a horse
- Take away an enemy’s weapon
- Touch an enemy without being harmed
These are no easy feats — but to do them in the Rhineland, while Jerry is fighting tooth and nail to protect his homeland? Well, let’s say Paul has a long way to go before he can call himself a war chief!
Inspired by the experiences of Joe Medicine Crow during World War Two, this is one of – if not Commando’s first Native American hero, written by Hailey Austin.
Commando 5600 – Gold Collection: Flying Frogman
Story: Gerry Finley-Day | Art: Victor Fuente | Cover: Penalva
Originally Commando No. 482 (1970)
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Frogman? FLYING?! That’s right! These blokes were experts in underwater sabotage but were given training —as parachutists. Now they can fly in at the dead of night, release their ‘chutes as they hit the water, and then go about their silent deeds of destruction!
This is a rip-roaring classic Commando from 1970, featuring Finley-Day’s fighting men and their underwater battles brought to life by V Fuente. Topped off with a moody cover by Jordi Penalva, well – you’d fly off the handle if you missed this one!
Commando 5601 – Action and Adventure: Monty’s Marauders
Story: Ferg Handley | Art and Cover: Carlos Pino
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Before there was Ramsey’s Raiders, there was Monty’s Marauders —a gang of rough, tough, fighting men in the trenches of the First World War! This special raiding group was handpicked by Aubrey Monteith, uncle of Ramsey’s driver, Monty — and together they went marauding wherever they could! The Kaiser’s men better keep one eye open when this lot is about!
From the writer of Ramsey’s Raiders, Ferg Handley, comes this brand-new series of rough-and-ready men who’ll do anything to win! Carlos Pino does what he does best on interior and cover art, proving he is and always will be a master of the medium!
Commando 5602 – Silver Collection: Barmy’s Private Army
Story: RA Montague | Art: Ruiz | Cover: Ian Kennedy
Originally Commando No. 1360 (1979)
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Madder than a box of frogs or a bag of cats, this one is! Major “Barmy” Brooke had an uncanny knack for living up to his nickname. His strike force was a bit of a joke and to be transferred to it was a fate worse than death. Anyone actually volunteering was thought to be as crazy as its CO. But that’s just what Lieutenant Doug Bradley did. The young officer’s ambition was to command a desert group, and even the sight of Barmy’s scruffy crew couldn’t put him off!
This charming romp of a comic is written by prolific Commando writer, RA Montague, with art from Ruiz and Ian Kennedy! What’s not to like?!
• Commando Comics is online at www.commandocomics.com | DC Thomson – Subscriptions | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Commando Comics on AmazonUK
If you’re looking for a Commando-related gift for Christmas, don’t forget this year’s calendar, offering a collection of covers featuring a mixture of pieces curated by the title’s designer, Grant Wood, focusing on aviation covers from the modern era of the comic. Included are 16 covers from some of the world’s greatest ever comic artists as well as a special pull-out poster.
• The Commando Calendar 2023 is available from the DC Thomson Store | Buy it from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)
Commando 5599 – 5602 Cover Gallery
• Commando Comics is online at www.commandocomics.com | DC Thomson – Subscriptions | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Commando Comics 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, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
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