Here’s the lowdown on the latest issues of Commando (Issues 4863-4866) — on sale from publishers DC Thomson from tomorrow, Thursday 19th November 2015.

Commando is available from all good newsagents, on subscription (and we have a special discount on offer, details below), and several digital platforms.

Commando No 4863 – Legacy Of The Eagles
Story: Ferg Handley Art: Keith Page Cover: Keith Page
Preview: http://www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/19th-november-2015-collection?issue=4863

While researching his family history for a book, Ryan Carrick found out that he was descended from a long line of warriors. During World War II, however, he was stuck in a reserved occupation but eventually found a way to join up.

From D-Day to the Battle of the Bulge, Ryan worked as a vehicle mechanic but also saw action. When two unscrupulous fellow soldiers discovered that their families could be disgraced if Ryan’s book were to be published, they set about trying to silence him. An age-old feud that had raged for centuries was about to end — once and for all.

“This saga began by Ferg Handley two years with the publication of “Eagles In Battle” (No 4655) in November 2013 — with 12 further instalments, including this, following after,” Notes Scott Montgomery, Commando’s Deputy Editor.

“As always, sincere thanks go to our comic creators. Ferg’s set of scripts were excellent and for one author to craft an ongoing story that began in Roman times and ends in the 20th Century was no mean feat. Thanks also to artist John Ridgway, who drew the first three stories, and, of course, to Keith Page for illustrating the rest. They all rose to the occasion.

“So, our century-striding, epic tale of three inter-linked, entirely fictional families has now reached its conclusion. This has been an ambitious project, something a little different for Commando but one that we hope you thought worthwhile. Enjoy the final chapter.”

Commando No 4864 – Desert Traitor
Originally Commando No 173 (July 1965)
Story: Bounds Art: Vasquez Cover: Scholler
Preview: http://www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/19th-november-2015-collection?issue=4864

Thundering across the desert wilderness came the savage band of Tuaregs-veiled warrior horsemen. Suddenly their mounts faltered, shied and pulled up, to stand trembling. Amazed, the Tuaregs cocked their rifles and looked around for signs of an enemy. Nothing! Then, from beyond a high ridge ahead came again the strange, unearthly sound that had frightened their mounts. A kind of music, it seemed to be.

They dismounted and crept over to the edge of the bowl-shaped depression. One by one their heads came up, until the hollow was ringed with them. Every Arab was pop-eyed at what he saw down there!

“This quirky classic from 1965 features a maverick Scottish captain, in charge of a tough team who specialise in hit-and-run raids,” notes Scott. “Sound familiar?

“No, this is not an unseen tale from half a century ago featuring our popular ‘Ramsey’s Raiders’ squad.

“Desert Traitor’s main protagonist, Captain Rory Maclean, may have some similarities to his fellow officer, Jimmy Ramsey, but these are genuinely coincidental, however surprising.

“So who knows, if such a thing as a parallel universe is ever discovered — perhaps its Commando readers are still enjoying the continuing adventures of “Rory’s Raiders”?

Commando No 4865 – Viktor’s War
Story: Steve Taylor Art: Jaume Forns Cover: Ian Kennedy
Preview: http://www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/19th-november-2015-collection?issue=4865

A proud Red Air Force pilot, Lieutenant Viktor Petrofsky flew his Yak-9 fighter above the skies of the Eastern Front, facing-off against the Luftwaffe and their deadly Focke-Wulf Fw190 aircraft.

However, soon disillusioned by his squadron’s harsh treatment at the hands of their feared NKVD political officers, and then shot down by the Germans, Viktor’s allegiances were thrown into serious doubt.

Now, technically a traitor, how would Viktor’s war end?

Commando No 4866 – No Way But Down
Originally Commando No 1052 (August 1976), re-issued as No 2387 (August 1990)
Story: Mclean Art: Gordon Livingstone Cover: Ian Kennedy
Preview: http://www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/19th-november-2015-collection?issue=4866

If you’re an army glider pilot. You’ve got a dodgy job — landing yourself and your troops in the teeth of anything the enemy throws at you.

Hazardous at the best of times, it’s grimly suicidal when thick flak is coming up, the exploding shells chucking your frail Horsa all over the sky.

If an unlucky burst cuts your tow-rope long before you reach your landing ground, there’s only one way to go — down…and fast!

“This story packs a real punch,” enthuses Scott, “with a fictional insight into the dangers of flying into battle as part of a glider squadron. No Way But Down is brimming with aerial action, vividly brought to life by veteran Commando interior artist Gordon Livingstone.

“Gordon’s good friend and fellow veteran artist, Ian Kennedy, provides a stunning, moody cover, featuring his trademark aeronautical illustration the likes of which has been so highly regarded by comics fans throughout a career that has spanned decades and continues to this day.

“Superb stuff.”

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• There are more details of Commando on the official Commando website, the Commando Facebook page

• Commando Collections: Our Checklist

Don’t Miss Out on our Exclusive Commando Subscription Offer!

If you’re looking for a gift for a British comics fan, downthetubes has an EXCLUSIVE discount on a subscription to DC Thomson’s Commando comic, simply by ordering through the DC Thomson Online Shop using our special discount code.

• Follow this dedicated link to DC Thomson’s Commando subscription page

If you follow the link above, the discount is automatically applied – you do NOT need to enter the old DTT “COMDT” promotional code. Ignore the discount field on the check out page, too.

• More information on our dedicated Commando Subscription Offer Page

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

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.

Categories: British Comics, British Comics - Current British Publishers, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News

Tags: Bounds, Comic Genres, Comics By Country, Commando, Commando, DC Thomson, downthetubes News, Ferg Handley, Gordon Livingstone, Ian Kennedy, Jaume Forns, Keith Page, Mclean, Scholler, Scott Montgomery, Steve Taylor, Vasquez, War Comics