Battling Britons Issue Two was released recently, but I’ve only now had a chance to take a look at this latest issue of Justin Marriott’s latest look at British war comics, which kicked off with a superb and weighty book, published last year, reviewed here.

This new title in the ongoing series offers 138 pages of reviews, interviews and articles on vintage British war and adventure stories, alongside interviews with creators Ron Tiner, Gary Martin Dobbs and the Treasury of British Comics team – and it’s absolutely brilliant.

We’re also treated to articles on Battle Picture Weekly in Burma, the Falklands War in Commando, “V for Vengeance” and “Charley’s War”; columns on historical adventure comics, eccentric comics and aerial war comics; plus reviews of the latest Commando comics and classic Fleetway pocket books.

British war comics may be of niche interest, distance from the two appalling global conflicts that drive the genre in the 1960s and 70s growing ever wider, but there’s no doubting that interest is a very passionate one. That’s reflected in the range of contributions to this latest edition of Battling Britons, which range from publisher Justin Marriott’s gentle account of tracking down old comics in Sussex to absolutely terrific interviews with artist Ron Tiner, focusing on his war comics work.

Plus, if you’ve ever wondered about how Commando comics are put together, then the interview with writer Gary Dobbs is an absolute must read.

A title that harks back to the very best of British comic fanzines of yesteryear in styling, Battling Britons is very definitely an indispensable guide for British war comics fans. Recommended.

• The original “Battling Britons” book and both issues of the ongoing Battling Britons are available via AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

Justin Marriott is the editor and publisher of Battling Britons, who also publishes titles such as Paperback Fanatic, Men of Violence, Hot Lead and The Sleazy Reader.

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, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features, Reviews

Tags: Battle Picture Weekly, Battling Britons, Commando, downthetubes News, Gary Dobbs, Justin Marriott, Keith Richardson, Ron Tiner, Treasury of British Comics, War Comics