Into Battle: The Art of British War Comics has opened to visitors at York Army Museum, and will run there until 17th November 2024.
Previously at the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, the exhibition offers visitors a chance to explore the history of British war comics through the archives of classic comic titles such as the now Rebellion Publishing-owned War Picture Library and Battle Action.
Still popular today, as downthetubes readers well know, Britain has been publishing comics continuously for over 130 years. During that time, conflict has remained a staple of comic book storytelling and by the 1960s and 1970s war stories were the most popular genre.
The exhibition, featuring original comic artwork on public display for the first time, tells the story of war comics decade by decade. From satirical comic strips and patriotic illustrated story papers of 19th Century and early 20th Century, to the revolutionary comics of the 1970s, which presented much more gritty, authentic and emotionally-charged stories.
Long-time readers of comics will be given a nostalgic look back at some of their favourites, while younger and more recent fans will gain an insight into how their favourite medium has developed over the years.
Drawing on Rebellion’s extensive archives, the exhibition features artwork from the very best of British comics – taking in spectacular covers and action-packed panels from the War Picture Library, Battle Picture Weekly and Battle Action.
Battle Action, which Rebellion have recently revived with the work of renowned comic writers and artists such as Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys), Keith Burns (Commando Comics, “Johnny Red”) and Dan Abnett (Warhammer 40k, Marvel Comics) features heavily throughout. The comic, which was known as Battle Picture Weekly before merging with Action in 1977, notably featured the series “Charley’s Waru” by Pat Mills and Joe Colquhoun – regarded as one of the greatest British war comics of all time.
Following its working-class hero from underage recruit in 1914 through almost every major event of the war, the strip sees Charley lose friends in battle, portraying the human cost of war through the eyes of an ordinary soldier.
The incredible artwork on display includes original 1983 “Charley’s War” panels by Mills and Colquhoun, alongside full colour original artwork from Jordi Penalva (“Bulldog Breed”, 1965), Giorgio de Gaspari (“Spy 13 and the Phoney Invasion”, 1959) and Graham Cotton (“Gun Duel”, 1967).
Alongside much to capture the interest and imagination of adults, the exhibition will offer younger visitors the chance to discover how comics are made and have a go at creating comics themselves.
The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum and Oxford-based Rebellion, publisher of comics series such as 2000AD, Roy of the Rovers and Battle Action.
Created eight years ago thanks to a £900,000 National Lottery grant, the award-winning York Army Museum delivers a unique experience in the heart of York, telling the story of the Yorkshire soldier, from 1685 to the present day.
A transformational redevelopment of a former Territorial drill hall allows the museum to display the collections of two of Yorkshire’s historic, and still active, regiments: The Royal Dragoon Guards and The Royal Yorkshire Regiment.
The museum is designed to attract all ages, with a versatile, accessible contemporary exhibition and events space. The high quality of the new museum’s design led to the designers, Studio MB winning the exhibition category of the Scottish Design Awards.
• Into Battle: The Art of British War Comics, runs until 17th November 2024 | Open Monday – Saturday 10.00am – 5.00pm, Closed Sundays | York Army Museum, 3 Tower Street, York YO1 9SB | Web: yorkarmymuseum.co.uk | Exhibition Page
• Read James Bacon’s review of Into Battle exhibition at Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum
• Check out our authorised “Charley’s War” Micro Site
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, Comic Art, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions
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