Fleet Air Arm feuds, sulking Superfortress pilots, spooky spectres and sneaky sailors all abound in this set of Commando comics from DC Thomson (Issues 5607 – 5610), out on Thursday in newsagents, and available digitally now. Plus, a new artist, Estève Polls, comes on board the title.

Commando 5607: Home of Heroes: Combat Air Patrol
Story: Steve Taylor | Art: Estève Polls | Cover: Keith Burns 
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Tony Heywood is a talented pilot in the Fleet Air Arm with a feisty attitude — just what his team needs in their air battles against the Japanese. But when observer Bill Downey bails out after Heywood’s heroics get them shot down, Walrus skipper Roddy Baxter fails to pick him up before he runs out of fuel. As Heywood blames Baxter for his friend’s unfortunate death, the pair find themselves fated to work together against Japan’s most deadly special attack force.

This stellar issue marks Esteve Poll’s first of many Commandos as artist. Having worked on several prestigious titles from Edifumetti, Planet, Marvel France to Disney Europe, as well as “Mega City Noir” (2004) for Judge Dredd Magazine, Commando proudly welcomes Polls to the ranks.

Commando 5608: Gold Collection: Superfort
Story: Alan Hebden | Art: Maidagan | Cover: John Ridgway 
Originally Commando No. 1033 (1976)
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The B-29 Superfortress was the heaviest aircraft of the Second World War. It was designed for high-altitude bombing and it carried a crew of a dozen men. So what the heck was this one doing dodging around over an enemy airfield at zero feet with only a couple of blokes on board? Well, this wasn’t just any old B-29, this was ‘China Rose’ herself!

Selected by special request from Commando fans, it’s easy to see why this is a readers’ favourite from the ages. A terrifically gritty story quintessential of Alan Hebden, with crisp interiors from Maidagan and an striking cover from John Ridgway, this is not an issue to be missed!

Commando 5609: Action and Adventure: Finnegan’s Ghost 
Story: Brent Towns | Art: Jaume Forns | Cover: Neil Roberts 
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Sergeant Michael Finnegan was a veteran of the desert war, he and his crew forged in the flames of the scorching sun. But on D-Day +7, his life was shattered as his crew was ruthlessly gunned down by an enemy Panzer while climbing out of their disabled Sherman Firefly tank.

And yet… whispers spread about a ghost wandering the battlefield, as time and time again Finnegan was spotted, hellbent on revenge, searching for the tank that had killed him!

A supernatural story from Brent Towns — or is it? The mystery of Sergeant Michael Finnegan comes to life in Jaume Forns’ artwork and Neil Roberts’ eerie cover. 

Commando 5610: Silver Collection: Into the Attack 
Story: RA Montague | Art: Gordon C Livingstone | Cover: Jeff Bevan 
Originally Commando No. 1549 (1981)
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Commanded by Lieutenant Terry Horton, the sleek motor torpedo boat sped into the attack, guns blazing and torpedoes ready to launch at the German convoy ahead.

But he didn’t just have the enemy to contend with, for in this crack flotilla there was another skipper who was doing his best to blacken Terry’s name — and if he didn’t do something about it his career would soon be over!

More stunning artwork from Gordon C Livingstone, and who else on naval cover duty but the maritime master, Jeff Bevan, all contributing to RA Montague’s classic Silver Age story.

• Commando Comics is online at www.commandocomics.com | DC Thomson – Subscriptions | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Commando Comics on AmazonUK

• Look out for new Heritage Comics and Commando Presents digital releases on the final Wednesday of every month – check out the Commando Presents Series Page on AmazonUK

This year’s Commando Calendar offers 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 5607 – 5610 Cover Gallery

• Commando Comics is online at www.commandocomics.com | DC Thomson – Subscriptions | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Commando Comics on AmazonUK

• Look out for new Heritage Comics and Commando Presents digital releases on the final Wednesday of every month – check out the Commando Presents Series Page on AmazonUK

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, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News

Tags: Alan Hebden, Brent Towns, Commando Comics, DC Thomson, downthetubes News, Estève Polls, Gordon C Livingstone, Jaume Forns, Jeff Bevan, John Ridgway, Keith Burns, Maidagan, Neil Roberts, RA Montague, Steve Taylor, War Comics