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Traitors in the ranks and treachery at sea, in latest Commando comics

By John Freeman on January 30, 2024

There’s globetrotting action and adventure in Commando Issues 5719-5722 — on sale from Thursday 1st February, 2024 from DC Thomson. This set of four wartime adventures leads with a cracking tale of concentration camp deceit in “The Spy of Sweslik Castle” from writer Rossa McPhillips, complemented by great art from longtime Commando legend Vicente Alcazar – well worth a look, an issue that sees the debut of Marco Bianchini as cover artist on the title.

A cover rough for Commando 5719 by Marco Bianchini — *Cover roughs for Commando 5719 by Marco Bianchini*

Marco Bianchini should be a familiar name to some downthetubes readers, perhaps for his recent work for French publishers Glenat and Delcourt. Inspired mainly by American comic artists such as Burne Hogarth and Alex Raymond when he began working in illustration in the late 1970s, initially in advertising. He began creating science fiction illustrations for the magazines Dimensione Cosmica, Fanzine, and for Edizioni Fanucci in 1980, and covers for magazines such as Canada’s Solaris and America’s Science Fiction Review. That same year, he made his debut in the comics with the Edifumetto, while continuing his work in advertising.

Art by Marco Bianchini — *Marco Bianchini, and some of his work*

Marco Bianchini, artist — *Marco Bianchini, and some of his work*

His many credits include “Kerry the Trapper”, written by Tiziano Sclavi for Araldo Editions (1982), collected in two volumes in 2008; “Captain Gemma” for Fox Trott magazine (1984); the “Mister No” series for the Cepim (today, Sergio Bonelli Editore), in 1985. He continued to draw these stories until the character closed in 2005. He also drew a “Tex” story for the eponymous magazine (1985), and has drrew four “Termite Bianca” albums, a series launched in 2004, released simultaneously in Italy and in France.

In 1992, Bianchini founded the Tuscan branch of the International School of Comics in Florence which he left in 2017 to found the SIGN Academy, well known for its art training.

You can find more information on his long and highly regarded career on the Aviation Art website, and check out his portfolio on Art Station.

This set also sees the return of newcomer Alejandro Perez Mesa, delivering the art for Commando 5721: “Roll Depth Charges!”, written by Brent Towns. Another Royal Australian Navy yarn, the title is a bit misleading – the story’s more about knocking a disorderly crew into shape, but Mesa makes a good job of the battle scenes throughout, and we have a great cover by Neil Roberts to savour, too.

*Cover rough by Neil Roberts for Commando No. 5721*

The two represented tales in this set have everything you’d want in a classic Commando: “Arctic Ace” delivers an eye-catching Ian Kennedy cover, with a snappy story from RA Montague and outstanding Jose Maria Jorge interiors, while “Behind Enemy Lines” offers a masterclass in Commando script writing from an uncredited “Staff” author, first published back in 1981, as British soldiers urgently try to discover the identity of a spy in their the ranks, before he destroys this vital mission…

Commando 5719: Home of Heroes: The Spy of Sweslik Castle
Story: Rossa McPhillips | Art: Vicente Alcazar | Cover: Marco Bianchini

In the Bavarian mountains perched Sweslik castle. In times past, the castle had been a monastery, but in 1943 it was an impregnable fortress which housed Allied prisoners of war. Its German guards claimed that any and all escape was impossible, and they were determined to keep it that way. For there was a spy among the POWs imprisoned at Sweslik Castle… and no-one would escape until he was exposed!

Commando 5720: Gold Collection: Arctic Ace
Story: RA Montague | Art: Jose Maria Jorge | Cover | Ian Kennedy
First Published 1970 as Issue 510

The Fairey Swordfish wasn’t much to look at. Not many men would have chosen to risk their lives in these slow, obsolete kites that looked as if a sparrow could knock them out of the sky. But the Swordfish could carry a torpedo — evil, menacing, packed with high-explosive. And with an ace like Sub Lieutenant Duncan Payne at the controls, the Swordfish could even become a match for a mighty German cruiser…

Commando 5721: Action and Adventure: Roll Depth Charges!
Story: Brent Towns | Art: Alejandro Perez Mesa | Cover: Neil Roberts

The HMAS Hibiscus had to be the worst Bathurst-class Corvette in the whole Royal Australian Navy. Its crew was slow and lacked discipline, and its officers weren’t much better. But they were in for a shock, for Commander Bill Turner had been sent in to straighten them out — and he didn’t care how many backs he had to break to do it!

Commando 5722: Silver Collection: Behind Enemy Lines
Story: Staff | Art: Ruiz| Cover: CG Walker
First Published 1981 as Issue 1552

How do invasions begin? Most people reckon they begin with a naval bombardment, massive air raids and soldiers wading ashore onto shell-torn beaches.

But the truth is that before these things happen there are certain people — heroes — risking their lives behind enemy lines, secretly paving the way for the armies that will follow them…

• If there’s a past Commando comic you would like to see reprinted, contact the team via generalenquiries@commandomag.com

Commando Issues 5719 – 5722 Cover Gallery

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.