Zombies return to stalk Commando!

By John Freeman on October 28, 2020

Something wicked this way comes as Commando’s Hallowe’en specials crawl out from the crypt – and this set, on sale now, looks like something you might just want to bite into!

Not only have the team scared up a return of Zombie menace to the title’s pages, reprising the Commando vs Zombies theme from last year’s Hallowe’en Issue 5277; they’ve also summoned a demon – sorry, 2000AD writer Kek-W – to join their ranks! Surely the apocalypse can’t be far behind…

Commando issues 5379 – 5382 are available now from newsagents – and as digital editions.

Plus, don’t forget the 2021 Commando calendar is also out now – details below.

Commando 5379: Home of Heroes: Commandos vs Zombies 2
Story: Georgia Standen Battle | Art: Vicente Alcazar | Cover: Neil Roberts
• Buy the digital edition from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

They say you can’t keep a good man down — and these blokes just won’t die! The first of Commando’s creepy Hallowe’en sees the dead rise again in ‘Commandos vs Zombies 2’, the dreaded reanimated sequel to last year’s horror tale in Issue 5277!

Since the death of his best friend on his last raid in Norway, Commando Sergeant Leo Manktelow has been a haunted man, eaten up by guilt. But the past soon comes back to bite him as he ends up face to face with someone who should have really stayed dead!

With an eerie cover from Neil Roberts and frighteningly-good interior art from horror expert Vicente Alcazar, this Commando will have you hungry for more!

Commando 5380: Gold Collection: Black Squadron
Story: McOwan | Art: Gordon C Livingstone | Cover: Ken Barr
Originally Commando No. 281 (1967)
• Buy the digital edition from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

A classic gold-era Commando from 1967, ‘Black Squadron’ features some of the best Commando talent with amazing interiors from Gordon C Livingstone and an outstanding Ken Barr cover.

But let’s not leave out McOwan’s storytelling, which, we’re told, takes us on a trip like no other!

A case of mistaken identity is ten-fold when young Pilot Officer Jack Turner borrows his Squadron Leader’s aircraft and uses it to shoot down the dreaded leader of the Black Squadron — Major Von Dorn!

When the Black Squadron swear vengeance on the pilot in the spitfire with the emblem of the red mailed fist – you can bet there will be hell to pay!

Commando 5381: Action and Adventure: Operation Silver Bullets
Story: Kek-W | Art: Jaume Forns | Cover: Tom Foster
• Buy the digital edition from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

What beasts are hiding in the dark of Chateau Epouvantail? Nazis – yes – but also strange soldiers with fur, big ears and even bigger teeth!

These monstrous men can see in the dark, smell your blood from a mile away – and would give even the toughest Commando nightmares!

‘Operation Silver Bullets’ marks the return to Commando of 2000AD writer Kek-W, whose gruesome tale will have you shivering – while Tom Foster’s terrific cover will have you shrieking for more!

Commando 5382: Silver Collection: Castle of Darkness
Story: Feldwick | Art: Fleming | Cover: Ian Kennedy
Originally Commando No. 1642 (1982)
• Buy the digital edition from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

There’s nothing like a haunted castle in the middle of occupied Czechoslovakia to spice up a mission, but the British special service agents weren’t going to let a little ghost problem get in the way of saving a scientist from the monstrous Nazis!

But things get really weird when the castle turns out to be full of spectres – who are on their side!

With a story from Mary Feldwick – queen of kooky Commando stories – and excellent artwork from Fleming and Ian Kennedy, this is a comic that’ll haunt you if you miss it!

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

Commando Calendar 2021

From its very first cover in 1961, Commando has been well regarded for its stunning artwork with subjects spanning land, sea, and air!

This collection, celebrating the first 60 years of the title, covers features a mixture of pieces curated by Commando readers themselves, combined with some of the editorial team’s own favourites.

Included are 16 covers by some of the world’s greatest ever comic artists as well as a special double-spread of Commando’s first ever joint cover!

• Buy one calendar from the DC Thomson web shop for £7.99, two for £13.50, four for £23.50 or six for £30.00

• The Art of Ian Kennedy is available to order here on Amazon (Using this Affiliate Link helps support downthetubes, thank you)

The book showcases Ian’s fantastic array of work for not only DC Thomson Media but also his own personal collection.

The high spec 160-page art book includes both never before seen and classic covers, as well as illustrations from the DC Thomson archives, featuring titles as diverse as Lucky Charm and Buddy.

Set out chronologically, the book showcases Ian’s career at the famous Scottish publishing house, from his early days working on ‘Red-Skull Branson’ and ‘Commando Jim’ to his most recent covers and commissions for Commando

• The Art of Ian Kennedy is also available to order from DC Thomson direct

COMMANDO ISSUES 5379 – 5382 – FULL COVER GALLERY

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