Cold War Commando!

Here's the intel on the latest issues of Commando (Issues 5059-5062) from DC Thomson, on sale now in all good newsagents across the UK and various digital platforms. Expect Cold War espionage, Battle of Britain aerobatics, lost Napoleonic treasures and despicable acts of Nazi treachery in this week’s bundle!

Commando 5059: Home of Heroes: Target: ARMAGEDDON
Story | Iain McLaughlin | Art | Rodriguez & Morhain | Cover | Janek Matysiak

After Germany surrendered in 1945, many Nazis fled to South America, choosing to live out the rest of their days in peace, but one U-Boat captain, Heinrich Kessler, had other ideas. Disgusted by his government’s surrender, Kessler’s hate for western culture burned through the decades until he decided to strike back. He might not be able to destroy his enemies – but he would push them to destroy each other!

Now, in the heat of the Cold War, the Russian and American navies must work together if they are to defeat a greater evil that threatens the world…

Iain McLaughlin’s nautical narrative is filled with stunning seascapes from Rodriguez and Morhain, who detail the various warships and submarines that battle on and beneath the surface, carrying over from Janek Matysiak’s moody submarine cover. 

Commando 5060: Gold Collection: The Fighting Few

Story | Maitland | Art | Gordon C. Livingstone | Cover | Gordon C. Livingstone

Originally Commando No 386 (February 1969) Reprinted No 1123 (May 1977)

“No-one would deny that the Battle of Britain produced more heroes than any other action of the Second World War.”

A Golden Age classic, ‘The Fighting Few’ follows three pilots who formed one of the closest units the war had ever seen. Spending every minute to spare in the air, Flying Officer Gavin Roberts’ team was nigh on unstoppable. The only thing that held them back was Squadron Leader Connor, who, duplicitous and cowardly, took every chance he could to run away – even at the cost of another pilot’s life. So, facing Connor’s self-preservation and the relentless Luftwaffe, Gavin’s trio must train and fight harder if they are to survive and help Britain on the road to victory!

Bringing Maitland’s story to life, Gordon C. Livingstone provides the cover and interior artwork, making it easy to see why his designs are so beloved by comic fans.

Commando 5061: Action and Adventure: Fenshire Silver

Story | George Low | Art and Cover | Keith Page 

Uncovering a crate of silver finery from French soldiers in the Peninsula War, Fenshire Rifle Lieutenant Adrian Seacombe could not believe his luck, that is, until he perished on his return to British soil. But that silver would stay with the Seacombe line, eventually reaching his descendant who fought with the Fenshire Rifles regiment in the Second World War. But does this new Seacombe care more about the treasure than his men?

With art and cover design from Keith Page, George Low’s ‘Fenshire Silver’ is an adventure through the ages, from flintlock face-offs in Spain 1810, to the iconic Lee Enfields of World War Two.

5062: Silver Collection: Time to Pay!

Story | K. P. MacKenzie | Art | C. T. Rigby | Cover | Ian Kennedy 

Originally Commando No 2648 (March 1993)

Sent to join the Italians at the front, Strumbannfuhrer Gustav Braun was an evil and cowardly man. Panicking at the first sight of the action he had avoided so far, he ordered a unit of Italians shot down so he could steal their trucks and flee. But Captain Mario Celini would never forget this. Even after Italy surrendered, Mario joined the Allied fighters to push back the Nazis and maybe even get his revenge on Braun…

A different perspective on the war from K. P. MacKenzie, this ‘90s classic builds the perfect villain before introducing us to the heroes who will try to take him down. With beautiful depictions of the Italian countryside in C. T. Rigby’s artwork and a striking cover from Ian Kennedy, this is not one to miss!

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Don't Panic! It's All Change for Commando

It's all change for Commando as DC Thomson unveil the first set to feature new-style gatefold-out covers.

"Over the last two years we've been listening to our readers’ thoughts about Commando and working to make the comic the best we can for them," explains Calum Laird. "We started the Gold and Silver Collections, digging deep into our archive for the very best classic stories — because they asked us to — and these have proved to be winners.

"We started our By Special Request series to give all readers, even lapsed ones, a chance to nominate titles they wanted to see again — because they asked us to. Judging by the number of requests we get every week, they like this idea.

"We moved to better, cleaner, heavier papers to show off our artwork better — because they asked us to. Okay, they take up more space on the bookshelf but that better quality is worth the extra footage.

"Now, we've managed to go a step further with the first major change to the Commando format since 1961.

The issues released this week (in the UK — sorry, overseas readers, you’ll have to wait a little longer) we’ve added a bit extra to the back covers so that we can display our cover art just as in left the illustrators’ drawing boards. No lettering, no badges, no Commando label.

"Why? Because all the readers who have attended our recent exhibitions told us they really wanted to see it like that.

"There are more changes to come in the near future, ones that we know will go down well (because the readers have already told us that they will)," says Calum, "and that will give you more reasons to keep Commando at the top of your reading list."

For those concerned by any change, don't panic - Commando will be staying the same 68-page pocket-size helping of action and adventure. So prepare yourself to get down to the newsstand on the 6th June (Commando’s very own D-Day) and look out for the new issues with their yellow cover flashes...


Commando 4607 - S For Sniper
Story: Mac MacDonald Art: Keith Page Cover: Keith Page

Sniper. The very word struck fear into the hearts of many an infantryman. The thought that a calculating killer could be lying in wait, hidden from view and able to snuff out a life with a single shot, kept men awake at night.
 
Corporal Alec Knight was a sniper, a man of few words and a crack shot. But was he a cold-hearted killing machine? Between these covers is his story.

Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/6th-june-2013-collection?issue=4607

Commando 4608 - The Talisman
Story: Mike Knowles Art: Jaume Forns Cover: Janek Matysiak

Private Bill Watkins was one of the men who survived the retreat to Dunkirk. He put it down to one unusual incident - the sight of a young French lad spurring him on to reach the safety of an escaping ship when he had all-but given up.
  
Bill decided this youngster was his “Talisman” - his lucky mascot. But was it wise for him to think that a lucky mascot could get him safely through the war? Probably not… especially when he joined the SAS!

Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/6th-june-2013-collection?issue=4608

Commando 4609 - Big Guy
Originally Commando No 92 (November 1963)
Story: Eric Hebden Art: Castro Cover: Chaco

“Powerhouse” Jenkins was a born fighter. His only trouble was he didn't care who he fought. Germans and British alike crumpled before his massive fists, and this got him into a lot of hot water with the MPs.
 
When his regiment stormed up the French beaches on D-Day there was a song in Powerhouse's heart. For this was the biggest fight he'd ever been in and he was going to enjoy every minute of it.
 
But as things turned out Powerhouse was promoted to corporal for bravery on the field of battle. And according to his sergeant that meant he was a King's Corporal and couldn't be disciplined ever again…So it was that Powerhouse set out to enjoy himself in his own tough way.
 
What a guy!

“The earliest Commando stories are peppered with two-fisted characters whose answer to every problem was to wade in with punches flying in all directions,” notes editor Calum Laird of this re-presented tale. “This story from Eric Hebden is no exception but there's a twist. A twist based around something only an old soldier would know about. A soldier like Major Hebden. His touch of authenticity lifts the story right up.
 
“He's ably abetted by Castro whose strong black and white work captures the action beautifully. And what about Chaco's cover? Would you mess with that man?
 
“All in all, a lovely little package from the 1963 Commando team.”

Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/6th-june-2013-collection?issue=4609

Commando 4610 - After D-Day
Originally Commando No 2170 (March 1988), re-issued as Commando No 3628 (June 2003)
Story: Ken Gentry Art: Gordon Livingstone Cover: Jeff Bevan

Sergeant Jack Potter had been in the war from the start. A brave bloke, full of courage and common sense. His men knew they could trust him to see them right as they pushed their way forward into France.
 
Then suddenly all that changed. Jack seemed to have something on his mind, something that was more important than anything else - the safety of a man who was no use to anybody!

“Here's a solid tale of honour, betrayal and redemption from author Ken Gentry, illustrated to the usual high standard by one of Commando's most prolific interior artists -Gordon Livingstone,” enthuses Scott Montgomery. “As a young reader many years ago, I'd always admired Gordon's distinctive linework. Yet I never even knew his name until I joined the Commando staff decades later!
 
“Though retired, this superb artist still keeps in touch. When we opened the Gordon (what a coincidence!) Highlanders' wonderful Commando exhibition in summer 2012, Mr Livingstone was a guest of honour alongside fellow illustrator and good friend, Ian Kennedy.”

Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/6th-june-2013-collection?issue=4610

COMMANDO SUBSCRIPTION OFFER

downthetubes is pleased to offer a discount on a subscription to DC Thomson's Commando comic, entitling readers to save 50% by ordering using our special discount code!

Follow this link to DC Thomson's subscription page.
When prompted, enter this unique code COMDT - then make your payment and your subscription will be up and running. The price quoted offers a 50% discount for three months at £12.50. That’s £68.50 off the shop price.

Please note, although the offer is not restricted to UK delivery (you need a UK bank account), the price increases for overseas delivery although the offer of 50% discount for three months is the same.

* Saving based on discounted Direct Debit price compared with shop price. First quarterly payment discounted by 50% at £12.50 and £25 per quarter thereafter. UK bank accounts only. One year discounted subscription rate of £99.

Commando Cover Prelims - Aerial Warfare

The Commando team, as well as managing to publish 104 issues of the comic each year, have been using the official Commando Comics Facebook page to give some behind the scenes info on their titles. This includes some of the preliminary sketches for their covers.

Writer Mac MacDonald covers a wide range of war themes for Commando but these two issues both featured aerial warfare and were assigned to artist Carlos Pino who provided both the internal B&W line art and the colour covers. The first image featured here shows how the title of a given issue of Commando can change even at the last moment as Issue 4584 started off as "Pilot In Peril" before becoming "American Ace".

 

Issue 4584 American Ace

He stepped off a US freighter in Liverpool and walked straight to the nearest RAF recruiting office to join up. A natural pilot, he was at the controls of a British fighter in no time. As his score of victories mounted in the summer of 1940, his fellow pilots never dreamed he carried a secret - one that, if discovered, could be his death warrant!
Free preview of American Ace

Issue 4599 Operation Nachthexen
The German forces that invaded the Soviet Union had much to fear once the Russians' fightback got into its stride. For the Russians are fearsome warriors when roused. What the Germans feared more than anything was the night. For that was when the Nachthexen - the night witches - flew. Because, you see, when the Nachthexen flew, they carried death on their wings.
Free preview of Operation Nachthexen


• There are more details of Commando titles on their official website, www.commandocomics.com, and Facebook page.

COMMANDO SUBSCRIPTION OFFER

downthetubes is pleased to offer a discount on a subscription to DC Thomson's Commando comic, entitling readers to save 50% by ordering using our special discount code!

Follow this link to DC Thomson's subscription page.

When prompted, enter this unique code COMDT - then make your payment and your subscription will be up and running. The price quoted offers a 50% discount for three months at £12.50. That’s £68.50 off the shop price.

Please note, although the offer is not restricted to UK delivery (you need a UK bank account), the price increases for overseas delivery although the offer of 50% discount for three months is the same.

* Saving based on discounted Direct Debit price compared with shop price. First quarterly payment discounted by 50% at £12.50 and £25 per quarter thereafter. UK bank accounts only. One year discounted subscription rate of £99.

Commando Cover Prelims - Convict Commandos

The Commando team, as well as managing to publish 104 issues of the comic each year, have been using the official Commando Comics Facebook page to give some behind the scenes info on their titles. This includes some of the preliminary sketches for their covers.

One of Commando's current recurring sets of characters are the Convict Commandos, written by Alan Hebden and illustrated by Manuel Benet who does both the internal B&W line art and the colour cover art for the series. Here we have two of Benet's cover prelims, for Issue 4583 Dungeon Of Doom and Issue 4565 The Killing Cage, which show just what tight spots the Convict Commandos manage to get themselves into.

Issue 4583 Dungeon Of Doom
The four-man special force known as the Convict Commandos were in dangerous territory. They had entered neutral Spain illegally and were now deep within a castle which bristled with all sorts of perils - from Nazi interrogators to axe-wielding maniacs. This time even they had got in too deep!
Free preview of Dungeon Of Doom

Issue 4565 The Killing Cage
It was a straightforward assassination mission for the men of the Convict Commandos; the sort of job they had been sprung from jail to do without breaking a sweat. But this time they were up against an adversary who had a lot of experience of attempts on his life. He would make things very hot indeed for Major Guy Tenby's men...using a flamethrower!
Free preview of The Killing Cage


• There are more details of Commando titles on their official website, www.commandocomics.com, and Facebook page.

COMMANDO SUBSCRIPTION OFFER

downthetubes is pleased to offer a discount on a subscription to DC Thomson's Commando comic, entitling readers to save 50% by ordering using our special discount code!

Follow this link to DC Thomson's subscription page.

When prompted, enter this unique code COMDT - then make your payment and your subscription will be up and running. The price quoted offers a 50% discount for three months at £12.50. That’s £68.50 off the shop price.

Please note, although the offer is not restricted to UK delivery (you need a UK bank account), the price increases for overseas delivery although the offer of 50% discount for three months is the same.

* Saving based on discounted Direct Debit price compared with shop price. First quarterly payment discounted by 50% at £12.50 and £25 per quarter thereafter. UK bank accounts only. One year discounted subscription rate of £99.

More Big Commando Books From Prion

15 August 2013 will see Prion Books release four new Commando books, each reprinting six stories from the long running war comic, and bring the number of Commando reprint books released by Prion in 2013 to eight.

With painted covers by the likes of Ian Kennedy and Jordi Penalva, Marching To Glory features British Army stories, The Deadly Sea features Royal Navy stories, Heroes Fly High! features Royal Air Force stories, and finally Rampaging Raiders! features stories of Commando unit missions. Each feature a new introduction by Commando editor Calum Laird.

Unlike the previous three batches of Commando books from Prion which were 208 page paperbacks with three stories each, these titles echo the IPC War, Battle and Air Ace Picture Library titles that were published by Prion in 2010 as they are 400 page softcovers each reprinting six stories. This is the first time that Prion has released Commando titles in this 6 story format.

There are more details of all Prion's Commando titles on the Prion website.

Commando Editor Talks At Chalke Valley History Festival

Commando Editor Calum Laird is scheduled to give a talk at the Chalke Valley History Festival at Ebbesbourne Wake near Salisbury in Wiltshire. The talk entitled  “Achtung! Commando Comics” will take place at 1130 on Saturday 29 June 2013.

Calum will be discussing the history of the comic, the studio in Milan that provided many of the artists in the early years, and the quest for ensuring historical accuracy in all weapons, uniforms, aircraft and machinery. 

In addition he will be explaining how the comics are put together, discussing plots and artwork and also revealing exciting plans for the future.  Chalke Valley History Festival describes the talk with, “For anyone who loves their war stories told with gritty plots and tough-talking square-jawed heroes and with fabulous drawings to boot, this is an unmissable event.”

Tickets to the talk also include access to the Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival Airshow which takes place at 1430 at the same location on the same day and includes flying displays by various World War II military aircraft that Commando has featured over the years including the Supermarine  Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, North American P-51D Mustang, Fairey Swordfish and Messerschmitt Bf108  Taifun.

There are more details of the Festival and how to purchase tickets on the Chalke Valley History Festival website: www.cvhf.org.uk/programme/event/event-40-achtung-commando-comics

In the meantime the latest batch of Commandos are now in the shops...

Commando No 4603 - Scarecrow Squadron
Story: Norman Adams Art: Keith Page Cover: Keith Page

The de Havilland Tiger Moth was a reliable, if rather old-fashioned, aircraft used as a basic trainer for RAF pilots. Pilots like Charlie Chard who was only recently qualified when he and his comrades found themselves in the thick of the action against the German Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe.

He and his fellow fliers were known as "Scarecrow Squadron" - given the nickname because they were meant to chase away enemies flying over England's coast. A dicey job that, given that their planes were unarmed! Sitting in his open cockpit, Charlie wondered if any of them would survive…

• Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/23rd-may-2013-collection?issue=4603

Commando No 4604 - Bernie's Buccaneers
Story: Bill Styles Art: Vila Cover: Janek Matysiak

With four 1400-horsepower Packard-built Merlin engines powering them forward at close to 40 knots, the crew of MTB 989 felt like the raiders of old when they fired a broadside of torpedoes at enemy shipping.

Privately they called themselves "Bernie's Buccaneers" after their fearless, swash-buckling skipper. They always said would have followed him into the jaws of death…and one day they did just that!

• Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/23rd-may-2013-collection?issue=4604

Commando No 4605 - Target For Tonight
Originally Commando No 57 (February 1963)
Story: Eric Hebden Art: Roca Cover: Ken Barr

When crack British Commandos were ordered to fight alongside ace American Rangers in a double strike against an important target, it sparked off the bitter, blistering feud between them that made the "other" war look like a petty quarrel.

Here is the story of this war within a war; of Mike Travers and Red Dooley, who were tough enough to lead and control the best bunch of men that two great nations ever produced.

"The names of Eric Hebden and Ken Barr are well known to Commando fans - for their gripping stories and dynamic cover art respectively," notes Calum Laird of this represented tale. "Once again, they don't disappoint.

"This story of bitter, fist-fired rivalry is beautifully set up on the cover where the two main characters are pitched against one another… at daggers drawn, figuratively and literally.

"It's different with illustrator who provided the black-and-whites for the inside pages for Roca drew only one Commando book. 50 years on it's difficult to say why that would be but it certainly wasn't due to lack of quality. He imparts movement to the figures and uses a scatter of original compositions. Who knows what he might have made of subsequent commissions?"

• Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/23rd-may-2013-collection?issue=4605

Commando No 4606 - Lost In France
Originally Commando No 2162 (February 1988)
Story: Allan Chalmers Art: Nebot Cover: Ian Kennedy

Crash-landing a burning Blenheim bomber in occupied France would generally be reckoned pretty dangerous. And so it was, but compared to what fate still had in store for Harry Conway and his crew, that crash was a picnic!

"Veteran artist Ian Kennedy's stunning, dramatic depiction of a crash-landing Blenheim bomber would, quite rightly, make the reader imagine that they were in for a rollicking air story," says Scott Montgomery, Commando's deputy editor. "It certainly starts off as one but, unusually, this tale takes an intriguing detour into espionage territory, becoming more of a spy caper - which suits Nebot's almost cartoony art.

"It's a good thing when a few neat twists and turns can challenge readers' expectations."

• Preview: www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/23rd-may-2013-collection?issue=4606


• There are more details of Commando titles on their official website, www.commandocomics.com, and Facebook page.

COMMANDO SUBSCRIPTION OFFER

downthetubes is pleased to offer a discount on a subscription to DC Thomson's Commando comic, entitling readers to save 50% by ordering using our special discount code!

Follow this link to DC Thomson's subscription page.

When prompted, enter this unique code COMDT - then make your payment and your subscription will be up and running. The price quoted offers a 50% discount for three months at £12.50. That’s £68.50 off the shop price.

Please note, although the offer is not restricted to UK delivery (you need a UK bank account), the price increases for overseas delivery although the offer of 50% discount for three months is the same.

* Saving based on discounted Direct Debit price compared with shop price. First quarterly payment discounted by 50% at £12.50 and £25 per quarter thereafter. UK bank accounts only. One year discounted subscription rate of £99.

Latest Commandos feature first ever female lead for title

Art by Carlos Pino © and courtesy of DC Thomson

Here's details of the latest Commando war comics, on sale now in all good newsagents - and in a first for the title, Operation Nachthexen features their first-ever female lead character – the first part of a trilogy.

Based on the online preview the story echoes some of the themes first featured in Battle's Johnny Red and veteran creator Carlos Pino delivers a strip that certainly echoes the look of that classic tale - but the story soon takes its own course.

(Russia's Nachthexen have of course been a rich source of stories for other war comics, including issues of Garth Ennis much-praised Battlefields, released by US publisher Dynamite, reviewed here on Comic Book Daily).

Commando No 4599 – Operation Nachthexen
Story: Mac MacDonald Art: Carlos Pino Cover: Carlos Pino

The German forces that invaded the Soviet Union had much to fear once the Russians’ fightback got into its stride. For the Russians are fearsome warriors when roused.

But what the Germans feared more than anything was the night. For that was when the Nachthexen — the night witches — flew. Because, you see, when the Nachthexen flew, they carried death on their wings...

Art by Carlos Pino © and courtesy of DC Thomson

Nachthexen was the German nickname for the female military aviators of the Soviet Union Air Forces 588th Night Bomber Regiment, known later as the 46th "Taman" Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment. The regiment flew harassment bombing and precision bombing missions against the German military from 1942 to the end of the war, in nothing but wood and canvas Polikarpov Po-2 biplanes, a 1928 design intended for use as training aircraft and for crop-dusting.

At its largest size, the Regiment had 40 two-person crews and A Dance with Death: Soviet Airwomen in World War II notes they flew over 23,000 sorties and is said to have dropped 3,000 tons of bombs. The most highly-decorated female unit in the Soviet Air Force (and, indeed, one of the few female fighting forces during the war), each pilot had apparently flown over 1,000 missions by the end of the war and 30 of its members died in combat.

• Read a Preview on the official Commando web site

Commando No 4600 – Von Krieger’s Vendetta
Story: Bill Styles Art: Rezzonico Cover: Janek Matysiak

As the Germans rolled into Yugoslavia in 1941, with them came a particularly nasty Major by the name of Von Krieger. Arrogant and overbearing, he singled out one particular Yugoslav teenager as a particular target for his venom - Ancic Miro.

After an attempt on his life, he was determined to catch and kill Miro.

Ancic Miro, for his own part, was happy enough with that. After all, he had several personal reasons for meting out justice to Von Krieger...

The Axis invasion of Yugoslavia was another episode during World War 2 that proved catastrophic for the invaded as well as heroic rebellion from local partisans. The United States Holocaust Museum notes that more than 67,000 Jews were murdered on Yugoslav soil (including more than 3,500 Jews from other countries who had found refuge in Yugoslavia before the Axis invasion) between 1941 and 1945. Around 14,000 Jews survived, many by hiding with friends or neighbours or by joining the partisans. More than 4,500 Jews served in the partisan resistance movement; around 1,300 died in combat.

Approximately 27,000 Roma were also killed: the Ustasa, the Axis allies, killed about 20,000 at the Jasenovac camp system and perhaps as many as 6,000 more on the Croatian and Bosnian countryside. German military and police authorities shot most of the remainder, between 1,000 and 2,000, in Serbia.

After the war, many of the leaders of the German occupation authorities in Serbia were extradited to Communist-led Yugoslavia to stand trial.

• Read a Preview on the official Commando web site

Commando No 4601 – Rogue Bomber
Originally Commando No 88 (October 1963).
Story: Stainton Art: Sostres Cover: Ken Barr

R For Roger was her name... but the air-crews called her R for Rogue.

There was something sinister about this four-engined giant, something uncanny that made brave men shiver with fear when they had to fly in her. For every pilot who sat at her controls came back dead!

Night after night she sat there waiting… waiting for her next victim!

"It’s very hard to capture night scenes in black and white," feels editor Calum Laird, talking about this re-presented Commando tale. "With colour you can use deep blues to help define the scenes but with monochrome, objects and people are either there or they’re not.

"Our inside artist, Sostres, doesn’t have any problems with this though. His use of heavy blacks and broad, bold lines gives the impression of everything being seen in the darkness that bomber crews would have experienced in wartime skies.

“Add that to a brooding cover and a tale of a hoodoo plane — always a Commando favourite — and you have a 1963 winner."

• Read a Preview on the official Commando web site

Commando No 4602 – A Traitor In The Cockpit
Originally Commando No 2199 (July 1988), re-issued as No 3675 (December 2003)
Story: Ken Gentry Art: Gordon Livingstone Cover: Jeff Bevan

The roar of four mighty Merlin engines powering each Lancaster, the crump of flak bursting close to the planes, the rumble of bombs exploding far below — it was all in a night’s work for the bomber boys.

But for one Lancaster crew, on one particular night, things were going to be different — because their pilot intended to land at an enemy airfield and hand his aircraft and its secret equipment over to the enemy.

"It's been said that espionage stories are not ideally suited to Commando’s text-and-pictures format and to some extent this is true.,” notes deputy editor Scott Montgomery of A Traitor in the Cockpit. "Cloak-and-dagger antics usually require a great deal of thought balloons for characters to explain the twisty-turny plot.

"However, this book blows that theory out the (cockpit) window — because it’s a thrilling air espionage adventure tale that just never lets up, populated by plucky British spies, tough Resistance men and nasty Nazis. Fantastic stuff, we hope you agree."

• Read a Preview on the official Commando web site

• There are more details of Commando titles on their official website, www.commandocomics.com, and Facebook page.

COMMANDO SUBSCRIPTION OFFER

downthetubes is pleased to offer a discount on a subscription to DC Thomson's Commando comic, entitling readers to save 50% by ordering using our special discount code!

Follow this link to DC Thomson's subscription page.

When prompted, enter this unique code COMDT - then make your payment and your subscription will be up and running. The price quoted offers a 50% discount for three months at £12.50. That’s £68.50 off the shop price.

Please note, although the offer is not restricted to UK delivery (you need a UK bank account), the price increases for overseas delivery although the offer of 50% discount for three months is the same.

* Saving based on discounted Direct Debit price compared with shop price. First quarterly payment discounted by 50% at £12.50 and £25 per quarter thereafter. UK bank accounts only. One year discounted subscription rate of £99.

Convict Commandos back in action!

Here's the lowdown on the latest Commandos, on sale now in all good newsagents and on an increasing number of digital hoojimaflips! Good to see the Convict Commandos back, and that one of this round's reprint titles features art by Denis McLoughlin - always a treat.

Commando No 4595 - The Killing Cage
Story: Alan Hebden Art: Benet Cover: Benet

It was a straightforward assassination mission for the men of the Convict Commandos; the sort of job they had been sprung from jail to do without breaking a sweat.

But this time they were up against an adversary who had a lot of experience of attempts on his life. He would make things very hot indeed for Major Guy Tenby's men… using a flamethrower!

• Preview: www.commandocomics.com/collection/issue-4595-the-killing-cage

Commando No 4596 - Battle In The Desert
Story: Alex Woodrow Art: Olivera Cover: Janek Matysiak

Sergeant Jack McBride of the French Foreign Legion was on the track of the bandit who had stolen his unit's payroll. When he caught up with the theif, Amadou Bin Farzi, he intended to make him suffer for the crime by throwing him into a French jail.

He had no way of knowing that when he did capture the rogue he would set of a train of events that would end in Bin Farzi being the only man who could keep him alive. The question on Jack's mind then was, would he?

Preview: www.commandocomics.com/collection/issue-4596-battle-in-the-desert

Commando No 4597 - Fast Gun
Originally Commando No 85 (September 1963), re-issued as No 571 (August 1971).
Story: Clegg Art: Bielsa Cover: Ken Barr

Lieutenant "Duke" Callahan, Yankee, was new to the desert war. He was tough - but green.

Lieutenant Bruce Wilson, Britisher, had been fighting sun, sand and Germans for a long time. He had plenty of toughness too - but he knew how to use it.

These two would have made a great team together. That was the idea. But they took to hating each other's guts - and when that happened that big desert just wasn't big enough.

"In every Commando story it's a given that there's a war going on," notes editor Calum Laird of this re-presented story. "The other given is that's very unlikely to be the main conflict in the tale. Somewhere the characters will be at loggerheads; if they're on the same side and come to blows so much the better.

"Lurking behind Ken Barr's cover art is just such a story, well realised from a Clegg script in strong black-and-white by early regular Commando artist Bielsa. Some of his tank edges look sharp enough to cut you as you read. And reading is what you're supposed to do.

"So if you fancy a sparring contest in the desert, this is one for you."

• Preview: www.commandocomics.com/collection/issue-4597-fast-gun

Commando No 4598 - One Good Turn…
Originally Commando No 2191 (June 1988)
Story: Peter Mackenzie Art: Denis McLoughlin Cover: Jeff Bevan

They had captured a German Colonel! Quite a good day's work, was that. But in doing it they had also saved him from being murdered by a bunch of brigands, and although they didn't know it at the time it was going to save their own skins pretty soon.

"An intriguing tale, this," feels deputy editor Scott Montgomery. "One where we have some fairly standard Commando heroes and villains but, as the story unfolds and we get to know them, we discover that not every character behaves in the way that we may have expected them to.

"That's a sign of some good writing… and sub-editing. If done properly, editing should be the "invisible" part of a comic strip - something that the reader really should never have to think about. Years ago, as a youngster reading comics, I used to think that they arrived fully formed on newsagent shelves as if by magic every week - hopefully some of you still feel the same way. "

• Preview: www.commandocomics.com/collection/issue-4598-one-good-turn

• There are more details of Commando titles on their official website, www.commandocomics.com, and Facebook page.

COMMANDO SUBSCRIPTION OFFER

downthetubes is pleased to offer a discount on a subscription to DC Thomson's Commando comic, entitling readers to save 50% by ordering using our special discount code!

Follow this link to DC Thomson's subscription page.

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Please note, although the offer is not restricted to UK delivery (you need a UK bank account), the price increases for overseas delivery although the offer of 50% discount for three months is the same.

*Saving based on discounted Direct Debit price compared with shop price. First quarterly payment discounted by 50% at £12.50 and £25 per quarter thereafter. UK bank accounts only. One year discounted subscription rate of £99.