Dungeons, Air Aces and Phantoms - It's your latest Commandos!

Four new Commando comics went on sale today in all good newsagents - and actually, their distributions seems to be improving, as we've spotted them in several new places recently. Here's the low down on the stories…

Commando No 4583: Dungeon Of Doom
Story: Alan Hebden Art: Benet Cover: Benet

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!

• Preview: http://www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/14th-march-2013-collection?issue=4583

Commando No 4584: American Ace
Story: Mac MacDonald  Art and Cover: Carlos Pino

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!

• Preview: http://www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/14th-march-2013-collection?issue=4584

Commando No 4585: Phantom Sergeant
Originally Commando No 81 (August 1963)
Story: Elliot Art: Cueto Cover: Alvaro

He moved like a shadow, a ghostly-quiet shape that flitted through the Burmese jungle wherever there was a Japanese soldier to be hunted, an invading enemy to be destroyed.

Many of those men did see the Phantom Sergeant, but if they did that was the last thing they ever saw…

"It's a Commando tradition that we make our stories as authentic and accurate as we possibly can," notes editor Calum Laird of this re-presented tale, "so it's probably best to admit straight away the aircraft in this tale are not quite up to the mark. Don't let that put you off, though, the tale is otherwise well drawn and the cover is particularly fine.

"The tale itself is particularly hard - especially on the Japanese. There's little sympathy for any of them in the story, written less than 20 years after the war finished.

"Still, it's a fine adventure and one I hope you'll enjoy."

• Preview: http://www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/14th-march-2013-collection?issue=4585

Commando No 4586 - Heading For Trouble
Originally Commando No 2151 (January 1988), re-issued as No 3579 (December 2002)
Story: Allan Chalmers Art: Ibanez Cover: Ian Kennedy

During the Second World War most officers fought gallantly alongside their men. But a few - like a certain Lieutenant Fairfax - were cowardly, incompetent and more likely to endanger their own troops than the enemy.

You can bet that any man serving under Fairfax would very soon be - heading for trouble...

"All Commando stories send the characters on a journey - whether physically, emotionally or metaphorically," notes Deputy Editor Scott Montgomery of this story, "and on many occasions this involves the journey from villain or anti-hero to hero. Heading For Trouble neatly turns this notion on its head, however. Sergeant Ian Cheam starts out as an instant, reliable Commando hero but soon his path leads towards that of a cynical anti-hero. Where will his journey end…?"

• Preview: http://www.commandocomics.com/latest-issues/14th-march-2013-collection?issue=4586

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

COMMANDO SUBSCRIPTION OFFER

downthetubes ispleased to offer an exclusive 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.

Pigeons, Phantoms and Piracy - all in new Commandos!

Attention! Due to enemy sabotage, news of the latest Commando comics was temporarily lost in action, but we're pleased to announce, now, the latest issues on sale in all good newsagents.

Proceed immediately to your high street, corner shop or iPad and purchase! That is all.

Commando No 4547 – The Pigeon Patrol
Story: Mac MacDonald Art: Keith Page Cover: Keith Page

As the First World War raged around him, Lieutenant Kenny Dean cast his eyes skywards at the sound of any aero engine. The one thing he really wanted to do was to get into the air, but he would have settled for anything to do with flying.

So he should have been happy when his CO posted him to a flying unit? Shouldn’t he? Maybe not, for The Pigeon Patrol was not quite what he had in mind...

Commando No 4548 – Grand Slam!
Story: Alan Hebden Art: Carlos Pino Cover: Carlos Pino


In 1995 an English historian discovered a mystery that had been hushed up for fifty years – with hidden airfields, commando raids, and deadly dogfights over the Himalayas. And, ultimately, there was a daring mission involving Lancaster B1 Specials carrying lethal, ton-ten Grand Slam bombs – the biggest and most powerful of World War II.

It certainly is an amazing tale. One that has remained top secret… until now.

Commando No 4549 – Phantom Fighters
Originally Commando No 46 (September 1962)
Story: Peter Ford Art: Peter Ford Cover: Ken Barr

Out of the sun the Hurricanes roared down on the Luftwaffe’s unsuspecting squadrons like eagles upon their prey. All over the Western Desert they struck – airfields, convoys, enemy fighter patrols – no German was safe. They swooped, fought and killed – only to disappear, flitting away at zero feet among the sand dunes, vanishing from the sight of men like ghost planes.

Terror reigned in German hearts whenever the high-pitched scream of power dives warned of the coming of the… Phantom Fighters!

"A lot of the early Commando stories were set in the jungle of in the Western Desert," notes comic editor Calum Laird, "like this one.

"What the two settings have in common is that the men at the centre of the stories are away from any real command structures so they can behave like pirates, wreaking havoc on their enemies.

"Peter Ford – the artist and the author – takes full advantage of the set-up and adds spice by throwing a potential traitor into the mix of flying action.

"You wouldn’t have guessed that from Ken Barr’s breakneck cover, but you’ll enjoy it just the same."

Commando No 4550 – Skull And Crossbones
Originally Commando No 2127 (October 1987)
Story: Bernard Gregg Art: Ibanez Cover: Jeff Bevan

Most U-boat captains were honourable men, but not this one. As his submarine pulled away from the burning hulk of the British ship he broke one of the rules of warfare – he machine-gunned the defenceless men in the water.

Those sailors who survived would never forget the emblem on the side of that U-boat…a red shield with a skull and crossbones.

"When we first see our hero, engineer extraordinaire Charlie Shepherd, we can almost feel the oily claustrophobia of his ship’s engine room – Ibanez’s inks are as thick and black as the very oil that powers the vessel," notes Commando deputy editor Scott Montgomery.

"It’s a tough seafaring tale, this one. However, thanks to author Bernard Gregg, the sadistic cruelty of the main Nazi villain is neatly balanced by the appearance of a humane German E-boat officer, giving the story – which cleverly changes tack two thirds of the way through – even more depth (pun intended, apologies).

• downthetubes is pleased to offer an exclusive 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!

• Official Commando web site: http://www.commandocomics.com/

• Commando Official Facebook page

• Click here for subscription information or write to: D.C. Thomson & Co Ltd, The Subscribers Department, Commando Library, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL or Freephone (UK only) 0800 318846

• Commando is also available for iPad and iPhone. The apps are free to download through the Apple iTunes App Store and a digital subscription is priced at £4.99 per month, compared to a £99 annual print subscription. For those not sure there are four free issues to download prior to making a purchase.

• Commando Comics iPhone App on iTunes

• Steadfast! the Commando artwork exhibition at The Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen runs until 30th November 2012. There are more details about the exhibition on the museum website.

Commando Classics out this week - by Special Request of loyal readers

Four new Commandos go on sale tomorrow (Thursday) - a quartet chosen by readers as their best-remembered stories.

"There were more than these 'By Special Request' suggested (far more!)," editor Calum Laird tells us, "but these came up again and again so they made the grade.

"We have the chance to do this again early next year so we’ll carry over the other suggestions and throw the floor open once again."

Commando No 4431: Legend of the Longbow
Originally Commando No 1354 (September 1979)
Story: Mary Feldwick Art: Ibanez Cover: Ian Kennedy

It is said that if the British troops at Waterloo had used longbows instead of muskets they would have won the battle far more quickly. In the hands of an expert the longbow is a fearful weapon with its accuracy, range and rate of fire. And it is almost completely silent.
Tim Rollins was an expert, and he passed his knowledge on to his secret group of French Resistance fighters. From now on, not one of the enemy soldiers in his area of France could ever feel safe.

"When I decided to ask Commando’s readers to choose some favourite titles for another airing I wasn’t sure what reaction I’d get," notes Calum in his introduction for this Special Issue. "Would they be interested in the idea, were our stories lodged in their heads and, if they were, would they know their names?

"I was not disappointed, though, they came up trumps. Not only did they know all the details they were only too keen to help. In fact there were so many suggestions that we’ll have to do this again.

"This story was suggested over and over, so it must have caught the imagination. I wonder how many of you knew it was written by Mary Feldwick, one of our handful of lady contributors? No doubt you recognised Ian Kennedy’s cover artwork, but did you know it was one of his personal favourites.

"With inside art by Ibanez, it is obviously a tale to remember."

Commando No 4432: V for Valour
Originally Commando No 672 (August 1972), re-issued as No 1828 (September 1984)
Script: Cyril Walker Art: Gordon Livingstone Cover: Jordi Penalva

All over occupied Norway the sign appeared — a big letter “V” hurriedly painted on buildings, walls… even on German vehicles! To the watching world V stood for victory — the eventual destruction of the Nazis and all they stood for. But to those who knew how often the Norwegian patriots risked imprisonment, torture, even death, V had another meaning…

"This classic tale of two very different brothers was a popular request," says Calum. "Maybe it was Gordon Livingstone’s dynamic inside art or the dramatic tension of Penalva’s menacing cover. Or perhaps Cyril Walker’s well-spun plot. Whatever the reason, I enjoyed reading it again and I hope you will too."

Commando No 4433: Boss of the Barbary Apes
Originally Commando No 568 (July 1971)
Script: Eric Hebden Art: Cam Kennedy Cover: Ian Kennedy

Since 1713 the mighty Rock of Gibraltar has been British, a massive stone fortress guarding the Mediterranean. But in World War Two, the Nazis had plans for capturing the Rock and knocking out the garrison by using deadly nerve gas.
And all that stood in the way of the Germans was one lance-corporal and one small Barbary ape.

"I was surprised that this title cropped up so often as animal stories aren’t Commando’s most popular line," Calum reveals. "However, with a colourful story by Eric Hebden, an even more colourful cover by Ian Kennedy and inside artwork by Cam Kennedy, it’s easy to see why it was a winner."

Commando No 4434: Never Give In
Originally Commando No 654 (June 1972)
Script: Eric Hebden Art: Franch Cover: Jordi Penalva

Hungry, cold and desperate, Bert Rankin crept forward. The thunder of the tropical storm covered the sound of his careful footsteps. Any second now he would strike the first blow in his mission to wrest Mindos Island back from the Japs. For Mindos was his island. He would never let them keep it. He would never give in…

"In all our readers’ suggestions, several creators’ names popped up over and over, showing how well they’d fired their imaginations." notes Calum. "Jordi Penalva, whose dynamic cover this brings menace and movement to a static picture in a way that was all his own. With a story from the masterly Eric Hebden and illustrations from Franch, this is a classic Commando tale of the burning desire for revenge driving the hero to almost superhuman efforts."

• The Draw Your Weapons exhibition featuring art from Commando continues at the National Army Museum in London this month. For the latest information visit: www.nam.ac.uk/exhibitions/special-displays/draw-your-weapons-art-commando-comics

• Official Commando web site: http://www.commandocomics.com/

• Commando Official Facebook page


• Click here for subscription information or write to: D.C. Thomson & Co Ltd, The Subscribers Department, Commando Library, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL or Freephone (UK only) 0800 318846  

• Commando is also available for iPad and iPhone. The apps are free to download through the Apple iTunes App Store and a digital subscription is priced at £4.99 per month, compared to a £99 annual print subscription. For those not sure there are four free issues to download prior to making a purchase.  

• Commando Comics iPhone App on iTunes

• Commando Comics iPad App on iTunes

Draw Your Weapons: New Commandos On Sale Now

The latest Commandos are on sale now in all good newsagents and we have the full lowdown on the titles below.

There's now than two months to go before Draw Your Weapons: Art Of Commando starts at the National Army Museum in Chelsea, London. Helping mark the comics' 50th anniversary, this exhibition will explore the history of the war comic from its initial conception and subject matter to its continuing popularity, showcasing key artwork and illustrations from Commando.

"The preliminary sketches of the displays look stunning," Calum enthuses, "and we hope loads of readers, past and present, will be able to go and appreciate the workmanship on display in the original artworks."

Commando fans may be interested  in an interview with the Commando editorial team which recently ran in the Daily Record, which includes comment from Calum, deputy Scott Montgomery and writer Ferg Handley. It's clear from the feature that the belief among war comic fans that the comic is no longer published is a constant bugbear in the Commando office, and we hope we here at DTT are helping coounter that myth.

"If I had a pound for every time someone has said, 'Commando comics, are they still going?' I'd have retired long ago," Calum tells the paper. "Even people within the business will say that and when we tell them we put out eight issues a month, they go a bit quiet."

The Commando team also tell us that suggestions for stories readers want to seen again as part of the title's reprint issues are fairly flooding in to the Commando office. "I think we may have to put more space aside in the production schedule to cope with them all," says editor Calum Laird.

To add your choice to the list, send your nominations to: Commando, DC Thomson & Co., Ltd., Albert Square, Dundee DD1 9QJ; or e-mail your suggestions to: editor@commandomag.com; or send a message through the official website www.commandocomics.com. Nominations close on 19th August 2011.

Commando 4407: They Came By Night
Originally Commando No 6 (August 1961), re-issued as No 2563 (April 1992)
Story: Couglin Art: Savi Cover: Ken Barr

Without warning the periscope of a U-boat broke the surface. It turned and focussed on the Locksea Lighthouse. Then, slowly, the glistening, black hull of the submarine came up from the depths.

No one could deny the courage and cool cheek of the Nazi Commander who had made up his mind to capture this vital link in the guiding of our Atlantic convoys.

Then, into what was to be the most fantastic episodes of the war, sailed Skipper Jimmy Cleeves and his RAF rescue launch K20.

"Nowadays Commando writers have it tough," says Calum Laird in his introduction to this reprint. "In our 50 years, loads of plots have been used, and they have to try really hard to find a new angle on things. Back in 1961, though, when Commando first broke cover, the writers had a very open field to work with.

"So you might think that this sixth story to come out would be very straightforward. If you did, you’d be wrong. It has ships, subs, bombers, recce planes, a lighthouse… and even a carrier pigeon.

"Even when they’ve got it easy, Commando authors just can’t help writing cracking stories."

Commando 4408: The Cop Who Went To War
Originally Commando No 982 (November 1975), re-issued as No 2323 (November 1989)
Story: RA Montague Art: Ibanez-Igual Cover Art: Ian Kennedy

Dave Marley was a policeman - and proud of it. When the war came, he joined the Military Police and found that a lot of soldiers acted just like the blokes in civvy street who didn’t want to know a copper until they had trouble.

But now there was more than brawls and bank robbers to think about. There were difficult problems to be tackled with the added danger of shells and bullets crashing all around. Yes, it was a tough job, being a Military policeman…

"The Military Police do a difficult and dangerous job, and it’s not always appreciated by the common soldier, sailor or airman," says former editor George Low of this classic story. "In the rough and tumble of war, men fresh from action often don’t take it well when a Redcap gets on their case. How to win the doubters over? Prove that you are as tough and as capable of dealing with the enemy as the front-line fighters are.

"Roger Montague shows this up well in a crisp 1975 script and Ibanez-Igual did his bit with the line artwork.

The cover? That’s Ian Kennedy, of course. He draws a mean motorbike as well as the aircraft he’s renowned for."

Commando 4409 Codename: Houdini
Story: Mac MacDonald Art: Rezzonico Cover Art: Janek Matysiak

Andor Lakatos and his two younger brothers were a popular circus escapology touring Eastern Europe just before the start of the Second World War. When the Germans invaded of Poland in 1939 the three brothers were caught up in the chaos.

Andor, in particular, was drawn against his will into wartime espionage. With danger at every corner it seemed unlikely even he could escape this murky world of shadows and treachery...

Commando 4410 “Talk… Or Die!”
Story: Tom Hart Art Benet Cover Art: Benet

It seemed a straightforward job, risky but straightforward. Flying a helicopter full of gold out of South Vietnam before the advancing North Vietnamese army got their hands on it.

 As an ex Australian Air Force chopper pilot, Brendan Beckett thought the job would give him no real trouble. So how did he come to be tied to a post, knee-deep in rising water? Well, it’s a long story...


• Official Commando web site: http://www.commandocomics.com/

• Commando Official Facebook page


• Click here for subscription information or write to: D.C. Thomson & Co Ltd, The Subscribers Department, Commando Library, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL or Freephone (UK only) 0800 318846  

• Commando is also available for iPad and iPhone. The apps are free to download through the Apple iTunes App Store and a digital subscription is priced at £4.99 per month, compared to a £99 annual print subscription. For those not sure there are four free issues to download prior to making a purchase.  

• Commando Comics iPhone App on iTunes

• Commando Comics iPad App on iTunes

Commando - New Issue Gen

Straight from Commando HQ comes the details of the latest batch of four Commando comics which go on sale today.

Issue 4311: The Bugler
Story: Ian Clark Art and cover: Ibanez
Originally issue 2720 published in 1993
The plaintive notes of the Last Post sounded eerily over a lonely clearing in the Malayan jungle as Colour-Sergeant Jimmy Morrison mourned the loss of an old friend. They had fought and suffered together for many years in the steamy, dangerous heat of the tropics — but not always on the same side!

Issue 4312: Flying Musketeers
Story: Ian Clark Art and cover: José Maria Jorge
Originally issue 2713 published in 1993
Like the famous Musketeers of old, the four young German pilots, fresh from training, believed in the motto, “All for One and One for All!” It stood them in good stead in their early combat patrols, while their Focke-Wulf Fw190s were still the scourge of the skies.

But they were to need their light-hearted comradeship even more in the dark days that lay ahead for the German Luftwaffe...

Issue 4313: Mercy Mission?
Story: Ferg Handley Art: Vila Cover Art: Nicholas Forder

 The First World War, Mesopotamia, and First Lieutenant Paul Wardle is a doctor in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He has vowed only to save lives -- never to take them -- even during vicious conflict.

When he and his wounded patients are stranded on a grounded hospital ship, taken over by a ruthless German Naval commander with a grudge, the situation looks increasingly desperate. For the sake of the wounded, Paul will have to fight for their survival. Can he stick to the principles he values so highly…?

Issue 4314: Tested to Destruction
Story: Alan Hebden Art and cover: Benet

The North African Desert is a hostile environment at the best of times, pushing men and machines to their limits — and beyond. As a place to fight a modern mechanised war it has to be one of the worst imaginable.

Yet Major Orde Gatwin, his band of oddbods and a motley collection of experimental machinery were there and had to do just that. Would they be strong enough to survive?

• Official Commando web site: www.commandomag.com

• Click here for subscription information or write to: D.C. Thomson & Co Ltd, The Subscribers Department, Commando Library, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL or Freephone (UK only) 0800 318846

VE Day Anniversary marked in new Commandos

The first two stories of the latest Commandos from DC Thomson, on sale this week, continue the VE-Day series first issued for the 50th anniversary 15 years ago. Denis McLoughlin handles the tank story with Commando regular, Ibanez, take care of our paratrooper story. Covers, with portraits on the back, are by Ian Kennedy.

Commando No 4298 is written by relative newcomer Steve Coombs with art by the veteran José Maria Jorge. "We think the combination has worked well," editor Calum Laird says.

If you haven't picked up a Commando recently, you might want to at least check these out. To the Last Man, released earlier this month, proved an entertaining story from Ferg Handley, covering a period of the Second World War era that has had little coverage in war comics, revealing that even after the surrender of Germany in 1945 life was not plain sailing for occupying forces.

The Commando format of two frame pages and lengthy caption boxes as well as balloons to drive the story doesn't suit all tastes - but its now unique position on the UK news stand as an adventure digest affords it some respect, and its continued publication is evidence enough that it works as a storytelling medium. The stories continue to be well crafted, often offering new insight into wartime conflict and the soldiers that fought in those wars.

Commando 4295: Death Ride
Story: Ian Clark Inside art: Denis McLoughlin Cover Art: Ian Kennedy

From the first day of war in 1939, the soldiers, sailors and airmen of the countries opposed to Hitler's Germany knew that it would be a long, bloody struggle before the Nazis were toppled to defeat.

They couldn't know then that the day of victory would come in May, 1945. For Sergei Baltor, Soviet tank commander, it would finally end in the burning centre of Berlin, dead comrades and shattered tanks marking every mile of the road to victory.

Commando 4296: Strike in Silence
Story: Ian Clark Inside art: Ibanez Cover Art: Ian Kennedy

For Sergeant Bill Copeland of the US paratroopers there would be plenty of trouble to face before VE Day — both from the enemy and from within his own ranks...

Commando 4297: The Strangest Allies
Story: Ferg Handley Inside art: Carlos Pino Cover Art: Carlos Pino

Germans in tanks are Panzer men, aren’t they? Crews of Panthers, Mark IVs or maybe even Tigers.

But not Churchill tanks.

And yet, that’s what happened. A group of Germans and Austrians, each with their own reasons to hate the Nazis, volunteered to serve in British tanks fighting their own countrymen. They were determined to help the Allied cause, even if some Allied soldiers didn’t want them to.

Commando 4298: Crossed Sword Squadron
Story: Steve Coombs Inside art: José Maria Jorge Cover Art: José Maria Jorge
• View a work in progress page for Crossed Sword Squadron on the Commando web site

Veteran pilot Pavel Sobotka was the sole survivor of the 9th Escadre — a much-feared Polish fighter squadron that had been whittled away, pilot by fighting pilot, through the long, hard-fought years of World War II.

Then, as Pavel's Hawker Typhoon hunted for the enemy over the D-Day beachhead, he encountered an figure from his past, dragging up memories. Memories best left forgotten...

• Official Commando web site: www.commandomag.com


• Click here for subscription information or write to: D.C. Thomson & Co Ltd, The Subscribers Department, Commando Library, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL or Freephone (UK only) 0800 318846

Plum action in Commando!

New issues of DC Thomson's war comic digest Commando are now on sale now... got get 'em!

Commando 4279: Too Many Heroes

Previously No 2590 from 1992
Story: Ian Clark
Inside Art: Salmeron Cover: Ian Kennedy

With three older brothers all war heroes, it was no wonder Ben Fraser wanted to join up. And, as the Second World War entered its last year, he got his chance. But always at the back of his mind was a nagging doubt — did he have the same kind of courage as his brothers?

Commando 4280: Plum's War

Previously No 2546 from 1992
Story: Ian Clark Inside Art: Ibanez
Cover: Alan Burrows

Overweight, carefree and scruffier than your average sack of potatoes, you could hardly meet a less soldierly figure than Captain Albert ‘Plum’ Duff.

Put Plum in a fight, though, and you’d find few better officers in the British Army — something the lean supermen of the Afrika Korps were about to discover...to their cost!

Commando 4281: Battle of the Blue Nile

Story: Alan Hebden Inside Art: Keith Page Cover: Keith Page

Since ancient times it had been said, ‘He who controls the Nile controls Egypt.’

During the Second World War this saying was never more prophetic, as German and Italian forces had a secret plan in mind for the most famous river in the world... And it was up to a plucky bunch of mismatched heroes — including a young Ethiopian prince — to stop them if they could!

Commando 4282: ‘V-Bomber Down!’

Story: Alan Hebden Inside Art: Carlos Pino Cover: Carlos Pino

When the forces of the Western Allies and the Eastern Bloc faced each other in the Cold War, Britain’s mightiest bombers were the Victor, Valiant and the Vulcan — the V-Bombers. Cutting-edge technology, they bristled with secret equipment.

When one crash-lands mysteriously on a snow-covered disputed island, special forces from both sides are ordered to the scene, each determined to be there first. As the heavily-armed troops close in, there is every possibility that their actions could turn a Cold War into a very hot one indeed.

• Click here for subscription information or write to: D.C. Thomson & Co Ltd, The Subscribers Department, Commando Library, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL or Freephone (UK only) 0800 318846

Seek and Strike out for the new Commandos...

The latest issues of DC Thomson's Commando went on sale a day early this week as we bid goodbye to 2009.

There's also some advance news for the next round of issues on sale in January 2010. "We'll be starting the year by re-issuing the first book featuring an Ian Kennedy cover by way of thanking the man for 40 years of sterling service to Commando," says editor Calum Laird. "The book is No 453 from 1970, and is titled Seek and Strike."

downthetubes hopes to pay its own tribute to Mr Kennedy's stirling service to Commando and comics in the new year, but in the mean time, check out these interviews with the artist in conversation with Chris Weston and Terry O'Donnell.

Here are the new Commando issues on sale now...

Commando No 4255 (previously No 2608 from 1992): Never Volunteer!

Story: Cyril Walker. Art and Cover Art: Ibanez

The Dakota droned away and the canopy cracked fully open above Bob Slade, a private in the Parachute Regiment. He adjusted his rigging lines and took a quick glance at the barren desert wastes below.

Unlike his mates descending all around him, Bob had been here in North Africa before — as a soldier in the French Foreign Legion, charged with the murder of an officer. And he knew as well as every other Legionnaire that the Legion never forgets... nor forgives!

Commando No 4256 (previously No 2618 from 1992): Battling Rust-Bucket!


Story: Ian Clark. Art: Gordon Livingstone. Cover: Jeff Bevan

The Duchess of Alna was a pleasure boat by trade, more suited to ferrying holiday-makers than going to war. Yet that’s exactly what she had done in 1940, as one of the heroic "Little Boats" of the Dunkirk Evacuation.

And now, more than 50 years later, when some said that she was only fit for scrap, this unlikely battleship was off to the rescue again — slap in the middle of a war-zone!

Gordon Livingstone (now retired) and Jeff Bevan were both staff artists on Commando when this book was first published. Jeff’s work was seen throughout the Boys' Papers but Gordon was almost exclusively a Commando artist, taking an average of four weeks to illustrate a complete book.

The two new stories on sale this month are both set in the Ardennes, marking 65 years this month that the Battle of the Bulge was fought there. The Winter Warriors is the last new book drawn by the late Ricardo Garijo, completed before Need To Know but held over for the Ardennes connection.

Commando No 4257: The Winter Warriors

Story: Ferg Handley. Art Ricardo Garijo. Cover: Ian Kennedy

The Ardennes, December 1944. In the murderous confusion of what became known as "The Battle Of The Bulge", Allied soldiers warily stalked the frozen wastes and eerie forests of the battlefield, aware that at any moment they could be cut down by enemy gunfire. Not to mention marauding Nazi panzers or the terrors of hidden minefields.

For a squad of rookie American GIs it was going to take all their wits and courage to stay alive...

Commando No 4258: Friends Or Foes?

Story: Peter Grehan. Art and cover art: John Ridgway

When the Germans launched their Ardennes offensive — the desperate last-ditch "Battle Of The Bulge" — in December 1944, they sewed seeds of confusion amongst their enemies by using special units dressed in Allied uniform.

Royal Engineer Sergeant Bob Ashford wasn't the only one who couldn't tell friend from foe. Nor was he the only one who decided to shoot first and ask questions later...

• For more information, check out the official Commando site at: www.commandomag.com


• Click here for subscription information or write to: D.C. Thomson & Co Ltd, The Subscribers Department, Commando Library, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL or Freephone (UK only) 0800 318846