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.

New Commandos scale the news stands

Here's the info on the latest issues of DC Thomson's last remaining war comic, Commando, on sale now through high street newsagents and available digitally.

Commando No 4591 - Karl Lubeck, Born Survivor
Story: Mike Knowles Art: Keith Page Cover: Keith Page
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/collection/issue-4591-karl-lubeck-born-survivor

Karl Lubeck joined the German Army more or less by accident. He really wanted to be a civil servant and the Wehrmacht soon found out that he would have been much better suited to bureaucracy than battlefield.

It took the considerable efforts of a wily, experienced NCO to turn him into any sort of a commander. And keep his head on his shoulders.

Yet Karl would be the man who did what no other German officer managed… and lived to tell the tale.

Commando No 4592 - Last Train From Trotskygrad
Story: Mac MacDonald Art: Jaume Forns Cover: Ian Kennedy
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/collection/issue-4592-last-train-from-trotskygrad

The war on the Ostfront was going badly for the Germans. Soviet forces had stemmed their advance and now the invaders were in retreat. As the withdrawal went on, it threatened to become a rout as desperate men sought to escape.

At an isolated railhead, nicknamed Trotskygrad by the Germans, was a group of such men. Men who had a final chance to get away. Men whose only chance of survival was the… LAST TRAIN FROM TROTSKYGRAD...

Commando No 4593 - Mountain Gun
Originally Commando No 97 (December 1963), re-issued as No 583 (September 1971).
Story: Eric Hebden Art: Gordon Livingstone Cover: Ken Barr
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/collection/issue-4593-mountain-gun

Sergeant George Lister was a gunner who didn't know much about fancy talk and smart saluting. He was a bit lost when men spoke of tactics, of fast-moving mobile artillery, of the intricate calculation needed to work out long-range bombardments.

But when the going got rough and his troop was left alone and on foot to drag a ton of gun up the sheer face of a mountain behind enemy lines - then! - it was Geordie's massive shoulders, raw courage and bull-roar of command that drove every man to sweat blood doing the impossible!

“What makes a perfect Commando? That question is often posed, but can never be answered,” notes editor Calum Laird of this re-presented tale. “There is no magic formula. This story, from the sure pen of Eric Hebden, does have many of the ingredients, though. A young officer at odds with a veteran NCO, a vital but nigh-impossible mission - ideal Commando fare.

“A strikingly coloured cover by Ken Barr and accomplished inside art by Gordon Livingstone help push it further towards perfection. But even if it's not completely perfect it's a belting story which I know you'll like.”

Commando No 4594 - Time Runs Out…
Originally Commando No 2223 (October 1988)
Story: C.G. Walker Art: C.T. Rigby Cover: Jeff Bevan
Preview: www.commandocomics.com/collection/issue-4594-time-runs-out

At top speed the four British jeeps raced across the sand. Travelling by day was risky but these desert raiders had vital information that had to be relayed at all costs.

Then three Me109 fighters pounced, unleashing a vicious hail of bullets. The leading jeep took a burst, exploding violently. Two more were quick to suffer the same fate.

Now only Sergeant Dan Smith's team remained. And against such venomous opponents, it seemed their time had run out too…

“A ticking clock - albeit here a metaphorical one - is a good story-telling device, immediately heightening tension and drama,” feels Deputy Editor Scott Montgomery. “Here our desert raider heroes must get vital gen about a target back to HQ but are up against the odds at every turn.

“It's exciting stuff from Messrs Walker, Rigby & Bevan - a trio of talented creative Commando veterans.”

• 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.

Boffins and Burglars infiltrate Commando!

The latest issues of Commando are on sale now, and it's intrguing to see how cover artist Janek Matysiak on #4464 and one of this set's reprint issues, 4466, has changed styles with a move to digital art.

Commando No 4463 - The Improbable Mission
Script: Alan Hebden Art: Manuel Benet Cover: Manuel Benet

Second-Lieutenant Clement Cleveley of the Army Educational corps was a real boffin. A research student before the war, his mathematical speciality was probability theorywhich didn't really fit with anything in service life.

As it turned out, that wasn't quite the case which was how, instead of peacefully working at a classroom blackboard, Clement ended up charging around the desert dodging bullets with a bunch of crack SAS men...

Commando 4464 - Night And Fog
Script: Alan Hebden Art: Morahin
Cover: Janek Matysiak (Not Ian Kennedy as it says in the credits grenade!)

In Occupied Europe during the Second World War, dawn raids and midnight arrests became regular occurrences. They were feared by all the occupied peoples but soon they began to lose their ability to invoke terror.

That's when an evil Nazi scientist decided that it wasn't enough just to arrest people. He wanted to make them disappear into the... Night and Fog

Commando 4465 - Terror Zone
Originally No 2673 (June 1993)
Script: Mike Knowles Art: Carlos Pino Cover: Phil Gascoine

It started as a routine training patrol to test five top Aussie recruits - until their radio packed in and their NCO was killed in an accident.

Then the dense New Guinea jungle became a terror zone as a bullet flew from out of the shadows. Someone - or something - was trying to kill thembut there wasn't supposed to be an enemy for thousands of miles!

"Commando fans have always held Carlos Pino's artwork in high regard, and rightly so," notes
Commando Editor Calum Laird. "Here he brings the clammy jungle and a band of dishevelled Japanese to life in a few strokes of the pen and brush.

"He's giving form to a story by another long-serving Commando regular, Mike Knowles, whose plots have entertained for long enough to earn him a long-service medal and a well-deserved retirement.

"The late Phil Gascoine did a limited number of Commando covers, but every one was a little gem - even when he had to show an all but invisible figure in the background."

Commando 4466 - The Lion's Den
Originally Commando No 2632 (January 1993)
Script: Bernard Gregg Art: Janek Matysiak Cover: Janek Matysiak

That's where safe-cracker turned secret agent Danny Gregg was headed, to wrest secrets from deep within a Nazi lair.

And he had to succeed. For Danny the reward would be a pardon from his criminal past. For Britain it could mean the difference between victory and defeat!

"At the heart of every Commando story is just that, the story," says Calum Laird. "And here Bernard Gregg, who wrote almost 100 Commando tales between 1972 and 1999, weaves a cracking plot. He takes the safecracker given the chance to go straight idea and gives it a fresh twistor two.
  
"He's ably complemented by artist Janek Matysiak whose detailed artwork and envelope-pushing layouts really bring things to life. Nearly 20 years later, Janek's still working for Commando doing covers, but this black and white work is up there with the best of them."

• The Draw Your Weapons exhibition featuring art from Commando continues at the National Army Museum in London this month and runs until 30th April 2012. 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

Convict Commandos debuts

Four new Commando issues are on sale now in newsagents, continuing our 50th year countdown from 12 to one of re-issues of the original dozen Commandos. This month sees Number 10 “Hun Bait”, written by Dan Dare writer David Motton under the pseudonym Bernard Castle, drawn by Gordon Livingstone, given a fresh airing.

Also launching this month is the first Convict Commando story, a mini-series of adventures for these new Commando heroes devised by Alan Hebden which will run in Issues 4371, 4379, 4387 and 4395. " And maybe more to come," hints editor Calum Laird.

Alan Hebden will be familiar to downthetubes readers, not only for his Commando work, but for his work on the 1970s title Battle Picture Weekly, for which he created strips such as Major Eazy and Crazy Keller, and also wrote scripts for Rat Pack and D-Day Dawson, among others. His body of work is immense, but he has resisted most attempts by fans of his work to be drawn into talking about his contributions to British comics.

Commando is now available through a digital subscription service — DC Thomson’s first foray into this medium. "Although it’s early days (the first month is just finishing), the numbers are building," says Calum, "as are those for the much longer established paper subscriptions."

Commando No 4371: Convict Commandos
Story: Alan Hebden Art and Cover: Benet

There you are — stuck in a military prison in Singapore when the Japanese smash into town. You know that if being a prisoner of the British is bad being a prisoner of the Japanese will be ten times worse.

So if a man in British officer’s uniform was to offer to get you out if you’d work for him, you’d agree to do anything he ordered, wouldn’t you?

The Convict Commandos did… and probably wished they hadn’t!

Commando 4372: Sky Sniper
Story: Ferg Handley Art: Vila Cover Art: Ian Kennedy

Soaring above the battlefields of the Western Front, the pilots of the Royal Flying Corps saw themselves as guardians of chivalry — gentlemen fliers.

So Lieutenant James Wilford, the pilot of a Farman MF11 Shorthorn, got a shock when he met his new observer, Captain Alan Kingston. This gun-toting, hardened veteran had already seen action in the trenches — and had no time for old-fashioned chivalry. If the Huns wanted a fight… they’d get one!

Commando 4373: Hun Bait
Story: Castle Art: Gordon Livingstone Cover Art: Ken Barr
Originally Commando No 10. Previously re-issued as No 2595. Now released in as near to the original presentation as possible.

They were keeping him away from the front line — a man like Sergeant Kelly! And yet this big Australian had such a deadly hatred for the enemy it made him into a fighting fury, a battling, raging, soldier supreme.

But John Kelly was a trier, and exciting was the path he trod to defy authority and get his hands on the enemy’s throat.

David Motton, who also wrote several Dan Dare and Jet Ace Logan stories, wrote this story under the pseudonym Bernard Castle. Alive  and well, and out in the western desert, downthetubes recently interviewed him here.


Commando 4374: The Eye of Ra

Story: Mike Knowles Art: Giralt Cover Art: F.D. Phillips
First Published in 1978 as Commando No 1212 and chosen by Scott Montgomery, Commando’s Deputy Editor

It was carved on the wall of an ancient tomb. The Eye of Ra, sun-god of Egypt. The legend said that if it gazed on anyone defiling the tomb, that person was doomed. The men who discovered it laughed at the idea, but one of them died violently and the others vanished without trace!

The war brought soldiers to Egypt, and among them was the brother of the dead man. From the moment his troop-train was ambushed until the moment he finally stood in that same tomb, Alan Fisher was to run into more dangers than he had ever thought possible.

• The Commando iPad and iPhone 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

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

Commandos back in action!

Two weeks after the last batch of Commandos comes a new squad of four-action-packed stories.

Make these ones last as it’ll be three weeks (yes, three weeks) before the next ones!

Comparing the covers of Issues 4334 and 4332, you can see the difference in artist Janek Matysiak's output as he migrated from conventional pen and paper art to pure digital images.

In addition to his work for companies like DC Thomson, Oxford University Press and Hodder, Janek is a concept designer at game design company Proper Games.

Commando No 4331: Smash All Stukas!
Story: Ferg Handley Art: Vila Cover: Ian Kennedy

Young Barney Gibson wanted to do his bit in World War II, joining the army as a gunner. An orphan, he had always been a bit of a loner as a lad. Now, for the first time, he felt a sense of belonging — his new mates were the closest thing he had ever had to a family.
Then one sudden, vicious attack by German Junkers Ju87 dive-bombers — the dreaded Stukas — took all that away. Barney would never be the same again…

Commando No 4332: Climb For Your Life!
Story: Mac Macdonald Art: Morahin Cover: Janek Matysiak

Mountain climbers are a hardy bunch. They have to be for the mountains can be as vicious an unforgiving an enemy as any human foe. Knowing that, they will help fellow climbers even at the risk of their own lives.
Tough as nails mountaineer Hans Kopfler was one such. A member of Germany’s elite Gebirgsjager he had total loyalty to those he served with. Unfortunately that loyalty would not always be shown in the other direction.

Commando No 4333: Deadly Double-Cross
Story: Mike Knowles Art: Denis McLoughlin Cover: Ian Kennedy
Originally No 2710 from 1993

“Double-crossed!”... those chilling words seared in to the brain of Dave Gregory, a captain in the Special Boat Service, when a searchlight on a Russian minesweeper picked him out of the inky Baltic night.
For now he might be helpless, his Browning automatic no match for the Russian fire-power, but heaven help the man who had betrayed him when Dave decided it was time to even the scores…

Commando No 4334: Renegade Army
Story: Cyril Walker Art: Janek Matysiak Cover: Janek Matysiak
Originally No 2646

Deserters, bandits, common thieves — they had all banded together under a powerful leader to wage their own war on all-comers — for profit. Now war correspondent Matt Jarvis, never one to dodge a dangerous assignment, had fallen into their hands.
Just surviving was about to become more important than writing any story!

• Official Commando web site: http://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

• You can read interviews with former Commando editor George Low, current editor Calum Laird and writer Ferg Handley on the downthetubes main site.

Commando Goes Fornightly

If you're looking for the first four new Commandos released for the first half of April, you'd better be quick. The next batch will be out on 22nd April as publishers DC Thomson have had their sale dates brought forward.

This means four new issues of the popular, long-running pocket war comic digest will then be every fortnight until July, so Commando will now go on sale on the first Thursday of every month rather than the second.

Commando 4283 - Operation: Red Commando
Story: Alan Hebden Inside Art: Vila Cover Art: Ian Kennedy (could that be a touch of Dan Dare on the radar Console?)

In early 1942, Lieutenant Rory Granger and his Commando squad were chosen for a daring mission to destroy a vital German radar station in the far north of Norway.

However, the plan went awry. Rory and his men found themselves up against a ruthless enemy in the bitterly cold wastes of Russia, fighting just to stay alive!

Commando 4284 - Race to Freedom
Story: Ferg Handley Inside Art: Keith Page Cover Art: Keith Page

Reeling back from the German onslaught in May 1940, Private Tom Dawson and his mate, Harry Greene, saw their company decimated in a terrifying Stuka attack. They teamed up with other stragglers — including a very unconventional Signals officer — determined to join the mass evacuation at Dunkirk. But to get to those beaches they’d have to make a perilous journey through occupied Belgium...

Commando 4285 - Mercenaries!
Story: Mike Knowles Inside Art: Ricardo Garijo Cover Art: Alan Burrows
Previously No 2575 from 1992

Thirsting for excitement and adventure, paratrooper Jack Nash had seized the chance to become a mercenary — a hired soldier in someone else’s war — with the promise of action and a hefty pay-packet.

Well, Jack got plenty of action — more than most men could handle. As for the money, that might just be a different story...

Commando 4286 - Welcome to the War!
Story: Mike Knowles Inside Art: Olivera Cover Art: Ian Kennedy
Previously No 2626 from 1992

They kept telling Andy Webster that he was doing a great job, beavering away behind the scenes as the war raged all over Europe. But that wasn’t good enough for Andy. He wanted to be in the front line, right in the thickest of the action.

Well, his dearest wish would come true far sooner then he thought, but there was one big snag. It didn’t look as if he would survive to enjoy the glory!

• 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

Attention! New Commandos on Sale

Four new Commandos are now on sale in all good newsagents in the UK from publishers DC Thomson...

Commando No 4275: The Camouflage Kings
Story: Alan Hebden Inside Art: Vila Cover: Ian Kennedy

During World War II, Randolf King, a civilian film set designer, was employed by British Military Intelligence. His specialty was still the creation of illusions — but not for the movies this time. His talents were to put to use fooling the Germans with fake airfields, bases — even ships!

However, Randolf had a nemesis — a mysterious enemy with skills the equal of his own and, it seemed, the ability to anticipate his every move...

Commando No 4276: Deadly Feud
Story: Mike Knowles Inside Art: Macabich Cover: Macabich

August von Wurtburg, disgraced military cadet, had escaped from pre-First World War Germany, and his enemies, by joining the French Foreign Legion. There, to his surprise, he had been moulded into a skilled and dangerous fighting man.

When he returned to Germany after World War 1 he found it, and his family, in the grip of armed militias — a land on the brink of civil war. August would need all his considerable skills just to stay alive, never mind help his family.

Commando 4277: Combat Zone
Story: Ian Clark Inside Art: Ricardo Garijo Cover: Ian Kennedy
Previously No 2606 from 1992

The news team had known that filming a documentary in the middle of a combat zone was bound to be dangerous work. But nothing could have prepared them for a life-or-death chase by a gang of cut-throat bandits out for blood... or a direct attack by Hind helicopter gunships, each armed with a terrifying arsenal of machine guns, rockets and anti-tank missiles!

Commando 4278: Warriors of the Wilderness
Story: Alan Hemus Inside Art: Vila Cover: Alan Burrows
Previously No 2559 from 1992

A plane crash in an icy wilderness sets off a rescue operation with a difference because a Russian general in the plane carries vital secrets in his head. It means he must be rescued — or killed.

This desperate mission will make comrades of a strange assortment of fighting men...

• For more information, check out the official Commando site at: www.commandomag.com, which alos includes features on popular Commando characters such as Ramsey's Raiders and an ongoing day-by-day diary of World War 2...


• 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

Into Action with new Commandos

Attention, troops! the latest Commandos from DC Thomson are on sale now, as follow...

Commando 4271: An Inch from Death
Story: Ian Clark Inside artwork: Ricardo Garijo Cover: Ian Kennedy
Originally No 2592 from 1992

In the shadows of the old sawmill the two officers fought like tigers − a British Military Policeman and an SS war criminal locked in savage hand-to-hand struggle.

And now the ruthless Nazi had the edge, his hands closing round the Redcap’s throat, forcing him closer, closer still, to the buzzing, razor-sharp blade of the bench saw...

Commando No 4272: The Shadow War
Story: Mike Knowles Inside artwork: Denis McLoughlin Cover: Alan Burrows
Originally No 2585 from 1992

16-year-old Danny Webster hated being a miner. So, after a pit accident, he decided to do what many lads dream of doing — he joined the French Foreign Legion.

But life there wasn’t a bit like any of the films he’d seen and Danny found himself in Indo-China, fighting a shadow army above... and below... the ground!

Commando No 4273: The Raven and The Renegade
Story: Ferg Handley Inside Artwork and cover: John Ridgway

When Major Otto Schafer took command of a small village in Brittany, he had to show the locals that he meant business — by taking a large group of villagers hostage.

Sensing disaster, his new adjutant Klaus Mayer urged him to reconsider. Trying to persuade his new CO, Klaus loaned him a book telling the remarkable tale of a similar situation from the region’s turbulent past.

Otto was fascinated by this fantastic tale. And you will be too when you read it...

Commando No 4274: Rifleman From Rio
Story: Alan Hebden Inside artwork and cover: Mike White

When he joined the Brazilian Army to escape a deadly enemy in Rio De Janeiro, Luis Silveira didn’t expect to find himself fighting half a world away in Europe. But he did.

When he arrived in Europe with the rest of his unit, he didn’t expect to run across that same old enemy from Rio. But he did.

The bitter fight was on once more.

"This issue features our first inside artwork from Mike White for quite some time," notes Calum, "but still up to his expected standard.

• 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

Commando dishes up Vampire Jets and Vengeful Australians

Here's the first salvo of DC Thomson's Commando title for February 2010, folks!

Commando No 4267: Desert Vengeance

Story: Mike Knowles inside artwork and cover: Carlos Pino

A British mobile canteen. You’d expect it to supply troops with sugar, chocolate, sandwiches or, being British, gallons of tea. You wouldn’t expect it to be the chosen transport of a pair of Aussies bent on vengeance for the murder of their mates.

But strange things happen in war, and the story of this mobile canteen is one of the strangest.

Commando No 4268: Nightmare In The Forest

Story: Ferg Handley Inside artwork: Olivera Cover: Nicholas Forder

The Eastern Front, 1944. After a skirmish with some Russians, Sergeant Kurt Sturm’s squad had taken the enemy survivors prisoner, leading them away through an apparently deserted forest.

However, German and Russian alike soon discovered that an even more dangerous enemy lurked among the trees... They would have to set aside their differences and work together to survive...

Commando No 4269: Vampire Hunt

Story: Ian Clark Inside artwork: Denis McLoughlin
Originally No 2552 from 1992

Trapped in an enemy stronghold, SAS corporal Mike King cursed at the RAF Vampire jets flashing overhead. To him there were bloodsuckers in more ways than one — he blamed them for the death of three of his mates.

And now, as their rockets crashed around him, it looked like the Vampires were about to add Mike to their tally!

Commando No 4270: Too Late for Glory?

Story: Ian Clark Inside artwork José Maria Jorge Cover: Ian Kennedy

The war was over but Jimmy Fisher’s Thunderbolt pilots were still dying in battle... All because of a few Japanese pilots who fought on in a fanatical hunt for glory. Jimmy could be a fanatic too, though — as these Japs were about to find out!

• 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

New Commando Titles

(with thanks to Calum Laird): Here are details on the new Commando titles from DC Thomson on sale until 25th November in all good newsagents...

Commando No 4243: Dangerous Despatches

Story: Norman Adams Cover and inside Art: Keith Page

Intrepid reporters Fred "Ferret" McGlone, Harry Hornby et al − are back in the thick of the action! This time the Headline Heroes find themselves slap bang in the middle of the first Sino-Japanese War of 1894. It’s dicey work and they’ll have to keep their wits about them to survive. This is the second instalment of a four-part mini-series featuring the Headline Heroes – there are stories to come in December and January.

Commando No 4244: The Medal

Story: Ferg Handley Cover: Ian Kennedy Inside Art: Vila

At the height of the Korean War in 1951, new recruit Gary “Jonesy” Jones was hailed a hero when his instinctive act of bravery saved the life of a high-ranking Allied officer. Jonesy gained the respect of his comrades. However, he also gained an enemy, his spiteful lieutenant. Driven by jealousy, the officer hatched a plan to break Jonesy…and his squad if need be!

Commando 4245: Protection Squad

First published in issue 2712

Story: Mike Knowles Cover: Ian Kennedy Inside Art: Gordon Livingstone

Bored with paperwork and traffic duties, Lance-Corporal Jack Johnston of the Royal Military Police was on the lookout for excitement. So he volunteered for special duties and, after a spell of tough training, became a member of the elite Close Protection Squads. That was when he began to understand what real excitement was!

Three Commando stalwarts combine to put together this book. Gordon’s first book was No 4 “Mercy For None”, Ian Kennedy’s No 435 “Seek And Strike”, while Mike Knowles started with No 1125 “Coward In Khaki.”

Commando No 4246: Last Ditch Defenders

First published in issue 2601

Story: C G Walker Cover: Ian Kennedy Inside Art: Denis McLoughlin

As the Red Army flooded through the gates of Berlin for the final battle, ordinary German soldiers surrendered in droves, knowing that the end could only be days away. But for Fritz Langer’s penal battalion, surrender was not an option. Many of Fritz’s men were Russians themselves, having sided with Germany when the Wehrmacht was winning the war. The best they could hope now was a quick death − for soon there would be nowhere to run...

• 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

Commandos At The Ready

A new batch of Commando issues from DC Thomson goes on sale tomorrow (8th October) in all good newsagents. As usual, the releases are a mix of new and reprint titles, with Issue 4235, "Desert Dispatches", a continuation of a war reporter series.

Written by Norman Adams, Commando expert Vic Whittle tells us the issue had the working title "Lights, Camera... Action!". After finishing the first six adventures, the last being Issue 4050 ("Hold the Front Page", Norman had agreed with former Commando editor George Low to end the series, but artist Keith Page enjoyed the yarns so much current editor Calum Laird decided to bring them back. "Desert Despatches" the first of four new titles.

Commando No 4235: Desert Despatches

Story: Norman Adams Art: Keith Page

Thought you'd heard the last of Fred 'Ferret' McGlone, Harry Hornby and Digby Bolton? They were the Trident newspaper’s finest war reporters in a bygone era. But Ferret still has a few tall tales to tell — and they’re all true, of course...

Like the time the intrepid newsmen went to cover the war in the Sudan, and Digby had swapped his sketch pad and pencils for a new-fangled movie camera. Get ready to read their Desert Despatches!

Commando No 4236: Need to Know

Story: Alan Hebden Art: Ricardo Garijo Cover Art: Ian Kennedy

A crack British unit was on a secret mission in German-occupied Greece. This operation was top secret, NTK − Need To Know. Then disaster struck. The officer in charge was killed and the only other person who knew their objective lost his memory in the same attack.

With the enemy on their trail, the team had to complete their vital task, and fast. If only they could work out what it was...

Commando No 4237: Oil Rig Raiders

Reprint, first published early April 1995 as 2845
Story: Mike Knowles Art: Denis McLoughlin Cover Art: Phil Gascoine

Out of the night they came − a gang of international terrorists intent on holding a whole North Sea oil rig and its crew to ransom.

But they were not to have everything their own way. A call for help had gone out. The Royal Marines were on their way!

Commando No 4238: Grady's Air Force
REprint, first published late May 1992 as 2567

Story: Ian Clark Art: Gordon C Livingstone Cover Art: Gordon C Livingstone

As he lumbered along in his ancient Tiger Moth biplane, Eddie Sampson couldn’t wait to join his old friend, Mick Grady, who now commanded the mercenary air force flying for the government side in a bitter African civil war.

It was hard to believe that this wild, reckless Irishman could be in charge of anything. But Eddie soon had other things to worry about when a salvo of tracers suddenly streamed past him − fired by six rebel jets that were closing in fast...

• Commando Issues 4235 - 4238 are on sale from 8th to 28th October 2009. 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