On the morning of the 28 June 1914, two pistol shots fired in a Sarajevo street plunged the world into war and pitched men of all nations against one another.
For centuries men had battled for martial supremacy on the ground but now, after four years of war, they had taken their battles to the air. In the sky over Flanders, two of these new gladiators held the fate of many, many men in their gauntleted hands. Would those below live…or die?
Introduction
As a tribute to those who served during the years 1914-1918 — on the Home Front or at the Front Line — Commando has produced a series of stories of characters caught up in the tumult of the First World War. None of them are real people but we’d like to think that the experiences they have will not be a million miles from what actually happened to so many.
Last month, our heroes were struggling with the desert’s heat, this month the focus of the story is the cold, clammy mud of Flanders and the impact that the new aircraft had on the men struggling to fight, to even survive, below them.
I hope you enjoy this and the other stories in the series as much as we have.—Calum Laird, Commando Editor
The series continues in four weeks with Clash At Cambrai, Commando No 4755
Story: George Low
Art: Keith Page
Cover: Ian Kennedy
Just imagine two brilliant fighter pilots flying off the same aircraft-carrier, hating each other more than they hated the enemy.
Just imagine them being dumped on a desert island with one fighter plane between them, and being told to get on with the war.
Just imagine what a feud that was.
Introduction
Originally this was called “Pete’s Private War” and, once you’ve read it, you’ll see why. The tale takes the Australian reputation for working outside the normal rules and strains it to the absolute maximum to bring you a story that you know can’t be true…but you really want it to be at the same time.
Peter Ford’s crisp and detailed black and white artwork helps out with the willing suspension of disbelief as he makes everything look so plausible. While Ken Barr’s bright yellow Zero on the cover hints at the fireworks inside.
All in all, a killer Commando and no mistake.—Calum Laird, Commando Editor
Story: Stainton
Art: Peter Ford
Cover: Ken Barr
Originally Commando No 103 (February 1964); re-issued as No 607 (December 1971).
Young Joe Cooper was a convinced socialist. Sent to serve in the Korean War, the idealistic National Serviceman hated the idea that he might have to kill the Chinese communists he thought of as fellow socialists.
To keep his conscience be clear, he decided only to shoot to wound, not to kill.
Faced with the grim reality of battle, though, could he stick to his convictions in the desperate struggle to survive?
Story: Ferg Handley
Art: Olivera
Cover: Janek Matysiak
Sergeant Sam Brent was an ace pilot, but he took mad risks — and now he was in big trouble. A Jap shell had shattered his cockpit canopy, not only giving him a splitting headache but also affecting his sight.
It got worse and worse until he was virtually flying blind…and he still had to land…
Introduction
Veteran Commando writer R.A. “Monty” Montague’s premise is a simple but engaging and ultimately thrilling one. What if, after an accident, a pilot refused to accept that his eyesight was no longer up to the task of aerial combat? Imagine the extra danger he and his fellow fliers might face…
Featuring superb aircraft and jungle interior art from top class illustrator Jose Maria Jorge and Ian Kennedy’s stunning cover, this one is a real classic.—Scott Montgomery, Deputy Editor
Story: R.A. Montague
Art: J.M. Jorge
Cover: Ian Kennedy
Originally Commando No 985 (November 1975); re-issued as No 2331 (July 1989).
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