The mid-17th Century would turn out to the most turbulent time in England’s already tempestuous history. In summer 1642, a full-scale civil war erupted between the armies of the Royalist “Cavalier” and the Parliamentary “Roundheads.”
Even the village of Teverton in the far south-west of Britain was caught up in the strife, and a centuries-old feud between a trio of families was re-ignited by the spark of war. Things looked bleak as Englishmen battled fellow Englishman…
Introduction
With only a few notable exceptions — step forward the Convict Commandos — recurring characters have been rare on the pages of Commando over the last 50-odd years. However we were of the opinion that you, our readers, might like a series which carried the story over more than one issue. With the pen of Ferg Handley recruited to do the writing, we decided that a historical saga spanning many generations would hit the spot.
Episode Six sees the continuing story of three sets of inter-linked characters move from the 14th Century to the harrowing times of the English Civil War of 1642. In the past, the characters had repelled Norman and Roman invaders. Now they are set to do battle with their fellow countrymen.
We hope you enjoy this story and the journey to come.—Scott Montgomery, Deputy Editor
Story: Ferg Handley
Art: Keith Page
Cover: Keith Page
Look how young Sergeant-pilot Jack Sherwood left a Nazi prison camp — on the end of a home-made, twelve-foot vaulting pole!
And this is only one of a hair-raising series of close shaves Jack survives in this great yarn. Sprinter, weight-lifter, jumper and vaulter, this crack user athlete has to pull out he knows before he gets clear of the Germans to fly — and fight — again.
Introduction
POW stories have always been a bit problematic in Commando. We’ve always tried to have lots of action in our stories so the static setting of a Stalag doesn’t really work. The other thing that’s difficult is having a lone character featuring throughout the tale. Endless pictures of a thoughtful hero can get a bit wearing. And yet, Mr Tyson has used both these themes and made a Commando tale that works very well.
With Medrano’s inside art and Ken Barr’s slightly misleading cover, this is a rare classic seeing the light of day for the first time in 40 years.—Calum Laird, Commando Editor
Story: Tyson
Art: Medrano
Cover: Ken Barr
Originally Commando No 186 (October 1965), re-issued as No 815 (February 1974).
The Home Guard never served overseas, did they? And they certainly didn’t take their improvised armoured vehicles to the east of Africa to fight Axis forces, did they? Of course they didn’t.
Or did they? A bunch of Home Guardsmen from Hecklethwaite might beg to differ, for they know the story of… The Rogue Mission
Story: Alan Hebden
Art: Carlos Pino
Cover: Carlos Pino
Climbing dazedly from the shattered cockpit of his hijacked Zero, Pilot Officer Bill O’Hara was relieved to find himself still in one piece.
But his troubles weren’t over yet. A deadly duel was about to begin on the side of a mountain will Bill, unarmed and exhausted, against a fanatical enemy officer out for revenge!
Introduction
After reading this story, part of me was tempted to go back through the pages and check for any rogue kitchen sinks that I may have missed — as author David Heptonstall seems to have thrown everything else into the mix. Duel In The Snow is a heady brew of aerial dogfights, Commando training, top secret missions, stolen Japanese Zeros and Himalayan mountaineering.
I think it’s fair to say that only in Commando can there be so much scope for such a gloriously entertaining, action-packed concoction, brought vividly to life by Ibanez’s stylish art and Ian Kennedy’s typically atmospheric cover.—Scott Montgomery, Deputy Editor
Story: David Heptonstall
Art: Ibanez
Cover: Ian Kennedy
Originally Commando No 2559 (March 1990), re-issued as No 3455 (November 2006).
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