Commando presents ‘War Across Europe’ a three-part series inspired by true events that documents one man’s journey across Europe to help the fight to free the continent from the Nazis.
Based on his uncle’s experiences in the Second World War, prolific Commando writer Iain McLaughlin was so impressed by this previously unknown part of his uncle’s life that he knew he had to commemorate it in some way:
“When [my uncle] died a few years ago, at his funeral we heard about his war service. For most of us, that was the first time we had heard the details of his war […] These Commandos aren’t exact depictions of my uncle’s war but they are influenced by it and I hope they can be this nephew’s tribute to a much loved uncle and immensely brave man, as well as the men and women who fought alongside him.”
Originally submitted as a one-issue synopsis, the Commando Editorial Team knew there was so much in McLaughlin’s uncle’s story that they wanted to really focus in on the journey, allowing more time with Stefan. After consulting McLaughlin, it was decided that his uncle’s war would be fully developed in a trilogy, detailing his journey to France, time in the French Resistance, and final journey to Britain.
For McLaughlin, while Stefan is based on his uncle, the symbolic journey he undergoes throughout the issues applies to all those who fought in the war:
“Somewhere in our families we will all have a soldier, a sailor, or an airman who fought in World War Two or in other wars and did their bit. Every family has sacrificed and known loss at some time. So many of the brave men and women who faced adversity and danger in war often keep their exploits private and it’s their right to do so. Where possible, though, I hope we can find a way to remember and respect their actions and sacrifices as best we can. They deserve no less.”
For cover artist Neil Roberts, this is the first full-series of covers he has provided for Commando comics. His stunning sense of continuity and movement over the three covers that was both in keeping with the classic Commando style and more modern comics really wowed the Commando Team. After being briefed on the series and given a general idea for the covers, Roberts took this and developed it into what you see before you, using block colours and distinct iconography to convey the themes and setting inside:
“Having the graphic shape of a symbol and maps in the design was, to me, a classic Commando element, I liked how it balanced the human nature of the story with the larger picture of their adventures, giving the images both context and a striking look.”
Neil then combined these elements in all three covers, making slight changes, always keeping in mind the idea of the journey, creating both a physical and symbolic portrayal of Stefan’s evolution through Europe:
“As this was a series, I wanted the three pieces to form part of the story itself, as I feel that’s the job of cover art. Tonally, each cover became lighter, to convey how their journey was leading them from the dark into the light, a symbol of hope. And, with the characters travelling across Europe, I had them ‘travelling’ from left to right in each successive composition with their kit changing over time – to signify the progression from fleeing civilians to seasoned resistance fighters. […] All these decisions are designed to be seen and felt in an almost subconscious manner, always feeding into what will ultimately be an eye-catching and exciting cover.”
With interior, and cover art, as well as a story from some of Commando’s finest talent, the Commando Team hope you enjoy the series and join them in remembering those who fought for freedom in the Second World War.
Their homes were ash, their country invaded, their government in exile…
Two Polish farmers would trek, ride, and sail across the length of Europe if it meant getting even against the men who had torn their lives apart — and they just would.
They only had to find the battle to join it!
Out now!
Story: Iain McLaughlin
Art: Defeo & Morhain
Cover: Neil Roberts
Stefan and Grigor have trekked and sailed across Europe to join the war against the men who invaded their homeland. But when they finally reached France, those who opposed the German Army had either surrendered or were in retreat.
Stefan and Grigor didn’t need an army to get their revenge, they would find their own way to resist!
Out March 7th!
Story: Iain McLaughlin
Art: Defeo & Morhain
Cover: Neil Roberts
Can Stefan and the Resistance rescue a downed RAF crew from the clutches of the gestapo in time?
Find out in the epic conclusion to one man’s journey across Europe to join the fight and finally get revenge against the Nazis in World War Two!
Out March 21st!
Story: Iain McLaughlin
Art: Morhain & Defeo
Cover: Neil Roberts
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