COMMANDO: Great War
Stories by George Low & Keith Page, covers by Ian Kennedy
This year, I’ve eagerly
followed D C Thomson’s longstanding title as it ambitiously embarked on a
monthly tribute to the range of ordinary characters caught up in the
extraordinary events of The Great War. The pocket sized Commando format is
perfectly suited to these tales across the many theatres of war often
highlighting lessor know combatants and conflicts. The stories are necessary
stand-alone but, through cameos, contrast the idealistic enlistment dreams of a
young newspaper boy with the experiences of those already at war. Although the
tales are not the graphic accounts of a Charley’s
War or a White Death (see below),
they are no less effective in bringing the stories of ordinary soldiers to a
wider newsstand audience and that should be praised. Expertly written and illustrated
by George Low and Keith Page behind exceptional new Ian Kennedy covers these
are well worth seeking out and hopefully will be collected on the series
conclusion.
WHITE DEATH by Robbie Morrison
and Charlie Adlard
Sticking with the First World War, this is the recent Image Comics re-release of the indie classic to tie in with the war’s centenary. Set in 1916 on the Italian Trentino mountain range it is unflinching in its portrayal of those soldiers caught up in the desperation of war. The futility of conflict is expertly played out through the eyes of a small group of Italian soldiers as their struggles with the enemy and their nihilist commander are dwarfed by the dangerous mountain terrain. The quieter moments really stand out with carefully chosen dialogue and images reflecting the horror of the soldiers experiences without being preachy. Not an easy read for sure but an important one, well deserving of its hardcover re-release from two of the UK’s leading talents.
Sticking with the First World War, this is the recent Image Comics re-release of the indie classic to tie in with the war’s centenary. Set in 1916 on the Italian Trentino mountain range it is unflinching in its portrayal of those soldiers caught up in the desperation of war. The futility of conflict is expertly played out through the eyes of a small group of Italian soldiers as their struggles with the enemy and their nihilist commander are dwarfed by the dangerous mountain terrain. The quieter moments really stand out with carefully chosen dialogue and images reflecting the horror of the soldiers experiences without being preachy. Not an easy read for sure but an important one, well deserving of its hardcover re-release from two of the UK’s leading talents.
MULP: Sceptre of the Sun
#1 by Matt Gibbs and Sara Dunkerton
An absolute delight and a
charming contrast to not only First World War stories but all other comics I’ve
encountered this year. An anthropomorphic pulp adventure full of mice, mystery
and exotic locations, what’s not to like! In the best adventure traditions,
it’s rollicking fun with an Indiana Jones vibe as our heroes meet by an
(alternative) Egyptian archaeological dig where their finds are under dangerous
threat from spies working for a mysterious benefactor. Matt Gibbs clever and
quick moving script allows Sara Dunkerton plenty of opportunity to show off her
artistic skills with many dynamic locations and action scenes. As a fun first
issue from two new creators this promises to be the start of something special.
Honourable mentions to Letty Wilson's delightful WEIRD MOOSE which I witnessed being created at Glasgow Comic-Con, Top Shelf’s authentic American Civil Rights Movement book, MARCH, Jonathan Cape's SALLY HEATHCOTE: SUFFRAGETTE, Images Comics entertaining MANIFEST DESTINY and enjoyable indies BLACK FEATHER FALLS and HALF HANGED MacNAGHTEN from Soaring Penguin and Uproar Comics respectively.
