What's the secret of Commando's longevity? At one stage decades ago there were numerous comics in that small, pocket-size format (War Picture Library, Combat, etc) but Commando is the only survivor. As I understand it, Commando has a loyal readership amongst the armed forces, ex-squaddies, and military enthusiasts, plus a healthy number of comic fans too.
The format helps as well of course, with self-contained 63 page adventures for a reasonable price of £2 an issue. The look of the comic has barely changed since the first issue, which appeals to some readers' desire for consistency. Commando is a prime example of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". The comic got it right from day one and has never needed fixing.
Admittedly, distribution isn't as widespread as it used to be, and some branches of WH Smith now put it behind the counter because they claim it's a target for shoplifters, but Commando keeps going, 8 issues a month like clockwork.
Here's the information from D.C. Thomson for issues 4999 to 5002, all on sale Thursday 9th March...
Commando – 4999 – Ghost Patrol
Jim was sure there wasn’t a bullet made that could stop him… and all
because of an Indian fakir.
Story: Allan Chalmers
Art: Cortes
Cover: Lopez Espi
Introduction -
From the front lines of Burma, Ghost Patrol explores the power of
suggestion. When British soldier, Jim Hughes, stumbled upon a fortune teller in
the streets of Bombay, he never imagined a fakir’s prophecy would come true.
But, as predicted events turned to reality, Hughes became increasingly reckless
and all the more paranoid. His determination to save his friend’s life from his
foretold fate was mistaken for arrogance and superiority, causing a rift
between the men.
Expertly crafted by Chalmers and Cortes, this tale of superstition
explores luck and loyalty when faced with danger. As the prophecies come true,
the reader is left to wonder – did coincidence rule the day, or was Hughes
really presented with the future in the fortune teller’s chamber?
The Commando Team.
Ghost Patrol, originally Commando
No. 345 (July 1968)
Commando – 5000 – Zero Hour
Distraught, and desperate to follow in his brother’s footsteps, Joe
enlisted. Young and inexperienced, Joe struggled to impress the veteran
soldiers in his brigade. And, as the end of the war drew ever nearer, his
opportunity to honour his brother’s memory was running out.
But in the final hours of the war, Joe Hartley would have his revenge!
Story: Ferg Handley
Art: Carlos Pino
Cover: Ian Kennedy
Commando - 5001 – Course
for Action!
Jack Yeoman’s father had been killed in action during the First World
War. A well respected sailor, a monument in his village was all Jack had to
keep his father’s memory alive. As the Second World War broke out, Jack felt
obliged to enlist in the Navy to honour his family, despite his cautious
nature.
Struggling to feel accepted by his crew, determination drove Jack
forward. He may be wet behind the ears, but his father was a hero. Convinced
that strong sea legs were in the family blood, Jack grit his teeth and decided
to set course for action!
Story: George Low
Art: Keith Page
Cover: Keith Page
Commando - 5002 – Zig-Zag – or
Die!
But Andy’s past misdeeds were to make it very difficult for him to put
his vast flying experience to good use – until he decided to keep his mouth
tight shut regarding a serious matter of mistaken identity…
Story: K P MacKenzie
Art: Jose Maria Jorge
Cover: Ian Kennedy
Introduction -
Penned in 1992, this boisterous air story is brought to life by Jose
Maria Jorge’s absorbing interiors and K.P. MacKenzie’s skilful writing. But
there’s a moral too – through his exuberant gambling, Sergeant Pilot Andrew Roe
falls prey to a nasty plot and his transgressions prevent him from becoming a
commissioned officer, leaving him tormented by his mistakes.
Ian Kennedy’s cover is impeccable once again. The zig-zag motif on the
fuselage of the plane is a subtle but striking call to the title and it is
simply magnificent.
The Commando Team.
Zig-Zag – or Die!, originally
Commando No. 2536 (January 1992)
Website:
