Commando

 

Launched back in 1961, Commando is Britain's longest continuously published war comic. Having grown up reading these superbly illustrated, action-packed tales of derring-do, I always dreamed of writing for Commando. That dream came true in 2012 when my first script for Commando, Hero in a Heli, was published. Since then, I've had a further fifteen scripts produced, most of which are set during World War II. Aviation being a major passion of mine, the majority of my stories revolve around airmen, though submariners, resistance fighters and even fishermen have been the heroes in some of the tales.

 

Here's a selection of the stories I've written for Commando:

 

 

 

Enemies Yesterday... (issue 4845)

 

Disillusioned with Mussolini's war, Italian fighter pilot Vito Agosti chose to defect to the Allies, joining the RAF's multi-national Balkan Air Force. But Agosti soon discovers that his greatest battle is not fighting the Germans in the war-torn skies over Yugoslavia - it's convincing his squadron's distrustful British C.O. that he really is yesterday's enemy.

 

Art: Jaume Forns    Cover: Ian Kennedy

 

 

 

Bullseye Bruno (issue 5355)

 

'Bullseye Bruno' - that was the ironic nickname Ju 88 pilot Leutnant Bruno Neumann was saddled with by his squadron mates, who considered him the worst shot in the entire Luftwaffe night-fighter force. But could there be another reason for Bruno's lack of success at shooting down RAF bombers? Could he, in fact, be missing on purpose?

 

Art: Vicente Alcazar    Cover: Keith Burns

 

 

 

 

Fair Play (issue 5407)

 

During the so-called 'Phoney War' in the early months of WW2, Royal Navy submariners were constrained by strict rules of engagement when attacking enemy vessels. However, the British tradition of fair play has no place in this war, in the opinion of aggressive Polish captain Tomasz Robak. So when a by-the-book Royal Navy officer is attached to the crew of Robak's submarine, the Kondor, sparks are sure to fly.

 

Art: Paolo Ongaro    Cover: Ian Kennedy

 

 

 

Judas in Jersey! (issue 5479)

 

When the Germans invaded the Channel Islands in 1940, headstrong young Jerseyman Billy Cooper was determined to fight back. Helping a British commando stranded on Jersey seemed the ideal way for Billy to do his bit. But the German occupiers aren't the only problem he faces - there's also the little matter of a traitor in his midst.

 

Art: Paolo Ongaro    Cover: Carlos Pino

 

 

 

 

Combat Air Patrol (issue 5607)

 

No-one would disagree that aggression is a necessary trait in a fighter pilot. But too much aggression can be a dangerous thing. Just ask air-sea rescue pilot Roddy Baxter, the man who has to pick up the pieces when hot-shot Fleet Air Arm ace Tony Heywood's lust for glory leads to disaster.

 

Art: Esteve Polls    Cover: Keith Burns

 

 

 

 

North Sea Fury (issue 5621)

 

As WW2 begins to heat up in early 1940, Scottish fishermen in the North Sea start arming their boats in response to harassing attacks carried out by German bombers. When an anti-war Norwegian fisherman gets caught up in the middle of this escalating conflict between Scottish fishermen and a ruthless Luftwaffe bomber pilot with a score to settle, he's forced to choose a side.

 

Art: Carlos Pino    Cover: Carlos Pino

 

Review:

'A classic yarn from Steve Taylor, reminiscent of traditional Commandos. Carlos Pino's terrific artwork brings the characters and action to life.' Down The Tubes.net