Today I have a special review for you all in honor of Veterans day, and to in my own way to honor all those whom have fought in wars past and present. My choice of comics is “Sgt. Fury And His Howling Commandos” issue 1. The series is a comic book that takes place in World War II.
it is also worth mentioning, that Jack Kirby, the co-creator and artist behind the comic also served in World War II. During his time in the military he achieved the rank of Private First Class, and was honorably discharged on July 20,1945.
So in reading this review, and this comic. be it now, on veterans day, or later. I want you to think, remember and honor the brave men and woman who have throughout our history went to war for their country’s. even if you disagree with the war, you can still honor the solder.
Story
synopsis
As we enter the first issue of Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos, we are first introduced to our seven hero’s. but then the story quickly gets underway.
It seems that the Nazi’s have captured a french resistance leader named Labrave whom knows the all important allied secret of when D-day is. Keeping this a secret is of high importance so when word gets back to the allies about this, they send out the commandos to rescue the resistance leader.
Review
From that start, the war-time drama begins to unfold, as the howling commando’s not yet deep characters go on there first published mission. The story on this mission reads quite well, and advances at a nice pace. it is the kind of story where the biggest issue is there not being enough pages to do it the justice it deserves.
Art
Jack Kirby understood war, and when it comes to this war, he was there. I feel his experiences, and stories added greatly to his ability to both create the art for these stories as well as his portion of the story creation. We know the marvel method makes him more responsible for the story then the credits ever tell us.
Both in how they act, and how they appear the commando’s each have character. None of them are the same or just a generic solder, and none look it.
I picked the credits page for my art example because I feel it both shows how much effort Jack put into it, how much he understood war, as well as how unique each commando is.
Originality & Continuity
War stories where not new, and even ones set in world war II. it was not even a new thing for Jack Kirby, whom to his credit already had Caption America, Boy Commandos, and more.
But I am not saying that this is unoriginal. in fact Its story and concept was a good one, and the characters themselves partly make it original and unique.
Characters & Development
What can I say, this is the first issue, and we are introduced to the seven comic hero’s of this comic book. Each one is not only introduced but given the basics of their personality. I call this outstanding character development. each character is compelling and real feeling, even if an exaggerated version of what might have been true.
But now lets list each of them:
- Sgt. Fury
- Corporal “Dum-Dum” Dugan
- Robert “Rebel” Ralston
- Jonathan “Junior” Juniper
- Gabriel Jones
- Izzy Cohen
- Dino Manelli
they are not all the characters we have seen, in addition to some unnamed Nazi’s and a one panel guest spot of Hitler. we have french resistance fighters, civilians, and other solders.
Comic Book Review Summery
Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1
To summarize my comic book review of Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1. I like it, I think Jack & Stan put into it a great amount of effort. While not being a super hero story; it is a hero story. The hero’s of this story do not have great powers, but feel the same sence of obligation, serving for a purpose that was needed. they had a calling that many men in world war II had, and many men and woman have had sense.
Jack was able to put to ink the feeling of war, even working within the bounds of what was acceptable for a comic book. Stan did a great job with the scripting of the story. There is nothing not to like about this first issue.
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