This issue offers a lot to unpack. First, we see Hans from the last issue wearing a mascot badge and following along with the Commandos as they engage in training activities. He even participates in some of the exercises as though he’s one of them. But then, the story shifts as we learn about events in North Africa that lead to the deployment of the Commandos to take out a yet-unknown “New Secret Weapon” of the Nazis.

The Commandos run into early trouble, leading to the capture of one of their own (Dum Dum Dugan) and the injury of another (Rebel Ralston). Down a man and needing to regroup, the Commandos find an oasis occupied by a tribe of local Bedouin nomads (spelled “Beduin” and “Bedouins” at different points in the story). With the help of this group, our heroes turn the battle, rescue their companion, and take out the “Secret Weapon.”

Story

The synopsis above gives us a lot to unpack and consider when rating this story. Keep in mind, when dealing with stereotypical tropes, I try to evaluate them based on whether they were acceptable or progressive for the era of the work, not by today’s standards. Although I may touch on modern interpretations, I am far from an expert on the Bedouin people and their portrayal here. I suspect the information available to Stan Lee and Dick Ayers at the time was neither as good nor as balanced as what we can access today.

The Bedouin:

From the viewpoint of a non-expert, I focus on a simple truth: different parts of the world have people with different cultures, and Westerners need to understand and respect these differences. Even if what we get here is a fairly Westernized view of the Bedouin people, we see this idea conveyed in the following key way:

How the Commandos react to the actions taken against Dino. At first, I expected the comic to head in the wrong direction. The words and whispers of the Bedouin men to Dino and the reaction of the woman—“We shall make the American dog pay for that!”—made me think they’d be painted in a negative light, leading to a clash between the Commandos and the Bedouins before they could refocus on the main antagonist.

Instead, we have the simple response from Fury: “Now what’s that knuckle-headed Casanova gone ‘n done??!” Later, while freeing Dino, the story subtly reinforces the idea that it was his fault—though without real consequences.

The final piece comes with a Bedouin representative saying, “We do not apologize for what we have done! We are a proud tribe! None may sully our honor!”

Nick Fury responds with,”Look that was just a misunderstandin’! Forget it!” The trust formed from there seems fragile and uneasy, but I think this turn speaks to a subtext with a strong and valuable message: we are all different, and we can respect that. This message allows me to overlook any failings in the representation of the Bedouin people, whether those failings are understood by me or not.

Originality & Continuity

This story offers a good amount to work with. It’s not the first time we’ve seen the Commandos taking down a secret weapon or facing V2 rockets (although it’s alluded to that this set is superior to previous ones). What we do see is teamwork, courage, and the knowledge of when to surrender and avoid unnecessary death. Dum Dum and Rebel both display heroic strength in their actions. And then, we also have the mascot:

Hans the Mascot

Hans played a key part in the prior issue but doesn’t fade away. Instead, he gets a role at the start of this one. Teen mascots or sidekicks are a comic trope in their own right, and it’s hard to say just where Hans will fall in this tradition. What’s clear is that he wasn’t forgotten after his prominent role in the previous issue, and he carries through with the Commandos. This kind of narrative throughline is part of what makes comics from this era so great (when it is used).

Characters & Development

Much of the characters’ strengths have been addressed in the sections above, but it’s worth noting how they stand apart in this issue. Here, a few individuals shine in key roles that impact the story and showcase their uniqueness. We get to see several moments where individual characters and the heroic group as a whole stand out.

The ability to balance individual moments of heroism with the overarching group dynamic is one of this issue’s biggest strengths. It allows each character to feel distinct while reinforcing the idea that they are stronger together. This interplay of personalities and skills keeps the story engaging and adds emotional weight to the Commandos’ struggles and triumphs.

Artwork

The artwork by Dick Ayers and Frank Ray is captivating, offering detail and action at the right pace and angles to make the story interesting and compelling from page to page. The visuals bring the desert, the fortress, and the overall adventure to life in every possible way. I can’t help but love it.

Now, I want to address something I’ve typically avoided considering in my reviews: the coloring. Many classic stories have been recolored over the years, whether for reprints or digital consumption (such as in Marvel Unlimited). As such, I usually avoid factoring in the coloring when ranking my reviews. That said, I feel compelled to point out how this issue’s colors in the MU version make it pop. The vivid skies, among other elements, elevate the visuals in a way that enhances the story’s impact.