Today as I sit down to write my comic book review of Howling Commandos #6, the story titled “The Fangs Of The Desert Fox!” I am left with more to think about then just the artwork, and story, but the not to subtle deeper meaning that was the real heart of this story, one that I think is more important than the story itself,  in particularly for 1964; but I will get to that soon. 

Artwork

the artwork in this tale, was as good as ever, and even while the heart of this story is really in the sole of men,  the surrounding war zone is done with the same level of detail and depth that we would expect and hope for, as shown to the panel to the right.

It’s not just this panel, but many more in the book that I feel makes the artwork of this adventure so well done.  including some very human scenes that I plan to include below.

but for now, just look at the detail, and depth shown here, and you can see just how impressive this classic comic was.

Originality & Continuity

This story, does flow and build upon what we have already witnessed in the first five issues of Sgt. Fury And His Howling Commandos.   and it also offers us  quite a bit of originality both with its message, and by being the first time we see a commando wounded out of a mission.

Characters & Development

This issue, also gives us a good look into the minds and souls of the commando’s other than just Sgt. Fury, and how they each respond to  George Stonewell whom is serving as Dino’s replacement while he heals.

Deeper Meaning

You see George Stonewell is as Nick Fury put it “A Genuine, 14-carat dyed-in-the wool, low-down bigot!” this comes after he shows his opinions of Deno, Izzy and and Gabe, when compared to  the other commando’s.  But unfortunately for the time being the commando’s are stuck with him, and it proves to be an experience for them all.

throughout the issue, Stonewell’s actions and bigotry tend to stand in the howlers way more than the Nazi’s.  but in the end, can anything good come to our hero’s and there guest? you will just have to read.

Story

The story with its deeper meaning is one of the finest I have read, the lesson it offers, is one that while great for its time, is also one that some people could stand to learn today.

But while the story is quite saturated with the message, it is also still a compelling adventure tale for our howlers; even if the mission is not as key as some other tales.

I will end this review with Nick Fury’s last words of the issue, because I feel that they where important and deep: I feel that these words where important then, but still offer us much today, but what do you think?

“The seeds of prejudice, which takes a lifetime to grow,  can’t be stamped out overnight — But if we keep trying — keep fighting — perhaps a day will come when “Love they brother” will be ore than just an expression we hear in church.”