Featuring: Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos
Release: August 10, 1965
Cover:
12 cents
Stirring story by: Stan Lee
Powerful pencilling by: Dick Ayers
Bold brushwork by: Frank Ray
Lilting lettering by: Artie Simek
20 pages
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| Amazing Spider-Man #30 | Reading order | Sgt. Fury #24 |
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Years from now, when our grandchildren tell stories of those who came before them, I rawther suspect that the exploits of Percy Pinkerton will be those that endure the longest!
I always have a general concern about Marvel’s depiction of Asian people during this era, which comes into play when the Commandos encounter the Japanese army on the Burma Road. I’m more on the fence about it than usual here.
The Commandos use racial slurs to refer to the Japanese, and the Japanese officers are depicted attempting to commit horrible atrocities. However, the language likely accurately (if tamely) reflects language soldiers of the time used. And the Japanese military really is responsible for countless atrocities during World War II, many far more horrific than the accusations here. There are certainly ethnic stereotypes in place, but it’s very similar to how the German soldiers are depicted.
The Commandos are sent to rescue Sister Theresa and a group of children who had been living at her mission. The Japanese had burned the mission and are seeking to kill the nun and children.
At first, they claim they believed the nun was in possession of secret plans, but we eventually learn this was a ruse. They really just wanted to murder a nun and children. And they come close to succeeding, but the Commandos save the day.
The Commandos are cute with the kids.
I appreciate that the Sister can hold her own in a fight.
I appreciate the Catholic nun finding common ground in faith with the Jewish Izzy.
We get an interesting subplot when the Commandos meet up with a British battalion, the Burma Dragons, led by Leftenant Colonel Pinkerton.
We learn the origin of Pinky. He was a wealthy aristocrat from a family with a proud military tradition, but he flunked out of the military academy and disgraced his family. He hadn’t seen his brother since, and feared to now.
But his brother had a message. Even though he was not an officer but an enlisted man, the whole family was proud of his exploits as a Commando, and they think he will be remembered with the best of the Pinkertons.
Rating: ★★½, 49/100
Significance: ★★★☆☆
Scans are taken from Sgt. Fury #125, 1975.
I want to thank my assistant Kyle for his invaluable help in creating this post.
Characters:
- Sgt. Nick Fury
- Corporal Dum Dum Dugan
- Rebel Ralston
- Izzy Cohen
- Private Percy Pinkerton
- Dino Manelli
- Gabe Jones
- Sister Theresa
- Major Itsui
- Tomkins
- Leftenant Colonel Pinkerton
Story notes:
- Burma Road lifeline of the China-Burma-India theatre of war.
- Adversaries referred to as “Japs” or “Nips”.
- Commandoes outnumbered but burp guns give them the edge.
- Japanese burned mission, and Sister Theresa escaped with charges.
- Japanese planes referred to as “zeroes”. This was the nickname for the the Mitsubishi A6M.
- Commandos looking to connect with British Battalion, Burma Dragons.
- Major Itsui ordered to commit hari kari if he fails.
- Percy captured by Japanese.
- Major Itsui threatens children if Sister doesn’t give up plans.
- Percy went to military academies and was to be officer, like his ancestors. But he was wealthy and foolish and his grades slipped, and he was kicked out. His older brother remained. Percy disgraced his family.
| Previous | #437 | Next |
|---|---|---|
| Amazing Spider-Man #30 | Reading order | Sgt. Fury #24 |
| Sgt. Fury #22 | Sgt. Fury | Sgt. Fury #24 |
