Monday, December 1, 2014

Himmel...


It takes two days to send an emergency signal?  Why is the Leutnant steeped in shadow? How can an oaf be trustworthy? Is the Leutnant a yes man? Are the high command in Italy the right people to receive an emergency signal? Why not the high command in Germany? Is it really an emergency? Is two days really enough time? How can you say 'himmel' without an exclamation mark?

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Oversized versus Undersized.


Strange things happen when men are forced together. Even stranger when large men produce large broom handles to terrify smaller men. There may be a simple misunderstanding about what 'funny' means. To some a reasonable explanation might not be enough given that emotions are highly charged. Perhaps if everybody kept their shirts on and broom handles at a respectable angle there might be less of an opportunity for mischief and mischance.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Now cough...


Doctors can be funny people. But not as funny as some of their patients. Asked to cough most people would just get on with it. Some however want to make with small talk at a critical juncture. What turns a normal person into someone who enjoys the uncomfortable encounter will remain a mystery for evermore.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Square head, big hands.

Some people are overly blessed in the angled scone department. Squadron Leader Green is one who is greatly blessed. I imagine as a child the other children would have used his head as a set square during wood working classes. Not only is he bestowed with a head that won't roll away he also has enormous hands. Do the two run concurrently in his family or is he considered a freak? He's the kind of chap who would make sure that when he orders a cocktail it comes in an extra large glass. 

Monday, November 10, 2014

That sure is a lot of aircraft!


How many aircraft can you jam in one small area of the sky?The answer is of course 24 (or there about). However that doesn't look like nearly enough when you sit back and look at it properly. Looking at it another way...the attitude of Red Leader is absolutely correct. Being out numbered by 10 to 1 is really an opportunity to shoot down more of them before they shoot down all of you. Tally Ho! What! 

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

The mystery of the pipe



Awe. This is where others are left. Rough men, hard men, dirty men find themselves standing in it. Why? How? It is the mystery of the pipe. The pipe allows one man to walk alone, in shadow, without eyes - yet he sees all. What gentle smoke does waft forth that can make one man stand before so many? Even the fur collared cravat wearing types are challenged to providing a self satisfying answer. Others, the less well attired, are driven to stone cold muteness.Quiet intervention becomes surprise. Really no surprise when the mystery of the pipe is involved.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Scant


Sleeping in! It's all too much at times. But when the sun is there and all you've got is a few leaves to keep you away from the cancer bolts enunciating your displeasure might be your only option. Is it time to stand in the open or is it time to hide?

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

When medical men smoke...


I like it when medical men smoke - it's as if they know something we don't. The evidence is overwhelming, yet there are those who choose to ignore it or consider it somewhat irrelevant. You would think that the price of incredulity would not be worth the risk. But there they are. Doctors that smoke. Perhaps it's a carry over from an old school curriculum that involved bleeding for most ills and trepanning to release any number of malignant maladies.  Also the ability to talk while puffing on a pipe, particularly in the presence of rough looking men, can only be a skill taught at the best of medical schools. Sadly these days the finer things in life tend to be discarded.

Monday, October 13, 2014

You don't need to be big and bad...



...to win the fight. Maud is fine example of 'punching above your weight'. All these fellows seem pretty happy that Maud is there to convey them from their current place to another place. No doubt a place that does not have dark skies and to a place where they can continue to grin. So from lurid evenings (by the way my interpretation of lurid would make me want to stay, but that's just me) to fierce beginnings the happy men on this little boat motor their way to a better future.

Friday, October 10, 2014

A man called Harry...


If you've ever met a man called Harry you'll understand that this illustration exemplifies every Harry you've ever met. They all appear to posses the same qualities; a keen eye, a steady hand, and an overwhelming understanding of how the world works. It's not an easy task to contemplate the world in this manner. Others are always trying to promote or remind everyone they meet that there are great calamities or even worse on the horizon. However as any Harry would know there's more to life than worrying about disasters either imagined or real.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Idiot



Some people don't deserve command. Here is one such fellow. However I guess he's only as good as the people that he's managing. It appears that since initiative was neither fostered nor encouraged in this particular circumstance  - it has become highly valued as it appears to be in considerable short supply. Concepts that you might consider simple, straight forward ideas for soldier types like, 'stop the prisoners escaping' or 'fire the gun' appear not to be known or valued or easily performed by the management and staff of this particular military establishment. Who will pick up the pieces after this incident is over? Is there really anyone to blame?

Monday, October 6, 2014

What is this man doing?



It is difficult to ascertain at first. He has one hand in control. The other cannot be seen. His attitude is reclined and given to some exhaustion. His facial expression is puzzling to say the least. Is he in agony or merely overwhelmed by the situation? This is the end of something. Something good? Something bad? We only know he will now slip into unconsciousness and sleep the sleep of sleeps. 

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Daytime disco


I'm certain there's a market waiting to happen for daytime discos. Whether they're held in sparsely populated jungles or in the middle of big cities. Surely the cool kids would know 'where it's at' and be ready to 'bust a move' as us old timers are want to say.

Imagine all sorts of people could turn up and join in. On second thought that may not be a good idea. If anybody could turn up then how would we know if it was working?


Friday, October 3, 2014

Guns don't kill people...



...men with guns kill people. If it's done properly that is. Sure people with problems shouldn't be allowed guns. Guns should only be in the hands of nice, mild mannered  people who know how to handle them. Well balanced types who understand that firearms are for self defence only. Guns are tricky things at best and should therefore end up    in the hands of those who have trick or two up their sleeves and little time on their hands to get up to mischief. Handled the wrong way who knows what trouble they may cause. Guns that is.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Any excuse to get your gear off.


Some men can't wait to get their shirts off. You would think fighting a fire might call for more protection not less. Workplace health and safety would not be happy. Sure sometimes expediency wins over prudence. Even though it might attract glances from some of the other chaps, some fellows will take any excuse to go shirtless .  Not that there's anything wrong with that.. Odds are however in pocket war comic lore if there is a shirt to be cast aside it will be probably be done by an Australian.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Miserable...accursed Australians...

...a more apt description of Australians I have never heard before. Particularly now we're in the thick of the international rugby season and that the cricket isn't all that far away.

Finally concerning the animated individuals highlighted here. Wouldn't you be doing better service to your emperor by living for him? Just sayin'.

Friday, September 26, 2014

An army of pilots...

...this is the real reason the British won the Big One. Their people were simply better than the other people. Where others would be at the mercy of the circumstances they find themselves in, this fellow has ignored the consigning fates and decided to belt the opposition over the head with a sock filled with dirt. Not only does he have the temerity to come up with this idea he has the grace to glide silently to complete his task. Just remember there's very little that a shot down British pilot can't do.  The war would have been over sooner if someone in authority had realised this and raised an army of pilots.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Some Ideas Are Stupid



Some ideas are more stupid than others. Flying upside down in front of angry men with a big gun is not a good idea. To do so during wartime is even less of a good idea. So when does an idea move from 'not a good idea' to a 'stupid idea'? Is there a defining moment or is it a continuum (irregular or incremental) that changes imperceptibly?

One thing is for certain. The ownership of stupid ideas is not necessarily a competitive buyers market even though it may seem like that. In times of stress and conflict you might find yourself the custodian of stupid ideas and you won't know what do with them. And the greatest irony is of course is that others will believe that they are all yours.

So strap yourself in and be prepared to fly upside down for as long as you can. The odds are not good but as long as you keep flying you still have a chance.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Inspirational!


Inspiration comes in many forms. This time it comes from within.
The cover of Air Ace Picture Library 77 Sky Giants, comes from a panel from Air Ace Picture Library 39 Fighter Fighter! Both are published in 1961. The internal artwork is by two different artists. I much prefer the black and white panel to its colour impersonator. 



Thursday, September 18, 2014

Blighters, they got to be got. (Also celebrating 100,000 page views!)


Yet another beautiful piece of work from Mr Kennedy. And yet another apology for my poor scanning skills. I would love to own something like this. Then again...who wouldn't?

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Almost Shakespearean...


If I bung on my worst Sir Larry accent I can make this panel sound like something from Shakespeare. Just think Henry V and give it a go. So man-up don the tights and strut upon life's stage. Try it and you'll see.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Tiger Tank Profile Number 3


The 3rd installment of Tiger Tank Profile brings us  a pair of Tigers from Air Ace Picture Library number 276, Komet's Prey, published in January 1966. These brutes appear to like nothing better than to trundle around finding upside down aircraft to shoot up. Needless to say the Tigers move very quickly from being vicious perpetrators to hapless targets.







Sunday, September 14, 2014

A man in a bubble called Malcolm.



Hey bubble man! Three miles! Up two thousand feet! Sounds like a lyric from a drug fueled Hendrix riffing tribute band or a lost lyric from a late Beatles unrecorded album. Man! Malcolm is in the bubble man. He is the bubble man. In the astrodome closer to heaven. 

Malcolm appears to either be in shock or is in a state of never ending calm. Maybe Malcolm can see that he is not just in a bubble but under a sea of lyrics and comments.

Friday, September 12, 2014

The biggest...



Isn't it always the way? Just when you are about to embark on some very important decision making somebody from head office has to stick their paw in. Can't you see I've got arrows and markers and a map with a big grid to deal with? Can't you people wait? And it's not like they ever call just to say 'hello' or 'how are things going?' It's always urgent. Urgent urgent urgent. I hate those guys.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Good Management


People never understand how hard it is to be the boss. Finding good employees is always a constant struggle. Sometimes speaking to your staff in harsh tones is the only language they will understand. This is not being cruel. This is not being insensitive. This is love. This is understanding. So the next time your boss calls you an imbecile or something similar don't despair. Your boss is not questioning your mental capacity or your ability. Your boss only has your best interests at heart and only looking to bring out the best in you. So stop blaming your equipment and stop feeling sorry for yourself. Thank your boss for their sincerity and love.

Just Beautiful!

I don't believe my scan of this panel does the original artwork any justice. Just look at that shading and detail! The way the ink hits the paper is just beautiful. I understand the artist is Ian Kennedy. Anybody who can make a ME 110 look this good is truly an artist and a genius. 

Saturday, September 6, 2014

I get drunk...


...and dream that I see little men with sticks. It is the strangest dream. It is like being in a dark foreboding version of the Willy Wonka factory. But I am not Willy Wonka. But in this dream the little men are still there. They do not sing. They do not dance. Yet they are earnest and involved in their activities. In this dream other people make me want to do things and say things I do not understand.

Maybe I should stay away from strong drink. That should stop the dreams. But if I do that I'll never get to finish that report.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Men called Keith...


...are always undaunted. This is a fact. Have you ever met a Keith who was daunted? Sounds ridiculous. Because it is! Their choice of music may be under some suspicion of course, but that is a minor detail in the great scheme of things. When you're miles from where you should be with only one engine and whole countryside of people trying to stop you one thing is for certain. You're going to be in a much better position if you're travelling with a Keith.

Sunday, August 31, 2014

So many words...



I picked up a new comic book yesterday. The paucity of prose was pathetic. There are more words in this one panel then there were words in the that entire publication. No doubt there is something that I don't understand. There's a point that I'm clearly missing. Surely. I'm not saying the story I quickly thumbed through was any less valid or interesting. However to miss out on the  beauty of words is a crime.

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Now the navigator's bought it...


...how are we going to find our way now? Regrettable as that is for the navigator and no doubt for the mission the plane will keep on flying. So Skipper what are you going to do? Perhaps problem solving and decision making would have been a whole lot easier if the flak fragment removed the aircraft from the war making paradigm instead of concentrating on limiting the options it gave to its only recipient.

This is not the time to listen to the urgent cries of others. Don't forget you have more to do than fly an aircraft. Remember you are down the front of plane for a reason. Use it.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Blighter


Blighters! They come in all shapes and sizes and from all different directions. They don't even have to belong to the opposition, blighters can be from your own side. Blighters tend to be benign except when try and impact on you in the form of a flaming aircraft headed in the wrong direction. Normally blighters don't  just  fall  out  of the sky, in this instance  they  come  hurtling out  of the sky in the form of a flaming Hurricane.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

But he never said 'go'...


They're a funny lot this crowd. They have awfully neat haircuts. They say they like rules and they like to plot and plan and enjoy procedures - but when it comes to following instructions it looks like they're just as happy as anyone else to make it up as they go along. 

Come on Schulz! The big guy with the big title never said the magic word!

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

What Ho?


What ho? Heave ho? Gung ho?Skanky ho? Ho ho? Ho? These days ho left by itself is a disagreeable term. From what I can see from my limited corner of the earth I often come to the conclusion that the user of the word is usually far more objectionable than the subject. It is truly amazing how one short word has the power to define others and provide the user with a sense of entitlement.

Any way back to the story of two men, one dry one wet. Imagine if you will, bobbing around the ocean in a very small inflatable rubber craft when a sodden fellow swims up to you and calls you a ho...It's enough for you to reverse the roles of Jack and Rose and say there's not enough room.

Monday, August 25, 2014

A Nice Pair of Ju 88s.


For those who have an interest in ancient military hardware here are a pair of Ju 88s.

A quick search of the internet will find many pictures of these things flying and not so flying.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Pillow Gazing



There comes a time in every man's life when he must roll over and look for answers in his pillow. Some might find this difficult and it will interrupt their sleep delivering them nightmares from which they cannot escape. Others might find some comfort in this attitude but these fellows are few and far between. One thing is certain however, allowing yourself to dwell in such a manner will not only keep you awake at night it will also play havoc with you thinking straight during the daylight hours. Give it up man! Roll over and stare at the ceiling like the rest of us do. You may not like it this way but neither do the rest of us. So give it up man and be like the rest of us and rest.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

When things go wrong...


It's only natural that error is a part of life. Things can go wrong, but all the time? When your mates are hitting the surf and all you can do is watch them from dunes then maybe, just maybe, the time has come to consider your options.

If flying is not for you does that mean it's not for everybody else? Why call the whole thing off just because you find sand in your socks? But your friends are your friends not because they make sense but because they are. So put reason behind you and be grateful that you can look to the skies and ponder what happens next.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Is revenge really that sweet?



Or is it like a souffle? According to Wikipedia "due to souffles' tendency to collapse quickly upon removal from the oven, they are frequently depicted in cartoons, comedies and children's programs as a source of humor. Often the gag involves a loud noise or poke causing the souffle to collapse like a popped balloon, evoking the dejection of the character being served the anticipated dessert." 

That may all be very well but it also sounds more like the outcome of over-reaching revenge - except without the humour component. Burning planes, trapped pilots, failed rescue attempts, murder, national exoneration, revenge and burnt souffle do not the winning combination make. Or do they?

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Running. Why and how far?

It's all too easy to break in to a sweat these days. Just find a flat expanse, destination not required, apply some considerable effort and there you have it - running. Running can take many forms and requires little coherent thought. Even though there are those who may argue the opposite. Running on an overwrought brain surely cannot be good for your health. However running with imagination may lead to unexpected thoughts. Now there's an idea!

Monday, August 18, 2014

Vengeance as a motivation.




I like to go fast.

I like to go fast with my friends. I like to go faster than my friends. When I'm going faster than my friends I am happy. As long as my friends are not faster than me but we are all going very fast that is when I am the happiest.

There was one time when I was not as fast as my friends. I was happy but not as happy as I am now that I am faster than my friends.

I like being happy.

Friday, August 15, 2014

I can't sleep at night...

...I see the men all dressed in white. And they won't let my girlfriend talk to me... 

Do you have the same reoccurring dream? Doctors in white, beside your bed? Talking to you, but you can't answer back? You know something terrible, no horrible has happened. But you lie there trapped within yourself, unable to move, unable to respond. It appears to the world that you're not interested. You're accused of not wanting to speak. Minutes become days, become weeks, become months and still they are there the doctors in white.

Please! Are there other patients or dreams you can attend? Why won't they go away? Physically you feel splendid. You lie there and wait for them to go away. You wait. They stay.

If only they would let your girlfriend come in and talk to you then everything would be all right again.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Even a man with good hair...


...can have a bad day.

A lot really depends on what you're going to do with that day. Let's face it. A square jaw and high cheek bones isn't really everything. Nevertheless delivering a sincere and heartfelt apology can make up for many short comings.

Empathy and altruism go a long way to making a man a man. Be like Dexter. Suck it up. Fix the expression. Admit to wrongs. Find the rights. Look for forgiveness. Walk from that crash even though you couldn't do it on that day.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

There's no 'he' in teamwork.


Being a team is sometimes not an easy thing to be. In fact it can incredibly difficult. Thinking about what you should be doing and what your team mate should be doing is hard enough without someone else trying to kill you, let alone your own or one of your own team mates' mishaps leading to your own sorry end.

So with all the pushing and slamming and frantic manipulations of the stick you think that these two might learn to talk to each other rather than keeping their thoughts to themselves.
They should start talking, before it's too late.
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