Wiggles audition here I come.

Nobody likes to be late. Important matters deserve respect. Imagine. You're on your way to the Wiggles audition for the (new) Black Wiggle. You've rehearsed your routine and even have your prop boat wheel ready. You're confident and looking good. But just as you're looking toward your bright future fate, in the guise of a boatload of Norwegians (that's a lot of Norwegians), take it upon themselves to share in your dreams. The only problem is that there's not enough dream to share.

What to do?

War Picture Library Advertising - Muscles Made Easy!

When Charles Atlas stayed in England he like nothing better than to bunk down with his chums of Department 250-S at their very salubrious London address in Chitty Street. Sadly there doesn't seem to be a lot going on there today.

As the master of Dynamic Tension he helped a generation of pastey white  kids grow into muscle bound and tanned demi-gods ready to take a firm grip on their own wrists and the rest of the world.

Just think in only 32 pages and 7 days you too could have a "strong, healthy body crammed with live, rippling handsome muscles".

It's good to see the good work started by Charles Atlas all those years ago still goes on today.

This advertisement is from the back outside cover of War Picture Library 99 Spearhead, published in May 1961.

War Picture Library 336 - Deed of Valour

Deed of Valour is an iconic issue and an iconic story. This is a story of redemption.

The main character Joe Burns is a coward. He manages to save his own skin many times at the expense of the lives of his comrades. He becomes adept at survivng and uses his status as the last man standing to gain promotion and notoriety as tough veteran. Only the young officer, Bob Leefe, who shared his first action and the same overwhelming fear and disgrace in front of the enemy knows the truth about Burns. However while Leefe carries the shame of that event, Burns congratulates himself for not getting caught out. The two men are soon seperated but inevitably their paths cross again.

I love this story as it screams redemption from the very begining. You know how it's going to end - but that's not the point. It's Burns' lack of moral fibre and arrogance that see the story through.

In later editions this cover image was also used to advertise upcoming issues and encourage subscriptions. I consider it a bonus that it also contains a great story.

 Burns is craven coward! Why don't you fight man!

I like the AAGH!

Don't worry it's not Burns - he's hiding somewhere.

Burns is a Sargent now - but where did he go?

Don't say you're suprised it ends this way...