Battler Britton #1–5 – Comic Series Overview
Genre
War, Action, Historical Fiction, Military Drama
Set during the height of World War II, Battler Britton combines intense
aerial combat, gritty military realism, and sharp character drama. It’s a
throwback to classic British war comics with a modern cinematic approach.
Main Characters
- Wing
Commander Robert "Battler" Britton – A highly skilled and
fearless RAF pilot, renowned for his combat tactics and unwavering sense
of duty. As a leader, he’s both respected and feared by enemies and allies
alike.
- Captain
Thomas Wayne – A brash American pilot who often clashes with Britton
but eventually earns mutual respect.
- Sergeant
Dawkins – Britton’s trusted right-hand man and a grounded presence
amidst the chaos.
- General
Helmut Krieger – A fictional German commander representing the
ruthless might of the Nazi war machine.
Writer
Garth Ennis – Best known for his dark, often
irreverent tone (Preacher, The Boys), Ennis brings a surprising
level of seriousness and respect to this war narrative. His passion for
military history lends authenticity to every panel.
Artist
Colin Wilson – A seasoned illustrator with a dynamic
style perfect for war comics. Wilson’s depictions of aerial dogfights, desert
warfare, and military uniforms are intricate, immersive, and gritty.
Editor Details
Ben Abernathy served as the editor for this
mini-series under WildStorm. Abernathy’s guidance helped maintain the tone and
structure, ensuring the story stayed both historically grounded and emotionally
resonant.
Publisher and Brand
- Publisher:
WildStorm Productions (an imprint of DC Comics)
- Brand:
None specific, but presented as part of WildStorm’s effort to
revive classic British comic properties for a modern audience.
Release Year
2006 – This five-issue mini-series was published to
celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Battler Britton character, who
originally debuted in British comics in 1956.
Brief Plot Summary
Set in October 1942 during the height of the North African
campaign, Battler Britton follows RAF Wing Commander Robert Britton as
he and his squadron are dispatched to an American-controlled airbase. Tasked
with collaborating on a joint offensive against Rommel’s advancing forces,
Britton faces not only the brutal reality of Nazi warfare but also cultural
clashes and internal tensions with the American forces. The narrative explores
themes of leadership, loyalty, and the psychological toll of war, blending
personal stakes with military strategy and action-packed aerial battles.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
- “Allies
and Adversaries” – The internal conflict between British and American
forces underlines the human drama, showing that unity in warfare is not
easily achieved.
- “Operation
Desert Vengeance” – The climax of the series sees a daring joint
airstrike against a heavily fortified German outpost, testing the trust
and tactical alignment between the two factions.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Some fans speculate that Britton's character was
intentionally written to reflect the traditional British war hero
archetype—stoic, strategic, and morally firm—in contrast to the more impulsive
and bombastic American counterpart, Captain Wayne. Others interpret the comic
as a quiet critique of Allied dysfunctions and communication breakdowns during
wartime, offering more nuanced perspectives on supposed wartime unity.
Review Summary
Battler Britton stands out for its historically authentic depiction of wartime Europe and the human drama behind the cockpit. Garth Ennis delivers a more restrained and respectful tone than usual, highlighting camaraderie, cultural tension, and sacrifice without sensationalism. Colin Wilson’s artwork shines with realistic detail—his planes look ripped from archival photos, and the action is brutal but never cartoonish. Character development, especially the evolving dynamic between Britton and his American counterparts, adds depth to what could have been just another war comic.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
