Other Comics

Blazing Combat #1 – 4 (1965)

Comic Books Library
by Comic Books Library August 06, 2025
Blazing Combat #1 – 4 (1965)


Blazing Combat #1–4 (1965) – A Pioneering Anti-War Comic Anthology

Genre

đŸȘ– War, 💔 Drama, 🎭 Historical Fiction, 📚 Anthology

Blazing Combat is a hard-hitting anti-war comic series that blends realistic military storytelling with strong emotional and moral undertones. Unlike traditional war comics of the time, it challenges the glorification of battle and instead highlights the horrors and human cost of warfare.

Main Characters

As an anthology, Blazing Combat doesn’t follow a single protagonist but instead introduces new characters in each short story. These characters are often everyday soldiers, civilians, and victims of war across different time periods, including World War II, the Korean War, and even the Civil War. Their purpose is to reflect the brutal consequences of conflict rather than serve as glorified heroes.

Writer

✍️ Archie Goodwin
Goodwin’s writing in Blazing Combat is poignant and fearless. His short stories eschew patriotism for truth, aiming to depict the futility, trauma, and moral ambiguity of war. His thoughtful and human-centered narratives were ahead of their time, setting a new benchmark for war comics.

Artist

🎹 Notable Artists Include:

  • Frank Frazetta – cover art that is both evocative and visceral.

  • John Severin

  • Alex Toth

  • Gene Colan

  • Joe Orlando
    Each artist brought a distinct visual tone that intensified the emotional impact of the stories. Their combined efforts delivered haunting, memorable imagery that emphasized the realism and raw emotion central to the series.

Editor Details

📝 James Warren
Publisher and editor James Warren of Warren Publishing supported Goodwin’s bold storytelling and curated the magazine's anti-war vision. Despite external backlash, he upheld the integrity of the series, even as it faced distribution obstacles.

Publisher and Brand

🏱 Warren Publishing
Blazing Combat was released under Warren Publishing, a company known for genre-defining magazines like Creepy and Eerie. Unlike Marvel or DC’s superhero titles, Warren focused on mature and thoughtful stories, with Blazing Combat standing as one of its most politically daring publications.

Release Year

📅 1965
All four issues of Blazing Combat were released within 1965. The timing—amid escalating tensions in Vietnam—was a significant factor in the comic's controversial reception.

Brief Plot Summary

Each issue of Blazing Combat features multiple short stories that span different wars and time periods. Instead of glamorizing violence, the narratives explore:

  • The psychological toll on soldiers.

  • The loss of innocence in times of war.

  • The unintended consequences of conflict on civilians.

  • Ethical dilemmas faced by those on the battlefield.

Standout stories include tales set in World War II, Vietnam, and even the American Civil War, all united by a common theme: war destroys more than it builds. đŸ”„đŸ•Š️

Notable Arcs or Storylines

Though an anthology, several stories stood out and became classics in war comic literature:

  • “Viet-Cong!” – A Vietnam War story highlighting the futility of American intervention.

  • “Landscape” – Follows a Vietnamese peasant trying to survive amidst both Viet Cong and American forces.

  • “Survival” – A WWII soldier’s harrowing journey through fear and guilt.

These arcs are often referenced in discussions about the evolution of war comics and their capacity to question authority and public sentiment.

Fan Theories or Interpretations

💬 Fans and scholars interpret Blazing Combat as a clear critique of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War, particularly Vietnam.
Some theories suggest that its abrupt cancellation after only four issues was due to intentional suppression by distributors under pressure from pro-war establishments.
Others view the series as a lost masterpiece that could have redefined the war comic genre if it had continued.

Review Summary

⭐ Art – Masterful and expressive, with gritty realism that lingers in the reader’s mind.
📖 Story Quality – Profoundly written, emotionally resonant, and unafraid to confront hard truths.
🧠 Character Depth – Despite short page counts, the characters feel authentic and deeply human.

Blazing Combat remains a timeless piece of anti-war storytelling that resonates even decades later. For fans of mature comics with a conscience, this is an essential read. 💣📘


Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)

Blazing Combat #1 – 4 (1965)
Language : English