War Picture Library

Launched in September, 1958, the Amalgamated Press/Fleetway title War Picture Library was one of the earliest (arguably the earliest) "pocket library" titles, and in particular one of the first to feature stories set during World War II. Comprising 64 pages, the tales were, according to writer and editor Steve Holland "page turner[s] of the first order, a shilling shocker that grabbed [the] attention" of a – primarily – young audience. Written and illustrated, at least in early years, "by creators who had lived through the war themselves, many on the front line", War Picture Library was able to show clearly to its target audience "what [the reader's] fathers and uncles had been through in combat". for over 2000 issues were set in all fields of combat. Writers are often harder to identify, but among those identified by Steve Holland (et al.) are Donne Avenell, Ian Kellie, Douglas Leach, Willie Patterson, Alf Wallace, David Satherley, Roger P. Clegg, A. Carney Allen and S & J Thomas, Parvin's story is told in the autobiographical Yasumai! (Digit Books, 1958), and "[a]t least one" of his contributions to War Picture Library (as well as Battle Picture Library) "was set around the Railroad of Death in Burma". Some tales would also provide a certain amount of levity, and even slapstick comedy, such as the mildly farcical tale of Corporal Tagg in the Donne Avenell-penned "Snarl of Battle" (War Picture Library No. 162 (Sep 1962), art by Ramon de la Fuente), which also highlighted very serious issues including the often stark discrepancies between the men who engaged in action and those who took (or were given) the credit. Memorable stories Stories written for all the war comics were able to bring attention to lesser-known battles and actions, as well as highlight those instantly memorable. In addition, in one issue, a narrative could be followed from training, through action to heroism – and/or death. WPL No. 22 (July 1959) featured "The Invisible Enemy", set during the Battle of the Bulge, and dealing with Nazi war crimes such as the execution of prisoners; issue #54 (June 1960)'s "Umbrella in the Sky" provided a fictionalised account of RAF pilots flying Hurricanes to Russia providing aid to Britain's then-ally during the German assaults. Issue #1151 "Fix Bayonets" (December 1975) followed four conscripts from their initial training until their eventual action in Italy, where two are killed: one heroically, one pointlessly – aptly highlighting the dichotomy between different forms of 'death in action' and providing a story all the more poignant for having followed their careers for so long. ==Legacy==

One of the earliest "Picture/Pocket library" titles, War Picture Library saw a slew of imitators and sister-publications spring up, including arguably the title's more-famous rival war pocket library: Commando (D. C. Thomson), in 1961. Perennial rival publishers D. C. Thomson and Amalgamated Press/Fleetway competed for readers and launched between them dozens of comics in pocket format – some spun off from or reprinting existing titles, others providing new twists on the adventure serial. Two of Fleetway's sister-publications – Air Ace Picture Library and Action Picture Library – were ultimately folded into War Picture Library. Such mergers were commonplace in the UK (and US) markets, and Air Ace was on its own published for 545 issues over a full decade (Jan 1960 – Nov 1970) before being merged. Titles were also translated into several languages, and sold around the world. In Italy the stories were very successful and published since the 60s as the popular Collana Eroica and Super Eroica magazines. ==War Picture Library content==

• List of War Picture Library titles There were 2103 individual titles, as well as War Picture Library Holiday Special, which was published annually from 1963 to 1990. ==Collected editions==

Starting in 2008, Carlton Books imprint Prion Books began reprinting – under licence from DC Comics, current rights owner of the IPC Media titles – selected issues of War Picture Library as part of their UK comics reprints stable. Two volumes of 12 comics each have so far been produced, with a further volume of 11 comics published in 2009 and a smaller volume containing six comics in 2010: • Unleash Hell: War Picture Library Collection No. 1, by Steve Holland (ed.) (Carlton Books/Prion, September 2007) • Collects: "Fight Back to Dunkirk" (#1), "The Crowded Sky" (#56), "Action Stations" (#3), "Umbrella in the Sky" (#54), "Crash Call" (#53), "The Iron Fist" (#25), "Lone Commando" (#36), "The Black Ace" (#141), "Air Commando" (#52), "Fire Power" (#129), "The Red Devils" (#7) and "Task Force" (#66). • Against All Odds: War Picture Library Collection No. 2, by Steve Holland (ed.) (Carlton Books/Prion, 4 August 2008) • Collects: "Finest Hour" (#175), "The Troubled Sea" (#117), "Foxhole Glory" (#170), "The Thin Blue Line" (#96), "Strike Squadron" (#84), "Banzai!" (#80), "Road from Tobruk" (#154), "Up Periscope" (#10), "Rogue Lancaster" (#181), "Paratroop" (#158), "The Valley of Death" (#120) and "Snarl of Battle" (#162). • '''''Up and at 'em!': War Picture Library Collection No. 3, by Steve Holland (ed.) (Carlton Books/Prion, April 2009) • Collects: "Rough Justice" (#214), "Strike Silent" (#218), "The Secret Enemy" (#242), "Counter-Attack" (#283), "Trail of the Avenger" (#229), "Devil's Island" (#227), "The Iron Cross" (#202), "The Long March" (#206), "Operation Doomsday" (#295), "Undaunted" (#292) and "Sound the Alarm" (#212). • "No Surrender!- Six of the Best Comic-Book adventures from War Picture Library" by Steve Holland (ed.) Prion Books Ltd, April 2010 • Collects: "Battle Drop" (#67), "Aces High" (#78), "Up the Marines!" (#58), "Close Range" (#63), "Bombers Moon" (#72) and "Danger Dives Deep" (#65). ==See also==