Dead Reckoning Minibook 2021

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A graphic novel imprint of the ½X

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NAVAL INSTITUTE PRESS

CONTENTS 2 THE LAST STAND OF THE TIN CAN SAILORS

This naval history classic pieces together the action of the Battle off Samar, bringing to life a riveting story of heroism against daunting odds, duty, and sacrifice in a way never seen before.

6 FOUR-FISTED TALES

While countless stories of the men and women who’ve served in the trenches, jungles, and deserts of the world’s battlefields have been told, this graphic novel shares the stories of the animals who fought alongside them.

10 THE JEWISH BRIGADE

In the waning years of World War II, as the tragic plight of the European Jews was coming to light in ever more horrific detail, a Jewish fighting force, known as the Jewish Infantry Brigade Group, was born as part of the British Eighth Army.

14 THE TANKIES

The men of the British Army’s Royal Tank Regiment fight battle after battle against terrible odds. Whether outnumbered or outgunned, the Tankies soldier on—as their motto would have it, “From Mud, Through Blood, to the Green Fields Beyond.”

18 TEDDY

Overflowing with his love of nature, adventure, and justice, Teddy illustrates the life of a man for whom being known as one of America’s greatest presidents is but one of his notable accomplishments.

22 THE FLUTIST OF ARNHEM

Unfolding day by day as father and son search for each other amidst the chaos of war and the dogged pursuits of a cruel Gestapo agent.

26 ATLAS AT WAR!

Atlas at War! collects fifty hard-hitting stories from Atlas Comics, the company that became Marvel Comics and published more war titles than anyone in the industry between the years 1951 and 1960.

30 TITLES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE Cover, back cover, and opposite page illustrations: The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy’s Finest Hour By James D. Hornfischer; Adapted by Doug Murray; Drawn by Steven Sanders; Colored by Matt Soffe; Lettered by Rob Steen (Dead Reckoning)

2021 Dead Reckoning is a graphic novel imprint of the Naval Institute Press with special focuses on military history, military biography and memoir, general history, as well as tales of the high seas. Dead Reckoning will strike out to the new waters of a bold medium and tell the stories that no one else can.

Available from Dead Reckoning.org, Diamond Comic Distributors, Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Bookazine, and wherever books are sold.

To order: 800-233-8764 | trade@usni.org For bulk orders, sales inquiries, or course adoption please contact sales@deadreckoning.org.

For media inquiries, please contact publicity@deadreckoning.org.

For editorial inquires, please contact gthompson@usni.org.

“In 2004, James Hornfischer’s book on the gallantry of U.S. warships’ crews in the Battle of Leyte Gulf burst onto the scene as a supernova. It was the equivalent of a baseball player hitting a grand-slam home run in his first time at bat. His vivid word pictures conjured up a variety of scenes in the minds of readers. Now a team of skilled professionals has brought those words to life in another medium, thus providing visual images of the actions that Hornfischer described so well.”

—Paul Stillwell, author of Battleship Commander: The Life of Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee Jr.

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THE LAST STAND OF THE TIN CAN SAILORS THE EXTRAORDINARY WORLD WAR II STORY OF THE U.S. NAVY’S FINEST HOUR

BY JAMES D. HORNFISCHER | ADAPTED BY DOUG MURRAY | DRAWN BY STEVEN SANDERS Adapted from the naval history classic and New York Times bestseller, The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors pieces together the action of the Battle off Samar, bringing to life a riveting story of heroism against daunting odds, duty, and sacrifice in a way never seen before.

In October 1944, Allied forces began landing on the Philippine island of Leyte. Quickly assessing the threat of the Allied invasion, the Japanese navy sought to counterattack. But with the island protected by the full strength of Admiral William F. Halsey’s Third Fleet, a direct attack was nearly impossible. Undeterred, the Japanese Admiralty deployed their forces, engaging the Third Fleet and retreating in a manner that drew the fleet into a hot pursuit. However, Admiral Halsey had been deceived, and the Japanese plan had taken his fleet out of position to defend the American beachhead.

With the northern route to Leyte open and unguarded, the Japanese Center Force—a fleet led by the battleship Yamato, the largest and most powerful battleship ever constructed—seemingly had a clear path to the landing beaches on Leyte. Only one thing stood between the Japanese forces and the vulnerable objective.

Taffy 3, a small task unit from the Seventh Fleet, was made up of destroyers, destroyer escorts, and escort aircraft carriers; thirteen ships with little firepower and even less armor. On the morning of October 25, 1944, Taffy 3 suddenly became the only obstacle between the Allied landings and the Japanese Center Force. Hopelessly outmanned and outgunned, Taffy 3 plunged into battle. The ensuing action, known as the Battle off Samar, became one of the greatest last stands in naval history.

JAMES D. HORNFISCHER’S gripping account of the battle, based on declassified documents as well as extensive interviews with veterans, is acclaimed as one of the most compelling works of naval history ever published. Hornfischer’s awards include the 2018 Samuel Eliot Morison Award, given by the Board of Trustees of the USS Constitution Museum.

DOUG MURRAY is a comic book writer and novelist. He served as a non-commissioned officer in the Army in Vietnam and was the main writer on the popular comic book series The ’Nam, published by Marvel Comics.

STEVEN SANDERS is an illustrator from Kansas City, Missouri.

His work has appeared in the distinguished SPECTRUM anthology and he has drawn a number of comics for Marvel and Image Comics.

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November 2021 208 pp. | 65⁄₈ x 10¼ Hardcover | 978-1-68247-338-2 $29.95

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BY BEN TOWLE In virtually every military conflict in recorded history animals have fought— and often died—alongside their human counterparts. While countless stories of the men and women who’ve served in the trenches, jungles, and deserts of the world’s battlefields have been told, Four-Fisted Tales: Animals in Combat shares the stories of the animals who fought alongside them.

From Hannibal’s elephants in ancient Rome to mine-sniffing rats in Vietnam and everything in between, Four-Fisted Tales highlights the real-life contributions of these underappreciated animal warriors. Whether in active combat or simply as companions, these animals served and made their mark on history.

“A fun and amazingly informative graphic novel I found hard to put down, Four-Fisted Tales is chock full of fascinating stories about animals that have fought–and died–alongside soldiers throughout history, all complemented beautifully by Ben Towle's classic Roy Crane-esque cartooning.”

August 2021 120 pp. | 6¾ x 9½ Paperback | 978-1-68247-416-7 $24.95

—Jake Tapper, CNN anchor

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THE JEWISH BRIGADE In the waning years of World War II, as the tragic plight of the European Jews was coming to light in ever more horrific detail, a Jewish fighting force, known as the Jewish Infantry Brigade Group, was born as part of the British Eighth Army. Leslie Toliver, a racecar driver in the pre-war years, eagerly joined the all-volunteer force for a chance to fight with his people against those who sought to murder them.

M A R VA N O

“Marvano’s historical graphic novel The Jewish Brigade covers the group that fought as part of the British Army in World War II. . . . The art exemplifies strong visual characterization, and the convincing backgrounds, from European cities and countrysides to Middle Eastern deserts, deliver a strong sense of place throughout. The Jewish Brigade is an exciting, moving, and thoughtful historical graphic novel.”

When the war in Europe ends and the “savage continent” sits on the brink of continental civil war from chaos, terror, and famine, Leslie and the Brigade move to Tarvisio, Italy, a border triangle city perfect for covert action. While out searching for Holocaust survivors, Leslie undertakes vigilante missions in Soviet occupied Eastern Europe hunting down Nazis on the run for both vengeance and justice. With each Nazi found or refugee rescued, he looks for more information to complete his most personal mission: to find his mother and fiancée who went missing in the upheaval of the war.

—Foreword Reviews

September 2021 144 pp. | 8 x 10½ Paperback | 978-1-68247-723-6 $24.95

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LET’S GO GET

YOUR THINGS.

I DON’T HAVE ANY THINGS.

LET’S JUST GO!

WHAT

A CUTE

TONSURE!

F... FALK, YES.

HEY THERE,

FALK KLEEMANN.

NOT REVEREND KLEEMANN,

F... FALK?

FALK!

MIND YOU...

UH-OH!

...BUT

WHAT?

KLEEMANN,

TALKING ABOUT?

SS-STANDARTENFÜHRER NO LESS!

WHAT ARE YOU I’M JUST...

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, FALK,

LET’S NOT PLAY THAT GAME.

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IS THIS

OR IS THIS NOT YOU?

...A HUMBLE PRIEST...

HEY! CHECK IT OUT, FALK! WHO’DA THOUGHT, HUH?

JEWISH SOLDIERS IN EUROPE!

WITH WEAPONS! CAN YOU IMAGINE?

MER --

HOLD THE PHOTO FOR A SEC, FALK, THANKS.

MER-

MERCY...

...TO THINK

YOU ACTUALLY KNEW THAT WORD! MERCY! MERCY... SIR...

MERCY!?

WOW,

FALK...

MERCY...

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From the bloody battle for Normandy to the Nazi heartland, from war’s end to the killing fields of Korea, the men of the British Army’s Royal Tank Regiment fight battle after battle against terrible odds. Whether outnumbered or outgunned, the Tankies soldier on—as their motto would have it, “From Mud, Through Blood, to the Green Fields Beyond.”

of a Sherman Firefly—capable of taking out any tank thus far encountered. Unfortunately, the enemy have a new tank of their own, the mighty “King Tiger,” with twice the firepower of the original. As Stiles and his men join the Allied advance into the Nazi homeland, they find worse horrors than Tigers lurking in the German twilight.

After D-Day the largely untried Allied armies meet their seasoned German counterparts on the killing grounds ofBocage country. As Panzers and SS units turn the French hedgerows into a slaughterhouse, a lone British tank crew struggles to rejoin their squadron. Their only hope lies in their commander, Corporal Stiles— but does even this wily old trooper stand a chance against the infamous Tiger? Newly promoted but just as angry, Sergeant Stiles enters the battle for Germany in command

Six years later, as massed Chinese armies descend on UN forces defending South Korea, a British infantry brigade digs in amidst the hills of the Imjin River sector. With them are the Centurion tanks of the 8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars, including WWII veteran Sergeant Stiles. But Stiles is a man haunted by the horrors of his past, and when the Communist offensive smashes into the tiny British force, he must battle his own demons along with the enemy’s might.

GARTH ENNIS has been writing comics since 1989. Credits include Preacher, The Boys (both adapted for TV), Hitman, a​ nd successful runs on The Punisher and Fury for Marvel Comics. He is particularly known for his war comics, including War Stories, Battlefields, Out of the Blue, Sara, The Stringbags, The Night Witches, and a recent revival of the classic British series Johnny Red. Originally from Northern Ireland, Ennis now lives in New York City with his wife, Ruth.​

March 2021 256 pp. | 65⁄₈ x 10¼ Paperback 978-1-68247-597-3 $24.95

“The Tankies is an entertaining yarn which brings to life the perceptions of Allied tank crews as they fought their way across Europe, and tips the hat to our dismounted colleagues alongside whom tankies must fight to be successful” —Nicholas Moran, AKA “The Chieftain”

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LAURENCE LUCKINBILL ADAPTED BY ERYCK TAIT July 1918. Preparing to speak to an eager audience, 61-year-old Teddy Roosevelt receives the telegram that all parents of children who serve in war fear most: His son Quentin’s plane has been shot down in a dogfight over France. His fate is unknown. Despite rising fear for his youngest son, Teddy takes the stage to speak to his beloved fellow citizens. It is, he says, “my simple duty.” But the speech evolves from politics and the war, into an examination of his life, the choices he’s made, and the costs of his “Warrior Philosophy.”

Overflowing with his love of nature, adventure, and justice, Teddy dramatically illustrates the life of one of America’s greatest presidents. His many accomplishments ranged from charging up San Juan Hill in Cuba as commander of the Rough Riders, to facing down U.S. corporate monopolies, to launching the Great White Fleet, building the Panama Canal, and the preservation of hundreds of millions of acres of natural American beauty. And finally, to the vigorous life at Sagamore Hill and his immense pride in a beloved and rambunctious family. Teddy reveals how even the greatest of men is still just a man, and how even the most modest man can grow to be great.

LAURENCE LUCKINBILL was raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He attended the University of Arkansas and the Catholic University of America. In the 1960’s he was a Cultural Representative to the U.S. State Department. He later became an actor: New York Stage, Film, Television. A writer/performer: Lyndon, Clarence Darrow, Tonight!, Teddy!, Hemingway, and America’s Better Angels.

“Teddy Roosevelt roars, fumes, and looks back on his life and family in this graphic version of Luckinbill’s oneman stage show Teddy Tonight. . . . It’s a vivid picture of Teddy at his most admirable . . . and prescient.”

—Kirkus Reviews 19 19

February 2021 176 pp. | 7 x 10 Paperback | 978-1-68247-487-7 $24.95

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THE FLUTIST OF ARNHEM

BY ANTONIO GIL “The Flutist of Arnhem is an epic, exciting tale from World War II.” —Foreword Reviews

In October 1943, all the Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents in Holland are captured by the Germans . . . except one. John Hewson, a.k.a. “Boekman,” is the most dangerous agent to the German occupiers, with vital information about the German army, Boekman escapes the clutches of the S.S. and stays hidden until the start of the largest airborne operation in World War II: Operation Market Garden. When the SOE learn that Boekman is still alive, and that his estranged son, Harry, is on the ground fighting in Market Garden, Harry is tasked with organizing a small commando unit to rescue Boekman and try to escape through the German siege. The Battle of Arnhem unfolds day by day as father and son search for each other amidst the chaos of war and the dogged pursuits of a cruel Gestapo agent.

ANTONIO GIL is an illustrator, comic author, and writer specializing in

military history, with more than one hundred publications in specialized magazines, books, and comics.

May 2021 152 pp. | 7¼ x 10 Paperback | 978-1-68247-463-1 $24.95

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2021 EISNER AWARD NOMINEE BEST ARCHIVAL COLLECTION/PROJECT—COMIC BOOKS 26 26

ATLAS AT WAR!

EDITED BY MICHAEL J. VASSALLO; ART RESTORATION BY ALLAN HARVEY Atlas at War! collects fifty hard-hitting stories from Atlas Comics, the company that became Marvel Comics and published more war titles than anyone in the industry between the years 1951 and 1960. Comics historian Dr. Michael J. Vassallo has chosen the best of the best, many of which are coming back into print for the first time, from sixteen different Atlas war titles and featuring the artwork of twenty different artists—giants of the genre, including Russ Heath, John Severin, Bernie Krigstein, Joe Maneely, Jerry Robinson, Steve Ditko, and Jack Kirby. Each page has been meticulously restored from its first printing by comic art restorer Allan Harvey. Atlas at

War! covers the brutal pre-code period where graphic depictions of war action were rendered by artists who were World War II veterans themselves, as well as the post-code period, where code restrictions forced creators to tell stories without graphic violence but produced some of the most beautiful comic art of the genre. In addition to the artists, stories cover all aspects of war—from famous campaigns, weaponry, and personal soldier stories to political topics, Nazi atrocities, and even one story tinged with pre-code horror!

Often overlooked in favor of its competitors, Atlas at War! will finally show that Atlas’ war titles were second to no one.

DR. MICHAEL J. VASSALLO is a noted comics historian and a world-renowned authority on the Timely/Atlas period of Marvel’s history. He is the co-author of The Secret History of Marvel Comics and has written twenty introductions to Marvel’s Timely and Atlas Age Masterworks volumes. A frequent contributor to comic history publications, Dr. Vassallo has provided writing and editorial support to Taschen Publishing (75 Years of Marvel, The Stan Lee Story) and maintains his own Timely-Atlas-Comics blog. A Manhattan dentist, he resides in Westchester County, New York, with his wife, Maggie, and their children, Michelle and Jason. He is currently researching and writing an art biography of Atlas giant, Joe Maneely.

September 2020 272 pp. | 8½ x 11 Hardcover | 978-1-68247-470-9 $65.00

"Michael Vassallo knows more than anybody in the Marvel Universe about the rich history of the company's comics. His grasp and insights are astonishing! Make Mine Michael's!"

—Craig Yoe, curator of Don Winslow of the Navy and Marvel Masterwork Pin-Ups

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TITLES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-68247-503-4 $29.95

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ENNIs

As As

the German army smashes deep into the soviet Union

and the defenders of the Motherland retreat in disarray, a new squadron arrives at a Russian forward airbase. Like all

bRAUN

night-bomber units, they will risk fiery death flying obsolete biplanes against the invader—but unlike the rest, these pilots and navigators are women. In the lethal skies above the Eastern Front, they will become a legend—known to friend and foe alike as the Night Witches.

With casualties mounting and the conflict devouring more and more of her comrades, Lieutenant Anna Kharkova quickly grows from a naive teenager to a hardened combat veteran. The Nazi foe is bad enough, but the terrifying power of her country’s secret police makes death in battle almost preferable.

REsoURcEs

f the war story (coNTINUEd oN bAcK FLAp)

ok.”

— NEWsARAMA

pRINTEd IN ThE U.s.A.

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