Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Sgt Rock - The Lost Battalion #2

By Patrick Oliver
December 6, 2008 - 10:20

Billy Tucci's Sgt Rock - The Lost Battalion (2 of 6) is a very good read. It grips from the first page, where we get a gradually exploded view of a battle field revealed over the course of six panels and an insight into the opposition forces commanding officers' mentalities.

Between a rock, and a hard place..

Easy Company, attached to the 141st light infantry, are trapped up in the mountains miles behind enemy lines, keeping on the move as they wait for word of rescue. Meanwhile lethal German forces are massing ominously with the much vaunted 'mountain hunters' in their ranks - and they are out for blood.

The interplay between the characters is believable. It displays the kind of dialogue you would expect from people in similar situations. Sgt Rocks' gruff humour is in evidence as well, and is good to see.  The actions sequences have an urgent, kinetic feel to them too. 

Level perspective

I like Billy Tucci's drawing style and eye for detail. I like the fact that all through the first page the central focus remains the same. Even when the picture moves out from a close up of a leaf (and the hand clutching it) to expanded view of the scene. While reading this issue we are treated to several different views of both the soldiers and of the action. We see the characters from ground level, from shoulder height, face on and from the air. All of which subtly add to the strength of the story and to the situation portrayed. 

XTC

I haven't read a Sgt Rock title in very many years and this issue by Billy Tucci was a pleasant surprise.

7.5/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12