HELLION FOR HIRE: TOUR OF DUTY 01

[MattBrady]

by Billy Tucci

As some of you might have heard, I’ve been drafted into Easy Company! Okay, that’s a out and out bloody lie as I just thought that statement made me sound important and that DC came after me. The truth of the matter is I volunteered, very, very enthusiastically and quite possibly to the point of annoyance! Now, accepted and on my way, I cannot wait to bring back Sgt. Rock’s combat happy Joe’s and offer my sincere thanks to Dan DiDio, Paul Levitz and Mike Marts for making a lifetime dream come true!



I assured Dan and Mike that I there would be no spoilers in this column but the basic story will follow Easy’s push nine miles behind enemy lines, there they will be cut off and surrounded by a desperate, but lethally efficient enemy. Here, this tiny force will make a stand against 7000 elite German troops and armor as a tragic group of American soldiers are drafted to try and break through to them.


Ice Cream Soldier – in Airborne kit won in a craps game.

Sgt. Rock – The Lost Battalion. The title itself raises the hairs on the back of my neck. Robert Kanigher, Frank Redondo, Dick Ayers – jeez, JOE KUBERT –these men, along with their work must all be honored. I know what lay ahead for me, there will be doubters, who won’t give the project a chance as I’m taking up the reins of an icon. I am also very fortunate to stand on the shoulders of giants and acknowledge their contributions. But I must admit, I’m nervous as hell, and after meeting Mr. Kubert for the first time Saturday night in Baltimore, momentarily doubted my own ability to actually do this. But at dinner, my wonderful wife assured me that, career wise, I was put on this earth to really do one thing -- tell stories of World War 2. She knows my passion for the subject and believes I can do it. Heck, DC does as well, so why shouldn’t I? I know that I must push my writing and illustration skills to new levels and draw upon my own experiences as a soldier to make it a success – daunting, yes, impossible NO WAY.

For you see I won’t be alone on this journey, as I’ve brought some very powerful artillery into the mix -- Award winning Filmmaker, John Milius. Who wrote this:

John’s love of history and knowledge of the infantryman will add an extra dimension and humanity to the story that will make this Rock like no other. This is the man who brought us Conan, coined the phrases, “Go ahead, make my day,” and “I love the smell of napalm in the morning” and suggested the Normandy bookend scenes to his friend Steven Spielberg in Saving Private Ryan. He is a bottomless well of information and a master storyteller that is just as excited for this project as I am. John read OAAW religiously as a youngster and even wrote the first version of the Sgt. Rock film (incredible script I must say). It is both our goal is to have The Lost Battalion do for war comics what Private Ryan did for war films. John will be stopping by this column from time to time to give his own personal insight on the project, so stayed tuned to meet one very entertaining and brilliant individual.

I want you all to know that I am completely dedicated to Rock and this project. It is what I will be doing for the next eight months while I live, eat and breathe Easy Company. For the past few weeks, I’ve been completely absorbed in the intricacies of the US and Wermacht Armies of the Second World War. So much so that I believe I’m becoming somewhat of an expert on them and the various types of uniforms, web gear and weapons assigned to specific units.


Wildman

I’m learning the vast differences between the multitude of units engaged together in certain campaigns. For example, aside from the M1 Garand rifle, US 101st Airborne’s kit was almost completely different than that of the US 29th infantry soldiers fighting alongside them. This is important to know for the sake of authenticity and we’ve already had the first of many marathon photo shoots to mark those differences and will dedicate a whole article on those experiences, including lots of “fun shots.”



Even the convention sketch I did of Rock a few months ago (seen in the Mike Marts’ interview: http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=128651) looks alien and out of sorts to me now. Again, though some liberties have to be taken for storytelling, all visuals will be meticulously detailed. A Tiger Tank will be painstakingly illustrated from the hatch to the treads and bear correct unit camouflage, markings and numbers. My studio’s a mess, but I’ve collected a swell little arsenal of weapons, clothing and gear to ensure I’m right on the spot with the visuals.



There’s so much I want to write about, but fear I’ll take up way too much of everyone’s time. So at least allow me to give you an insight as to what we’ll be discussing and showcasing is upcoming H4H – Tour of Duty:

- Next week will see the first of my visits and participation with WW2 reenactors and how they strive to keep history alive. All this will lead up me gearing up and getting completely “Rocked-out” with a M1928A Thompson, a Colt M1911 .45 and period 16mm movie camera alongside hundreds of my fellow “soldiers” recreating the Battle of the Bulge.



- An interview with the President of the Sgt. Rock fan club on all things Rock. We’ll discuss great stories about Rock’s creator Bob Kanigher and just how the man was personally bestowed the honor of president for life of the club by Bob himself!

- In depth discussions with actual soldiers from WW2, both Allied and Axis armies, navies and air forces.

- I also will take you deep behind the scenes in the creation of The Lost Battalion. We’ll take a look at my studio, go over script notes, photos, sketches, and every other step of the creative process.



- Why even Editor Michael Marts and myself will head out to the rifle range to fire all sorts of WW2 weapons (including the, Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) and M1919A4 .30 caliber machine gun), to test the effects that a Mauser 98k rifle round has on an American steel pot helmet.

- I will take you for a wild ride in an original .50 cal mounted Willy’s Jeep, give you a pilots-eyed view of Johnny Cloud’s P47 Thunderbolt’ and hopefully a journey into the belly of the beast itself -- the 60-ton Tiger Tank used in Saving Private Ryan.

- We’ll meet and get to know all the Joe’s of Easy Company.

- Of course this column is about comics so we’ll explore in great detail the history and origins of Sgt. Rock, Easy Company and the Our Army At War comics. Starting with our great War Comics art (both past and present) of the week:



- And in October, I will take a very sobering and personal journey to France where this former paratrooper will storm Omaha beach and follow in the footsteps of another “Easy” company through the bloody hedgerows of Normandy.



- Hell, I’m even recruiting Newsarama readers to help me out and let me draw them into Easy Company (or the enemy if that’s your thing)!

- Oh yeah – and how could I forget? A conversation with the man responsible for how nearly all of us think of Rock - Joe Kubert.

- And how could any Tour of Duty be without the weekly “Just what we’re fighting for reminder” of the week:

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Rocketeer-Era Jennifer Connelly

As you can see we have a very dedicated team. At this very moment, Mark Sparacio, whose currently illustrating Jonah Hex, is hard at work painting my pencils the cover to issue #2. I’m also hoping to get my (and your) favorite artists to do variant covers for the book as well so help me push DC on that one!

*IMPORTANT – If any of you out there that are Sgt. Rock “experts” please, please contact me as this book must give the character his due and give homage to not only our servicemen and women past and present, but also Joe Kubert and Robert Kanigher. Above all else, I too am a fan. I feel that I am in the same boat as you and I’ve been given a wonderful opportunity to take on one of our industry’s greatest creations.

Wow.

Six issues. Six issues involving hundreds of soldiers, weapons vehicles and the invasion of Normandy while sticking to a very small and simple story of love, fear, isolation and sacrifice.

A daunting task indeed, but in my heart, I know that Sgt. Rock - The Lost Battalion will succeed as this story is well, important. It must be told. An actual engagement heinously forgotten to the general public and washed over by a government who stated that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” They will all be remembered, and I will “Go For Broke” in ensuring they are done justice.


SPC Billy Tucci NTC February 1991

Rock On!
Billy Tucci

[BlackCatGuy]

Lookin' good Billy! I can't wait for this to hit! You are the perfect guy for this! You have a love and knowledge of the subject matter that is far and away better than anyone! We're talking "AUTHENTIC" here! Oh, yeah,Rock looks so cool!

And I definitely like what we're "fighting for"! That's a very VERY nice reminder!!

I'm really looking forward to hear of your experience this October, as you hit the beach in Normandy!

[DaVeO]

Aw, hell ya. Billy this will bring you even more attention, great concepts! Sarge is back!

[Spy_Smasher]

God bless you, Billy, for that pic of Jennifer Connelly. As for the project, I'm in whenever DC or Marvel break out their WW2 stories.

[steven_eks]

I love the fact that this book is being made--a few years ago--when Jonah Hex started--I was really blown away being introduced to a new genre I had never had a real opportunity to enjoy as a kid.

I get the same feeling about this project...between Sgt. Rock and the modernization of The Unknown Soldier...I can't wait!

Eks

[loupgaroukid]

Passion is an infectious thing... while I basically glossed over the initial announcement, what I have just read ensures that I will be along for the ride with all of Easy Company.
Best wishes Mr. Tucci, and I eagerly await to see how it all turns out.

[CitC]

It is both our goal is to have The Lost Battalion do for war comics what Private Ryan did for war films.

This will be a tall order considering the work Ennis has done on War Stories and and even things like Enemy Ace: War Idyl (was that the name?). I really hope you succede.

The different Rock art style than I am used to will take a bit of getting used to (even the other artists on the origial book drew enough like Kubert to keep the style consistant), but I like the attention to detail you are giving the project. Rock and Haunted Tank served as my transition from Archie and Richie Rich to Superhero comics - Rock, Jeb and the guys will always be my favorite (anyone remember the Rock issue featuring the bazooka-man Zack? He has lost his arm and is having a hard time adjusting - great issue).

I was wondering about the length of the story you ar doing. Classic Rock stories were only 2/3 or 3/4 of the magazine and they told a complete tale. Is your series going to be a sequence of small stories that add up to make a big one, or is it going to be one long story?

[Jimmy Palmiotti]

I can't wait for this.

Billy's passion for this project is huge and that alone makes this a must read for me.

Looks great dude, keep up the great work!!!

[Billy Tucci]

Originally Posted by CitC

This will be a tall order considering the work Ennis has done on War Stories and and even things like Enemy Ace: War Idyl (was that the name?). I really hope you succede.

The different Rock art style than I am used to will take a bit of getting used to (even the other artists on the origial book drew enough like Kubert to keep the style consistant), but I like the attention to detail you are giving the project. Rock and Haunted Tank served as my transition from Archie and Richie Rich to Superhero comics - Rock, Jeb and the guys will always be my favorite (anyone remember the Rock issue featuring the bazooka-man Zack? He has lost his arm and is having a hard time adjusting - great issue).

I was wondering about the length of the story you ar doing. Classic Rock stories were only 2/3 or 3/4 of the magazine and they told a complete tale. Is your series going to be a sequence of small stories that add up to make a big one, or is it going to be one long story?

Hey CitC,
Mark Sparacio just called to tell me it's on and yes. I agree with you about Garth's wonderful work. I am a HUGE fan of his and did not mean to dissrespect him at all. I love his work -- he and Chuck Dixon are my personal favorites! I'm just in awe of them.

"As for Enemy Ace War Idyl" -- it's my favorite comic of all time!

As for the story -- it will be a six issue story arc. Each issue though will be broken down to an almost self contained chapter and will be titled and themed upon the elements -- Issue One -- Fire
Issue Two -- Rain
Issue Three -- Earth
Issue Four -- Fog
Issue Five -- Wind
Issue Six... well, you'll just have to wait for that one!

thanks for the nice compliments guys.
B

[ShinAkuma666]

This got me intrigued. I had heard before of the project but since I have never read any Stg Rock, I was not planning on getting this...

But seeing all the details and efforts they seem to be going for here, I am interested now.
And since I greatly enjoyed the War stories by Garth Ennis a few years back, I will get this.

[wheels9696]

So excited for this--ww2 history is one of my passions and i know you will do this legacy with the best of your abilities!


You mentioned a re-enactment....by slim chance--there is one next week in Rockford Illinois--your not referring to that are you? Its supposed to be the midwest's largest re-enactment...

Looking forward to this!

[ANGELDOGGIE]

HOW'S THAT FOR "VISUAL REFERANCE"?! This is just awesome Billy!!! I am very excited about this series as I too am a WWII afficcianado. As soon as Mike tells me the date for the next shoot, I'll be there!! This is going to be a great six book event! Your attention to detail, even the smallest things, does not go un-noticed. The upcoming articles regarding this series should be a blast!! Personally, I'd like to fire that BAR myself! Keep up the GREAT work Billy!!!

[Texaslon]

I'm not that familiar with Billy Tucci's work but it sounds like he's the right man for the job. I can't wait to see what he comes up with.

Enemy Ace: War Idyll is an amazing book by George Pratt. It's definetely worth looking for. DC needs to put it back in print - it's an overlooked masterpiece!

[TheMightyGeek]

Nice work there, Billy. That first piece of Sgt. Rock looks a mite like you in the eyes. Of course, that's nothing new. Have you seen Kevin Maguire? Even his women (and they do look good, mind you) look like him. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[bcondray]

I was already hyped for this but...now it's over the top.

[TellarHK]

I was skeptical at first, but now that I've seen what lengths you're going to, Billy, I think you'll do an amazing job. The level of research you're putting into this is truly looking like it's going to do a great job of stifling my usual "technical nitpicking" habits when I read things.

There've been times when I've read comics and gone "Oh god, why doesn't someone tell these artists how guns work?" and in a book full of firearms and historical items, it's good to see someone putting the work in to know what they're doing.

The next time I see a barrel sticking six inches out of a semi-automatic pistol when it shoots, while the slide stays forward, I swear, I'm going to try and write up something as a primer on handgun operation intended for artists.

I've got an AR-15 that's loaded for tactical use, a Walther P22, a clunky Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol, and my roommate and SO have a modified SKS, a Walther P38, a Beretta CX4 pistol in 9mm, a 1911 style .45ACP pistol, and the king of all pistols, the Calico M950 with three 100 round cylindrical magazines.. and a laser, and a holographic sight.

(I love living in Nevada)

So if artists need reference material, we could sure provide it. It's looking like this Rock series sure isn't going to need it. Good.

[painters_eye]

I'm currently active duty and I appreciate the attempt at realism unlike the recent depiction of the U.S. Army in WWH. It's a comic book, but still.

BTW, thanks for this...

[jedifish]

This sounds pretty sweet.

[prolix]

I would read a comic book about the making of manhole covers if the author showed this kind of passion.
Looking forward to it Billy.

[Billy Tucci]

Originally Posted by TellarHK

I was skeptical at first, but now that I've seen what lengths you're going to, Billy, I think you'll do an amazing job. The level of research you're putting into this is truly looking like it's going to do a great job of stifling my usual "technical nitpicking" habits when I read things.

There've been times when I've read comics and gone "Oh god, why doesn't someone tell these artists how guns work?" and in a book full of firearms and historical items, it's good to see someone putting the work in to know what they're doing.

The next time I see a barrel sticking six inches out of a semi-automatic pistol when it shoots, while the slide stays forward, I swear, I'm going to try and write up something as a primer on handgun operation intended for artists.

I've got an AR-15 that's loaded for tactical use, a Walther P22, a clunky Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol, and my roommate and SO have a modified SKS, a Walther P38, a Beretta CX4 pistol in 9mm, a 1911 style .45ACP pistol, and the king of all pistols, the Calico M950 with three 100 round cylindrical magazines.. and a laser, and a holographic sight.

(I love living in Nevada)

So if artists need reference material, we could sure provide it. It's looking like this Rock series sure isn't going to need it. Good.

Tellar, we've so got to go shooting! I will be comparing the M1 Garand 30.06 and the Mauser 8mm rounds to today's 5.56 -- I think people are gonna crap and pine for the days of real man rounds.

I like the .40!

You sir are definitely ready when the zombie infestation begins. I'm coming to your house!

Oh, nothing drives me crazier that what you said, save for when soldiers in the movies and TV wear their berets like mushrooms on their heads.

B

[Billy Tucci]

Originally Posted by painters_eye

I'm currently active duty and I appreciate the attempt at realism unlike the recent depiction of the U.S. Army in WWH. It's a comic book, but still.

BTW, thanks for this...

Thank You for your service. I promise not to let you down.

Jenny thanks you too.

[SledgeHammer]

As a long time Rock fan this is definitely top of my must read list right now, really looking forward to this when it hits, and it's great to see someone with a genuine passion for the material getting a chance to do it, and the characters of Easy Company, justice.

Now if we could just get a Sgt Rock or DC War Tales (featuring a rotating cast of DC's war characters) ongoing series, then I'd truly be in comics heaven...

[JLAJRC]

Yikes, that's alot of fun research. Just how much research are you putting into this project compared to other comics you've done?

[popoykid]

i'm just wondering if you'll be having this column regularly (or is it, already?). as an aspiring artist, i learn a lot just by looking at the pictures, how you draw, and even the painstaking research you do. very professional. and yes, it's always a fun read. and thanks for the jen connely pic.

thanks! more power!

[Billy Tucci]

Originally Posted by JLAJRC

Yikes, that's alot of fun research. Just how much research are you putting into this project compared to other comics you've done?

Lots and lots -- you've got to see the books I'm using -- they're a mess -- trying to break down real history into a few issues to make it work is the hardest part. But keep in touch with the column and you'll see all that I've got lined up!

Again, I thought that doing the research for Shi was a lot, but again, I've been researching this book my whole life!