One of Warrens shortest running titles Blazing Combat turned out to be it's most controversial release because of a strong anti-war theme running throughout the magazine. The distributors and retailers were not only refusing to stock it but threatening to boycott his other titles effectively putting the company out of business.
So much for freedom of speech and expression in the land of the free. However this was the sixties, the USA was at war and the anti-war movement was a problem for the establishment. Even in the UK there was a movement against American involvement in Vietnam. The far-left and pacifist movement demonstrated outside the US Embassy in 1966.
A riot followed as Trotskyists led by Tariq Ali broke away from the main march. Similar events took place across the USA. Feelings were running high so James Warrens decision to publish this comic magazine was a brave one and was a moment he remained proud of.
Politics out of the way this actually is a splendid magazine. Most American war comics are a bit too "gung ho" for me. These gritty tales with excellent artwork are a joy to read.
Highly recommended.
There are four issues to collect or if you can find a copy Fantagraphics published a hardback collection back in 2009.
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