Heroic Italians? In a comic about World War 2? Well you better believe it!!
Except for a few stereotypical clunkers involving uncomplimentary attitudes towards spaghetti and narrative concerns over the “incessant chatter” of Italians and their inability to annunciate simple English phrases the Italians come out looking pretty good in The Price of Freedom.
Even though the focus of the story is on the adventures of Kiwi Captain Pug Meyburgh and English Sergeant Tom Decker from the retreat in North Africa to their capture, internment and escape and then their bid for freedom it is the host of heroic Italians that truly make the story strong. These include the well meaning Private Bruzzi, the private citizen Babbino, the silent but shrewd scout Truffi and brave Sergeant Ruffini (who was responsible for the capture of Meyburgh and Decker).
Furthermore the story is enhanced by a see-sawing tactical situation in the 2nd half of the book.
The artist for The Price of Freedom provides some exceptional ink work and appears to revel in the use of black. And not just for night settings or for dramatic punctuation. Copious amounts of blank ink are used throughout giving this War Picture Library comic a wonderful quality.
Also it is very well written with the story being revealed, with right amount of information being provided as the story progresses.
The Price of Freedom would lend itself very well to some back story creation. There's more to know about the characters. What made Decker drive through the desert picking up wounded men? What of the soldiers who gave up their places so the wounded could get aid? How did Truffi become silent and shrewd. And what was Ruffini doing all that time while Meyburgh and Decker were in prison?
Another smug Nazi officer. Where do they find so many of them?
I can't figure out if this is more Allo Allo or Blackadder.
Did he spend time in Brooklyn?
More ink. We need more ink.
Why can't they have stiff upper lips?
Great picture
Evil looking lot. Nice panel though.
Nice Aaagh! with a little Uh! thrown in for counterpoint.
Great picture
There's lot going on in this one.
Cravatt, tash, bandage and stiff upper lip! All man!!
Evil looking lot. Nice panel though.Nice Aaagh! with a little Uh! thrown in for counterpoint.
No it's not.It's all about being gallant and sacrifice and being noble!
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