Perhaps the most acclaimed war comic in British history, Charley’s War is rich in the detailed minutiae of the terror-punctuated existence of a Tommy. In 1916, Charley Bourne lies about his age to enlist and fight on the battlefields of France. But thoughts of glory are swept aside by bloody horror as artillery rains down on the trenches of the First World War. This first collection features a brand new introduction and ‘director’s commentary’ by Pat Mills, a cultural history of the comic, and an essay on the Battle of the Somme.

Volume 1 chronicles the years of the War (2 June 1916 – 1 August 1916) from the point-of-view of Charley Bourne, a young man who lies about his age so that he can enlist in the First World War, fighting for his country. But the patriotism and glory he thinks war involves, disappear when he sees the horror and brutality of fighting in the trenches and the pointless sacrifices made for a war no one will get credit for. Charley starts to realise the only thing he can and must do is survive. Charley’s War is at times amazing, inspiring and humorous but other times sad and horrifying. If anything this is a realistic account of war firsthand through the eyes of a young man.

“Moving and beautifully illustrated, Mills’ horrific vision of the western front will enflame the enthusiasm of a new generation. An exciting starting point from which to build a wider understanding of the First World War.” – Dan Snow, Battlefield Britain

“Charley’s War is one of the most emotionally affecting comic strips ever published.” – Dave Gibbons, Watchmen

“Equal parts Captain Hurricane and Wilfred Owen…Full of pathos, humour and horror…Intensely moving…Charley’s War is simply the greatest British comic strip ever created.” – Andrew Harrison, Word Magazine

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Pat Mills has written countless comic stories. Following work on Battle Weekly, Mills become creator and editor of 2000 AD working on stories for Judge Dredd, Nemesis, Sláine and A.B.C. Warriors as well as Charley’s War. He is also the creator behind Marshall Law.

Artist Joe Colquhoun worked on a large range of comics in his 30-year UK comic industry career. His work includes Lion, Champion, Buster and Battle although he is best remembered for his work on Battle, including Johnny Red and Charley’s War. He sadly died in 1987.

Classics · Charley's War
Volume 1 in the series ·