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. Though Charley has survived the early days of the Somme, with treachery on both sides of the wire and a dangerous new commanding officer, triumph and tragedy lie in store. This volume features a new commentary by creator/writer Pat Mills and a feature on the development of the first tanks of World War One. It also includes an afterword by acclaimed comics writer/creator Garth Ennis (Preacher, Enemy Ace, War Story).

Volume 2 chronicles the years of the War (1 August 1916 – 17 October 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. Having survived two months in the War, Charley still has nightmares about the Battle of the Somme Massacre. But the horror of that war is just a prelude to the greater horrors he will face as Charley discovers treachery from both sides of the wire, leading to the loss of friends and enemies alike while a dangerous new commanding officer could bring Charley’s war to a swift end!

“None [have come] even close to matching the depiction of inhumanity and misery conjured up by Pat Mills and Joe Colquhoun’s masterful Charley’s War.” – Alan Moore, V For Vendetta, Watchmen, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

“Timelessly relevant and well-researched, this is a comics classic.” – Publishers Weekly

“It’s easy to forget this is a comic aimed at young boys. That it portrays any horror at all is a bonus. That it’s downright anti-war makes it essential reading.” – Grovel.org

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Pat Mills has written for 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 2 in the series · Collects episodes 30-59, originally published in Battle