THE ART OF BRITISH WAR COMICS exhibition

Rebellion has announced a new exhibition in partnership with the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock UK: Into Battle: The Art of British War Comics. Opening October 1, 2023 and running through to April 30, 2024, Into Battle promises to draw on Rebellion’s accumulated archive of material from vintage British war comics titles – such as War Picture Library, Battle Picture Weekly/Battle Action, and more – with original covers and pages on public display for the first time.

According to the press release:

“Hugely popular today, Britain has been publishing comics continuously for over 130 years. During that time, conflict has remained a staple of comic book storytelling and by the 1960s and 1970s war stories were the most popular genre.

“The exhibition, featuring original comic artwork on public display for the first time, tells the story of war comics decade by decade. From satirical comic strips and patriotic illustrated story papers of 19th Century and early 20th Century, to the revolutionary comics of the 1970s, which presented much more gritty, authentic and emotionally-charged stories.”

It adds,

“Alongside much to capture the interest and imagination of adults, the exhibition will offer younger visitors the chance to discover how comics are made and have a go at creating comics themselves.”

The press release teases a few artists that will be on display, such as Jordi Penalva (Bulldog Breed, 1965), Giorgio de Gaspari (Spy 13, 1959), and Graham Cotton (Gun Duel, 1967). One highlight may be the inclusion of Joe Colquhoun pages from the classic World War I drama Charley’s War (1979-1985), which he co-created with writer Pat Mills.

The Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum (SOFO) is a local war museum based in the town of Woodstock, Oxfordshire, UK. It has worked with national and international partners and according to its website describes itself as:

“More than a local military museum, SOFO is a museum that everyone can enjoy, from kids to parents and grandparents. We tell stories of how conflict has affected the county and its people, from soldiers serving on the front lines to ordinary people living on the Home Front.”

The Into Battle exhibition is sponsored by British multidisciplinary property and construction consultancy firm Ridge, whose headquarters – like Rebellion’s – are based in the Oxfordshire county town of Oxford, England. Speaking about the partnership, Ridge said:

“Ridge is delighted to support the local community near its Oxford office with a new exhibition showcasing the best British war comics. Supporting this exhibition on British war comics celebrates the rich history and honours the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers while promoting cultural engagement and education in our community.”

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