The Lions of Ypres: Bobby Joseph's Powerful Commando Debut
"Lions of Ypres," the Bobby Joseph debut Commando story, delivers a stirring tribute to the Indian soldiers who fought in Belgium's frozen trenches during WW1. This powerful Armistice Day release marks a milestone for representation in British comics.
Bobby was appointed Comics Laureate in 2023 through to next year. He is a leading advocate for showcasing and increasing diversity, representation and unheard voices across the industry. So it's no surprise that his debut Commando story focuses on an often-overlooked episode from the First World War.
"Lions of Ypres" will be released on November 6th. The book tells the story of the 1.3 million Indian soldiers who fought in major theatres around the world as part of the British Indian Army, including the frozen, battle-torn landscapes of Ypres in Belgium. Ypres was a crucial location in Germany's advance across Europe.
Bobby Joseph is the fifth person to hold the role. Significantly, he is the first Comic Laureate of colour.
"As a comic creator of Indian origin and the first person of colour to be Comic Laureate of the UK, I have become increasingly passionate about ensuring that marginalised histories and stories, especially those of people of colour, are told truthfully and creatively in comics.
When the opportunity to work on Commando happened, I made sure to represent people of colour, and their contributions to the war efforts during WW1 and how they served and helped the survival of Britain, at the cost of their lives. Personally, I was unaware of the history of Indian, Caribbean and African soldiers that fought bravely alongside their British counterparts. When I was a child, History in school did not teach these stories of valour. Even nowadays, mass media such as movies and TV rarely share these contributions.
When these stories are no longer seen, they are consigned to a part of history that is no longer discussed, and then these stories cease to exist. We need to honour. We need to celebrate. We must make sure their contributions matter. And I am proud to do my part to remember them, to represent them, to eulogise them."
"Lions of Ypres" features cover art and illustrations by veteran boys' comic artist Mike Dorey. The design and lettering are done by Grant Wood. This work is part of Commando's commemorative set for Armistice Day. The set includes two classic reprints from the 1970s and 1980s. It also features the little-known origins of the Goat Major of the Royal Welsh Regiment. This origin story is written by Dr. Hailey Austin.
Lauded as the home of heroes since its first publication in 1961, Commando is Britain's longest-serving war comic. Telling tales of action and adventure for over 60 years, the title has long outlasted its contemporaries. This is in no small part due to the characters in each of its 63-page, black and white comics. While other war comics focused on the action, Commando instead put the heroes' journey front and centre. Something Bobby Joseph advocates. Offering new voices and perspectives has led to Commando's success as it reaches new audiences and continues to resonate with its readers.
"Bobby's story needs to be told. It immortalises one of the First World War's most infamous battles - the First Battle of Ypres - but grounds the action, telling it from the perspectives of Sepoys Ram Thapar and Lal Mathai, keeping their friendship at the heart of the issue. Offering a story we think we know a new voice, on Armistice Day we remember and honour all those who gave their lives defending freedoms." - Kate McAuliffe, Content Editor, Commando.
