Ron S :: War Comics

Star Spangled War Stories #153, Cover

Artist: Joe Kubert (All)

27 Comments - 1,883 Views - 7 Likes

Star Spangled War Stories #153, Cover Comic Art

Click Image to View Full Size

Previous Item:
Our Army at War #193, page 1

Next Item:
Star Spangled War Stories #156, pages 2-3

Artwork Details

Title:	Star Spangled War Stories #153, Cover
Artist:	Joe Kubert (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Cover
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	1,883
Likes on CAF:	7 8
Favorited on CAF:	1
Comments:	27
Added to Site:	6/2/2015
Comic Art Archive:	Star Spangled War Stories Issue: 153 Page: cover View

Description

�m a fan of the DC war books. And, one of the best was the Unknown Soldier. There was a prototype character that first appeared in Our Army at Way #168 in a Sgt. Rock story. A few years later, the Unknown Soldier was given the lead in Star Spangled War Stories #151, where he remained till the book was renamed The Unknown Soldier with #205. The DC Wiki calls #151 his first appearance.

Created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, the book followed the exploits of a unnamed soldier who, when his brother was killed in action and his face disfigured, volunteered for special duty. Any mention of his name was expunged from all records, and he was given special training in weapons and hand to hand combat to prepare him for virtually any mission. The Unknown Soldier wears bandages to hide his damaged face, and as a result also learns to become a master of disguise. His commander would send him on important missions throughout the European Theatre of war as well as the Pacific. The disguises set this character apart from other war books. He masqueraded as everyone from an ordinary soldier to a concentration camp prisoner to Heinrich Himmler! Each time, the mission was completed, and tribute given to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our safety.

When I saw this cover, I jumped at the opportunity to pick up a Kubert fifteen cent masterpiece. This cover actually ties better into the story in the following issue (#154) which retells the Unknown Soldier�s origin. But, any way you cut it, it�s a great one.

Social/Sharing

About the Owner

	Ron S Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	June 2007
Last Login:	September 2025
Ebay Id:	lihama5
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Premium Member Q&A Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

Contact the Owner

Use can use a contact form to send an email to this gallery owner,
but, you must be logged in to use this feature.

Comments on this Artwork

You must be logged in to make comments.

Scott Williams
Member Since 2004

Posted on 6/2/2015

How good is this? What a memorable cover. 60s Kubert is truly classic.

CHRIS OLIVERIA
Member Since 2011

Posted on 6/2/2015

Another great pick up Ron! Congratulations.

Chris C
Member Since 2004

Posted on 6/2/2015

Kubert on DC War Comics is like chocolate and peanut butter. Great individually and Spectacular together.

Chris K.
Member Since 2008

Posted on 6/2/2015

A thing of beauty, Mr. Sonenthal...

David K
Member Since 2008

Posted on 6/2/2015

The Unknown Soldier is one of my favorite characters in comics!! This is indeed wonderful!!!!

Thomas V
Member Since 2008

Posted on 6/2/2015

Now this is a terrific cover. I love how he puts the viewer right there in the action. Kubert's inks are just gorgeous. Joe had the magic touch. Great addition to your collection Ron.

Alex Johnson
Member Since 2006
Forum Moderator

Posted on 6/2/2015

A beautiful and moving cover. Thanks for sharing it.

Greg G
Member Since 2004

Posted on 6/3/2015

A great one, indeed; classic Kubert. Big congrats!

frank x townsondecker
Member Since 2006

Posted on 6/3/2015

Excellent!!!

Jeff Singh
Member Since 2004

Posted on 6/3/2015

Great cover. So much in the posture and lighting of the foreground figure. The image is more powerful showing his back than if Joe had chosen another angle.

Jim Stevenson
Member Since 2008

Posted on 6/3/2015

Wow, that is a great, very memorable cover!

Timothy Finney
Member Since 2006

Posted on 6/3/2015

I don't know exactly when Joe Kubert started adding the "Make War No More" tag on his war comics (maybe I'm wrong but I think it was after he took over the editing from Bob Kanigher), but that sentiment is drawn all over this cover. The Unknown Soldier covers, like the Enemy Ace covers that proceeded them, continued the shift in tone in the Vietnam era away from fantasy elements (dinosaurs) and much of the glamorization of war that was still prevalent elsewhere. You can see it in the image of the Unknown Soldier here with his less-than-perfect posture, the battle scars (seen and unseen) and injuries and the horrified reaction of the medics. This is classic Kubert at his powerful best.

DC's Showcase
Member Since 2006

Posted on 6/3/2015

Intense! And powerfully composed. Congrats, Ron!

E DLS
Member Since 2005

Posted on 6/3/2015

All the words I wanted to use have already been left above. Powerful, classic, beautiful. A stellar example by the legendary artist who helped define the genre.

Len G
Member Since 2004

Posted on 6/3/2015

Cool Cover -- Unknown Soldier was a great read back in the day. Love how Joe K draws hands -- look at the subtlety of the fingers holding the helmet. Just fantastic

Len G
Member Since 2004

Posted on 6/3/2015

Cool Cover -- Unknown Soldier was a great read back in the day. Love how Joe K draws hands -- look at the subtlety of the fingers holding the helmet. Just fantastic

Don Raskin
Member Since 2010

Posted on 6/3/2015

Kubert's style was perfect for these stories and covers and this one's a beauty.

Mark Levy
Member Since 2004

Posted on 6/3/2015

I've a sweet nostalgia spot for unknown soldier as well - this is great cover, congrats!

Gene Park
Member Since 2004

Posted on 6/4/2015

Another bold pick-up for your collection, Ron - I always look forward to seeing what hidden gems you manage to unearth!

Kevin Stawieray
Member Since 2004

Posted on 6/4/2015

Fantastic Kubert brushwork used throughout. Congratulations!

John B
Member Since 2004

Posted on 6/4/2015

That's a great cover, Ron.

John Livesay
Member Since 2009

Posted on 6/4/2015

great!

Michael One Minute Later
Member Since 2005

Posted on 6/4/2015

Fabulous cover and I agree with your sentiments, both as to how wonderful the illustration is and how exciting the Unknown Soldier was to read; thrilling stories and artwork the meshed perfectly

J M
Member Since 2010

Posted on 6/5/2015

Ron this is a wonderful edition to your gallery ,brilliant composition , congrats

Joe Shaffer
Member Since 2010

Posted on 6/5/2015

Awesome stuff Aron, congrats

Josh G.
Member Since 2008

Posted on 1/23/2016

that's swell

Fred's CAF Gallery
Member Since 2003

Posted on 7/14/2017

Speechless...

All
	David F. 9/6/2025 1:44:00 AM
	Richard Donnelly 9/6/2025 1:43:00 AM
	Gio Scarp 9/6/2025 1:38:00 AM
	--J S-- 9/6/2025 1:24:00 AM
	Sam Casciato 9/6/2025 12:38:00 AM
View All


	Alan E 9/6/2025 12:05:00 AM
	Aidan (Re-Legion ) Lacy 9/5/2025 10:56:00 PM
	Tom McDonald 9/5/2025 10:46:00 PM
	Abraham Martinez 9/5/2025 9:33:00 PM
	Chris Johnson 9/5/2025 9:08:00 PM