nothing's ever easy in easy company

Sgt. Rock # 365, first published June 1982

“Jigsaw”

This issue of Sgt. Rock introduces us to Jigsaw, a green apple who's making a puzzle of Easy Co in his spare time. He knows where everyone in Easy fits--everyone, that is except, for himself.

Jigsaw proclaims himself to be ‘no hero’.

There are several scenes demonstrating where the other combat-happy joes fit into Easy-- Rock taking point, Bulldozer right behind him, and 4-Eyes covering the rear. 4-Eyes and Rock discuss the effects of combat fatigue and the guilt that comes with killing.

Little Sure Shot and Ice Cream Soldier take out enemy soldiers with deadly efficiency, while Jackie Johnson and Wildman prove that Easy works best when all the men form a complete whole. And where does Jigsaw fit in?

Jigsaw finds his place- between Easy and danger. 

Overall, this story is a fine example of what makes Sgt. Rock a compelling read-- the dynamic between Rock and his men is second to none. Kanigher’s writing and Redondo’s pencils continue to be a perfect fit for Sgt. Rock.

Other features in this issue are “The Weapon Ultimate”, where in a post-apocalyptic future two soldiers discover that their fellow man is truly the deadliest weapon; and “Nobody Dies Alone”, where we follow two bickering recon pilots as they explore a distant planet and discover that they have finally found some common ground.

Credits:

“Jigsaw”: created by Bob Kanigher, edited by Joe Kubert, art by Frank Redondo, and colors by Tatjana Wood

“The Weapon Ultimate”: story by Jack C. Harris, art by Tom Mandrake, letters by J.K. School, colors by Jerry Serpe

Our Army At War #273, first published October 1974

“The Arena” 

 OAAW #273 follows Sgt. Rock into the Roman Coliseum as he evades capture by the Germans-- and, 1900 years earlier, a gladiator named Rufus, going into the Coliseum for the last time. Does anything really change in war, as these two men fight for their lives, almost two thousand years apart?

Millenium Edition: Our Army At War #81, first published April 1959

“The Rock of Easy Company”

This reprint of the first appearance of Sgt. Rock established many things about his character in only six pages: his background as a steelworker from Pennsylvania, his ability to remain calm under pressure, his dedication to his men, and even the prototype for his most famous nemesis, the Iron Major (presented here as the ‘Iron Kapitan’).

Although Kanigher had made a couple prototypes of the Rock character before for G.I. Combat, this was the version of the character that stuck and became Sgt Rock in OAAW #83. Rock became a mainstay at Our Army At War and the title was renamed for him in 1977.

Other noteworthy features in this issue were “Umbrella Pilot” and “No Pocket for Easy”.

Credits:

“The Rock of Easy Company”: story by Bob Haney, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Mike Esposito

“Fighting Footsteps”: story by Bob Haney, art by Russ Heath

“The Liberators”: story and art by unknown

“Umbrella Pilot”: story by Bob Haney, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Mike Esposito 

“No Pocket For Easy”: story by Robert Kanigher, art by Jack Abel

“The Unsafe Safe”: story by Robert Kanigher, art by Joe Kubert