Kubert sets the quality line for the art exceptionally high, especially with some phenomenally dramatic and attention-grabbing covers, but subsequent artists also impress. The Unknown Soldier will infiltrate a problematical area in disguise to discover why it’s dangerous for American troops, or will have a more specific mission where his talent for impersonation is more important. Kubert’s stories work, but it’s Bob Haney and Archie Goodwin who cement the feature, providing mystery, bravery and heroism around the idea that a single man in the right place can have a massive effect, while Goodwin’s contributions add strong emotional content. At first he’s only seen in shadow when not disguised, but when devising an origin, Kubert hit on the masterstroke of also creating the distinctive bandaged face that’s now seen decades of service. Joe Kubert’s responsible for introducing a master of disguise during World War II who takes his name from the tomb at Arlington cemetery representing all American soldiers who died for their country. It’s what this first Showcase Presents volume supplies in black and white, although given the standard 1970s colouring, that’s no great loss. Introduced in 1970, the Unknown Solider didn’t graduate to his own title until 1977, yet that was largely ordinary while the earlier material tucked away among other war stories in DC anthology titles is largely creative, thrilling and well drawn.
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