Black Comic Book Hero Jackie Johnson Featured in Our Army at War, 1961-67

African American, Comics

Comic books

[African American][Comic][WWII] Archive of five issues of Our Army at War featuring black war hero Jackie Johnson, 1961-77. Our Army at War centers on Sgt. Rock and his integrated unit, Easy Company, in combat in WWII. Several issues in this archive contain narratives featuring the groundbreaking African American character Jackie Johnson. Silver age color comics. 1961–1977. This selection documents evolving representations of African American heroism during and after the Civil Rights Movement through the lens of WWII storytelling. The set features gritty battle narratives from Easy Company, with each issue highlighting Johnson’s extraordinary resolve in the face of both military and racial combat. Archive includes:

[1] Our Army at War No. 113 (December 1961). “Eyes for a Blind Gunner.” One of the earliest and most iconic Jackie Johnson stories, in which Jackie temporarily loses his vision while his fellow soldier Wild Man loses the use of his hands to injury. Jackie and Wild Man work together to fight Nazi forces with a machine gun, Jackie operating the gun while Wild Man guides him on where to shoot. The storyline highlights Jackie's heroism and ingenuity, and spotlights interracial teamwork in combat.
[2] Our Army at War No. 160 (November 1965). “What’s the Color of Your Blood?” In this two-part story, Johnson is forced into a gladiator-like fight with a Nazi stormtrooper who demands he proclaim his blood inferior. Refusing to capitulate, Johnson instead becomes the symbolic center of resistance, invoking themes of dignity, racial pride, and physical sacrifice.

[3] Our Army at War No. 162 (January 1966). “The Prince and the Sergeant.” Although the Viking Prince is the titular character, Jackie Johnson continues to be a member of Easy Company, extending his role as the emotional and moral backbone of the team, offering a stabilizing presence during fantastical wartime scenarios.
[4] Our Army at War No. 179 (April 1967). “A Penny for Jackie Johnson.” In this two-part story, Johnson protects and ultimately wins the respect of a virulently racist new recruit, Sharkey. This narrative explicitly critiques white supremacy within the American military, revealing both the burden and heroism of Black service members during World War II.
[5] Our Army at War No. 183 (August 1967). "Sergeants Don’t Stay Dead!” While focused primarily on Sgt. Rock, Johnson appears here as a veteran presence, underscoring his long-standing importance to the narrative fabric of Easy Company and his enduring symbolic role as a Black American war hero in serialized comics.

These issues are historically significant for centering Jackie Johnson, a character who was among the first Black soldiers to be portrayed not only as competent and courageous but as an equal partner to white soldiers—at a time when American society and media were only beginning to integrate. Introduced by writer/editor Robert Kanigher and brought vividly to life by artist Joe Kubert, Johnson was modeled in part after real-life boxing legend Joe Louis and depicted as a former heavyweight champion turned machine-gunner. His narrative function frequently intersected with overt commentary on race, as seen in issues like Our Army at War No. 113 and No. 160, in which his strength, integrity, and refusal to bow to racist humiliation become the moral crux of the plot. Moderate spine wear, creases to covers, some stress lines and edgewear, interior pages toned but complete and intact. No pages missing. Overall good to very good condition. A foundational archive documenting one of the most visible early Black action heroes in comics, and a unique lens into race, masculinity, and patriotism in mid-20th-century America.

Item #22071

Price: $585.00

Status: On Hold