Weird War Tales #51
Published and © by DC, March 1977
Title: “Secret Weapon”
Synopsis: A Nazi major uses a spell book to summon demons – but brings on his own demise, as well.
Writer: Jack Oleck
Artist: Bill Draut
Review: This lead feature is typical Weird War Tales fare, seasoning a run-of-the-mill war story with a dollop of the occult. Bill Draut’s art is serviceable, mixing a clean cartooning style with clear storytelling and solid page design. A workman-like effort that unfortunately pales in comparison to this issue’s last story.
•••
Title: “Project V”
Synopsis: An American spy gets more than he bargained for while investigating the Nazis’ Project V.
Writer: Bob Rozakis
Penciler: Bull Draut
Inker: Bob Wiacek
Review: Another story typical of this book. It’s interesting how much a different inker changes the look of Bill Draut’s art.
•••
Title: “A Canterbury Tail”
Synopsis: In the UK after the Great Disaster, Scottish terriers try to extort protection money from the British bulldog government.
Writer (plot): Paul Levitz
Writer (script): Jack C. Harris
Penciler: Marshall Rogers
Inker: Terry Austin
Review: This rehomed story from Kamandi is an ill fit for Weird War Tales, but, darn, the art is lovely.
Grade (for the entire issue): B-
Second opinion: “There are gems in the compost here.” – Frank Plowright, highlighting “A Canterbury Tail,” from FantaCo’s Chronicle’s Series Annual #1, 1983 … Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: Anytime Marshall, Rogers and Terry Austin collaborate, coolness abounds.
Notable: Also includes a frontispiece by Nestor Redondo, a “Justice for All Includes Children #9” public-service one-pager by Curt Swan and Vince Colletta, and a “And Now … We Interrupt This Comic to Bring You a Word From Your New Publisher …” text feature.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself!” – John B. Temple-Smythe, channeling his inner FDR
A word from the publisher: “All signs seemed to indicate that an unknown person of presumably female persuasion has become publisher of DC.” – Janette Kahn, from the “And Now … We Interrupt This Comic to Bring You a Word From Your New Publisher …” text feature in this issue
Editor’s note: This review was written June 4, 2025.
