Description

High Shining Brass                                Comics Lot
Writer: Don Lomax & Robert Durand
Artist: Don Lomax
Inker: Rose Lomax
Letterer: Clem Robins
Editor: Hilary Hughes
All Covers by: Don Lomax

During the Vietnam War, the blandly-named U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observation Group (MACV-SOG) was officially set up to analyze the ongoing U.S. military experience in Vietnam. But that was a cover. MACV-SOG’s real mission was to serve as the CIA’s combined Army-Navy-Air Force-Marine task force to conduct clandestine missions and “unconventional” warfare, supporting resistance fighters inside North Vietnam, and the like. MACV-SOG conducted a multitude of operations from 1964 to 1972. One such operation, begun in fall of 1965, was code named “Shining Brass.” Shining Brass teams, made up of U.S. Army Special Force Soldiers, were sent across the border into Laos for raids and reconnaissance missions. The operation was renamed twice – to “Prairie Fire” in 1968 and “Phu Dung” (pronounced “foo young”) in the Spring of 1971.

High Shining Brass is a journey into that shadow world of CIA treachery and deceit – where patriotic Americans were used as pawns. This is the story of the part Bob Durand played in the most confused, misguided stupidity that our country has ever been embroiled in: the Vietnam War. Except for Durand’s, the names of all the people depicted in this series have been changed. No one who lived through the Vietnam era emerged unaffected. Over 58,000 Americans were killed in Vietnam, or “wasted,” to use the slang of that time. Some say that the latter term rings withmore truth than may have been intended…

Now, Apple Comics presents, “High Shining Brass”. The actual story of a soldier named Bob Durand who fought in the Viet Nam Conflict. Durand was a member of a black-ops team, code-named “Shining Brass”. The series retold the horrific atrocities witnessed and performed by the once naïve special forces member. Durand’s group was under the command of a combined force, comprised of every branch of the services, and headed up by the ever-popular Central Intelligence Committee – here showing what an oxymoron that name can be. It’s a journey into a shadow world of treachery and deceit – and immensely critical of the way lives of Americans were traded about carelessly during the war in Vietnam.

Story/Spoilers
In issue #1, “Point”, A companion story to the Don Lomax’s award-winning Vietnam Journal series, High Shining Brass is based on the true story of an American spy in Vietnam as told to Don Lomax by agent Robert Durand who chronicles the tale. Durand was a member of a black-ops team, code-named “Shining Brass”. The series depicts the horrific atrocities witnessed and performed by the once naïve special forces member as he attempts to perform his duties and understand the true meaning behind the madness. Durand’s group was under the command of a combined force, comprised of every branch of the services, and headed up by the ever-popular Central Intelligence Committee. It’s a journey into a shadow world of treachery and deceit – and reveals the way lives of Americans were traded about carelessly during the war in Vietnam.

Next in issue #2, ”Chameleon”, Robert Durand, serving the CIA, is forced to go against his deepest beliefs on a task that he draws the short straw on. When he finally makes it back from the mission, he is eager to get back to his men and friends but finds that suddenly he is to be transferred to another country entirely.

Next in issue #3, ”TET”, Black-Ops agent Durand finally gets back to North Vietnam to join up with his band of soldiers and finds out that their supply chain has been cut off from the US government. It forces Durand to take drastic action before he finds out the drugs the CIA has been injecting into him are causing permanent damage.

Finally in issue #4, “Sanctioned”, Everything unravels for Black Ops agent Durand as he finds out that his operations were “off the radar” and he and his band of men are left alone to fend for themselves. When he finally escapes to return back to the US Army, he finds nothing was as he thought it was. In this true tale, Durand finds that the real world is much more incomprehensible than the shadow one he had been living in. The conclusion to Don Lomax’s High Shining Brass story arc.

Comics lot contains: High Shining Brass (1990 – 1991) Issues #1-4.  Apple Comics / Apple Press, Inc.

Comics are bagged & boarded and will be carefully / securely packaged then shipped via USPS Priority Mail to ensure that it arrives to you perfectly and quickly.

All First Printings
Publisher: Apple Comics / Apple Press, Inc.
Publication Date: 1990 – 1991
Format per comic: BW, 32 pages, Comic, 10.25″ x 6.75″
UPC: None Stated

Collectible Entertainment note: Comics 1,2,3,4 are in Fine condition.  Nice Set!  Please See Scans!!  A must have for any serious Vietnam War collector and/or enthusiast.  A fun & entertaining read.  Very Highly Recommended.

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