Reference bounty: a selection of Authentic WW2 Soldier gear.

Recently, I was attending some security training and discovered that the instructor was a avid Australian military history buff. The class wrapped up and we ended up spending a great deal of time going through his private collection of Australian military memorabilia. I kick myself I didn't have a proper camera with me that night, but the collection was immense- everything from uniforms, pay checks, pocket books, compasses, kitchen utensils- you name it: anything and everything a soldier would have carried, used or come across in WW1, WW2, Vietnam etc. this gentleman had it. Very thankful for the time he spent with me. Here's a selection of the more interesting finds (or the photos that turned out ok- the Bully Beef can photos were too blurry), which relate to the 'Soldier Legacy' and 'Strange Tales' comic series in particular- some you've read, and some in the works ;)

WW1 canteen. 

WW1 ammo pouches

WW1 Spurs and things

Circa WW1

From WW2 New Guinea Campaign: Pidgin English book

I was excited to see this, and annoyed I didn't have one when trying to dialogue the natives :P

WW2 multi-tool

WW2 dressings

Authentic Pacific theatre commando field map, made of satin I think- so it doesn't rot in the mud/wet of the jungle. Said to be virtually useless to the ground troops anyway.

Commando boots

Infantry boots

The cook's equipment

The brand you can trust. On almost all the gear the Aussies carried.

Authentic Soldier's wallet

Fighting knife.

Filed Dressing

WW2 Pack equipment, including gas mask we didn't need. the only Soldiers who suffered from Gas attacks were those who were purposely gassed in training exercises in Australia. Horrible.

More of the Soldier's pack, including ammo belts.

Part of the Soldier's uniform; look familiar, right? ;)

This was also an interesting find: Everything a Soldier needs to know- including Army protocol, Japanese phrases,  map symbols, ranks for Army, Navy and Air Force etc. And, what equipment you're issued throughout the war.

Authentic Australian-issued Lee- Enfield rifle.

Magazine 

Ammunition

More from the Soldier's pocket book

Equipment card

How to clean your rifle: the tools are kept in the Rifle butt.

WW2 pouches- pity more of the webbing and equipment photos didn't turn out too good. But you get the idea. 

Here's another familiar "tool"- the Soldier's machete. 

Mail from the era.

Thanks, Diggers!

No, I'm not dead: Free Comic Book Day, and other stuff

Ok, super brief update for those who give a damn.

Paul Abstruse, GFTG's Darren Parker, and me, with the exclusive GFTG "Judge Dredd #1" variant covers.

Huuuuggggge thanks to the boys and girls of 'Gifts for the Geek' for flying us down for 'Free Comic Book Day' on the 4th of May in their cool store in Geelong, Victoria. Loved all the kind folks who came and got their Soldier books signed, or grabbed a copy- you are way too kind :D

One of the sketches that keep us busy, from open to close- Congratulations for a successful day, GFTG!

FORCES of GEEK's BIG ON JAPAN Article part 2 dropped at some point, with Soldier Legacy stuff:
http://www.forcesofgeek.com/2013/05/big-on-japan-fistful-of-international.html
and Part 1, just in case ;)
http://www.forcesofgeek.com/2013/04/big-on-japan-fistful-of-international.html

Umm, not much else; last squad training for full Aussie team last weekend in Canberra (before we head to the UK for the World TKD Championships), and I managed to pull another 2 x Golds at the latest tournament (NSW/ACT titles)- happy with progress so far, despite going into the weekend with hamstring strains. I hope to continue working through my program (and schedule to keep my brain in check while I find the time to train, courtesy of good friend Candice Land of Enitor Health and Performance), and continue the good fortune when fights roll around in London come the beginning of August. Big, big thanks to my "brother" Sabum Gary King, and Sabum Penny King for their help and hospitality, my "other" family "The Greigs, and Master instructor Jamie Moore in particular, plus the Central Coast contingent, Sabum Scott, Andy, Nigel, Dave and the rest of the Aussie team.

Photo courtesy of John Sutherland.

What was weird was my worlds mixed for a moment when a nice young dude from the Central Coast Authentic Takewon-do branch, caught me between events to get a copy of "Soldier Legacy's Strange Tales #1" signed :P When he asked for a photo, I said " did you smile?" "Uh-Huh"...tricked me :P

Anyways, gotta run. The grind of the day job, prepping for UK, US, drawing and colouring some prints for Oz Comic-Con in Melbourne July, and getting 'the Soldier Legacy' back into gear post- 'New Adventures of the Human Fly #1'.

Lots to do, and barely keeping the head above water. I have Arnold Schwarzenegger's quote in front of me at the computer: "What are you really made of?" When I feel like I've made lousy life choices every day when my alarm goes off in the morning, I try to think of where I started, and where I'm trying to go. I might feel like I'm the invisible guy trudging on to hit these personal milestones, but I do know I have a handful of close people, family and friends giving genuine praise and encouragement, and genuine readers who dig the comic stuff too. Thank you guys- I hope not to let you down.
12 plane flights this year so far, 6 Australian states (including ACT and my home state); it's been busy and my bank account has suffered. But I've had a lot of fun, met and caught up with a lot of people; I guess I'll dig all of this when I'm older and looking back at my stupid a** in these photos and convention schedules, right?

Cheers, Diggers.
Paul.

Random pages for you! Soldier legacy #5, and Strange Tales #1

From the back up story in 'The Soldier Legacy's Strange Tales #1' Meet some of Lazarus Burne's Maleficus Seven (Plot/script by Chris Sequeira, Plot/Art by me.) http://www.blackboox.net/strange-tales-1/

http://www.blackboox.net/strange-tales-1/

And two pages from 'The Soldier Legacy #5' (the lot by me.)

Get online from http://www.blackboox.net/the-soldier-legacy-issue-5/ or ask your local comic store. I'd try 'Gifts for the Geek' Geelong, All Star Comics in Melbourne, Ace Comics and Games in Annerley or Brisbane CBD, and Kaboom Comics in Toowoomba for a start.

Some stuff on my recent 'Stunt work' ;P

 Enjoyed the 'Wild Ride"...

...But thankful now I can sit back and rest...for now ;)

Many thanks to Steve Goldmann, Michael Aushenker, and Tony Babinski (and also to writer mate, and close friend Chris Sequeira), for the recent opportunity to add to "The New Adventures of 'The Human Fly' " #1, due out for San Diego Comic-Con in July. Was honoured to work on scriptwriter Tony Babinski's fun story, and looking forward to having another ride with the character with Chris soon. More stuff as I learn it, Soldiers.

http://www.conventionscene.com/2013/02/14/new-human-fly-graphic-novel-to-debut-at-sdcc-2013/