Osprey Elite Series SC (1984-2008 OSPREY) comic books 1989

Volume 21 - 1st printing. "The Zulus!" Written by Ian Knight. Art by Angus McBride 'A very remarkable people, the Zulu', the British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, said on hearing of a fresh disaster in the war of 1879, 'They defeat our generals; they convert our bishops; they have settled the fate of a great European dynasty'. Remarkable indeed, to have taken on the full might of the British Empire at its height, and won, if not the war, at least some of the battles. This book explains who the Zulus were, and how they achieved the fame as warriors which they enjoy to this day. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 22 - 1st printing. "World Special Forces Insignia!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Simon McCouaig. There exists among the world's armies a proliferation of special forces groups. Today's smaller armies, especially those of developing nations, demand maximum efficiency in force structure and employment. Mountain, jungle, arctic and desert areas require special purpose units trained, conditioned, and equipped to master these environments. This volume by ex-weapons specialist in the US 7th Special Forces Group, Gordon L. Rottman, details the insignia of a myriad of special forces groups from all parts of the globe, from Portugal's Commando Regiment to the North Yemen 'Al Mithalaat' Brigade, with a wealth of illustrations and photographs, including 12 full page colour plates by Simon McCouaig. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 23 - 1st printing. "The Samurai!" Written by Anthony J Bryant. Art by Angus McBride. Perhaps the greatest warriors in history, the Samurai were a product of a social system totally geared to war. The Samurai became expert in fighting both on horseback and on the ground. Their way of life was dictated by the code of Bushido or 'way of the warrior' and clad in their magnificent, multi-coloured armour they were perfectly suited to the violent clan and dynastic warfare that dominated medieval Japan as the most powerful families vied for supremacy. In this title Anthony J Bryant presents a fascinating overview of these truly elite warriors. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

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Volume 24 - 1st printing. "The Old Contemptibles!" Written by Michael Barthorp. Art by Pierre Turner. On 19 August 1914 Kaiser Wilhelm II ordered General von Kluck, commanding the German First Army, to 'exterminate the treacherous English and walk over General French's contemptible little Army'. The 'Old Contemptibles' adopted the aspersion like a treasured regimental title, their subsequent successes earning them a more accurate evaluation as 'the best trained, best organised and best equipped British Army that ever went forth to war'. This book examines the history, organization and uniforms of the British Expeditionary Force of the early 20th century. The text is accompanied by numerous illustrations, including maps, photographs, and colour plates. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 25 - 1st printing. "Soldiers of the English Civil War Book 1!" Written by Keith Roberts. Art by Angus McBride. When civil war erupted in England in 1642, it quickly involved every level of society throughout the British Isles. On one side the King and his supporters fought for traditional government in Church and State. On the other, the supporters of Parliament sought radical changes in religion and economic policy, and a greater share of power at the national level. This is the first of two volumes in the Elite series exploring the recruitment, organisation, and tactics of the soldiers of the English Civil War. This book opens with an account of the origins of the military theory used by both sides, before discussing the weapons, logistics and management of the infantry throughout the Civil War campaign. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 26 - 1st printing. "Tank War - Central Front NATO vs. Warsaw Pact!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Simon McCouaig. In the late 1980s, with the Intermediate Nuclear Force Treaty in effect, public attention turned to discussions of conventional weapons in Europe, particularly tanks. Though the importance of tanks had dimished since their heyday in the Second World War, on the modern battlefield they remained the dominant weapon.This text, enhanced by colour plates and photographs, examines the NATO and Warsaw Pact tank forces of that era, focusing on tank firepower and crew training, and speculates as to the possible outcome had a conventional land war been fought between them. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.