Special Forces

    (Image, 2007-2009)
™ and © 2007 Kyle Baker

In Special Forces #1, Kyle Baker informs readers that he based the comic book on a true occurrence, reinforcing his claim with a pair of stories reprinted from two legitimate news sources. It seems that the United States Army, under intense pressure to add to its ranks, recruited an 18-year-old autistic man named Jared Guinther, who signed up for the highly dangerous position of cavalry scout. An Army spokesman claimed ignorance and released Guinther shortly after his parents complained to The Oregonian newspaper.
The panic-stricken sergeant in Special Forces recruits methadone addicts, homeless people, convicted felons, and others unfit to serve, and the pages are filled with unflinching looks at the horrors of war, complete with guts, blood, and disembodied heads. Curiously, the protagonist, a brave and resourceful female, is shown in alluring poses and various states of undress, perhaps mocking readers who can find anything sexy in the midst of terror and chaos.

This is a striking, provocative work that deserves attention.

— Brett Weiss
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  • 1
    #1
    Oct 2007
    Cover: $2.99
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  • 2
    #2
    Dec 2007
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    1 copy for $2.98
  • 3
    #3
    Jul 2008
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    2 copies from $2.40
  • 4
    #4
    Mar 2009
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    3 copies from $2.87
  • Bk 1
    Book #1
    Cover: $16.99
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    Collects Special Forces #1-4; ca. 2009
    No copies available