Before Sgt. Rock was relegated to seasonal stories and minis, he was the Top Kick of Easy Co. from 1959 to 1988.

During his time in service to his country, Frank Rock served from the shores of Italy across the Rhine and into the heart of the Fatherland. All the while shepherded by creator and chief scribe Robert Kanigher.

Sgt. Rock (1977) 350

Having survived the backlash from the Viet Nam conflict, Rock was moved from Our Army at War to his own title in 1977. He would continue through most of the 1980s to issue 422 only to fall victim to Crisis on Infinite Earths.

But, for the winter of 1980, Rock and Easy were on the front lines in ‘Home for Christmas.’

A missing G.I. takes the sergeant from his men during the holiday season. Most of the story is spent with Rock recounting his interaction with the AWOL soldier.

The missing man’s mantra throughout the war was to be “home for Christmas”. With the holiday fast approaching, Rock fears the wayward private has left the war early to be back with his family.

What he finds is a heartwarming sight that turns heart wrenching. However, in true DC war fashion both soldier and Easy are saved by story’s end.

The book is rounded out with a two-page Battle Album focusing on types of gases. Also included are stories ‘The Last Knight,’ ‘Roman Nose’ and ‘The Men of Easy Co.: Right Arm.’

Following his regular-series run, Rock returned for cameos and seasonal one-and-dones. He was also featured in a 21-issue run of reprints and two specials.

Easy Company relives the horrors of World War II one last time in the final issue of this incarnation of the top kick.

Sgt. Rock (1991) was a continuation of Sgt. Rock Special, transitioning from issue 13 to 14. Sgt. Rock Special began in 1988 following Crisis on Infinite Earths. It also served as a reprint title.

Sgt. Rock 21 collected stories from Our Army at War 228, 236, 257, 262 and 271.

Issue 228’s “It’s a Dirty War” is a Christmas tale sounding more like a statement regarding the Viet Nam War. “It’s a Dirty War” first appeared in the February 1971 issue of OAaW. It was penned by Robert Kanigher and penciled by Joe Kubert.

In the story, Rock delivers a letter from a 17-year old German soldier he killed back to the boy’s family. The dead speak from the grave and death is turned away from Easy Co’s sarge.

A final issue for the final day of the year. Happy New Year.

DC Holiday Special 2017

With 2017 history it’s time to be thankful DC remembered fans with a stocking stuffer holiday special.

The tales make up a worthy Tannenbaum tome as Jeff Limire bookends the seasonal sandwich of stories with Bibbo championing Superman and his deeds throughout the year to a doubting Clark Kent with John Constantine tossing in his two pence worth.

The meat of the book belongs to Sgt. Rock, the Atomic Knights, Flash (both Barry and Wally), Green Arrow and Black Canary, Deathstroke, Swamp Thing and Wonder Woman. Denny O’Neil returns for a haunting Batman yarn that warms no hearts.

“The Silent Night of the Batman” is the encore. Reprinted from Batman 218, “The Silent Night…” was the 1960s decade closer for Caped Crusader. Easily the best story of the book and has oft been reprinted capturing hearts again in the Batman by Neal Adams Omnibus, Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams (Vol. 2), Batman: The Joker’s Revenge trade paperback, Christmas With the Super Heroes (1988), Limited Collector’s Edition C-43 and Showcase Presents Batman trade paperback (Vol. 5).

Not the best for a good year, but a good way to start a new one.

Nuthin’s ever easy in Easy Company. Not even Christmas.

For three decades Sgt. Rock and Easy slogged their way up from Africa to Italy and onto the beaches of Normandy. By issue 414 the Pittsburgh-born Top Kick was nearing the end of his tour of duty; the series concluded with issue 422. Fittingly creator Robert Kanigher, with art from Andy Kubert, gave readers a Christmas story in the final days of World War II.

In “The Shining Star” Rock witnesses a Christmas miracle and at least one day without death.