During the earlier comics of the World War Two era, often the military was assisted by costumed heroes, mysterious secret agents, and fascinating inventions. When the 1950s rolled around the comics more often took a serious, more realistic approach to the tales of battle – they were about the danger, the courage (or cowardice), the duty and the drama. They were no less exciting – perhaps even more so. The characters are gritty and real. The stories may be politically incorrect – at times extremely so – but they are a snapshot of the day, which makes them all the greater treasure.