Osprey Warrior Series SC (1993-2011 OSPREY) comic books 1998-2000

Volume 23- 1st printing. "US Marine Rifleman in Vietnam 1965-73!" Written by Charles Melson. Art by Ramiro Bujeiro. This volume provides an in-depth look at the experience of the ordinary US marine 'grunt' in Vietnam. Organisation of the corps, weaponry, equipment, uniforms, training and medical arrangements are all discussed. However, where this book differs from other similar works is not only in the detail that it goes into but also in the unifying theme of examining all these differing aspects of marine life from the point of view of a soldier serving in the conflict. The author, Charles Melson, actually served in Vietnam, and it is this personal experience that allows him to provide such a unique angle on the subject. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 25- 1st printing. "Italian Militiaman 1260-1392!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Christa Hook. Medieval Italy was characterized by regular warfare among its numerous city-states, as well as internal strife within comunes as aristocratic factions fought each other for domination of the cities' governments. In this context, Italian warfare developed quickly, with the crossbow playing a key role in improving the armour technology of the Italian city militias that used them. This book traces the evolution of the Italian militiaman, providing a comprehensive view of all aspects of the late medieval Italian city militias, from the weaponry, attitudes and social backgrounds of their members, to the political context that made such formations necessary. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 26- 1st printing. "US Paratrooper 1941-45!" Written by Carl Smith. Art by Mike Chappell. In Sicily, Normandy, and in the frozen hills of the Ardennes, America's airborne warriors proved themselves some of the toughest and most determined soldiers of World War 2. What made these soldiers so special? How were they recruited, how did they learn to jump and fight? What special tactics and equipment did they use? This title looks at what it was like to be one of the United States' airborne elite, through the experiences of the soldiers themselves. It is the story of the men who invariably led the way; the soldiers who flew to battle and walked home. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 27- 1st printing. "Greek Hoplite 480-323 BC!" Written by Nicholas Sekunda. Art by Adam Hook. The Greek hoplite, the archetypal spear-armed warrior, is perhaps the most prevalent figure in our view of the 'Golden Age' of Ancient Greek civilisation. It was during this period that the state began to take greater responsibility for military organisation, and the arming and equipping of its citizens. From the victory at Marathon over Darius of Persia, through bitter inter-state warfare, to the rise of Philip of Macedonia and his son Alexander the Great, the hoplite soldier was in the front-line. This title narrates the life and experiences of the common Greek warrior, how he was recruited, trained and fought, and also looks in detail at how his weapons, armour, shields and helmets developed in the course of time. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.