2001.36.7

Sub-Title: "Good Old Days" This issue is used as an explaination of the roots of the Vietnam War- and its extremely long history, including the French, the Japanese., etc. Cover: A "Kit-Carson Soldier" sitting between two guns, looking very depressed, behind him are the various imperialistic flags that had either controlled, or invaded Vietnam at some point, as well as the South Vietnamese Government flag (yellow with three red stripes). The Marvel signege is the the upper left, as well as a black spiderman mask.

On the last page of the comic book, it reads:INCOMING- The 'NAM is the real thing- or at least close to the real thing as we can get- in a newstand comic book bearing the Comics Code seal. Every action, every fire fight is based on fact. That doesn't mean that the 23rd Infantry was in every action we show- it does mean that, in February of 1966, a contingent of U.S. Infantry met with a mechanized group of Aussie Infantry and together they discovered a Viet Cong tunnel system, just as shown in issue #1.Further more, the events in the 'Nam happen in real time. When thirty days pass for the reader, thirty days also pass for the characters in the story. When a full year- 12 issues- have gone by of the 'Nam, characters introduced in issue #1 would have rotated back to the states, just like in the real world.Yes, we had to make some compromises. The real language used by soldiers in the field can be quite raw. The most common appellation for a new troop was not "greenie." The word itseld was printable, but the explanation gets a bit touchy. We all know that General McAuliffe didn't say "nuts" to the German commander Bastogne...Now, I can't promis that we will show everything, every action that everyone's father or brother ever took part in during the Viet Nam War. But I will promise that we will show, in basic terms, what the War was really like for those who fought in it.*In each issue there is a glossary:ex., KIT CARSON SCOUT: 'Reformed' VC who were used as scouts, guides , translators, etc., by American troops.This issue also includes letters to the editor.**The Marvel Signage is an illustration of an army grunt, which changes color often. Typically the background is of the flag of the Republic of South Vietnam (yellow with three red stripes), although this too can vary. The variation has no significance other than variation for variation sake. However, in 2001.36.52 and 2001.36.53, the army grunt and flag are replaced with a skull, in order to represent a special two-part series, which includes a monkey skull. This is also true in 2001.36.54-.57, in which no background appears behind the Marvel name, simply the background color from the cover art, again, signifying a special series, within the series.***This is also included on the opening page of the comic:"The elements of this story are completely true. Duong's story is actually a composite of the stories of three different VC-- not all of whom changed sides and became Kit Carson Scouts. By using these stories, I think we've given a clear picture of the roots of the war-- the reason Charlie fought as long and hard as he did.The artwork was done by Wayne Vansant, a new artist with special interest in-- and apptitude for-- work about the French Foreign Legion. By lettin g Wayne fo this special issue, we've given Micheal Golden some extra time to do some really special work on future issues of the NAM. Michael will be back next issue. [signed] Doug Murray [story writer]