Yeah, I have done exhaustive research. I can draw an M-16 from memory at this point, in detail. I've watched numerous documentaries, purchased copies of Platoon, Apocolypse Now, and Full Metal Jacket on DVD so I can freeze frame. (drew the splash page from issue 2 by freeze framing portions of a scene in Platoon so I could get the interior of a bunker just right.)
I have purchased a variety of authentically detailed Dragon and Sideshow figures from their Vietnam series, Corgi models and a number of books from Osprey and expensive photo collections on Vietnam. (attaching a pic I used for modeling)
The crown jewel though, comes from assistant editor Nick Lowe's very trusting and generous father, who actually served in Vietnam and loaned me his personal photo album. The background's on the page in the article, where you see the plane crashing, are drawn from some of the photos he loaned me.
As a matter of respect, I really want this to look and feel authentic. I've studied everything form the stitching of the boots to the landscapes of Viet Nam. I won't say I've got it perfect in every panel, but I am sure trying.
It's been a tough, but rewarding series to draw.
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