Vietnam Journal #16

Vietnam Journal, created by writer and artist Don Lomax, began its run in 1987 as a serialized comic book that offered a gritty, realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War. Lomax drew extensively from his own experiences as a combat photographer and infantryman during his service in 1965 and 1966. Issue number 16 reflects the series' commitment to a documentary-style narrative, focusing on the harrowing psychological and physical realities of the conflict rather than the stylized heroics common in war comics of that era.

The aesthetic of the series is defined by Lomax’s stark, black-and-white ink work, which emphasizes the dense foliage and oppressive atmosphere of the jungle terrain. By utilizing a protagonist who is an embedded journalist, Lomax was able to provide an observational lens through which readers could experience the confusion and moral ambiguity of the war. The series was well-regarded by critics and veterans for its historical accuracy and somber tone, securing its place as a significant contribution to adult-oriented historical graphic fiction.