Vietnam Journal #9

Vietnam Journal #9 is part of the long-running comic book series created and illustrated by Don Lomax. Launched in the late 1980s, the series was born from Lomax’s own experiences as a combat medic in the Vietnam War, aiming to move beyond the tropes of war-focused superhero fiction to present a grounded, journalistic perspective on the conflict. The narrative follows Scott 'Journalist' Niitsuma, a correspondent documenting the daily realities, moral ambiguity, and physical toll of the war on both soldiers and civilians.

The series is noted for its stark, black-and-white art style, which emphasizes the gritty environment of the Mekong Delta and the psychological weight borne by the infantrymen. By the time of the ninth issue, Lomax had firmly established a reputation for unflinching realism and historical accuracy. The series was widely received by critics and readers as a significant contribution to the medium of war comics, noted specifically for its restraint and its avoidance of political glorification or condemnation, choosing instead to focus on the human dimension of military service.