Polite Dissent

There are several problems with the presentation of Sgt. Patrick Mancini, as shown in Phantom Jack issue #2, pages 9-11. I find it distressing that the drawings of the sergeant’s uniform were so poorly done. Not only were there multiple mistakes regarding the uniform itself, but there were multiple continuity mistakes.

I can understand missing some of the finer points regarding military uniforms; I get confused at times, and I had to wear one. However, the more blatant errors are hard to ignore. Artists use references for drawing all the time, why not use a reference for drawing the Army uniform? I was able to turn up multiple reference photos/illustrations in only a few minutes of internet searching. Even worse than the uniform mistakes are the multiple continuity mistakes between panels, even panels on the same page.

Uniform mistakes:
1. Military members do not wear hats indoors.
2. The US Army Class A Uniform coat has two sets of pockets, one upper and one lower.
3. There is no name tag.
4. He is missing rank patches/insignia.
5. Other insignia/devices are missing.

Continuity errors:
Page 9, panel 1: Ribbons, no medals, no arm patches.
Page 9, panel 3: Stripes clearly evident on left epaulet
Page 9, panel 4: Ribbons, and now medals too!
Page 10, panel 4: Ribbons, no medals. Left epaulet now sporting pins instead of stripes. Left arm patch now present. Shirt collar out.
Page 11, panel 1: Ribbons, medals may be present (obscured by word balloon), shirt collar in, no arm patch, back to stripe on epaulet.
Page 11, panel 3: And Lo — there shall come a tie tack! Ribbons, no medals, and now no pockets.
Page 11, panel 5: Ribbons, no medals. Pockets are back though.