A Rookie in Crowder #[nn]

Private Ned Eller tries to survive basic training at Camp Roberts, where a relentless bugler’s morning calls and a stern drill instructor push him to his limits—especially when the bugler’s horn seems to have a mind of its own.

In "3. Learning the Ropes," Private Ned Eller navigates the absurd trials of basic training at Camp Roberts, where every drill instructor’s command feels like a personal challenge and every routine task turns into a comedy of errors. With a mix of determination and comic missteps, he and his unnamed fellow trainees struggle to keep up—while the drill instructors seem to enjoy every second of it.

Private Ned Eller navigates the absurd rigors of basic training at Camp Roberts, where the drill instructor’s relentless pace and the antics of fellow trainees turn every day into a comedy of errors. With Goldberg’s mischievous energy and the constant pressure to keep up, Ned’s days are a whirlwind of blisters, bad jokes, and the ever-present feeling that he’s just one step away from being a horse.

In "5. Yes, Sir! General!", Pvt. Ned Eller navigates the absurd trials of military life with deadpan humor—facing a grueling inspection, chasing town flirtations, failing at rifle practice, and discovering just how hard it is to eat like a soldier. Written and drawn by the man himself, this one-page gem captures the everyday chaos of a rookie’s first days in uniform.

Private Ned Eller navigates the trials of basic training at Camp Roberts, where the grueling routine, a stern drill instructor, and an unexpected canine companion named Chow Hound test his mettle. With humor and grit, he faces the absurdities of military life in Central California, where every day feels like a new challenge.

In "7. Half Way Mark!", Pvt. Ned Eller navigates the absurd trials of military training with his usual mix of determination and misstep—trying to master rifle assembly, hauling gear to the range, bonding with a feline roommate who bears a striking resemblance to Krazy Kat, and regretting a visit to the barracks barber. Written and drawn by Ned Eller himself, the story captures the humor and chaos of wartime life with a wry, self-aware charm.

In "8. Problems Afield!", Pvt. Ned Eller navigates the trials of military training with his usual mix of enthusiasm and misstep, from trench digging to camouflage drills, all while trying to keep up during a simulated defense exercise. Written, drawn, and lettered by the man himself, the story captures the humor and chaos of rookie life with a perfectly straight-faced, deadpan flair.

In "The Ghost Walks," Pvt. Ned Eller delivers a wry, self-deprecating look at military life, from the endless wait for pay to the awkward precision of bayonet drills—only to find himself thoroughly out of his depth when it comes to throwing grenades. With every panel drawn and lettered by the man himself, the story captures the humor in small failures and the quiet pride of just showing up.

In "10. Shank's Mare," Private Ned Eller navigates the absurdities of basic training at Camp Roberts, where every drill, routine, and grueling exercise becomes a new battlefield of humor and endurance. With his fellow trainees by his side, he faces the endless parade of military minutiae, each moment more laughably chaotic than the last.

In this lighthearted 1942 military comedy, Private Eller navigates the absurdities of camp life with a mix of misfortune and deadpan humor—from field glasses mishaps to a stolen cake, a false goldbricking charge over a toothache, and a night in the guard house after a roadside hitchhike—all drawn with the wry charm of Ned Eller’s own signature.

Private Ned Eller tries to survive the absurd rigors of basic training at Camp Roberts, where dust, drill instructors, and endless drills test his patience—and his sanity. With a dry wit and a knack for getting into trouble, he navigates the chaos of military life one dusty day at a time.

In "13. Ready to Move On!", Private Ned Eller navigates the absurdities of basic training at Camp Roberts, where every drill and routine tests his patience—and his sense of humor. With a straight face and a wry eye, he faces off against an unnamed lieutenant and fellow graduates in a series of military misadventures that feel more like comedy than combat.