The original title ran for 12 years and 124 issues. It was an anthology series that told war stories with horror, mystery, fantasy and science fiction elements. Changes in the Comics Code Authority made the use of horror elements possible. The first seven issues were reprinted material. Each issue beginning with issue #8 was hosted by Death, usually depicted as a skeleton dressed in a different military uniform each issue. The title's name was inspired by editor Joe Orlando. Walt Simonson's first professional published comic book work appeared in "Weird War Tales" #10 (January 1973). Roger McKenzie and Frank Miller's first collaboration was on a two-page story published in "Weird War Tales" #68 (October 1978). Recurring characters began to appear late in the series run, notably the G.I. Robot, and the return of "The War that Time Forgot" which originally ran in "Star Spangled War Stories". Writer J. M. DeMatteis and penciler Pat Broderick created the Creature Commandos in "Weird War Tales" #93 (November 1980).