Detail
Marvel
3 
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Reprints the Nick Fury stories from Strange Tales #151-168 and Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #1-3, 5.
Format
Reprinted In0
Reprinted From66
Images1
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #1 published December 1983
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Inside front cover.
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Title page. Includes a detail from the cover Nick Fury, Agent of Shield #4.
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Includes a detail from the cover Nick Fury, Agent of Shield #7.
Strange Tales #151 published December 1966
Strange Tales #151 published December 1966 Notes:
Part 2 of 9. The "new" Supreme Hydra reveals that he had previously "masqueraded" as The Grand Imperator of "THEM" (A.I.M.), and that Supreme Hydra is his "true" identity, the first indication that he had been the real behind-the-scenes architect of HYDRA all along. The plot to cause nuclear fallout while those responsible sit it out underground is similar to that in the Matt Helm film THE SILENCERS (1966). Jim Steranko's first work for Marvel.
Strange Tales #152 [U.S. Cover Price] published January 1967
Strange Tales #152 [U.S. Cover Price] published January 1967 Notes:
Part 3 of 9. Laura Brown's previous appearance in STRANGE TALES #141 (February 1966).
Strange Tales #153 [U.S. Cover Price] published February 1967 Notes:
Cover signed Jim Steranko, listed in THE MARVEL COMICS INDEX #6 (George Olshevsky, December 1977).
Strange Tales #153 [U.S. Cover Price] published February 1967 Notes:
Part 4 of 9. After 2 episodes where Fury's appearance remained the same, he appears to lose a lot of weight in this one as Steranko begins to modify his appearance.
Strange Tales #154 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1967 Notes:
Marie has mentioned in interviews that she usually colored most of the work she drew.
Strange Tales #154 [U.S. Cover Price] published March 1967 Notes:
Part 5 of 9. Fury's "Repulsor Watch," capable of deflecting bullets, later turned up in the film LIVE AND LET DIE (1973), though in the movie, it was only used to attract metal, not deflect it. SHIELD would build their own "Dreadnought," a tunneling machine, which would turn up in STRANGE TALES #167 (April 1968). HYDRA's "Dreadnought" would turn up again in DAREDEVIL #121 (May 1975).
Strange Tales #155 [U.S. Cover Price] published April 1967 Notes:
Banner in masthead similar to the one that would become the standard design on Marvel with the November 1971 issues (with similar banners turning up on DC Comics, Atlas Comics & Archie Comics).
Strange Tales #155 [U.S. Cover Price] published April 1967 Notes:
Part 6 of 9. Fury comments that no amount of attempted brainwashing could ever force Sitwell to turn bad as "it's against his principles". Last episode of this storyline reprinted in the 1970's; fans would have to wait until 2000 to read a reprint of the rest of the story! In the introduction to Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury Agent of Shield Volume 2 Steranko says he took over the color chores with Strange Tales # 165.
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Detail from the cover of Strange Tales #167.
Strange Tales #156 [U.S. Cover Price] published May 1967 Notes:
Marie has mentioned in interviews that she usually colored most of the work she drew.
Strange Tales #156 [U.S. Cover Price] published May 1967 Notes:
Part 7 of 9. See various issues of SGT. FURY AND HIS HOWLING COMMANDOS for earlier appearances of Baron Strucker. 24 years had elapsed between Fury & Strucker's last meeting and this one. Shortly after this comic's publication, the 007 film YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE would reveal the identity of S.P.E.C.T.R.E.'s "Number One", Ernst Stavros Blofeld; Donald Pleasence's onscreen appearance, bald with an odd, monocle-shaped scar, is so similar to Strucker's it does not seem possible to be a coincidence!In the introduction to Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury Agent of Shield Volume 2 Steranko says he took over the color chores with Strange Tales # 165.
Strange Tales #157 [U.S. Cover Price] published June 1967
Strange Tales #157 [U.S. Cover Price] published June 1967 Notes:
Part 8 of 9. 1st appearance of The Satan Claw. In the introduction to Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury Agent of Shield Volume 2 Steranko says he took over the color chores with Strange Tales # 165.
Strange Tales #158 [U.S. Cover Price] published July 1967 Notes:
Marie has mentioned in interviews that she usually colored most of the work she drew.
Strange Tales #158 [U.S. Cover Price] published July 1967 Notes:
Part 9 of 9. Although HYDRA's leader and main base were destroyed, their branch organization, A.I.M., resurfaced the very next month against Captain America in TALES OF SUSPENSE #92 (August 1967). HYDRA itself would return in CAPTAIN AMERICA #110 (February 1969). Baron Strucker would appear to return, without explanation, in the guise of "The Hood" in CAPTAIN AMERICA #131 (November 1970); however, this was proved to be only a robot in CAPTAIN AMERICA #247 (July 1980). Baron Strucker remained dead for 24 years, until he was brought back to life in NICK FURY, AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D. #20 (February 1991). HYDRA's formation by Baron Strucker would be revealed in flashback in CAPTAIN SAVAGE #2-4 (March-July 1968). In the introduction to Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury Agent of Shield Volume 2 Steranko says he took over the color chores with Strange Tales # 165.
Strange Tales #159 [U.S. Cover Price] published August 1967 Notes:
Upon viewing the original art, it can be seen the Captain America figure was extensively altered by John Romita and perhaps John Verpoorten.
Strange Tales #159 [U.S. Cover Price] published August 1967 Notes:
Part 1 of 9. 1st appearance of Fury's apartment, The Gaff & Val. During the fight, Cap mentions the last time he & Fury met was when they fought "THEM"'s Humanoid Assassin in TALES OF SUSPENSE #78 (June 1966). That story was clearly Cap & Fury's 1st meeting since WW2 in SGT. FURY AND HIS HOWLING COMMANDOS #13 (December 1964), as Cap had been trying to contact Fury for months about possibly becoming a SHIELD agent (seen in several issues of THE AVENGERS). Yet 4 pages later, Cap refers to a job they tackled together "a year ago". (Perhaps "The Big Blackout" took place immediately after TOS #78, as there was a break between issues #78 & #79.) Meanwhile, after loitering in the shadows outside Stark Industries for 2 months, Jasper would become a regular in the Iron Man series in TALES OF SUSPENSE #95 (November 1967). In the introduction to Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury Agent of Shield Volume 2 Steranko says he took over the color chores with Strange Tales # 165.
Strange Tales #160 [U.S. Cover Price] published September 1967
Strange Tales #160 [U.S. Cover Price] published September 1967 Notes:
Part 2 of 9. 1st appearance of Fury's office with circular desk. Destruction of the ESP Division occurs between STRANGE TALES #143 (April 1966) and cameo in STRANGE TALES #157 (June 1967); this flashback explains their disappearance from the series, the latter appearance must be new recruits seen as the place was being re-constructed. Story apparently takes place between STRANGE TALES #145-146 and TALES OF SUSPENSE #78-79 (both June-July 1966). Fury is shown wearing his black jump-suit, even though he was never seen wearing it before STRANGE TALES #156 (May 1967). Fury also describes his outfit as insulated against electric shocks, despite his being nearly killed by one in STRANGE TALES #158 (July 1967). 1st appearance of Jimmy Woo since YELLOW CLAW #4 (April 1957).In the introduction to Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury Agent of Shield Volume 2 Steranko says he took over the color chores with Strange Tales # 165.
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Detail from the cover of Strange Tales #167.
Strange Tales #161 [U.S. Cover Price] published October 1967
Strange Tales #161 [U.S. Cover Price] published October 1967 Notes:
Part 3 of 9. ("Project: Blackout! Part II"). Yellow Claw, Suwan & Von Voltzmann's previous appearance in THE YELLOW CLAW #4 (April 1957). Flashback apparently takes place between STRANGE TALES #145-146, TALES OF SUSPENSE #78-79 and FANTASTIC FOUR #51-52 (all cover-dated June-July 1966). Though none could have realized it, the name of The Claw's plan was a clue to the truth behind the entire story. The Yellow Claw's new metal skull-cap is identical to the one worn by the villain "Ironhead" (Tom Reese) in the Matt Helm film MURDERERS' ROW (1966). In the introduction to Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury Agent of Shield Volume 2 Steranko says he took over the color chores with Strange Tales # 165.
Strange Tales #162 [U.S. Cover Price] published November 1967
Strange Tales #162 [U.S. Cover Price] published November 1967 Notes:
Part 4 of 9. 2nd appearance of The Gaff & Val. 1st appearance of Fury's new car, and the new ESP Division, replacing those destroyed in STRANGE TALES #153 (March 1967) and the flashback in #160 (September 1967). The Claw having Fury fight a giant octopus pays tribute to the Ian Fleming James Bond 007 novel, DR. NO (1958). James Bond finally got a car capable of invisibility in the film DIE ANOTHER DAY (2002).
Strange Tales #163 published December 1967
Strange Tales #163 published December 1967 Notes:
Part 5 of 9. Clay Quartermain based on Kirk Douglas. The Dragon, when wrapped up, pays tribute to The Maltese Falcon. A.I.M. fought Captain America in TALES OF SUSPENSE #92-94 (August-October 1967); next appearance against Iron Man in TALES OF SUSPENSE #97-99 (January-March 1968). In the introduction to Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury Agent of Shield Volume 2 Steranko says he took over the color chores with Strange Tales # 165.
Strange Tales #164 published January 1968
Strange Tales #164 published January 1968 Notes:
Part 6 of 9. The "Revive Chamber" is strikingly similar to the one used to heal Luke Skywalker in the film THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980). Ernst Stavro Blofeld would use a laser to destroy satellites in orbit in the 007 film, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (1971). In the introduction to Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury Agent of Shield Volume 2 Steranko says he took over the color chores with Strange Tales # 165.
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Detail from the cover of Strange Tales #167.
Strange Tales #165 published February 1968
Strange Tales #165 published February 1968 Notes:
Part 7 of 9. The use of a 2-page spread on pages 2-3 was later adapted by both Jack Kirby and Mike Grell on a very regular basis in their comics. The Sky Dragon would reappear in MARVEL TWO-IN ONE #51 (May 1979). It's been debated by some fans whether The Claw seen at the beginning of this episode was the same one who beat up Fury & escaped at the end! In the introduction to Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury Agent of Shield Volume 2 Steranko says he took over the color chores with Strange Tales # 165.
Strange Tales #166 published March 1968
Strange Tales #166 published March 1968 Notes:
Part 8 of 9. The palm-magnets used by Fury were previously used by Captain America in TALES OF SUSPENSE #80 (August 1966). Dugan saying "Our best man's workin' on it right now!" is a tribute to a line from the pre-credit sequence of YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (1967); Jimmy pursuing a thug down into a subway station also pays tribute to another scene in the same film. The "maze" page inspired a similar page in GIANT-SIZE MASTER OF KUNG FU #2 (December 1974). Jimmy's line about Burt Lancaster refers to the fact that Fury now resembles Steranko's favorite actor. The large figure of Fury on page 10 would become the cover corner box pic beginning with NICK FURY, AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 (June 1968).
Strange Tales #167 published April 1968 Notes:
Advertised in previous issue's coming attactions box as "Mighty Marvel's first venture into psychedelic artwork." Nick Fury is a dead ringer for Burt Lancaster (Steranko's favorite actor) on this cover.
Strange Tales #167 published April 1968 Notes:
Part 9 of 9. Features comics' 1st 4-page spread (requiring 2 issues side-by-side for full effect). SHIELD's invading The Yellow Claw's underground HQ pays tribute to the climax of the film YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (1967), except with the heroes coming up thru the floor instead of down thru the ceiling. SHIELD's Dreadnought, which takes its name (ironically) from the HYDRA killer robot, is in the tradition of tunneling machines used by Cave Carson in BRAVE AND THE BOLD #31 (DC Comics, September 1960), The Hate Monger in FANTASTIC FOUR #21 (February 1963), International Rescue on the tv series THUNDERBIRDS (1965) and Japan's Science Patrol on the tv series ULTRA MAN (1966). The Claw's "Infinity Sphere" is strikingly similar to The Legion Of Super-Heroes' "Time Bubbles" in ADVENTURE COMICS. With Dr. Strange battling a science-fiction villain, and Fury hurtling thru other dimensions, the line between the 2 series in STRANGE TALES was beginning to disappear. Baron Strucker's Satan Claw last seen in STRANGE TALES #159 (August 1967). The Prime Mover would return in GIANT-SIZE DEFENDERS #3 (January 1975). While the ending of this story would be long debated among fans, writer Steve Englehart would bring back The Yellow Claw in CAPTAIN AMERICA #164-167 (August-November 1973).
Strange Tales #168 published May 1968
Strange Tales #168 published May 1968 Notes:
A peaceful alien offering a gift pays tribute to THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951), while an alien invasion which turns out to be a nightmare-- which starts all over again at the end of the story-- pays tribute to INVADERS FROM MARS (1953). Series continues in NICK FURY, AGENT OF SHIELD #1 (June 1968).
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #1 published June 1968
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #1 published June 1968 Notes:
Mystery continues in NICK FURY, AGENT OF SHIELD #5 (October 1968). Scorpio's mention of "The Parable Of Doom" seems to suggest a connection with Baron Strucker (see STRANGE TALES #156 / May 1967). However, neither Jim Steranko or Roy Thomas followed up on this potential sub-plot.
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Detail from the cover of Strange Tales #167.
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #2 published July 1968
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #2 published July 1968 Notes:
Centurius becomes the 3rd Steranko villain to use the phrase "Parable Of Doom" (see page 10, panel 9), though to date there appears no connection whatsoever between him, Baron Strucker & Scorpio. Last panel on page 5 altered due to the Comics Code Authority; inadvertently, the new panel is far more "suggestive" than the one it replaced! Original panel restored in 2000 reprint. Joe Giella (longtime friend of Frank Giacoia) assists; Fury's face in page 10, panel 7 is clearly his work.
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Detail from the cover of Strange Tales #167.
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #3 published August 1968 Notes:
Romita alterations on hound.
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #3 published August 1968 Notes:
Tribute to Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound Of The Baskervilles", mixed with a bit of the John Lucarotti AVENGERS episode, "Castle De'ath". Parodied in NOT BRAND ECHH #11 (December 1968). Also pays tribute to Simon & Kirby's "The Phantom Hound Of Cardiff Moor" from CAPTAIN AMERICA #10 (January 1942), including the 2-page title spread. Mycroft based on Peter Cushing; Rampson based on Robert Urquhart; Angus based on Boris Karloff.
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #4 published September 1968
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #5 published October 1968
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #5 published October 1968 Notes:
Identity of Scorpio revealed by Roy Thomas in THE AVENGERS #72 (January 1970), reprinted in ESSENTIAL AVENGERS Vol.4 (2004). Pickman based on Robert Morley. More details revealed when Scorpio returns in THE DEFENDERS #46, 48-50 (April, June-August 1977). Full background of character not revealed until flashback in FURY #1 (May 1994). Steranko repeated the gimmick of ending the story by having a character diving into water thru a hail of gunfire in CAPTAIN AMERICA #111 (March 1969). Nick's Ferrari, which he's had since STRANGE TALES #162 (November 1967) is destroyed; he gets a replacement in NICK FURY, AGENT OF SHIELD #8 (January 1969).
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Detail from the cover of Strange Tales #167.
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #6 published November 1968 Notes:
Wally Wood tribute. 1 of 12 Marvel covers available as a 2-color poster from Steranko's Supergraphics company in the 1970's. Kerry Gammill & Dennis Janke paid tribute to this on the cover of SUPERMAN #28 (February 1989).
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #7 published December 1968 Notes:
Salvador Dali tribute. Steranko's last SHIELD cover until SHIELD #1 (February 1973).
Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #2 [Regular Edition] published December 2009 Notes:
Original two page proposal art for the unused "Nick Fury, The Man Called DEATH" by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Kirby's art was later inked by Jim Steranko as a test to see if he was good enough to work for Marvel.
Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #2 [Regular Edition] published December 2009 Notes:
Original, uncensored pencil art by Jim Steranko from page 7 of Strange Tales #155.
Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #2 [Regular Edition] published December 2009 Notes:
Production proof from page 6 of Strange Tales #156, including Steranko's color notes.
Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #2 [Regular Edition] published December 2009 Notes:
Production proof of page 7 of Strange Tales #157.
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Original, uncensored art by Jim Steranko from page 5 of Strange Tales #168.
Strange Tales #167 published April 1968 Notes:
Pages 2-5 of Strange Tales #167 (the infamous quadruple-page spread) at half size over two pages.
Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #2 [Regular Edition] published December 2009 Notes:
Original, uncensored art by Jim Steranko and Frank Giacoia from page 5 of Nick Fury #2.
Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #2 [Regular Edition] published December 2009 Notes:
Original unused cover concept for Nick Fury Agent Of SHIELD #1. Later slightly redesigned and used as the cover to #5
SHIELD [Nick Fury and His Agents of SHIELD] #1 published February 1973 Notes:
Cover depicts a scene from Strange Tales #146 (July 1966). Fury's pose is a variation of the one from Page 5, Panel 4 of Strange Tales #166 (March 1968).
SHIELD [Nick Fury and His Agents of SHIELD] #2 published April 1973 Notes:
Cover is variation of Strange Tales #167 (April 1968). No direct relation to either story inside. Fury (or anyone else) would not wear black jumpsuit until Strange Tales #156 (May 1967).
SHIELD [Nick Fury and His Agents of SHIELD] #3 published June 1973
SHIELD [Nick Fury and His Agents of SHIELD] #4 published August 1973 Notes:
Suggestions that the Laura Brown figure was inked by Wally Wood.
SHIELD [Nick Fury and His Agents of SHIELD] #5 published October 1973
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #1 published December 1983 Notes:
Wraparound cover.
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #2 published January 1984
Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 published June 1988
Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #[nn] [First Printing] published May 2000
Nick Fury: Who Is Scorpio? #[nn] published November 2000
Notes:
Biography on Jim Steranko.
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #1 published December 1983 Notes:
Inside back cover.
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