Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 [Regular Edition]

([October] 2007)

unknown (Table of Contents: 1)

Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. / text article / 2 pages (report information)

Script

?

Letters

typeset

Genre

spy

Reprints

• in S.H.I.E.L.D.: The Complete Collection Omnibus (Marvel, 2015 series) (2015)

The Greatest Action-Thriller of All Time! (Table of Contents: 2)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Frank Giacoia

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

HYDRA; Nick Fury

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #135 (August 1965)

The Man for the Job! (Table of Contents: 3)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Colors

?

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury (Colonel, CIA); Nick Fury L.M.D.s (Life Model Decoys); HYDRA; Imperial Hydra (unnamed; "The Master"); Laura Brown (unnamed); Tony Stark (head of SHIELD Special Weaponry section)

Synopsis

Ordered to report to the Pentagon for an "LMD", Fury is baffled by all the technos. He watches in amazement as several "Life Model Decoys" which look exactly like himself all go their separate ways, and are each brutally "murdered". On the road, the Porsche 904 he's in is attacked by napalm fire bombs from an aircraft; the car proves not only fireproof, it fires sidewinder missles (destroying the attacking plane), and even more amazing, converts to flying mode with mach-pressure fans built into the wheels! Fury learns about SHIELD, an international organization whose job is to stop HYDRA, a "group of fanatics" bent on world domination, who are responsible for the attacks on him. In a hidden HQ, the agent in charge of Fury's "capture" is punished for his failure with death. Elsewhere, Fury meets Tony Stark-- playboy arms inventor who is also in charge of SHIELD's Special Weaponry section. Stark tells Fury they want him to lead SHIELD, saying "Your entire life qualifies you for this job." When a hidden bomb almost goes off, Fury saves everyone in the room, and discovers he's aboard The Heli-Carrier, SHIELD's mobile command center, thousands of feet above the Earth. As he instinctively begins snapping orders, he realizes Stark is right-- and just how grave the danger facing the entire free world really is. He takes the job.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #135 (August 1965)

Indexer Notes

Part 1 of 7. Fury's previous chronological appearance in FANTASTIC FOUR #21 (December 1963). 1st appearance of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law-enforcement Division), LMDs, Fury's Porsche 904, HYDRA, Imperial Hydra, Laura Brown, The SHIELD Heli-Carrier. Story retold in NICK FURY, AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D. #4 (September 1968). Background info on the creation of SHIELD not revealed until FURY #1 (May 1994).

Find Fury or Die! (Table of Contents: 4)

Doctor Strange; Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby; Steve Ditko

Inks

John Severin; Steve Ditko

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #136 (September 1965)

Find Fury or Die! (Table of Contents: 5)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); John Severin (Pencils)

Inks

John Severin

Colors

?

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; HYDRA; Clipper Charlie (SHIELD barber); Slim (shoe-shine man); ? (manicure girl); Imperial Hydra (unnamed); Hydra-Hunter (Section Leader B)

Synopsis

HYDRA agents tail Fury walking in NYC, intent on finding SHIELD's HQ, not realizing he knows he's being followed. Leading the mission is HYDRA Section Leader B, a "Hydra-Hunter," who hands over his hood to the Imperial Hydra so there will be no place to hide should he fail. Of course, he hopes to become the next Imperial Hydra when he succeeds. When a few HYDRA agents show up at the barber shop which is secretly the entrance to SHIELD's NYC HQ, they're quickly captured and hypnotized into believing the HQ is located in a warehouse some blocks away. Using a huge vehicle called a "Hydra-Ram," the warehouse is attacked-- but it's a trap! His plan failed, his men captured, Section Leader B is soon "replaced," while Fury thinks on the long road ahead.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #136 (September 1965)

Indexer Notes

Part 2 of 7. 1st appearance of the SHIELD barber shop, a tribute to the tailor shop secret entrance to UNCLE HQ in the TV show THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. 1st appearance of the "Hydra-Ram," a flying saucer-type vehicle. Nick Fury, SHIELD & HYDRA turn up at Reed & Sue's wedding in FANTASTIC FOUR ANNUAL #3 (November 1965).

The Prize Is.. Earth! (Table of Contents: 6)

Doctor Strange; Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

John Severin (signed); Steve Ditko

Inks

John Severin (signed); Steve Ditko

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Imperial Hydra; Dum Dum Dugan; Nick Fury; Gabe Jones; Dr. Strange; The Ancient One

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #137 (October 1965)

Indexer Notes

1st modern-day appearance of Dum Dum & Gabe.

The Prize is... Earth! (Table of Contents: 7)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); John Severin

Inks

John Severin

Colors

?

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; HYDRA; Dum Dum Dugan; Gabe Jones; Leslie Farrington (Chairman, Imperial Industries International); Arnold Brown (Farrington's secretary); Imperial Hydra ("Imperial Leader"); Agent "G" [Laura Brown] (unnamed)

Synopsis

Fury looks over the captured HYDRA saucer, pondering how no one has a clue who their top men are. With a million dollar price on his head, MP's keep a sharp eye on Fury's welfare. In Weapons Design, Fury's given a gadget-laden outfit, which includes a periscope hat, a self-destructing radio tie, a high-explosive shirt, and a bullet-proof suit made of flexible steel! Meanwhile, SHIELD agents race to get an important microfilm to HQ. The chase leads from a train station to a moving train to a speeding car which turns into a submarine, but in the end, the agents self-destruct to prevent falling into HYDRA hands. HYDRA has a gigantic "Betratron Bomb", with which they can hold the entire world to ransom, and the microfilm would have told SHIELD the location of its launch-site. Meanwhile, dictatorial Leslie Farrington accepts the chairmanship of Imperial Industries International, and tells his secretary Brown he wants info on every other board member. But someone on the board is in fact Imperial Hydra! Below the boardroom, in their secret chambers, their leader is approached by "Agent G", his daughter. She begs him to give up his mad plan, while he tries to explain that he wants only to give her "the world". The bomb launches without a hitch...

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #137 (October 1965)

Indexer Notes

Part 3 of 7. 1st appearance of the SHIELD Communication Center. The chase sequence, from train to car-turned-submarine vs. frogmen is strikingly similar to the one in the film THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (1977). 1st modern appearance of Dum Dum & Gabe (regular cast members in SGT. FURY AND HIS HOLWING COMMANDOS). The relationship between Imperial Hydra & Agent G pays tribute to that of Doctor Fu Manchu & Fah Lo Suee, or The Yellow Claw and his niece, Suwan.

Sometimes the Good Guys Lose! (Table of Contents: 8)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

John Severin

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; HYDRA

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #138 (November 1965)

Sometimes the Good Guys Lose! (Table of Contents: 9)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); John Severin

Inks

John Severin

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; Gabe Jones; Imperial Hydra (?); Agent "G" [Laura Brown] (unnamed); HYDRA; Tony Stark; Dum Dum Dugan; Leslie Farrington; Brown; Hodges; Wilson; Vincent Vandergill

Synopsis

Aboard SHIELD's IMP (Intercontinental Ballistic Plane), Fury uses its "Televiewer Tube" to locate the Betraton Bomb launch site-- but too late! They destroy the site so it can't be used again. Agent G again tries to get her father, Imperial Hydra to "come to his senses". Instead, he sends HYDRA's "Fox Division" (diplomacy) to deliver his terms to every nation on Earth. At "Station Space-Watch", Tony Stark prepares to show Fury a weapon constructed under top security-- the "Braino-Saur"-- when HYDRA thugs invade and capture Fury! Meanwhile, tensions are high at Imperial Industries International, as various board members vie for position, hoping to stage a corporate coup. Below, Imperial Hydra inspects his new captive, Fury, while in Washington, HYDRA thugs deliver their ultimatum...

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #138 (November 1965)

Indexer Notes

Part 4 of 7. The tank which crashes thru a wall and then launches a section of itself as a missile is remarkably similar to the one used by Mr. Freeze in the film BATMAN AND ROBIN (1997). The board room scene is reminiscent of the film EXECUTIVE SUITE (1954).

The Brave Die Hard! (Table of Contents: 10)

Doctor Strange; Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Joe Sinnott; Marie Severin (Dr. Strange figure)

Inks

Joe Sinnott; Marie Severin (Dr. Strange figure)

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero; fantasy-supernatural

Characters

Dr. Strange; Nick Fury

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #139 (December 1965)

Indexer Notes

Dr. Strange figure by Marie Severin; credits from Nick Caputo. SHIELD panel reproduced (with different coloring) from page 1 inside this issue.

The Brave Die Hard! (Table of Contents: 11)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Joe Sinnott

Inks

Joe Sinnott

Colors

?

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; HYDRA; Supreme Hydra (?); Tony Stark [Iron Man]; Dum Dum Dugan; Gabe Jones; Agent G [Laura Brown] (unnamed); Leslie Farrington; Wilson; Vincent Vandergill; Arnold Brown

Synopsis

Despite their "Image-Inducer", HYDRA is unable to get Fury to pass on info about Stark's "Braino-Saur". Stark tells SHIELD's directors that the "Braino-Saur" is designed for one purpose-- to disarm HYDRA's Betratron Bomb while in orbit above the Earth! Agent G goes to see Fury-- then helps him escape, although he refuses to promise not to harm her father, the Supreme Hydra. Dum Dum, Gabe and a crack SHIELD squad use the captured HYDRA saucer to locate HYDRA HQ. In the Imperial Industries International board room, chairman Farrington refuses to stop the meeting, despite tremors in the building-- until they get so violent, everyone flees the room. Below, Supreme Hydra learns his daughter helped Fury escape. He sends a "Hunter" robot after Fury. Only when Dugan and his men arrive on the roof and attack does he finally send in the "Tiger" squad (assassins), knowing it will mean his own daughter's death...

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #139 (December 1965)

Indexer Notes

Part 5 of 7. The title predates the film DIE HARD (1988) by 23 years! Name of HYDRA's leader changed from "Imperial Hydra" to "Supreme Hydra" in this episode.

The End of Hydra! (Table of Contents: 12)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Joe Sinnott

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

HYDRA; SHIELD; Gabe Jones; Dum Dum Dugan; Nick Fury

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #140 (January 1966)

The End of Hydra! (Table of Contents: 13)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Don Heck

Inks

Joe Sinnott

Colors

?

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Agent G [Laura Brown] (unnamed); Nick Fury; HYDRA; Dum Dum Dugan; Gabe Jones; Imperial Hydra [Arnold Brown]; Tony Stark

Synopsis

Fury just barely manages to stop the "Hunter" robot. Surrounded on all sides by HYDRA's "Tiger" squad, Dum Dum, Gabe & the SHIELD squad use a "Flying Wedge" formation with an "Electro-Jab" weapon to push thru. HYDRA retaliates with "Skate Board Units". Meanwhile, Tony Stark arrives at the Heli-Carrier via the flying Porche 904, then takes off with the Braino-Saur via a 2-stage Atlas booster rocket. Fury joins up with Dum Dum and turns the tide of battle, causing Imperial Hydra to realize he must use "Operation Last Resort". In space, Stark manages to disarm the Betraton Bomb, and SHIELD orders the arrest of all HYDRA agents worldwide. Fury & co. blast into HYDRA's "Nerve Center", while its leader slowly walks up the stairs leading to Imperial Industries International's boardroom. As he prepares to hit the "destruct" button, we finally learn his real identity...

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #140 (January 1966)

Indexer Notes

Part 6 of 7. Arnold Brown revealed as Imperial Hydra in this episode. The "Flying Wedge" and the "Skate Board Units" must rank among the most outrageous ideas ever from Jack Kirby. In this episode, Nick Fury is a dead ringer for Ralph Meeker, who played Mike Hammer in the film KISS ME DEADLY (1955), while Arnold Brown bears a resemblance to Warren editor Archie Goodwin!

Operation: Brain Blast! (Table of Contents: 14)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Frank Giacoia

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; SHIELD's E.S.P. Division

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #141 (February 1966)

Operation: Brain Blast! (Table of Contents: 15)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Frank Giacoia (credited as Frank Ray); Joe Giella (pp.5, 6, 7)

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

HYDRA; Nick Fury; Dum Dum Dugan; Agent G [Laura Brown] (unnamed); Imperial Hydra [Arnold Brown]; Gabe Jones; E.S.P. Division; Mentallo; The Fixer

Synopsis

As SHIELD mops ups the HYDRA thugs, Fury, Dum Dum, Gabe & Agent G head upstairs to capture Imperial Hydra, using a "Bazooka Drill" to tear thru a solid steel door barring their path. In the Imperial Industries International boardroom, Arnold Brown hesitates over the destruct button, unable to kill his daughter along with everyone else. His bodyguards emerge from the passageway, and not believing he's their leader, shoot him dead! Fury & his men burst into the room, killing the assassins as they attempt to flee. Fury has Agent G demonstrate a pair of "Vacuum-sole" shoes, which allow one to walk up or down a sheer wall-- and in front of a dumbfounded Dum Dum, he allows her to escape. Fury gives them each a week off, saying he's "sicka lookin' at yer ugly pans". He then pilots the stolen HYDRA saucer thru a secret "escape tunnel" under the city. Elsewhere, SHIELD's new E.S.P. Division decide to demonstrate their "Brainwave Stimulator" by sending Fury a mental warning of a mock attack. Elsewhere we meet Mentallo, who can project thoughts into images. Formerly a member of SHIELD, he'd tried using his power to take over, but escaped when he was discovered. SHIELD is working to duplicate his power with machinery, and he fears he must destroy them before they can find a defense against him. He picks up mental images of a criminal known as The Fixer, who manages a seemingly-impossible jailbreak with equipment built from using common objects! Mentallo hatches a plan to join forces with The Fixer, and together, "rule mankind". Fury fears that Mentallo could destroy SHIELD single-handedly...

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #141 (February 1966)

Indexer Notes

Part 7 of 7 / Part 1 of 3. 1st appearance of SHIELD's E.S.P. Division, Mentallo, The Fixer. In this episode, Arnold Brown bears a resemblance to actor Walter Pidgeon. 2nd of only 3 SHIELD episodes on which Jack Kirby did full pencils. The new story starts on page 8; when Stan Lee wrote "at that very moment", he should really have said "a week later", as reading the page literally makes it appear Fury (who was heading for dinner & a long sleep) was in 2 places at the same time!

[Who Strikes at-- SHIELD?] (Table of Contents: 16)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Mike Esposito

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

The Fixer; Mentallo; SHIELD; Nick Fury

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #142 (March 1966)

Indexer Notes

Caption block reads: "We DO have a title for this thriller... honest!! But, Jolly Jack didn't leave us room to letter it!"

Who Strikes at-- SHIELD? (Table of Contents: 17)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Mike Esposito (credited as Mike Demeo)

Colors

?

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; "Wild Bill" Robot; E.S.P. Division; Mentallo; The Fixer

Synopsis

After a new "Wild Bill" robot goes wild, Fury checks out the "Encephalogram-Inducer", which, when hooked into the "Brainwave Stimulator" can transform the thoughts of the ESP Division into images. (Wha'd he say?) Mentallo breaches multiple defenses of The Fixer's underwater base, then convinces him to join forces. Fury contacts another SHIELD base for info about "Inferno 42" and Batroc The Leaper. Mentallo & The Fixer travel underground to SHIELD HQ in a "Thru-The-Ground Tank", which The Fixer mentions was supplied by "THEM". The Fixer uses "Jericho Tubes" to knock a hole in a 20-foot-thick concrete wall. Inside SHIELD HQ, he uses a "Static Distorter" to cut off all outside communications. After making it thru several more traps, Mentallo & The Fixer take on Fury & his men directly, using "Element Z" to render everyone unconscious. Placing an electronic mask on Fury's face, The Fixer turns him into a mindless slave...

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #142 (March 1966)

Indexer Notes

Part 2 of 3. Story occurs concurrently with TALES OF SUSPENSE #75 (March 1966). First mention of "THEM." Fixer's "Thru-The-Ground-Tank" strikingly similar to the ones used by The Hate Monger in FANTASTIC FOUR #21 (December 1963) and The Rabble Rouser in STRANGE TALES #119 (April 1964), suggesting a connection between them and "THEM." Third and final SHIELD episode where Jack Kirby did full pencils. Kirby would next do full pencils on Nick Fury in the Captain America story in TALES OF SUSPENSE #78 (June 1966).

To Free a Brain Slave! (Table of Contents: 18)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Mike Esposito

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; Mentallo; The Fixer

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #143 (April 1966)

To Free a Brain Slave (Table of Contents: 19)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts, pencils pp.1-3); Howard Purcell (pp.4-12)

Inks

Mike Esposito (credited as M. Demeo)

Colors

?

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Dum Dum Dugan; Mentallo; Nick Fury; The Fixer; Gabe Jones; Tony Stark; ESP Division

Synopsis

While SHIELD HQ is in the hands of Mentallo & The Fixer, and Fury a helpless prisoner, Dum Dum & his men prepare to strike back! Tony Stark takes command as the technos prepare his "Neutralizer". The ESP Division are unable to pick up any trace of Fury's thoughts, but the Doctor in charge of suspects Stark has a heart condition. The baddies attach a miniature H-Bomb to Fury's wrists, then remove the mind-control mask. Big mistake-- as Fury immediately begins thinking of an old war song, which acts as the "go" signal. After a burning chemical forces the baddies to remove their protective helmets, they come under attack by the ESP Division. While Fury holds out, Stark's Neutralizer disolves the H-Bomb! Mentallo & The Fixer fight to escape, but are quickly captured, with the help of SHIELD's "Metronome Unit". It's revealed that the ESP attack has destroyed Mentallo's powers, and that Fury was wearing a "Mental Transmitter" to contact them. But elsewhere, a jet takes off from The Heli-Carrier-- but is quickly shot down by a flying golden egg...

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #143 (April 1966)

Indexer Notes

Part 3 of 3. Fixer mentions the H-Bomb was supplied by "THEM". The "Metronome Units" join the ranks of Jack Kirby's wildest design ideas. Without their helmets, The Fixer & Mentallo bear a striking resemblance to DC's Lex Luthor & Brainiac! (The bearded mind-reading Mentallo in particular may well have been the inspiration for John Byrne's human mentalist "Brainiac" who debuted in ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #438 (March 1988)).

The Day of the Druid! (Table of Contents: 20)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Mike Esposito

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Dr. Strange; The Druid; Dum Dum Dugan; Nick Fury

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #144 (May 1966)

The Day of the Druid! (Table of Contents: 21)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Howard Purcell

Inks

Mike Esposito (credited as M. Demeo)

Colors

?

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

The Druid; Dum Dum Dugan; Nick Fury; Jasper Sitwell (SHIELD Academy, Class of '66); "Clipper Charlie" (SHIELD barber)

Synopsis

A mysterious villain called The Druid, using "mystic rites" to disguise "modern, sinister science", sends another deadly flying egg, to kill Nick Fury! Meanwhile, at the crash site of the downed jet, Fury races thru the fire to shut down the plane's nuclear reactor before it can explode and take out half the countryside. Dugan refuses to enter the "Mobile Fallout Shelter", and waits for Fury-- thinking for a moment he's just died, then overjoyed to find his old friend alive and ornery as ever. On the road in his Porche 904, Fury & Dugan are attacked by the egg. The car dodges a flame-thrower, strikes back with a "Borer-Bomb", then falls victim to plastic self-forming tank traps. As the car flips over, its "Air Sacs" activate, then Fury uses its jet fans to fly away and land safely. The pair finally use "Grenade Guns" to take out the offensive omelette. Back at the SHIELD barber shop, clean-cut new recruit Jasper Sitwell has a hard time convincing the barber he's really a SHIELD agent. He tells Fury he's been assigned to help him against the flying eggs, which remain a mystery.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #144 (May 1966)

Indexer Notes

Part 1 of 2. The opening sequence of a mystic rite above-ground while technos supply the goods bears a striking resemblance to the "graveyard" scene in the film LIVE AND LET DIE (1973). The car chase in this episode stands out as one of the most exciting (and fun) action scenes in the series. The "Air Sacs", which "airlines are experimenting with now", predate air bags in cars by decades! 1st appearance of Jasper Sitwell (based on Roy Thomas!).

Lo! The Eggs Shall Hatch! (Table of Contents: 22)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Mike Esposito

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Jasper Sitwell; Nick Fury; The Druid; Dum Dum Dugan

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #145 (June 1966)

Lo! The Eggs Shall Hatch! (Table of Contents: 23)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Don Heck

Inks

Mike Esposito (credited as Mickey Demeo)

Colors

?

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury LMDs; Dum Dum Dugan; Nick Fury; Jasper Sitwell; The Druid; The Fixer

Synopsis

SHIELD sends out a squad of Fury LMDs in hope they can be used to track down whoever's trying to kill Fury. Dugan can't understand why Fury wants to work with Sitwell, then badgers Jasper until Fury compares them to Laurel & Hardy. Fury also wonders when Gabe will return from his vacation. Jasper says Fury's always been his hero, while Dugan says "Personally, I used to go for Betty Grable." Instead of capturing the LMDs, The Druid's eggs have been destroying them. But he decides to draw Fury out into the open, as once Fury's dead, his "cult" can spread across America. Fury questions The Fixer about the eggs, and a miniature brain found on him. The Fixer seems sure the eggs are not connected with "THEM," and also says he was captured before "THEM" could give him his final orders. SHIELD arrives at the site of an exploded egg, which turns out to be a trap. Fury takes on The Druid one-on-one, worried that his men will be targeted if he fails. Sitwell manages to drive a fleet of armored eggs from hiding, and all hell breaks loose. The Druid brags that his main HQ has not been found, and Sitwell offers to uncover The Druid's true identity. Fury finds himself wondering just how ambition Sitwell is, and how he'd feel if they tried replacing him with a younger man.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #145 (June 1966)

Indexer Notes

Part 2 of 2. Only SHIELD episode from STRANGE TALES never reprinted until 2007. Nick Fury looks into the mystery of "THEM" and meets Captain America in TALES OF SUSPENSE #78 (June 1966), then teams with him in flashback in STRANGE TALES #160-161.

Them! (Table of Contents: 24)

Captain America / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Frank Giacoia

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

superhero

Characters

Captain America [Steve Rogers]; Nick Fury; Chemical Android (A.I.M.)

Reprints

• from Tales of Suspense (Marvel, 1959 series) #78 (June 1966)

Them! (Table of Contents: 25)

Captain America / comic story / 10 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Frank Giacoia; Joe Giella (page 5)

Colors

?

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

superhero

Characters

Captain America [Steve Rogers]; Nick Fury; "THEM" (secretly A.I.M., really a division of HYDRA)

Synopsis

While Cap is in the middle of a training exercise involving flying "shock rollers", he's surprised to see Nick Fury turn up looking for info on a secret organization known only as "THEM". As they talk, a strange flying craft lands outside Avengers Mansion, and a large, deadly "chemical android" attacks. In a remote lab, hooded members of "THEM" observe by remote camera, while watching over a "battalion" of androids growing like plants in a glass-enclosed hydroponic garden, due to experiments with D.N.A. One of the techs says "The Imperator" wants SHIELD destroyed. Cap and Fury barely manage to stop the android, which reverts back to its basic elements once its mission is a failure. Fury tells Cap it's SHIELD's job, and to stay out of it. But he gives Cap a SHIELD "Priority A-1" badge to make getting in touch easier in the future.

Reprints

• from Tales of Suspense (Marvel, 1959 series) #78 (June 1966)

Indexer Notes

Part 1 of 5. 2nd-ever meeting of Cap and Fury, following the story in SGT. FURY #13 (December 1964). 1st on-camera appearance of "THEM", following mentions in STRANGE TALES #142-143 & 145 (March-April, June 1966). The hooded outfits worn by the evil scientists appear inspired by the ones worn in the 1st James Bond film, DR. NO (1962). Identity of "The Imperator" would not be revealed until STRANGE TALES #156 (May 1967). Cap and Fury team-up to battle mysterious invaders in the flashback in STRANGE TALES #160-161 (September-October 1967), apparently shortly after this episode. Meanwhile, this story continues directly into STRANGE TALES #146 (July 1966), while "THEM" also continue to appear (peripherally) in the next several issues of TALES OF SUSPENSE. The android-growing tanks appear to pay tribute to THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD (1951). Thanks to Jack Kirby, D.N.A. experiments would play a large part in SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN #133-148 (November 1970-April 1972). The "flying shock rollers" are identical to the ones used by Obi-Wan Kenobi to train Luke Skywalker in the film STAR WARS (1977)!

When the Unliving Strike! (Table of Contents: 26)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Don Heck

Inks

Mike Esposito (credited as Mickey Dimeo)

Colors

?

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; Jasper Sitwell; Dum Dum Dugan; Count Bornag Royale (Ambassador for A.I.M. / Advanced Idea Mechanics); "THEM"

Synopsis

Using a huge "swamp buggy", Fury & his men have tracked the "THEM" vehicle (seen in TALES OF SUSPENSE #78) to a "murky, insect-infested swamp". They ward off an attack by a squad of amphibian androids. Meanwhile, aboard the Heli-Carrier, Count Bornag Royale, the "top representative" of A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics), a "society of the greatest intellects on Earth", is offended by the heavy-handed security treatment he's given by Fury's men. In the underwater lab, the hooded scientists speak of being "geniuses", and being worthy of "THEM". Fury uses a "sonic vibrator" to blast into the base, but is trapped between 2 walls of "electric energy waves". He tells the baddies he's set "pint-sized fission bombs" to blow up the base, causing a stalemate, as the hooded types feel they are "too valueable" to "THEM" to sacrifice themselves. But a group of "hammer-hand androids" have gotten loose because of the vibrations, and stampede the evil scientists to death, smashing the electric barrier in the process. Royale tells the SHIELD board of directors he's come to offer them their services and technology, but feels he cannot do so while being answerable to men with such a "lack of intelligence" and "over-inflated ego" as Nick Fury. Fury & his men polish off the androids. Surveying the lab, Fury realizes they're "no penny-ante outfit", and compares them to the Nazis, as well as HYDRA. He also realizes, because of the "geniuses", that he's heard of another group of scientists who create & sell ideas-- Advanced Idea Mechanics!

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #146 (July 1966)

Indexer Notes

Part 2 of 5. Story continues from TALES OF SUSPENSE #78 (June 1966), and presumably the flashback in STRANGE TALES #160-161 (September-October 1967), which was "too secret" for anyone to talk about. The android-growing tanks appear to pay tribute to THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD (1951). 1st published appearance of Count Royale; based on the dialogue it actually takes place after his appearance in this month's TALES OF SUSPENSE #79 (July 1966), as the readers are left unsure as to his motives in this episode (while his guilt is made clear in the Captain America episode). Tony Stark's problems with the Senate in TALES OF SUSPENSE #72-84 (December 1965-December 1966) are mentioned; his plant being forcibly shut down in SUSPENSE #78 (June 1966) presumably gave A.I.M. an "in" to peddle their technology to SHIELD.

The Enemy Within! (Table of Contents: 27)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Jasper Sitwell; Dum Dum Dugan; Nick Fury; A.I.M.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #147 (August 1966)

The Enemy Within! (Table of Contents: 28)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Don Heck

Inks

Dick Ayers

Colors

?

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; Jasper Sitwell; Dum Dum Dugan; Count Bornag Royale (A.I.M.); A.I.M. (division of "THEM"); Clipper Charlie (barber); Slim; manicure girl

Synopsis

On returning from their latest mission, Fury catches hell from the military brass, but brushes it off and gives everyone a 10-day furlough-- except Jasper, who only seems happy when he's being "worked to death". Count Royale continues bad-mouthing Fury to SHIELD's board of directors. A general, irritated by SHIELD's seemingly-excessive security measures, explains to Fury how A.I.M. has technology they desperately need, but refuse to do business as long as Fury's in charge. This, of course, only confirms Fury's earlier suspicions that A.I.M. is not on the up-and-up as they claim! Sure enough, Royale has returned to an A.I.M. observation post, and watches as a squad invades the SHIELD barber shop. Fury, Dum Dum & Jasper save the day, the rescued manicure girl miffed as Jasper's overt shyness. Royale, meanwhile, feels Fury's rash actions have put the last nail in his coffin...

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #147 (August 1966)

Indexer Notes

Part 3 of 5. Nick Caputo believes Dick Ayers to be the inker and that the printed credit for Mike Esposito (as Mickey Demeo) is in error; Henry Kujawa confirms (via the GCD Error List, 24 July 2005 & 7 August 2007).

Death Before Dishonor! (Table of Contents: 29)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Don Heck

Inks

Don Heck

Colors

?

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; Dum Dum Dugan; Jasper Sitwell; Count Bornag Royale (A.I.M.); A.I.M. (division of "THEM")

Synopsis

Dugan is desperate and shattered when he thinks Fury is killed in a fire-bombing attack by A.I.M., only to discover it was a Life Model Decoy that got "killed". But the A.I.M. prisoners he wanted interrogated were killed, which frustrates Fury-- who, along with Dum Dum & Jasper, realize their movements are under video-surveillance by the enemy! Meanwhile, Count Royale and his A.I.M. cohorts are amazed at how advanced & convincing SHIELD's L.M.D.s are, far more advanced than their own chemical androids, and determine to steal one. Fury gets angrier by the minute, and chews out a scientist testing a "tri-di-roentgen hand gun" (capable of making any object transparent), and Jasper, who blew a hole in the ceiling of his cabin trying to find a security gap. Fury realizes he's stepped on a lot of V.I.P.'s toes, but determines he'll play this game his own way. While Fury submits to a "trial", at which Jasper gives the most damning "evidence", a squad of A.I.M. men break into SHIELD's underground base to steal an L.M.D. Just as Royale realizes Fury knew about the surveillance cameras, Fury stuns the crowd by shattering a viewport and leaping thru it to his apparent death! But he parachutes to safety, and is met on the ground by Dugan-- ready to take on A.I.M....

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #148 (September 1966)

Indexer Notes

Part 4 of 5. 1st Jack Kirby-dialogued Marvel Comic of the 1960's. The pen-radio Fury uses is similar to the one regularly used by agents on THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. tv series. This is the 2nd time Fury smashed a glass viewport on the Heli-Carrier, the 1st time being in STRANGE TALES #135 (August 1965).

The End of A.I.M.! (Table of Contents: 30)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Mike Esposito

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Dum Dum Dugan; Nick Fury; A.I.M.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #149 (October 1966)

The End of A.I.M.! (Table of Contents: 31)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Denny O'Neil (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Ogden Whitney

Inks

Ogden Whitney

Colors

?

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; A.I.M. (division of "THEM", really HYDRA); Dum Dum Dugan; Jasper Sitwell; Count Bornag Royale (A.I.M.); Number Nine (The Secret Empire) [Gabe Jones]

Synopsis

A squad of A.I.M. men make off with a Nick Fury Life Model Decoy-- or so they think! As Dugan hangs back awaiting Fury's signal, the SHIELD squad wonders what's going on. The answer comes soon, as the Fury "L.M.D." turns out to be the genuine article! On the Heli-Carrier, chaos follows Fury's "unorthodox exit", and as Count Royale bolts, Jasper plants a transmitter on him using a "respiratory-powered projectile hurler" (pea-shooter!), then takes control of the situation, to the amazement of the board or directors and top military brass! A pair of A.I.M. agents, fleeing the fight with Fury, are picked up on the road by "Number Nine" of "The Secret Empire"-- which turns out to be another branch of "THEM"! But as they drive off, the A.I.M. men are gassed unconscious, as "Number Nine" turns out to be the long-missing Gabe Jones, working undercover! Fury clues in the V.I.P.s as to the situation, while Jasper trails Royale to A.I.M.'s mountain-side hidden base-- just before the entire place is destroyed in a colossal explosion! Dugan comments on how they preferred blowing themselves up because they were discovered, while Fury feels "someone bigger" finished them off when their usefulness ended. Gabe arrives, and after everyone compares notes, Fury decides to check the "SHIELD Museum" for clues on HYDRA. When they're almost killed by a mysterious energy ray, Fury realizes "THEM" and HYDRA are one and the same, and it's up to SHIELD to find them, before they strike first.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #149 (October 1966)

Indexer Notes

Part 5 of 5. Secret Empire storyline continues from Hulk story in TALES TO ASTONISH #83; then concludes in Sub-Mariner stories in TALES TO ASTONISH #83-85 (September-November 1966). "THEM" is revealed to be a cover-name for HYDRA; as they supplied The Fixer who appeared in STRANGE TALES #141-143 (February-April 1966), this means HYDRA has never really gone away at this point! It's revealed that Count Royale was not killed in the massive explosion, in the Captain America story this month's TALES OF SUSPENSE #82 (October 1966), as Cap winds up facing one more of A.I.M.'s artificial androids.

"Hydra Lives!" (Table of Contents: 32)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); John Buscema

Inks

Frank Giacoia; Joe Giella (pp. 2, 5, 8, 9, 10)

Colors

?

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; Jasper Sitwell; Dum Dum Dugan; Senator Dudley (member of Plans & Operations Section); Supreme Hydra ["Don Cabellero"]; HYDRA

Synopsis

Fury subjects himself to a highly-dangerous test in order to prove that an atomic missile can be detonated long-distance by a sonic weapon-- which SHIELD believes HYDRA has their hands on. While both he & Dugan are recovering from injuries, he looks into a mysterious Mexican millionaire, "Don Cabellero", who, on the urging of an undercover SHIELD man, invites Fury to a grand party he's holding in the ancient ruins of Karnopolis, in the Sahara Desert. Caballero is merely a disguise for the new Supreme Hydra, who knew the man who made the suggestion was a spy all along. Senator Dudley, who earlier appeared to know nothing about HYDRA, later turns out to have helped Fury in setting up the meeting. After surprising Sitwell with the news that he is going, Fury then puts Sitwell in command while he's gone. Just then, a sonic boom shakes the HQ, as the "Overkill Horn" is being tested.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #150 (November 1966)

Indexer Notes

Part 1 of 9. 1st appearance of the "new" Supreme Hydra, later revealed to have been its real leader all along, behind-the-scenes. In this episode, Jasper Sitwell is a dead ringer for Roy Thomas! John Buscema's 1st 1960's Marvel work (even though Stan welcomed him back in the credits of TALES TO ASTONISH #85 the same month).

"The Moment of ... Overkill!" (Table of Contents: 33)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (signed)

Inks

Jim Steranko (signed)

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

HYDRA; Nick Fury

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #151 (December 1966)

"Overkill!" (Table of Contents: 34)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Jim Steranko

Inks

Jim Steranko

Colors

?

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; HYDRA; Supreme Hydra ["Don Cabellero"]; Dum Dum Dugan; Jasper Sitwell; Gabe Jones

Synopsis

HYDRA allows Fury to land in Karnopolis safely, to lull SHIELD into a false sense of security. But Fury knows all pretense is off, as the ruins are deserted-- except for a a squad of robots! Captured & stripped of his gadget-laden clothes, Fury faces the new Supreme Hydra, who tells him of his plans to use the Overkill Horn to detonate all stockpiles of nuclear weapons worldwide, while HYDRA waits in fallout shelters, to emerge as the new rulers of the planet. Meanwhile, Dugan, upset by Fury's order to launch an H-Missile to destroy HYDRA's weapon (and Fury as well), tries to save his buddy, but is stopped when Gabe shoots him in the shoulder. Fury manages to escape with a HYDRA jet, not realizing it was a ruse-- as the Overkill Horn is onboard the plane he's flying! As Sitwell prepares to destroy the aircraft, Fury realizes its radio isn't working...

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #151 (December 1966)

Indexer 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 1st work for Marvel.

"The Power of SHIELD!" (Table of Contents: 35)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Jim Steranko

Inks

Jim Steranko

Colors

?

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; Gabe Jones; Jasper Sitwell; HYDRA; Supreme Hydra ["Don Cabellero"; "Emir Ali-Bey"]; Laura Brown; Tony Stark (cameo)

Synopsis

Fury finds a way to signal SHIELD without a radio, delaying disaster. But after Sitwell realizes Fury is the pilot, he still orders the launching of a "Strato-Mine", which could ignite the very atmosphere. Supreme Hydra gets news that Laura Brown-- the daughter of his predecessor, who turned traitor and helped Fury a year before-- has been captured in Egypt. Donning a new disguise as "Emir Ali-Bey", he leaves in his "Hover-Limousine" to reach there by nightfall. As he departs, he thinks that Fury will die without ever learning his true identity. Fury manages to turn the plane around, and, discovering where the Overkill Horn was hidden, dives from the plane, to be picked up by a SHIELD submarine. The plane-- followed by the Strato-Mine-- obliterates Karnopolis, its HYDRA base, and all within. Soon after, Fury & a SHIELD squad rescues Laura from more HYDRA thugs. Tony Stark congratulates Sitwell on a job well done, while Fury worries that the Supreme Hydra is still on the loose.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #152 (January 1967)

Indexer Notes

Part 3 of 9. The method Fury used to contact SHIELD without a radio was later used in the BATTLESTAR GALACTICA episode, "The Hand Of God". Laura Brown's previous appearance in STRANGE TALES #141 (February 1966).

[The Hiding Place!] (Table of Contents: 36)

Nick Fury / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Pencils

Jim Steranko (signed)

Inks

Jim Steranko (signed); Wally Wood (Laura Brown figure)

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Dum Dum Dugan; Laura Brown; Nick Fury; HYDRA

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #153 (February 1967)

Indexer Notes

Original ink credit listed Frank Giacoia. Cover signed Jim Steranko, listed in THE MARVEL COMICS INDEX #6 (George Olshevsky, December 1977), confirmed by Nick Caputo, Barry Pearl, Henry Kujawa & Nick Simon. Wood inks suggested by Henry Kujawa, agreed by Nick Simon (August 2007).

The Hiding Place! (Table of Contents: 37)

Nick Fury / comic story / 12 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Roy Thomas (dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Jim Steranko

Inks

Jim Steranko

Colors

?

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Clipper Charlie (SHIELD barber); Nick Fury; Jasper Sitwell; Laura Brown; HYDRA; Gabe Jones; Supreme Hydra ["Emir Ali-Bey"; "Agent Bronson"]; Dum Dum Dugan

Synopsis

While enjoying a shave, Fury thinks back on SHIELD's 1st battle with HYDRA, when Laura Brown-- who had joined only to convince her father to give up his mad dream of world conquest-- saved his life and helped defeat them. As the President pushes thru a pardon for her, she's being transported by Gabe & Jasper-- whose car is attacked by HYDRA. Fury & Dugan, in a captured HYDRA saucer, go to rescue the trio. The Supreme Hydra dons a new disguise, that of "Agent Bronson", a SHIELD man currently their prisoner. "Bronson" arrives at the Heli-Carrier just in time to join the team racing to help Fury. After helping capture several HYDRA thugs, "Bronson" gains Fury's confidence. Noting he's no "babe-in-arms", "Bronson" confides he, too, was in a "Commando Squadron" in WW2.

Reprints

• from Strange Tales (Marvel, 1951 series) #153 (February 1967)

Indexer Notes

Part 4 of 9. Clipper Charlie named in STRANGE TALES #164 (January 1968). Fury's Porsche 904, which has been in use since STRANGE TALES #135 (August 1965) is destroyed in this episode; he would get a new car in STRANGE TALES #162 (November 1967). 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. Jack Kirby, who plotted every SHIELD episode up to this point, finally departs. While known for "seat-of-the-pants" plotting, it appears that on the next-to-last page of his final episode, he'd figured out the true identity of the Supreme Hydra-- but readers would have to wait 3 more months to learn the truth! Until next Masterworks volume is published, reprints of this story continue in NICK FURY, AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D. (Marvel, 2000 series) nn (May 2000).

"The Hate Monger!" (Table of Contents: 38)

Fantastic Four / cover reprint (on interior page) / 1 page (report information)

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Paul Reinman

Colors

?

Letters

?

Genre

superhero

Characters

Hate Monger; Sgt. Fury; Human Torch; Mr. Fantastic; Invisible Girl, Thing

Reprints

• from Fantastic Four (Marvel, 1961 series) #21 [Regular Edition] (December 1963)

The Hate-Monger! (Table of Contents: 39)

Fantastic Four / comic story / 22 pages (report information)

Script

Jack Kirby (plot); Stan Lee (plot, dialogue)

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

George Roussos (credited as George Bell)

Colors

?

Letters

Artie Simek (pp. 1-13); Sam Rosen (uncredited, pp. 14-22)

Genre

superhero

Characters

Mr. Fantastic; Human Torch; Invisible Girl; Thing; Hate-Monger [Adolph Hitler]; Col. Nick Fury (C.I.A.); Alicia Masters

Synopsis

Reed, Johnny & Sue are wondering what's shaking up the Baxter Building. They find Ben working out on his punching bag, incensed at the news that The Hate-Monger, who'se been causing trouble & starting riots everywhere he goes, in in town. They attend a rally, where to their disbelief, a crowd is seen chasing a "foreigner" (in fact a natural-born citizen). But then the Hate-Monger pulls out his "H-Ray"-- which turns the F.F. themselves irrational and hate-filled. After fighting amongst themselves, Reed returns home to find his old army buddy, Nick Fury-- now a Colonel in the C.I.A.-- waiting for him. Fury tells him about how the Hate-Monger has turned San Gusto, a small country the US has poured millions into helping, into chaos. Reed goes down on his own, and as Fury realizes what's wrong, winds up conning the others into following. Captured, Reed discovers the Hate-Monger's plans to control the entire planet by spreading hatred, to which only he has the antidote. Fury arrives and forces him to cure Reed at gunpoint. After, Reed manages to cure his team-mates, and the quintet corner the Hate-Monger, who accidentally fires his "H-Ray" at his own men-- who shoot him DEAD! Under the mask, all are filled with shock and disbelief to learn the villain's true identity is "the most evil human being the world has ever known" (though Reed says they may never know if it was REALLY him or one of his many "doubles".

Reprints

• from Fantastic Four (Marvel, 1961 series) #21 (December 1963)

Indexer Notes

1st modern-day appearance of Nick Fury. A villain very similar to the Hate-Monger, The Rabble-Rouser, fought the Human Torch in STRANGE TALES #119 (April 1964). The identical piece of equipment, a "Thru-The-Ground Tank," was used by The Hate Monger, The Rabble Rouser, and by The Fixer in STRANGE TALES #142 (March 1966), suggesting HYDRA supplied all 3 of them with equipment! (Very fitting that one neo-Nazi group was supplying equipment to another, though each may not have known of the other's true connection to the actual Third Reich.) Despite his obvious death, The Hate-Monger would return in NICK FURY, AGENT OF SHIELD #9-11 (February-April 1969); the truth about The Hate-Monger would finally be revealed in SUPER-VILLAIN TEAM-UP #16-17 (May 1979-June 1980).