S.H.I.E.L.D. by Lee & Kirby: The Complete Collection.

(2015)

The Hate-Monger! (Table of Contents: 1)

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

Script

Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

George Roussos

Colors

Stan Goldberg

Letters

Artie Simek; Sam Rosen

Job Number

X-488

First Line of Dialogue or Text

In his skyscraper planetarium room, one of the world's greatest scientific brains puzzles over an unusual problem...

Genre

superhero

Characters

The Fantastic Four [Mr. Fantastic [Reed Richards]; The Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; The Invisible Girl [Sue Storm]; The Thing [Ben Grimm]]; Nick Fury; The Hate Monger (introduction, death)

Synopsis

Nick Fury, now a colonel in the CIA, enlists the aid of the Fantastic Four against the Hate-Monger even though they are under the control of his Hate-Ray.

Reprints

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

Keywords

hate-ray machine; revolution; San Gusto

The Man for the Job! (Table of Contents: 2)

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

Script

Stan Lee; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Dick Ayers

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

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 S.H.I.E.L.D. Special Weaponry section)

Synopsis

Nick Fury reports to the Pentagon, encountering Life Model Decoys: replicas of himself. He is driven in a gadget-filled car that converts to flying mode. Fury learns about SHIELD, an international organization whose job is to stop HYDRA, fanatics bent on world domination. Fury meets Tony Stark, in charge of SHIELD's weaponry, who tells Fury he was chosen to lead SHIELD. Fury acts quickly when he finds a hidden bomb, throwing it out a window moments before it explodes. Fury learns he is aboard the Heli-Carrier, SHIELD's mobile headquarters. Realizing the impending danger Fury accepts the job.

Reprints

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

Indexer Notes

Part 1 of 7. Fury's previous chronological appearance was 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 S.H.I.E.L.D. Heli-Carrier. Story retold in NICK FURY, AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D. #4 (September 1968).

Background info on the creation of S.H.I.E.L.D. not revealed until FURY #1 (May 1994).

Find Fury or Die! (Table of Contents: 3)

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

Script

Stan Lee; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); John Severin

Inks

John Severin

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

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 intent on finding SHIELD's HQ, but Fury is aware he's being followed. HYDRA Section Leader B, a "Hydra-Hunter," runs the mission and hands over his hood to the Imperial Hydra so he will have no place to hide should he fail. When a few HYDRA agents show up at the barber shop which is the secret entrance to SHIELD's HQ, they're captured and hypnotized into believing the HQ is located in a warehouse blocks away. They attack the warehouse with a "Hydra-Ram,"-- but it's a trap! His plan a failure, Section Leader B is soon "replaced," while Fury ponders the future.

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: 4)

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

Script

Stan Lee; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); John Severin

Inks

John Severin

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

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

SHIELD agents attempt to get microfilm to HQ but they fail, sacrificing themselves to prevent falling into HYDRA hands. The microfilm would have revealed the location of the Betratron Bomb, which Hydra will use to ransom the world. Leslie Farrington, chairmanship of Imperial Industries tells his assistant, Brown to track info on every board member, one of which is the Imperial Hydra. In a secret chamber below the boardroom Hydra's leader speaks to "Agent G", his daughter who begs him to end his mad plan, but he replies he is doing it for her benefit. 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: 5)

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

Script

Stan Lee; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); John Severin

Inks

John Severin

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

Letters

Sam Rosen

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 Intercontinental Ballistic Plane Fury uses the Televiewer Tube to locate the Betraton Bomb launch site. It is destroyed but the bomb was already launched. Agent G unsucsessfully implores her father, Imperial Hydra to come to his senses. He sends HYDRA's Fox Division to deliver his terms to every nation on Earth. Tony Stark prepares to show Fury the Braino-Saur,a new weapon when HYDRA agents capture him. At Imperial Industries board members vie for position, hoping to stage a corporate coup. Imperial Hydra gloats over Fury, while in Washington, HYDRA delivers 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: 6)

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

Script

Stan Lee; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Joe Sinnott

Inks

Joe Sinnott

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

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

Hydra fails to learn the location of the Braino-Saur despite their Image-Inducer. Stark tells SHIELD's directors it was designed to disarm Hydra's Betratron Bomb orbiting above Earth. Agent G helps Fury escape but he refuses to promise not to harm her father, the Supreme Hydra. Dum Dum, Gabe and a SHIELD squad use the captured Hydra saucer to locate their HQ. In the Imperial Industries boardroom tremors shake the building forcing everyone to flee. Below, Supreme Hydra learns of his daughters treachery. SHIELD attacks and he sends his Tiger Squad aware that it may mean his own daughter's death.

Reprints

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

Indexer Notes

Part 5 of 7. Name of HYDRA's leader changed from "Imperial Hydra" to "Supreme Hydra" in this episode.

The End of Hydra! (Table of Contents: 7)

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

Script

Stan Lee; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Don Heck

Inks

Joe Sinnott

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

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 defeats the Hunter robot. Surrounded by HYDRA's Tiger squad, Dum Dum, Gabe and fellow agents use a Flying Wedge formation and an Electro-Jab weapon to push thru. HYDRA retaliates with Skate Board Units. Joined by Fury SHIELD overpowers HYDRA while Supreme Hydra realizes he must use Operation Last Resort. In space, Stark disarms the Betraton Bomb. SHIELD orders the arrest of HYDRA agents worldwide. SHIELD blasts into HYDRA's Nerve Center while their leader walks up the stairs leading to Imperial Industries boardroom. As he prepares to hit the destruct button, we 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. 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: 8)

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

Script

Stan Lee; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Frank Giacoia (credited as Frank Ray)

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

Letters

Sam Rosen

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

Supreme Hydra Arnold Brown cannot press the destruct button knowing his daughter would also perish. Unconvinced he is Supreme Hydra his guards execute him. Fury lets Agent G escape when she demonstrate Hydra's Vacuum-sole shoes. SHIELD's E.S.P. Division uses the Brainwave Stimulator to send Fury a mental warning of a mock attack. Mentallo, a renegade SHIELD agent, has the power to project thoughts into images as SHIELD works to copy his power. Seeing images of The Fixer, who escapes a jail cell with equipment built from common objects Mentallo intends to join forces with him.

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 Arthur O'Connell. 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: 9)

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

Script

Stan Lee; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Mike Esposito (credited as Mike Demeo)

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

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

Synopsis

Fury checks out the Encephalogram-Inducer which, when hooked into the Brainwave Stimulator transforms the ESP Divisions' thoughts into images. Mentallo breaches The Fixer's underwater base, convincing him to join forces. They travel underground to SHIELD HQ in a Thru-The-Ground Tank which The Fixer mentions was supplied by THEM. Inside SHIELD HQ, the Fixer uses a Static Distorter to cut off outside communications. Mentallo & The Fixer take on Fury & SHIELD 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."

To Free a Brain Slave (Table of Contents: 10)

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

Script

Stan Lee; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Howard Purcell

Inks

Mike Esposito (credited as M. Demeo)

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

Letters

Artie Simek

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

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

Synopsis

SHIELD HQ is taken over by Mentallo & The Fixer who hold Fury prisoner. Tony Stark takes command of the combat unit, preparing his Neutralizer while the ESP Division is unable to pick up Fury's thoughts. Meanwhile the villains attach a miniature H-Bomb to Fury's wrists and remove the mind-control mask. Fury is able to send a signal to the ESP team allowing SHIELD to retaliate and Stark's Neutralizer dissolves the H-Bomb. Mentallo & The Fixer are captured with the help of SHIELD's Metronome Unit and the threat of Mentallo's powers is wiped out by the ESP division.

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". Without their helmets, The Fixer & Mentallo bear a striking resemblance to DC's Lex Luthor & Brainiac!

The Day of the Druid! (Table of Contents: 11)

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

Script

Stan Lee; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Howard Purcell

Inks

Mike Esposito (credited as M. Demeo)

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

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

The Druid uses mystic rites to disguise modern, sinister science, sending a deadly flying egg to kill Nick Fury. Fury attempts to shut down a burning planes nuclear reactor and barely survives the ordeal. Later Fury & Dugan are attacked by the egg in SHIELD's flying car as they face a variety of deadly weapons. The pair finally use "Grenade Guns" to destroy the egg. 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). First appearance of Jasper Sitwell who was reportedly based on Roy Thomas.

Lo! The Eggs Shall Hatch! (Table of Contents: 12)

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

Script

Stan Lee; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Don Heck

Inks

Mike Esposito (credited as Mickey Demeo)

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

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 LMD's attempting to track down his would-be assassin. Instead of capturing the LMDs, The Druid's eggs have been destroying them. SHIELD arrives at the site of an exploded egg which was a trap. Fury battles the Druid one-on-one worried that his men will be targeted if he fails. Sitwell drives a fleet of armored eggs from hiding while all hell breaks loose. The captured Druid brags that his main HQ is undiscovered while Sitwell offers to uncover The Druid's true identity. Noticing how ambitious Sitwell is Fury voices concern about being replaced by a younger man.

Reprints

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

Indexer Notes

Part 2 of 2. 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: 13)

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

Script

Jack Kirby; Stan Lee

Pencils

Jack Kirby

Inks

Frank Giacoia

Colors

?

Letters

Artie Simek

First Line of Dialogue or Text

Hey!

Feature Logo

Captain America, Living Legend of World War II

Genre

superhero

Characters

Captain America [Steve Rogers]; Nick Fury

Synopsis

While Captain America is training, Nick Fury turns up looking for info on the secret organization THEM. A flying craft lands outside Avengers Mansion, and an android attacks. In a lab, members of THEM observe by remote camera while watching over a battalion of androids growing in a hydroponic garden. Captain America and Fury barely manage to stop the android. Fury tells Captain America it's S.H.I.E.L.D.'s job and to stay out of it. But he gives Captain America a S.H.I.E.L.D. Priority A-1 badge to make getting in touch easier in the future.

Reprints

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

Keywords

Avengers Mansion

When the Unliving Strike! (Table of Contents: 14)

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

Script

Stan Lee; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Don Heck

Inks

Mike Esposito (credited as Mickey Demeo)

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

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

Aboard the Heli-Carrier Count Royale, a representative of A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics) a society of the world's greatest intellects, is offended by SHIELD's security measures. Fury uses a sonic vibrator to blast into an underwater base but is trapped between electric energy waves. A stalemate occurs when Fury reveals he has fission bombs that would blow up the base. A group of androids escape and trample AIM's hordes. Royale tells SHIELD's directors he cannot offer AIM's services and technology under their current leader. Defeating the androids Fury suspects A.I.M behind the operation.

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 (Sept-Oct 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 the story takes place after his appearance in this month's TALES OF SUSPENSE #79 (July 1966) since his motivations in this story are questionable (his guilt is confirmed in the Captain America episode). Stark's problems with the Senate in TALES OF SUSPENSE #72-84 (December 1965-December 1966) are mentioned; his plant is forcibly shut down in SUSPENSE #78 (June 1966) presumably allowing A.I.M. to offer their technology to SHIELD.

The Enemy Within! (Table of Contents: 15)

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

Script

Stan Lee; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Don Heck

Inks

Dick Ayers

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

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

Returning from their latest mission, Fury catches hell from the military brass. Count Royale continues bad-mouthing Fury to SHIELD's board of directors. A general 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 confirms Fury's earlier suspicions that A.I.M. is not legit. 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. 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.

Death before Dishonor! (Table of Contents: 16)

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

Script

Jack Kirby

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Don Heck

Inks

Don Heck

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

Letters

Sam Rosen

Genre

spy; superhero

Characters

Nick Fury; Dum Dum Dugan; Jasper Sitwell; A.I.M. [Count Bornag Royale]

Synopsis

Dugan is shattered when he thinks Fury is killed in a fire-bombing attack by A.I.M., only to discover it was actually a Life Model Decoy. Fury realizes their movements are under video surveillance by the enemy. Count Royale and his A.I.M. cohorts are amazed at how sophisticated the L.M.D.s are and plan to steal one. While Fury submits to a trial a squad of A.I.M. men break into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s underground base. Fury shatters a viewport on the Heli-Carrier and leaps out to his apparent death - but Sitwell equipped him with a parachute. Fury is met by Dugan as they prepare to take on A.I.M.

Reprints

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

Indexer Notes

Part 4 of 5. 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.

The End of A.I.M.! (Table of Contents: 17)

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

Script

Denny O'Neil; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); Ogden Whitney

Inks

Ogden Whitney

Colors

Stan Goldberg ?

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.I.M. agents steal an LMD which turns out to be the real Nick Fury. The Heli-Carrier is on high-alert after Fury's leap and Sitwell plants a tracer on Count Royale as he rushes out. A pair of fleeing A.I.M. agents are met by one of the Secret Empire, which is a branch of "THEM"! The A.I.M. men are gassed unconscious by Gabe Jones working undercover. Jasper trails Royale to A.I.M.'s hidden base just before it explodes. Fury visits SHIELD's Museum for clues on HYDRA and is almost killed by an energy ray. Fury realizes "THEM" and HYDRA are one and the same, and it's up to SHIELD to stop them.

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 in this month's TALES OF SUSPENSE #82 (October 1966), as Cap winds up facing one of A.I.M.'s artificial androids.

Hydra Lives! (Table of Contents: 18)

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

Script

Stan Lee; Jack Kirby (co-plot)

Pencils

Jack Kirby (layouts); John Buscema

Inks

Frank Giacoia

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 dangerous test in order to prove that an atomic missile can be detonated long-distance by a sonic weapon which SHIELD believes HYDRA has. While both he & Dugan are recovering from injuries, Don Cabellero, at the urging of an undercover SHIELD man, invites Fury to a party in ancient Karnopolis in the Sahara Desert. Caballero is a disguise for the new Supreme Hydra, who is aware a SHIELD agent has invaded his ranks. Fury tells Sitwell he will be in command during his absence but suddenly 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. First 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.