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ow/white pgs; Signature Series, signed by Jim Steranko 06/14/17
Jim Steranko cover/art; 1st app of Scorpio, later revealed to be Jake Fury, the brother of Nick; COMIC BOOK IMPACT rating of 7 (CBI)


Now one of the most beloved figures in the MCU, Nick Fury landed his own series after the Infinity Formula allowed him to continue his patriotic exploits well beyond his action in WWII with the Howling Commandos. Cashing in on the fever for James Bond and espionage heroes that took off in the mid-60s (including the TV show The Man From U.N.C.L.E.), Stan Lee brought the cigar-chomping Fury back into the Marvel Universe, albeit now a little older, sleeker, and at a higher rank.

Introduced in the pages of Strange Tales, Nick Fury, (billed as "Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.") would share the anthology book with Doctor Strange for 33 issues before earning his own title. Inaugurated by Jack Kirby, the Strange Tales Nick Fury feature would be passed on to the capable hands of Jim Steranko, who initially inked Kirby’s pencils, but soon took over at the primary artist, and soon ignited a firestorm of fandom for the spy thriller stories. Employing the psychedelic and pop art forms that were very popular in the decade, Steranko became an overnight sensation and quickly went on one of the most celebrated creative periods of the Silver Age.

Nick Fury soon landed his own title that would only have a short run of 15 issues. The title has still gone on to be considered a milestone in breaking barriers between comic books and “art," with the medium emerging as more than disposable entertainment for the kids. The first issue of Nick Fury’s solo title is entirely drawn, written, and colored by the tireless Steranko, who also composed the iconic cover design (and an incredible centerfold has to be seen to be believed). If one is interested in the rich history of the comic book form, this issue is one of the important comics that helped change the industry, expanding on what was acceptable in comics while appealing to a new audience of readers — and influencing everything that would come after its release.


Artists Information

James F. Steranko is an American graphic artist, comic book writer/artist, comics historian, magician, publisher and film production illustrator. His most famous comic book work was with the 1960s superspy feature "Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D." in Marvel Comics' Strange Tales and in the subsequent eponymous series. Steranko earned lasting acclaim for his innovations in sequential art during the Silver Age of Comic Books, particularly his infusion of surrealism, pop art, and graphic design into the medium. His work has been published in many countries and his influence on the field has remained strong since his comics heyday. He went on to create book covers, become a comics historian who published a pioneering two-volume history of the birth and early years of comic books, and to create conceptual art and character designs for films including Raiders of the Lost Ark and Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Joe Sinnott is an American comic book artist. Working primarily as an inker, Sinnott is best known for his long stint on Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four, from 1965 to 1981, initially over the pencils of Jack Kirby. During his 60 years as a Marvel freelancer and then salaried artist working from home, Sinnott inked virtually every major title, with notable runs on The Avengers, The Defenders and Thor.