To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E..L.D., Marvel will release two books later this month. S.H.I.E.L.D. The Complete Collection will compile the first missions from Strange Tales #135-150, Fantastic Four #21 and Tales of Suspense #78. From the press release: "Having revolutionized everything from super heroes to war and Westerns, in 1965 Lee & Kirby set their sights on the spy game (and their own vision of James Bond), starring Nick Fury. Cold War covert ops had been dominating headlines, so they created an international organization to protect the Marvel Universe. Headed by Agent Nick Fury, S.H.I.E.L.D. featured amazing gadgets, world-dominating villains and the debut of the awesome Helicarrier! It also brought back members of the original Howling Commandos, still appearing in their World War II adventures in Sgt. Fury, and co-starring Captain America and other surprise guests. Additional artists include the superlative John Severin for three issues, and outstanding inking by the likes of Joe Sinnott (who was simultaneously doing The Fantastic Four), John Buscema, Don Heck, Ogden Whitney, George Roussos, Frank Giacoia, and Mike Esposito." 256 pages. The collection (cover below) hits the shelves on October 20th. If that's not enough Nick Fury for you, Marvel will also release a 960-pageS.H.I.E.L.D. OMNIBUS on the same day. From the press release: "In a single complete volume, one of the Marvel's most-innovative series- S.H.I.E.L.D.! With international threats on the rise, Tony Stark and a council of global powers tapped Nick Fury to protect the U.S. from Hydra, A.I.M., Baron Strucker and the Yellow Claw. The greatest team in comics, Stan Lee & Jack Kirby, dove into the world of covert ops, mixing Cold War drama with the mighty Marvel manner. They set the tone, but when Jim Steranko took over, he rewrote the entire rulebook. Steranko turned S.H.I.E.L.D. into one of the most visually innovative comic books ever published and every issue, every story is presented in oversized glory! Collecting Strange Tales (1951) #135-168, Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (1968) #1-15, Fantastic Four (1961) #21, Tales Of Suspense (1959) #78, Avengers (1963) #72, Marvel Spotlight (1971) #31 and material from Not Brand Echh (1967) #3, 8 & 11." The S.H.I.E.L.D. comics of the 1960s were revolutionized in their early run by innovative artist, Jim Steranko, who brought a modern, dynamic energy to the series with his his unique synthesis of op art, 60s fashion, advertising graphics, technology, and James Bond flair. Marvel has published Steranko S.H.I.E.L.D. collections in the past, most recently in 2013. IDW has also included S.H.I.E.L.D. in their catalog of Artist Editions, treating fans to an up-close look at Steranko's original art. Their first volume was published in 2014. The Marvel Masterworks series included S.H.I.E.L.D. volumes in 2009. If readers have not picked up any these editions in the past, now is a great time to explore the missions of Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Read more about the new S.H.I.E.L.D. Collection and OMNIBUS at Marvel Comics. Related posts: Steranko's Spy Man, Archie, Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E., Ryan Heshka Interview, Richard Sala (Cat Burglar Black), Richard Sala (Super Enigmatix), Shane Glines (Batman Animated), Ralph Garman and Ty Templeton (Batman 66 Green Hornet), Trina Robbins (Wonder Woman, Miss Fury, Honey West),Cold War Comics, Cold War Materials, Agent Double 5, Cold War Archie, Beetle Bailey in Berlin, Spies the World Around Us. Enjoy!
