S.H.I.E.L.D.: Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D.

Comic Info

Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. #1

Reprints Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. #1-6 (June 1988-November 1988).  There is something rotten inside of S.H.I.E.L.D.  With the theft of a classified power core, Fury realizes that there is a traitor inside S.H.I.E.L.D…but he’s quickly labeled as the turncoat.  Now Fury’s on the run and trying to recruit loyal allies to help him uncover what is happening inside S.H.I.E.L.D. as something called Delta spreads its control over the secret organization.

Written by Bob Harras, S.H.I.E.L.D.:  Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. is a Marvel Comics spy-espionage superhero series.  Featuring art by Paul Neary, the six issue limited series was presented in prestige format and received positive reviews.

I read the Nick Fury series that followed Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. before I read these issues.  When I finally got the issues, I realized how much I was missing from Nick Fury’s solo series.  Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. is not only a high stakes comic book series, but it also serves to set-up Nick Fury and his allies for years to come.

The story isn’t always easy to follow.  It starts out simple enough with Fury realizing there is a traitor in S.H.I.E.L.D. but then it starts to escalate with cloning, LMDs, and other craziness.  The style (in general) of the series is that of a James Bond film with bigger and bigger events leading to an all-out battle in space.

Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. #5

I generally prefer Nick Fury as a supporting character, but this is one of the best examples of him as a leading character.  The perfect spy is on the run (something that has been done more and more with the character since this series’ release), but the “for S.H.I.E.L.D.” type motivation for Fury also brings into question of what S.H.I.E.L.D. really is in the bigger picture…is it bigger than the United States and all the governments of the world?

I also like art of Paul Neary.  The series has some fun covers, but Neary’s art inside is a good choice to express a “non-superhero” action book.  The panels and story flows even if the comic is really wordy.  Neary’s solid art helps guide the book’s direction.

S.H.I.E.L.D.:  Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. is definitely a must if you are a fan of the character (though fans of the modern Nick Fury might be questioning who the old white guy is).  While it does fit in the context of the Marvel Universe, it is more interesting to see a non-traditional non-superhero Marvel book…and this is one of the better ones.  S.H.I.E.L.D.:  Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. was followed by Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Classic—Volume 1.

Related Links:

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