Avengers 1959 #1-5

Writer/Artist: Howard Chaykin
Colorist: Jesus Aburtov
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher

In the aftermath of a celebration of the completion of their last mission, Fury and his team are attacked one by one by a mysterious new Nazi menace. Fury is called in to Latveria where he finds links to the disappearance of the Wakandan emperor and the rise of an undead 4th Reich. Fury calls together his Avengers, together with the Blonde Phantom and face off against the remaining Nazi ranks and a traitor in the US government.
  • Continuity Notes
  • Story follows the events revealed in New Avengers #7-13.
  • Future S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, FBI agent Jimmy Woo led his own 'Avengers' in the late 50s as well, eventually becoming the Agents of Atlas. Namora was a member of both teams.
  • Appearence by Eric Koenig, and Dum Dum Dugan.

Review
Clearly reveling in the post-war/pre-FF days of the Marvel universe, Chaykin brings allot of sass and spunk to the character of Nick Fury in this tale. Calling John Wayne a 'draft-dodging chicken-hawk' is just one the great lines from the old Howler. The second issue has some great action with Fury and the Blonde Phantom taking on zombie Nazis in Latveria. The pairing of Blonde Phantom and Fury is great stuff and one wishes for more adventures with this couple. The mix of politics, spycraft and the black arts with the character of Sydeham and his ties to Dormammu ties in perfectly (whether intentional or not) with The Otherworld War. Howling Commando fans will certainly appreciate the return of The Planner from the Gerry Conway plotted Sgt. Fury #119 (apprently I'm not the only one waiting for this to happen) With 'classic' Fury being pushed out in favor of Fury Jr, this story makes a great buy for old time Fury fans.

Rating