Back

Avengers #72 "Did You Ever Hear the One About Scorpio?" (1970)
 Writer: Roy Thomas
Penciler: Sal Buscema

[Summary & Review by Lou Mougin]
The Avengers learn of the apparent death of Nick Fury from Dum Dum Dugan and S.H.I.E.L.D., and soon they, Rick Jones, and Captain Marvel cross paths with Fury's old foe Scorpio and his affiliated group, Zodiac. 

  • Continuity Notes
  • The mystery of Scorpio's identity is revealed.
  • Appearences by Dum Dum, Gabe Jones, and Woo.
  • Dugan reveals to the Avengers the news of Fury's assasination seen in Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.(1) #15.
  • The revelation that Jake Fury was alive and working for his brother as revealed in Secret Warriors, jars with the continuity in this story (to say the least)..
  • Reprinted in:
    • The Essential Avengers 4
    • Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD Volume 3
    • Marvel Masterworks: Avengers Volume 8
    • S.H.I.E.L.D.: The Complete Collection Omnibus
Review
This issue retconned Nick's "death" and was a definite upgrade, in writing and art, from the post-Steranko S.H.I.E.L.D.. The original Scorpio is revealed herein to be Nick's brother Jake (although Steranko has denied it), and the Zodiac cartel is introduced.  Not much spying in this one, but plenty of good, solid, superhero action. Nick's characterization remains heroic in this one. Considering what would happen to him later, that's a good sign.  

Rating