Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #9
Writer: Gary Friedrich
Penciler: Frank Springer
Letterer: Artie Simek

The Hate-Monger returns with a plot to nuke the world, curtsey of his Brain Bank, but Fury and Laura Brown stop his plans just in time.

• Continuity Notes
• Appearances by Dum Dum, Gabe Jones, Jimmy Woo, and Laura Brown
• Reprinted in the UK Hulk Weekly in three parts
• The Hate-Monger makes his first appearance, the first in a loose trilogy of stories. He was last seen fighting Fury in the pages of the Fantastic Four.
• Spanish reprint (seen at left) featured a cover by Lopez Espi.
• Reprinted in
  • Marvel Masterworks: Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Volume 3
  • S.H.I.E.L.D.: The Complete Collection Omnibus

Review
Wild but far-fetched rematch between Fury and the Hate Monger is loaded with some of the most contrived plot twists committed to a S.H.I.E.L.D. comic. Not only is there yet another Hitler clone committed to wearing the purple hood of hate (or was this one the original Hitler and the other a clone?!) but he seems to have moved into Centuries' old underground lair and borrowed its strange creatures. The world averts nuclear Armageddon because of a sudden turn of heart by a 30 year dedicated Nazi goon, not to mention Laura Brown's surprise appearance from way out of left field. Although Springer continues to supply great art, and Friedrich's Brain Bank is a great idea, the whole story stretches credibility, even for a S.H.I.E.L.D. tale.

Rating