Nick Fury, Agent Of S.H.I.E.L.D. #30-31 "The Hunt for the Infinity Formula"
Writer: D.G. Chichester
Penciler: Ernie Stiner
Inker: Don Hudson
Colorist: Tom Vincent
Letterer: Philip Felix 

Fury calls on Deathlok to help defuse a hostage situation involving Leviathan's Coven who threaten to launch a computer virus. Deathlok learns the operation was a smokescreen used to download data related to Fury and the Infinity Formula. Leviathan makes a go for Fury's NYC apartment and takes Kate hostage while Nina drops Fury and Deathlok off to engage him. Later Fury learns his body has begun secreting the Formula naturally meaning he no longer has to take the Formula.

• Continuity Notes
• Appearance by Deathlok (Michael Collins), Nina, and Kate Neville
• Final appearance of Leviathan
• Nick Fury learns that he now generates the Infinity Formula naturally
• Final story by writer D.G. Chichester, who would later plot the first Nick Fury web-based adventure. Jungle Warfare
• Reprinted in Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Classic Volume 3.
• For more check out our interview with Ernie Stiner
• For more, check out our interview with Don Hudson

Review
The focus is inexplicably shifted away from the seemingly urgent threat of the new HYDRA to a filler-style story which is highlighted by the return of Leviathan. Stiner's pencils match perfectly with Leviathan's voodo-hoodo look, however once again drawing women prove not to be Stiner's forte. A major visual element of the Nick Fury book since its 60's heyday, the women of S.H.I.E.L.D. have always demanded a special Bond-girl quality but in short, Stiner's Kate Neville is the only female character that stands out in his art. In contrast, the decidedly ugly Deathlok fits the artist' style well. Of all of Fury's guest stars, Deathlok certainly stands out as his most unusual; but their team-ups always play better when Deathlok needs Fury rather then vice-versa.

The revelation that the Infinity Formula is now a natural part of Fury's biology is a welcome twist which was already hinted at in the Nick Fury Vs S.H.I.E.L.D. miniseries, but its nice to see it set in stone thus eliminating any future hokey Formula stories. Neville and Fury are accorded some nice interplay, the last real serious treatment of their relationship. The overall story is noticeably stretched beyond its limits and all Chichester has to prolong it over two issues with loads of one-liners from everyone in the cast making the whole affair very tounge-in-cheek and hard to take serious at all. All this only serves to spoil Leviathan in his last major appearance, although Nina is still sassy as ever.

Rating