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Cable (1) #59-62 "The Nemesis Contract" (1998)
Writer: Joe Casey
Penciler: Ladronn
Inker: Juan Vlabco
Colorist: Gloria Vasquez
Letterer: Comiccraft

Clay Quartermain, EXTECHOP and Seth Green of the Washington bureau are pursuing reviving the long-cancelled Nemesis program by using samples from the techno-virus that infects Cable to animate the Nemesis androids. Quartermain authorizes both G.W. Bridge's transfer away from the field and the enlistment of agency Manhunter, Agent 18: Jack Truman. Cable, ironically, has lost his mutant abilities and is slowly dying from the virus inside his body. After his capture by Truman, S.H.I.E.L.D. extracts most of the virus and transfers it to the Nemesis androids that go on a rampage. G.W.Bridge, Truman, and Fury all catch wind of the covert doings by EXTECHOP and a battle ensues on the Helicarrier as its hangs perilously above Manhattan. 

  • Continuity Notes
  • Cover Appearance #62.
  • Cover to # 61 inspired by Steranko art
  • Appearances by Clay Quartermain, G.W. Bridge
  • This story takes place a few months after those of Fury/Agent 13
  • Reprinted in Deathlok: Rage Against the Machine
  • Reprinted in Cable: Nemesis Contract (with #62 as the TP cover)

Reviews

In the wake of his mistreatment by Marvel in the past few years, obvious S.H.I.E.L.D. fan Joe Casey steps in and reinvents Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D. with a bold new chapter for the Howler. A touch of realism is added as Fury must contend with what he terms "jumping through hoops" after the whole "death" affair and he is shown as being just a tad out-of-step with what is happening around him. This is actually very believable as Fury probably lost allot of touch with agency goings on after the Deltite Affair and especially during his absence. A little hard to believe is Quartermain's obvious betrayal of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Fury. If this is some kind of side effect of his being brainwashed by HYDRA back in Vol 2 or just a convenient lapse of character, we never know. The former Agent 18 and future Deathlok is a fascinating and exciting new addition to the agents' roster of S.H.I.E.L.D. Casey and Ladronn demonstrate an obvious love of the old Strange Tales S.H.I.E.L.D., with a few panels showcasing the old-style helicarrier layout and even a Steranko-style cover for issue 61. Although I loved the homage, I have to say I am not a fan of Ladronn's rock-chiseled look to everything and Vlasco's inks are not to my taste. Of course this comic is about Cable and despite my not being a huge mutant fan, I was quite excited by this story and never felt lost. 
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