Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #2

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #2 was published in July 1968, appearing during a period of high creative experimentation for Marvel Comics. Following the character's successful transition from a World War II soldier to a modern-day super-spy in Strange Tales, this solo series leaned heavily into the psychedelic and countercultural aesthetic of the late sixties. The narrative context centered on Fury navigating a world of high-tech espionage, secret organizations, and existential threats, reflecting the era's fascination with spy fiction.

The visual identity of this issue is largely defined by the work of Jim Steranko, whose innovative approach to panel layout and storytelling remains highly influential. Steranko utilized bold, pop-art influences and complex montage techniques to create a kinetic, cinematic reading experience. Upon its release, the series was received as a landmark of comic book design, as critics and readers alike noted how the art departed from traditional layouts to better capture the surreal, fast-paced nature of Fury's new world.