Strange Tales (1951) #159

Cover art by Jim Steranko and John Romita (alterations). Nick Fury origin retold in “Spy School,” script and art by Jim Steranko; Fury reminisces with Laura about his days growing up in Hell’s Kitchen; then at SHIELD HQ, offers her a job as an agent; Fury goes to the UNIT academy, where recruits undergo rigorous education; He meets two new agents: Sidney E. Levine, a tech expert and Val, who scoffs at his attitude that the spy game is man’s work; Fury takes on Captain America in a display bout for the recruits, but gets dizzy due to a side-effect of the invisibility pill he used earlier; Yancy Street Gang cameo. “The Evil That Men Do…”, script by Roy Thomas and Marie Severin (co-plot), pencils by Marie Severin, inks by Herb Trimpe; Strange returns home to find his Sanctum gone!

1st appearance of Gaffer / 1st appearance of Contessa Valentina Allegro De Fontaine / 1st cameo appearance of Jacob Fury, the younger brother of Nick Fury who later becomes Scorpio then Kraken

36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.12.