Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos #29

Fury and Baron Von Strucker battle with the fate of of a tiny French village literally in their hands. The Sgt. has the detonator in his mitts while his Nazi foe has the overriding kill switch within his grasp. 

Roy Thomas takes over the writing responsibilities from Stan Lee in this issue and the toe-headed wunderkind does a heck of a job. Artist Dick Ayers does one fine job as well and that thrilling cover by him- Amazing! Why isn't it considered one of the best of the Marvel Age of Comics?!

I had mentioned in my review of the last issue that I was surprised how wavering the Baron was feeling towards the final solution of Hitler. This issue, which may or may not, be the future leader of Hydra's last appearance in the World War II adventures of Nick Fury. If it is, then I have a sufficient explanation as to how Von Strucker becomes such a heartless would-be world leader of the Marvel Universe's most evil organizations!

An underrated classic!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos #28

This issue is Stan Lee's swan song as head writer. To close things out, Lee pits Fury against his arch enemy, Baron Von Strucker!

I guess you could argue that Nick Fury's main foe is Adolph Hitler. But Fury does end up taking on Von Strucker as the head of Hydra later on in the 60s. So maybe I should refer to the Baron as Fury's most enduring enemy???

The Fuhrer himself guests in this issue, personally ordering Von Strucker to end the resistance forces in a town in France. The Howler's mission for this issue is to rescue the leaders of the French underground. However, when Fury discovers that the Nazis have rigged the entire town to explode, the Commandos must alter their plans to liberate the entire village!

A good issue that does something very implausible. It shows Von Strucker as not being 100% on board with Hitler's plans of total world dominance. It's that hint of a conscience that seems very out of character for the ruthless ruler of Hydra. Something must have happened between this issue and the swinging 60s to turn the Baron into a heartless terrorist leader.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.