Norman Osborn's got it in for Marvel's super spy, but what happens when he needs Nick Fury to uncover a breach in National Security? Nothing good, nothing good at all. It's lies, interrogations, double-crosses and just a whole bunch of meanness - It's the LIST. Plus, Nick Fury Files and a classic reprint.
Second Story: Today Earth Died!
(reprint from Strange Tales (1951) #168)
Nick Fury is reflecting on his recent encounter with Yellow Claw in space. Except Claw turned out to be a fake automaton! Nick is rehearsing a speech he wants to make to Jimmy Woo, inviting him to come and work for SHIELD. He dozes off but is awoken by an alert from Val (The Contessa) that something strange has been seen in the sky above New York. Fury hops in Val's Jaguar and heads off to see what's happening. People in the street are looking up at the strange sight of a weird space ship and psychedelic colors floating above the city. Chet Huntley of NBC reports on the scene, describing the arrival of Nick Fury, and the appearance of the strange occupant of the ship: a golden man in a tunic carrying a curious gem in his hand.
Meanwhile back at SHIELD, The Contessa and Dum Dum exchange in some casual banter as they get ready to head out and help Nick.
At the city, the golden man explains his presence. His name is Vaengr. He comes from a race that has decided to give humanity a means to end hatred, crime, war and violence! The gem he is carrying will grant Nick this wish if he chooses.
The Contessa and Dum Dum show up just in time to see Nick boarding the ship. The Contessa is suspicious - Nick urges them to join him, and The Contessa to use her scanner on their surroundings. When she points it at Vaengr he appears distinctly inhuman!
We briefly cut to see Jimmy Woo watching a video recording from Nick Fury, urging him to leave the FBI and join SHIELD. Jimmy silently absorbs what he hears in the message.
Back at the space ship Vaengr lashes out with an energy bolt - he knows he's been rumbled! Dum Dum and The Contessa are turned to ash right in front of Nick Fury! Vaengr moves to do the same to Nick but Fury's too quick and he throws a pellet at him that traps the alien, stopping him from reaching for his headband. Nick steals it for himself and puts it on. Both he and Vaengr now turn into horrific alien monsters and start to fight. As they wrestle, Vaengr reveals that the gem, the 'prism of miracles,' is in fact a 'world killing machine.' Vaengr was sent to Earth to eradicate all life. He says humans have turned on the machine and upset the balance of the Universe and now it is all over! Everything freezes for a moment... Then Nick Fury wakes up!
Dum Dum is standing over him - he thinks Fury is acting strangely, like he's never done before. He suggests they go to the gym for a few rounds together. Nick mulls over what must have all been a horrible dream. Dum Dum walks off - as he goes he says Val has news of a strange UFO that has been spotted. Nick freezes in terror and drops his cigar match...
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