CM_Nick_Fury_Shield_signed

I was lucky to meet Jim Steranko at the Windy City Pulp Show a few years back where he signed a few keepsakes for me. This was always my favorite cover of his, and, interestingly enough, he shared the story of how it was as homage to fellow great, Wally Wood. He even told of the conversation they had regarding the cover!

I had never previously made the connection with Wood's work, but after the fact, I see Wood's influence all over this cover - not the least of which is the suit itself (not unlike those on E.C.'s Weird Science books), the machinery (gun and especially rocket pack), and the moon as well (looking like one of the worlds on Wood's fantastic sci-fi covers).

Mr. Steranko is a fascinating person - insightful, engaging, accomplished and, moreover, gracious. It was a pleasure to meet one of the true legends of comicdom, whose comparitively small body of work had and continues to have a lasting influence on comic artists everywhere.

Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. - Issue No. 6, November 1968.

Cover art by Jim Steranko, whose stylized signature can be seen over the exploding Earth.