Book Review: Sgt. Fury Masterworks, Volume 1

Sgt. Fury Masterworks Vol. 1 (Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos by Stan Lee

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book collects the first 13 issues of Sergeant Fury and His Howling Commandos. This is a silver age Marvel about World War II. The principle creative forces behind it (Writer Stan Lee, and Artists Jack Kirby and Dick Ayers) saw military action of sorts during the War, so there is a bit more realism than the war material they did prior to actually serving. One Howler even loses his life. The Howlers are a fairly diverse bunch representing a lot of outfits in the military during World War II. Issue 6 deals with bigotry and is a really superb Stan Lee comic for that. In addition, there's plenty of educational material on World War II, the weapons used, and some of the campaigns.

However, it's still silver age two-fisted action where the Howlers are ridiculously powerful and the world's best commandos ever. While it's not all Sergeant Fury smashing Nazis and ending up shirtless, this is a book where if that doesn't appeal to you, then you won't enjoy it. They also manage to lock swords with a couple of Captain America rogues and meet up with Cap in Issue 13.

Overall, it's a nice look at the original Nick Fury in wartime and a very fun read that doesn't get too heavy even while acknowledging the unpleasant realities of the era.



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