Marvel Shocker: Nick Fury Shatters Cardinal Rule in Phase 5!
Marvel's Phase 5 introduces a groundbreaking crossover featuring Nick Fury, unveiling his hidden past and challenging traditional Marvel rules Explore how this revelation showcases the remarkable evolution of the MCU from its early comic book roots
Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Secret Invasion
Summary
Secret Invasion uncovers Nick Fury's hidden history, prompting doubt regarding his ethical stance, as it becomes evident that he knowingly violated a longstanding principle set by Marvel. The enforcement of stringent regulations by the Comics Code Authority, which governed comic book content for numerous years, would have undoubtedly posed a significant challenge to the inclusion of Fury's MCU Phase 5 storyline.
Fury's utilization of unlawful conduct to attain his objectives contradicts the CCA guidelines and undermines the depiction of authorities and justice in early Marvel Comics. Nick Fury's morally ambiguous nature took a turn towards a more sinister path following the revelations of his past in Secret Invasion, ultimately confirming that he violated a longstanding rule upheld by Marvel. Throughout Fury's narrative, he has consistently resorted to any means necessary, but the conclusion of Secret Invasion raises doubts about his inherent goodness. This point is further emphasized by Marvel's initial set of regulations.
How Nick Fury “Broke” CCA Rules
The Comics Code Authority exerted strict control over the content of comics, enforcing regulations that most publishers followed. While some of the rules were reasonable, such as prohibiting profanity, obscenity, smut, vulgarity, and nudity to cater to the reader demographic, others appeared excessively strict, like the restriction on using the word "horror" in titles, especially considering they were introduced in the 1950s. Even after 70 years, Nick Fury's MCU Phase 5 arc would not have met the Code's regulations.
The initial guidelines of the CCA regulations primarily address the depiction of crimes. During the 1950s, concerns over the content in comic books resulted in the industry adopting a voluntary adaptation of the Hays Code, which was originally used in the film industry for self-censorship. However, the regulations explicitly prohibited certain aspects such as moral ambiguity and outright criminal behavior, which were instrumental in Samuel L Jackson's MCU character Nick Fury attaining his esteemed position.
The shocking revelations in Secret Invasion expose the true background of Nick Fury and his utilization of the Skrulls as covert operatives to eliminate targets and secure the position of Fury and SHIELD. This comes in the absence of a functioning Avengers Initiative following the events of Captain Marvel.
In a stunning twist, Gravik (played by Kingsley Ben-Adir) disclosed in the final episode of Secret Invasion that his human appearance was based on the person Fury had assigned him to assassinate, serving as a constant reminder of the heinous acts he had been compelled to perform. It was revealed that Fury had not only been a master of espionage, but also a commander of assassins.
Considering this revelation, it becomes clear that Fury's storyline would never have met the strict regulations of the CCA, which specifically prohibited criminal activities being condoned or justified for the sake of achieving a desired outcome.
Crimes must never be portrayed in a manner that elicits sympathy for the perpetrator, undermines trust in law enforcement and justice, or encourages others to imitate criminal behavior.
Most notably, unless addressed in Secret Invasion season 2 or another future MCU project, and unless Fury is held accountable for his actions as Secret Invasion failed to do, the former SHIELD director will evade consequences. The closing moments of Secret Invasion episode 6 seemingly ensure Fury's favorable outcome, as he returns to space to focus on his SABRE mission alongside his Skrull wife Priscilla. Meanwhile, G'iah and the million Skrull refugees on Earth are once again left behind, now subjected to relentless pursuit merely for their existence. Furthermore, this implies that if SABRE succeeds in becoming the protective armor for Earth, Fury's questionable past deeds will be justified.
Nick Fury Proves How Far The MCU Has Come From Early Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics ultimately ended their association with the CCA in 2001, even though it had already been disregarded by publications for years prior to that. It is interesting to compare Fury's storyline in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with what the CCA deemed unacceptable, particularly regarding the depiction of authorities and justice. The CCA prohibited the presentation of policemen, judges, government officials, and respected institutions in a manner that would lead to disrespect for established authority.
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In the MCU, Fury defies respected authority in a deliberate and bold manner. He willingly pretended to be dead in The Winter Soldier to avoid scrutiny in his missions, and his record of wrongdoing far surpasses that of Black Widow. Unlike Natasha and Bucky Barnes, Fury embraced criminal methods to achieve his goals. He was driven by his own determination to succeed at any cost, rather than being compelled by external forces. In contrast to Captain America, he didn't challenge authority by doing what was right in the face of adversity; instead, he achieved success through his unlawful actions and was rewarded with a tremendously influential position.
The MCU has clearly evolved from the comic books it was originally based on. Even storylines like Secret Invasion have little resemblance to their original counterparts, but this deviation is partly due to the creative freedom to present more thought-provoking narratives. The version of Nick Fury introduced in Secret Invasion is a complex and provocative character. While he did play a role in saving the world, he did so by breaking away from the moral guidelines that were once imposed on him in the comics, resulting in a striking transformation.
