12 Days of Christmas: "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

Christmas Eve 2009 is here, Groove-ophiles! Ol' Groove is truly thankful that you've taken time to stop by DotGK today. I hope you enjoy your time here. The gift I'm unwrapping today is (according to my research) the only non-Jim Steranko S.H.I.E.L.D. story to ever be reprinted. Originally published in Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #10 (December 1968), "Twas the Night Before Christmas" achieved immortality with it's inclusion in December 1975's Marvel Treasury Edition #8, one of three tabloid-sized Giant Super-Hero Holiday Grab Bags the House of Ideas produced during the mid-70s.

Besides its Christmas-tinged plot, this particular Fury outing is pretty far-out in its own right. While Jim Steranko (rightfully) nabs all the accolades for making S.H.I.E.L.D. cool, the dependable Frank Springer, with inks by EC legend Johnny Craig, gives an extra-groovy account of himself with his Steranko-inspired machinery, effects, and layouts. It's also the third appearance of the evil Hate Monger. Aaaand, as a bonus, approximately two pages (all of one and parts of two more) were penciled by none other than Barry (Windsor-) Smith(Can ya spot 'em?)! This little-seen gem is a gift that keeps on giving, baby!

See ya right back here bright and early Christmas morning for our extra-special Christmas Day extravaganza!