“Hail Hydra, immortal Hydra. We shall never be destroyed. Cut off a limb and two more shall take its place.” That’s from memory, my loyal ITCHers. It was about 48 years ago that I first read those words and I still remember them. (No truth to the rumor that I recite them before going to bed.)

True confessions time: Strange Tales #135 was the first Marvel comic I ever bought. It would be a lie to say I dug out my original copy and scanned it for you but please pretend I did for the sake of this blog. Thanks.

Yes, it was Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. that first made me part with 12 cents for a Marvel. Or Nick Furia Agente de C.I.D.E.L. as they called him in Mexico. I know that S.H.I.E.L.D. original stood for Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law-Enforcement Division. I have no idea what C.I.D.E.L. stood for.

Of course, the reason for all this nostalgia is that TONIGHT we’ll see the premiere of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the new TV show based (somewhat) on the events depicted in Strange Tales and (mostly) on the Avengers movie. It’s on ABC at 8:00 pm Eastern, check your local listings. Since I’ve been waiting 48 years for this event, it’s kind of a big deal. Unless you’re an LMD (life-model decoy) you’ll be watching too.

Here’s to Agent Coulson and his brave crew, wishing you all a great debut. To commemorate this occasion, a piece of authentic S.H.I.E.L.D. music.

Click the link below and enjoy!

The Avengers - Agents Of Shield