Top 20 Black Superheroes

No. 16: Ultimate Nick Fury and Nick Fury Jr. – Marvel Comics

Ultimate Nick Fury was introduced as part of Marvel’s Ultimate Comics line and first appeared in Ultimate Marvel Team-Up #5 (2001). The character’s design was changed to resemble Samuel L. Jackson when Nick Fury appeared in The Ultimates #1 (2002). This decision led to Samuel L. Jackson being cast in the Nick Fury role for Marvel’s cinematic universe. Ultimate Nick Fury received a version of the super soldier serum that provided him with enhanced strength, stamina, healing and prolonged age. This character’s origin is tied to the Ultimate Universe’s version of James Howlett (Wolverine); the two served together during World War II and are connected courtesy of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Weapon X program.

Marcus Johnson, aka Nick Fury Jr., is the son of S.H.I.E.L.D. spymaster Nicholas Fury Sr. and CIA operative Nia Jones. He was first enlisted into the regular Marvel Universe in Battle Scars #1 (2012). Junior was introduced because Marvel wanted a Nick Fury in the regular universe that resembled the cinematic version. Nick Jr. is a former army ranger who is currently part of S.H.I.E.L.D. He inherited his father’s enhanced strength, stamina, healing and extended longevity. Junior currently appears in a number of titles including Amazing Spider-Man (2015); he will star in his own series titled Nick Fury beginning April 2017.

First Appearance: Ultimate Marvel Team-up #5 (2001) – Ultimate Nick Fury | Battle Scars #1 (2012) – Nick Fury Jr.

Powers: Both characters have enhanced strength, stamina, healing and extended longevity.