From the ending of the prior issue—or at the very least, from the cover of this one—it’s clear that “Killed in Action!” is a story that will stick with readers long after the final page. Just as in the previous instance when a member of the cast fell during wartime comic book action, this time is equally as heartfelt and enduring. Unlike most superhero comics, where death is temporary, in these wartime tales, death feels permanent—and it hits hard.

Before I spoil too much beyond what the cover already hints at, let me urge you: go read this issue now. It promises lasting consequences—not just for the character who dies but also for our main protagonist, who will carry the weight of their loss, much as he did the last time.

If you’re still here and haven’t taken my advice, then I can’t help you anymore. And with no shame, I’m diving straight into spoilers for this 1965 story.

The issue opens with Nick Fury and Pamela on a date when an air raid interrupts their moment of peace. Both feel a call to duty—him as an American soldier and her as a British medic—and they each step up to help during the attack. Later, they share a brief phone call to confirm they’re both safe, during which Nick resolves to marry Pamela Hawkins.

But their engagement must wait until after one perilous and important mission: the Howling Commandos are sent to sink a German ship docked at a Norwegian seaport. The mission unfolds almost perfectly, with explosives planted and the ship primed for destruction.

A climactic battle between Nick Fury and the ship’s captain leads to the captain tearing off Nick’s dog tags—along with the engagement ring attached to them—which plunges into the sea. In a heroic (and romantic) move, Nick dives in to retrieve the ring and succeeds, wrapping up the mission in time to return home.

Unfortunately, tragedy strikes. Upon his return, Nick learns that Pamela has perished in another air raid during his absence. In one of the most heartfelt and powerful pages in comic, Nick experiences a full spectrum of emotions before solemnly leaving the engagement ring on Pamela’s father’s doorstep and walking away.

Story

This issue dives deep into the horrors of war—not just for the soldiers on the battlefield but also for civilians caught in its grip. While readers might have expected another commando to perish (as happened before), the loss of Pamela hits differently. It’s not just her life that’s lost—it’s Nick Fury’s heart.

The comic does an excellent job of reminding us of their love, building it up throughout the issue even as it intertwines with the gripping wartime action of the Commandos’ mission. The ominous title looms in the back of your mind as you read, holding your attention from the first page to the last.

Artwork

The artwork is as top-notch as the storytelling. From tender moments of love to visceral depictions of hate, vengeance, and heartbreak, the emotions leap off the page. The visuals pull you in, making every emotional beat resonate that much more.

Originality & Continuity

Every panel of this story feels fresh, yet it fits seamlessly into the ongoing narrative. While Pamela had only appeared in a handful of issues, we saw her relationship with Nick develop, making her untimely death all the more devastating. And as the last page promises, we’ll soon witness how Nick copes with this profound loss.

Character & Development

This issue is a masterclass in character development. Everything that makes the story original and connected to the broader continuity also deepens the characters. The tightly woven narrative ensures that the emotional arcs hit hard, leaving a lasting impact. I know I’ll be thinking about the events of this issue for a long time, and I’m sure you will too.

Final Thoughts: Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos #18 is a gut punch of a comic. It’s a poignant reminder of the stakes of war and the personal cost for those involved. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out on one of the most emotional and well-crafted stories of the era.