![](https://cdn.marvel.com/u/prod/marvel/i/mg/9/f0/57bde39b256f6/detail.jpg)
Hydra returns as Jack Kirby begins to phase out.
![](https://66.media.tumblr.com/3016b153d871d63a628096811f55c889/tumblr_mkasnt3nws1rra8xoo1_500.jpg)
He’s replaced first by Romita but then by Jim Steranko, who will take this book to the artistic stratosphere once he’s freed from working over Kirby’s layouts. Marvel knew he was a big deal:
![](https://berkeleyplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_2054.jpg)
Anyway, as I was saying: The story is the return of Hydra, after the “fall” of AIM. And look who’s in charge!
![](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UeQSfDt6Nu0/UtqU5qyBi2I/AAAAAAAADLU/o2_WJxD7vyA/s1600/strange-tales-155-spread-steranko.jpg)
These issues have constant intrigue and double-crosses, and at times can be so complicated they’ll make your head hurt.
![](https://64.media.tumblr.com/2cad1d9d0d78e893588ab7f212ea8d4f/tumblr_pdbke1osY01qe04zro1_1280.jpg)
But just come for the art.
![](https://earthsmightiestblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0585-e1611497774540-732x1024.png)
Gadgets.
![](https://berkeleyplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_2145.jpg)
Lots of gadgets.
![](https://66.media.tumblr.com/61926a88ce320f7a9f3e2d4b83eff637/tumblr_mkz2imkUTx1rra8xoo1_500.jpg)
Blueprints.
![](https://earthsmightiestblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0586-2-e1611498446695-673x1024.png)
The first Dreadnought.
![](https://berkeleyplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_2149.jpg)
Spectacle.
![](https://longboxgraveyard.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/156st.png)
Lots of fighting.
![](https://earthsmightiestblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0588-1024x1024.jpeg)
Only one cameo sequence, but its a doozy!
![](https://earthsmightiestblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0589-684x1024.jpeg)
And a big explosion in the end, which “kills all the Hydras forever.” Not.