Before reading this issue, I honestly didn't know anything about S.H.I.E.L.D. outside of it having some eye-catching, atypical covers and, obviously, some relation to Nick Fury's organization. I was intrigued by how this issue's promo promised to pit Isaac "Inventor of Calculus" Newton against Galactus and I can say that Hickman and Weaver fulfill that promise impressively. I've seen a number of projects in the past trying to weave real history into that of the Marvel universe, and they've been cheesy. Much like Matt Fraction's Invincible Iron Man this is another example of a comic transcending its confines to tell a story that'd be compelling in any medium and in any context. Read Full Review

Existing fans have already purchased S.H.I.E.L.D. #3, but I recommend that newcomers make a point to purchase this issue while the series plot remains relatively accessible. Second printings are still available for both the debut issue and its follow-up, however, so there is simply no excuse to continue avoiding this series; I can honestly think of very few titles that are more deserving of your money. Read Full Review

It's quite a balancing act between the historic and the fantastic, and it should be fun to see if Hickman and Weaver can keep it going. Read Full Review

Overall, I think that in some ways this is a better issue than last, because although the overall storyline doesn't progress that much further, at least we do get, for the most part, a pretty consistent narrative being told. I'm still not that sold or won over here, and think there's a lot of missed potential, but I want to enjoy this series enough to keep the course, and see what happens next month. Read Full Review

When read in collected form, this brief but beautiful chapter won't be a problem. But those attempting to follow S.H.I.E.L.D. from issue to issue will no doubt be frustrated. Read Full Review

This issue came very close to a Buy It verdict and, in a lot of ways, has characteristics of a Must Read book. Unfortunately, for everything this issue does right (which is a lot), there are so many missed opportunities, poor transitions, and a severe lack of focus that pulls it down. I love so much of what is going on in this series, but with nothing to ground the unbridled plethora of ideas that we are seeing here, its hard to get invested. I feel like Jonathan Hickman has so many great ideas, he is in a rush to put them out on paper before he loses themunfortunately, that means we get a lot of fantastic ideas that will make for amazing stories, but there is no cohesion or focus to turn them into a great story now. Read Full Review

This comic has gotten a little too big for its own britches. It expects respect and attention for the far reach of its ideas, but delivers very scant story in return. Unless the next issue blows minds, this series will land rather unceremoniously in the Dropped List. Read Full Review

The secret history of Newton plays really well but always make sure to read the recap of the past issues just to make sure you know what is going on