Nick Fury, the former director of S.H.I.E.L.D., has worked closely with many of Marvel’s top superheroes as leader of the Avengers initiative. But does Nick Fury actually have a personal favorite among Earth’s mightiest heroes? Let’s dive into the history between Nick Fury and the core Avengers to see which one he might like the most.
Nick Fury’s Relationships with the Original Avengers
Nick Fury has a long and complicated history with the original founding members of the Avengers. He brought them together in the first place, but has also butted heads with several of them at times.
Captain America
As a World War II legend, Captain America has been an inspiration to Nick Fury throughout his life. They fought side-by-side against HYDRA during the war. When Captain America was revived in the modern era, Nick Fury was highly respectful of him as a fellow soldier. However, Captain America has sometimes disagreed with Fury’s pragmatic methods as director of S.H.I.E.L.D. This has led to strained relations between them at times.
Iron Man
Tony Stark has a snarky personality that often clashes with Nick Fury’s stern leadership style. As a billionaire tech genius, Tony is also not one to blindly follow orders from S.H.I.E.L.D. or anyone else. However, Nick Fury recognizes Iron Man’s value to the Avengers. Their relationship has remained pragmatic despite their differences.
Thor
As an immortal god from another realm, Thor has an often tense relationship with the mortal authorities of Earth. Nick Fury sees the benefit of having Thor’s immense power on the Avengers, but has trouble connecting with him on a personal level due to their vastly different backgrounds.
Hulk
The volatile nature of the Hulk concerned Nick Fury greatly, making this Avenger a serious liability in his eyes. Fury has even supported attempts to take down the Hulk at times when he was out of control. He prefers to keep the powerful and unpredictable Hulk at arm’s length.
Black Widow
Nick Fury has perhaps his closest bond with Black Widow. As a former Russian spy, she once worked directly under his authority in S.H.I.E.L.D. Fury was impressed enough by her skills to make her one of his top agents. Out of all the Avengers, Black Widow understands Fury’s mindset and pragmatic approach the most.
Hawkeye
The expert marksman Hawkeye was recruited into S.H.I.E.L.D. by Nick Fury himself. However, Hawkeye lacks any superpowers beyond his archery skills. Compared to giants like Thor or the Hulk, he is one of the less impressive and influential Avengers in Fury’s eyes.
Nick Fury’s Evolving Relationship with the Avengers
Over many battles against threats like Loki and Ultron, Nick Fury developed a level of trust with the core Avengers team. But there were still tensions…
Oversight Clashes
Nick Fury sometimes struggled to rein in the Avengers under the oversight of S.H.I.E.L.D. This led to clashes like Fury opposing Iron Man’s membership over accountability concerns. Fury also endangered the Avengers during operations like the failed use of WMDs against New York City.
Going Rogue
After learning about Operation Insight’s plans, Nick Fury went rogue from S.H.I.E.L.D. itself. No longer director, he now works with the Avengers more as a mentor and ally than an authority figure. This change brought him closer over time to heroes like Captain America and Black Widow.
A New Generation
Nick Fury’s relationships with Avengers expanded further as new heroes joined up. Fury helped recruit powerful figures like Scarlet Witch and Vision. Later additions like Falcon, War Machine and Captain Marvel also built direct connections with him.
Nick Fury’s Bonding Moments with Key Avengers
Despite occasional tensions, Nick Fury has had many meaningful moments of connecting with Earth’s mightiest heroes over the years…
Captain America
Nick Fury and Captain America have saved each other’s lives countless times. As fellow American WWII veterans, they share a soldier’s bond that transcends politics or protocols. Cap represents the ideals that Fury has fought for since his army days.
Black Widow
No other Avenger understands Nick Fury quite like Natasha Romanoff. Their shared past in the world of espionage created a unique trust and teamwork. Of all the Avengers, Black Widow seems most loyal to Fury’s vision of protecting the world at all costs.
Iron Man
Tony Stark derides Fury’s spy background and secretive methods. But when it came down to it, Nick Fury helped convince Tony to take up the Iron Man mantle for the greater good. They’ve come through for each other when it really mattered in life-or-death showdowns.
Thor
Despite their vastly different realms of origin, Thor and Nick Fury have found common ground in their commitment to safeguarding humanity. Nick Fury’s willingness to put his life on the line earned Thor’s comradeship and respect.
How Nick Fury Interacts with Different Avengers
From seasoned veterans to eager rookies, Nick Fury relates to each Avenger differently based on their personality and background…
Captain America – Fellow Military Man
Nick connects most closely with Cap as a fellow soldier and man of duty. They trade war stories and understand each other’s loyalty.
Iron Man – Tolerated Lone Wolf
Tony’s ego and maverick methods conflict with Fury’s leadership approach. But Fury respects Iron Man’s value to the team enough to put up with him.
Thor – Respected Ally From Afar
Fury keeps his distance from the mighty god of thunder, but recognizes Thor’s might and integrity as vital to the Avengers.
Hulk – Powerful Wild Card
The Hulk represents raw uncaged power, disturbing Fury with his uncontrolled rage and limitless strength.
Hawkeye – Trusted Right-Hand Man
Clint Barton’s loyal service under Fury at S.H.I.E.L.D. makes him a reliable soldier at all times.
Black Widow – Top Lieutenant
Natasha Romanoff has Fury’s full trust as both an Avenger and his former top operative within S.H.I.E.L.D.
Nick Fury’s Leadership of the Avengers Initiative
As the original architect of the Avengers, Nick Fury has a complex history in bringing together and managing its heroes…
Recruiting a Team
Fury spearheaded the groundbreaking plan to bring together powerful individuals like Iron Man and Hulk into a response team.
Balancing Egos
The Avengers have always had big egos and personalities that Fury constantly struggles to keep in check and working together.
Calling the Shots
As S.H.I.E.L.D. director, Fury oversaw the Avengers’ missions and made the tough calls during their greatest crises.
Earning Loyalty
Despite doubts and disagreements at times, Fury managed to keep the respect of the Avengers through his dedication.
Passing the Torch
Fury stepped back from leadership to enable new directors like Captain America and Iron Man to chart the team’s direction.
Staying in Touch
No longer their boss, Fury remains an ally and mentor behind the scenes for the Avengers when needed.
The Avengers’ Viewpoints on Nick Fury
The core Avengers have contrasting perspectives on what makes Nick Fury tick…
Captain America
“Nick Fury has devoted his life to defending freedom. I don’t always agree with his methods, but I respect his loyalty.”
Iron Man
“Fury really needs to lighten up a little. Yeah, national security is important but so is freedom and fun. His spy games definitely drive me nuts.”
Thor
“The Son of Fury is a noble warrior of Midgard. Though his mortality limits him, I am honored to fight alongside him for this realm.”
Hulk
“Puny Fury no like Hulk. He get in Hulk’s way. But he fight mean robots too, so Hulk won’t smash him…yet.”
Black Widow
“Nick Fury gave me a second chance when I had nothing. I guess you could say he’s like a father figure to me. I would do anything for him.”
Hawkeye
“Fury pulled me out of a dark spot and made me part of something bigger. I’ll follow his lead through hell and back no questions asked.”
Nick Fury’s Closest Avengers Allies
While on decent terms with most Avengers, a few stand out as Nick Fury’s most trusted inner circle…
Black Widow
Natasha Romanoff’s past as Fury’s top S.H.I.E.L.D. agent makes her his closest confidant and right-hand woman within the Avengers.
Captain America
Steve Rogers is time and again Fury’s preferred leader on Avengers missions. They share a military mindset and conviction.
Maria Hill
Fury’s former second-in-command at S.H.I.E.L.D. remains his staunchest supporter and a vital liaison to the Avengers.
Hawkeye
Clint Barton’s loyalty and service under Fury at S.H.I.E.L.D. established him as one of Fury’s most trusted soldiers.
Falcon
Sam Wilson’s military history helps him bond closely with Nick Fury as another veteran who became an Avenger.
| Avenger | Level of Trust |
|---|---|
| Black Widow | Extremely High |
| Captain America | Very High |
| Maria Hill | Very High |
| Hawkeye | High |
| Falcon | High |
Conclusion
While Nick Fury has bonded in his own way with every core member of the Avengers, his complex history with the team makes it hard to definitively choose a “favorite” member. However, the evidence seems to suggest Black Widow ranks at the top as possibly Nick Fury’s closest Avenger ally.
Natasha Romanoff shares Fury’s past as an elite S.H.I.E.L.D. spy and operative. Their time working high-risk secret missions forged an unprecedented level of trust between them. Black Widow understands Fury in a way few other Avengers do.
Other leading contenders like Captain America and Hawkeye are also Avengers that Fury relies on heavily. But Black Widow’s elite espionage skills make her the perfect right-hand woman for the former spymaster. Their shadowy pasts bind them together in a uniquely close partnership among Earth’s mightiest heroes.
Of course, as the man who originally assembled the Avengers, Nick Fury values the role of each member on the team. But he shares a special kinship with Black Widow that stems from their S.H.I.E.L.D. days. She is the Avenger who Nick Fury can always count on to get the job done right, no matter what.
