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Quote1 If you're looking for a way to save the world -- if you're trying to make sense of everything happening in it -- you won't find those answers. They don't exist. There is no great philosophy for humanity. Quote2
Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine[src]

The seductive and elegant woman known as the Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine is an efficient combatant[3] who serves as a high-ranking Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D..[9] She has a complex relationship with the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Nick Fury,[10] which, across the years, has been marked by erotism and deceit.[11][12][13][14][15] In fact, the Contessa uses a fabricated identity and has spent her entire life as a deeply undercover agent for the cryptic organization known as Leviathan.[1]

As an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., she gained the respect of her peers due to her dedication and competence.[9] She was instrumental in many operations related to the benefit of the global-peacekeeping organization and its leader Nick Fury, such as securing the Infinity Formula for Fury,[6] assisting in dismantling the infiltration of Delta within S.H.I.E.L.D.,[16] proposing the reformation of S.H.I.E.L.D. under Fury's vision,[17] and ending Hydra Supreme Baron von Strucker.[14] Following Fury's apparent demise,[18] the Contessa stepped in as Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.[19] until his return.[20]

After years of lies, the Contessa's true allegiances emerged. In an attempt to revive Leviathan after decades of dormancy,[1] she impersonated Madame Hydra to infiltrate the High Council of Hydra. In her mission, she collected a powerful artifact from Clan Yashida to power the resurrection of Leviathan's army in order to go to war against Hydra.[7] However, Fury was prepared for Leviathan and sabotaged their power source.[21] His actions led to the decay of the fledgling empire. With the only cause she has ever believed in reduced to ruins,[22] the Contessa realized she had never really wanted that. This revelation had Fury determined to save the Contessa from jail to resume their toxic and ardent romance.[23]

History

Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.[]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616) and Timothy Dugan (Earth-616) from Secret Warriors Vol 1 14 001

Recruited into S.H.I.E.L.D. by Dum Dum Dugan

The true origins of the woman who adopted the fabricated identity of Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine remain shrouded in mystery. Her family was formed by sleeper agents affiliated with the cryptic organization known as Leviathan. They embedded themselves within the Italian anti-communist movement in Rome. In this guise, Valentina assumed the persona of a wealthy and seemingly frivolous woman. When a bomb attack claimed the lives of her parents, the Contessa continued to maintain her façade, awaiting communication from Leviathan. Days later, she was contacted by Orion, who presented her with a choice: persist with her current charade or embark on a more profound and impactful assignment. Resolute and determined, Valentina chose the latter path. Driven by a false desire to avenge her parents and honor their legacy, the Contessa orchestrated a façade marked by her commitment to furthering their mission within the resistance. This elaborate ruse captivated Dum Dum Dugan, who found himself intrigued to the point of recruiting her into the ranks of S.H.I.E.L.D., the international intelligence and law enforcement agency.[1]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616) from Strange Tales Vol 1 168 001

Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Having enrolled in a S.H.I.E.L.D. training program, the Contessa wasted no time in introducing herself to Nick Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., when he wrestled Captain America. Fury initially questioned her capabilities as a female agent, but his doubts were swiftly dispelled when she showcased exceptional combat skills, overpowering him in hand-to-hand combat.[3] Desiring to establish a closer connection with Fury, the Contessa approached him, a gesture he both acknowledged and reciprocated. His admiration for her ties to the anti-communist resistance fueled their rapport. Yet, Fury's responsibilities as a superspy distanced him, as he warred the vile Yellow Claw.[24] As Yellow Claw's operations were linked to A.I.M., the Contessa vehemently opposed Fury going solo on the mission by suggesting strategic backup. She not only volunteered to join him, but also enlisted Agent Clay Quartermain against the Yellow Claw.[4] The Contessa proved to be instrumental in untangling the mysteries surrounding the investigation.[25] The escalating conflict culminated in an assault against Yellow Claw's fortified stronghold. As the dust settled and victory was secured, the true nature of Yellow Claw was unveiled: a robotic construct manipulated from the shadows by the elusive Doctor Doom.[26]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616) and Nicholas Fury (Earth-616) from Nick Fury Agent of SHIELD Vol 1 2 001

A furious romance

As missions unfolded, the dedicated and competent Contessa carved an estimated reputation within S.H.I.E.L.D. not only for her professional acclaim, but also in forging personal connections.[9] A profound intimacy blossomed between her and Fury, kindling an ardent romance.[10] One of Fury's missions hurled him into a confrontation with the enigmatic Scorpio. Armed with the formidable Zodiac Key, he defeated numerous S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives, including the Contessa herself. Although Scorpio was repelled, his identity remained shrouded in secrecy, as he evaded capture.[27] In a cunning move, the villain successfully incapacitated Fury and assumed his identity to infiltrate S.H.I.E.L.D.. The real Fury was disguised as a malfunctioning Life-Model Decoy. Amidst uncertainty, the Contessa's intuition signaled that something was amiss and, when faced with a critical decision, she opted not to eliminate the presumed Decoy. Her discernment allowed Nick Fury to triumph in the fight, though Scorpio once again managed to slip through their grasp.[28]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616), Nicholas Fury (Earth-616) and Robert Rickard (Earth-616) from Nick Fury Agent of SHIELD Vol 1 12 001

Nick Fury, betrayed

The Contessa's relationship with Fury underwent a severe strain when he found himself ensnared in false accusations of recklessly betraying the ideals S.H.I.E.L.D. stood for. In an unsettling development, the Contessa implicated Fury in the actions in question. The deceitful claim cast a shadow over their connection, plunging Fury into a relentless pursuit by his own allies, who were driven by Agent Rickard. To uncover the truth, Fury made a desperate attempt by reaching out to the Contessa for clarification, but her loyalty to S.H.I.E.L.D. shrouded her in silence. Instead, Fury resorted to drastic measures and executed Rickard.[11] Having captured Fury,[29] S.H.I.E.L.D. subjected him to invasive methods of brainwashing and psychic probing to investigate his betrayal. In fact, Fury was innocent, and the crisis that had engulfed him was orchestrated by the machinations of the terrorist organization Hydra.[30] In the wake of this tumult, Fury turned to an old flame, Laura Brown, as he distanced himself from the Contessa and the memories of their shared past.[31]

Femme Force[]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616), Steven Rogers (Earth-616) and Sharon Carter (Earth-616) from Captain America Vol 1 145 001

Flirting with Captain America

An all-female cadre named Femme Force and led by Sharon Carter, a.k.a. Agent 13, was implemented by S.H.I.E.L.D., in which the Contessa assumed the position of Agent 14. She opportunistically undermined Carter's leadership during assignments.[5] Complicating matters, the Contessa's wounds from her relationship with Fury led her to flirtatiously engage with Captain America, Carter's romantic interest.[12] When Captain America and Femme Force confronted Hydra, the aircraft they were aboard was hijacked and Carter was put out of commission.[5] In a swift decision, the Contessa took charge to guide Captain America into steadying the faltering aircraft, while she nursed Carter back to health. With Carter under medical care, the Contessa and Captain America went on a date. They were interrupted with news of Carter having been abducted by Hydra. Captain America was compelled to take immediate action, and the Contessa marshaled the power of Femme Force to support the rescue.[32] Their coordinated efforts defeated Hydra Supreme and retrieved Carter.[33] The situation was intertwined with the schemes of the Red Skull. Identifying the threat, Fury rallied Femme Force to join Captain America in battle. Despite her injuries, Carter reassumed command of the unit from the Contessa; in the end, they achieved victory.[34]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616) and Nicholas Fury (Earth-616) from Captain America Vol 1 153 001

Professing her love for Fury

A genuine affection for Captain America blossomed during her play. She confided in Sharon Carter the complexity of her feelings.[12] Unintended consequences followed as Nick Fury directed his anger to Captain America.[35] The friction erupted in a public spectacle when Fury dramatically severed his ties with Captain America.[36] In desperation, the Contessa exposed her motivations before Fury, seeking understanding and reconciliation, but the response she received was one of irrationality, exacerbating the strain in their already tenuous relationship.[35] Fury's unresolved emotions culminated in a physical confrontation at Captain America's apartment. The Contessa intervened with a heartfelt confession of her love for Fury. During the charged moment, she also reprimanded him for their reckless behavior. In a moment of clarity, Nick Fury opted for peace and resolution, rekindling his romance with the Contessa. To Captain America he offered a sincere apology for his previous demeanor. In the end, a sense of amicability prevailed.[37]

Fury was reunited with Captain America when he was targeted nefarious Yellow Claw. The Contessa's disdain toward Captain America due to their past incidents was palpable, igniting tensions.[38] Fury was hospitalized during the crisis, when the Contessa to stepped in to thwart an assassination plot hatched by one of Yellow Claw's underlings. In the end, it was Captain America's prowess that brought defeat to the villainous antagonist.[39] Captain America then sought to converse with Fury, but the Contessa's protective instincts flared, hindering any attempt for reconciliation.[40] A subsequent incident brought them together when the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier fell under the control of Nightshade, who audaciously schemed for supremacy. The Contessa resisted the siren call of seductive mind control that ensnared other agents.[41] As the sole agent unaffected by the mental manipulation, the Contessa gathered intelligence to uncover the vulnerability of Nightshade's brainwashing technique: a susceptibility to sunlight. By harnessing the power of the sun's rays to liberate her fellow agents from Nightshade's control, the Contessa restored autonomy to her comrades.[42]

Infinity Formula[]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616) and Nicholas Fury (Earth-616) from Marvel Spotlight Vol 1 31 001

Administering the Infinity Formula to save Fury's life

In order to maintain his longevous existence, Nick Fury kept a somber truth: he depended on regular doses of the Infinity Formula, a miraculous elixir synthesized by the hands of Dr. Sternberg. Being administered annually, the compound granted Fury timeless vitality. The astute Contessa secretly pieced the puzzle together. When Dr. Sternberg met his demise at the hands of Steel Harris, the knowledge to produce the formula was lost. Driven by desperation, Fury pursued Harris relentlessly. By defeating Harris, he only met partial success, as the notes and samples were stolen by a mysterious agent. Facing the precipice of his own mortality, Fury found salvation in the form of Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who was the new keeper of the secret formula. She administered the rejuvenating substance to her loved one before time could seal his fate.[6]

Terror expanded around the globe in the form of the nefarious Sept. Fury took a stand, with the Contessa and Agent Gabe Jones, to dismantle the guerrilla force comprised of super operatives that threatened the government of San Miguel[43] due to machinations of Juanilla in Rio Villa.[44] In order to free president[45] from the clutches of the Sept, they launched a raid on the presidential palace.[46] Amid the chaos, the unexpected support from Dugan helped them see the conclusion of their mission.[47] They were then driven to confront Abdul Kazir, who ran Sept operations Cairo, Egypt,[48] and prepared the launch of missiles could plunge the world into chaos.[49] Kazir cunningly captured Fury's allies,[50] but tides turned as Kazir was overwhelmed and the Sept's base of operations was destroyed.[51]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616) and Nicholas Fury (Earth-616) from Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D

Setting Fury up to apprehend him

The unshakable faith Fury once had in the integrity of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Executive Board wavered with suspicions of corruption. With the enigmatic assassination of Agent Quartermain, Fury decided to defect and wage a war against the institution he had served for so long. The charge of treason was levied against him, with a conspiracy involving Roxxon further entangled him in a web of intrigue. S.H.I.E.L.D. aimed its formidable resources against its former leader. A coalition of loyal associates determined to unearth the truth and clear Fury's name was formed by the Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Dum Dum Dugan, Gabe Jones, Jasper Sitwell, and Jimmy Woo.[52] Sitwell ascended to the role of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s new director, chosen for his capability to enact extreme measures if the situation demanded. Fury's trust remained rooted only in the Contessa, and he secretly reached out to her for support. Tragically, the Contessa's true allegiance laid with S.H.I.E.L.D., and she assisted Sitwell's forces ambush Fury,[13] shattering the trust that had once bound them together.[53]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616), Laura Brown (LMD) (Earth-616) and Kathleen Neville (Earth-616) from Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D

At the Deltites' mercy with Agent Neville

The Contessa, Dugan, and Jones resolved to independently unveil the truth. They found out about a covert operation within S.H.I.E.L.D. known as the Delta proposal. Assigned to join this enigmatic program, the Contessa accepted the mission to gather intelligence.[54] Transported to a Roxxon facility, she was met by Laura Brown, the unexpected leader of the Delta cult. Incarcerated alongside Agent Kate Neville, the Contessa was informed about the Delta's “Womb,” a mechanism that generated Life-Model Decoy doppelgängers, or Deltites, who siphoned the life force of their human counterparts. The secret to stabilizing the replication process laid within the Infinity Formula coursing through Fury's veins.[55] Moreover, Delta had been manipulated S.H.I.E.L.D., Hydra, A.I.M., and Roxxon in their mission for a long time. A spark of resistance ignited as the captives, which included Madame Hydra, banded together to rise against their captors, with the Contessa causing the destruction of their confinement. Reunited with Fury, the agents opposed the Deltite leader of Delta, who was the first Deltite and, in defeat, was ultimately rejected by his own followers. However, with the exposed S.H.I.E.L.D. deemed too great a risk to persist, the United Nations mandated its dissolution.[16]

New S.H.I.E.L.D.[]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616) and Alphonso Mackenzie (Earth-616) from Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D

Recollecting her S.H.I.E.L.D. times with Mac

The dissolution of S.H.I.E.L.D. marked the end of the Contessa's romance with Fury. She found new purpose with C.I.A., where she forged a passionate connection with Agent Mac, a former S.H.I.E.L.D. comrade. They became aware of a resurgent Hydra, whose Death's Head Squadron targeted Fury himself. Through their alliance with Alex Pierce, they located Fury with Neville, which inadvertently draw them into a deadly clash with the Death's Head Squadron. The encounter resulted in the loss of Dum Dum Dugan. Wishing for revenge, Fury gathered his allies to combat their enemies as independent agents.[56] Having resigned from the C.I.A., the Contessa dedicated herself to this mission, but her personal relationship with Fury seemed to be permanently tainted.[57] Their investigation revealed that their adversaries comprised extraterrestrial forces.[58]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616) and Nicholas Fury (Earth-616) from Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D

Proposing Fury to revive S.H.I.E.L.D.

In Munich, when attacked by their adversaries, Fury and the Contessa learned their allies had been captured. During the rescue mission, they confronted a Kree Sentry, which was followed by memories of Fury's past in World War II tormenting them.[58] Amid this illusory ordeal, the Contessa found an ally in Werner von Strucker, son of Hydra Supreme Baron Wolfgang von Strucker, the architect behind the creation of the Death's Head Squadron. Together, they unearthed the origins of the Gnobian aliens' activities on Earth as expeditioners.[59] Baron Strucker had shackled the Gnobian Mother, twisting her essence into a weapon to be exploited. Although Baron Strucker met his downfall, the Gnobian Mother's fury remained unchecked.[60] The former agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. cleansed the vile influence from her being, and she ultimately terminated herself. As the dust settled, the Contessa pointed out the necessity of a new organization rising from the ashes of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Fury agreed to revive it.[17]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616) and Alphonso Mackenzie (Earth-616) from Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D

Discussing her relationship with Fury

The reimagined S.H.I.E.L.D. had a baptism of fire in a confrontation against the deceitful Leviathan and his Coven.[61] Subsequently, their focus shifted to Madame Hydra, who returned in coalition with the Yellow Claw.[62] Amid the chaos of these missions, the Contessa reconnected with her flame Fury. They shared their emotions and discussed their sorrowful past, admitting their respective relationships with Mac and Neville to be mere attempts to forget about each other.[63] The ramifications of their rekindled connections led Neville and Mac to be gravely wounded during a battle against Madame Hydra. With Hydra's threat vanquished, the Contessa and Fury opted to dedicate to Mac and Neville.[64] Still, the Contessa's friendship with Neville stayed fractured, being marred by hostility.[65] In this context, the Contessa and Fury continued their flirtatious games.[66] When Hydra resurfaced under the claw of Baron Strucker,[67] they launched a devastating assault on Fury's revitalized S.H.I.E.L.D.[68] that inflicted grave injuries upon the Contessa.[69] During her hospitalization, she departed from S.H.I.E.L.D. to pursue a happy future alongside Mac.[70]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616) and Alphonso Mackenzie (Earth-616) from Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D

The Contessa returns

Despite her efforts to move on, the Contessa was unable to suppress her love for Fury. In his intense battle against Baron Strucker, Fury's behavior grew erratic, causing concern among his allies. His abrupt resignation from his role as director intensified their apprehensions. This coincided with the revelation that Quartermain was alive, albeit brainwashed as a Hydra agent.[2] The Contessa was able to reverse the mental conditioning. Amidst so much turmoil, the Contessa reentered Fury's life, still regretting her lack of trust during the original S.H.I.E.L.D.'s descent into corruption.[71] She amicably reached out to Neville to support Fury's cause,[72] but also seductively attempted to reignite the sparks of their previous relationship.[73] The final showdown with Hydra culminated with Baron Strucker cold-bloodedly murdering Neville. His cruel plan also involved enslaving the Contessa to torture Fury. Fury broke the Contessa free, and the duo united their strength to overcome Strucker. The incident led them to rekindle their relationship for good, as Fury reassumed his role as S.H.I.E.L.D.'s director.[14]

Death of Fury[]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616)) from Incredible Hulk Vol 1 434 001

Mourning Fury

Although Baron Strucker was no more, Hydra's operations continued under the leadership of Karl Kraus. In a special team-up with the Contessa, Beck Lockhart, and the new Scorpio, the terrorists were thwarted.[74] This amicable S.H.I.E.L.D. squad[75] eroded from within very rapidly. The murderous vigilante known as the Punisher fell was brainwashed by the manipulative Spook into assassinating Fury.[76] Exhausted by his life of wars, Fury decided to confront the Punisher directly by himself. He shared his final moments with the Contessa and entrusted her with the responsibility of covering his acts as he left the protection of the Helicarrier. During the Punisher's crusade, Lockhart was revealed as a traitor who had secretly been providing intel to the assassin. As the Contessa uncovered Lockhart's treachery, she eliminated the traitor. Tragically, these efforts could not prevent Fury's path to cross with the Punisher's, which resulted in a fatal confrontation that claimed Fury's life.[18] Grappled with a sense of grief and guilt, the Contessa deeply mourned the loss of her loved one. At Fury's funeral, she was introduced to his sister, Dawn Fury, a facet of his ordinary life that had remained hidden until that moment.[77]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616)) from Captain America Vol 1 449 001

Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

In the wake of Fury's passing, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s directorship was assumed by the Contessa.[19] During her tenure, S.H.I.E.L.D. faced the incursion the malevolent entity Onslaught, whose army of Sentinels wreaked havoc, resulting in the catastrophic downfall of the Helicarrier.[78][79] The struggle against Onslaught led to the apparent sacrifice of the superhero community as they united to overcome the threat.[80] Amidst this turmoil, Sharon Carter clung to the belief that Fury had not been gone. In a quest to uncover his fate, she explored the underwater wreckage of the Helicarrier. Her presence was detected by the Contessa, who, suspecting Carter of going rogue, initiated S.H.I.E.L.D.'s intervention. Using fragments of Fury's remains, in fact scraps of a Life-Model Decoy, Carter employed interdimensional travel to escape the Contessa's pursuit.[81] She encountered the living and well Nick Fury, who had vanished as a result of “Project Backslide,” a secretive experiment that harnessed the power of a Cosmic Cube to create a unique pocket dimension. The Contessa had Tony Stark reactivate the mechanism, allowing Fury and Carter to return from this alternate realm. Fury vanished, choosing to operate from the shadows.[20] When he eventually resurfaced, he bestowed upon Carter the role of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s director.[82]

Secret Wars[]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616) and Nicholas Fury (Earth-616) from Secret War Vol 1 1 001

Nick Fury rebels

Returning to the world of espionage, Fury meticulously compiled evidence indicating that Lucia von Bardas, the ruler of Latveria, posed a threat to global security. Despite his findings, he was granted no authorization to act. In frustration, he voiced his discontent with the Contessa and proceeded without official consent.[83] His secret war against Latveria led to the loss of his position, forcing him to retreat into the shadows.[84] This time, de Fontaine stood by Fury, facing suspension due to her association.[85] Reassigned as S.H.I.E.L.D.'s liaison to the United Kingdom, she collaborated with Union Jack. During a R.A.I.D. superhuman terrorist assault on London,[86] the Contessa took a stand at Heathrow Airport, where an airplane was weaponized it. Tragedy was prevented by Union Jack.[87] However, the malevolent Corruptor sowed discord at Heathrow Airport by manipulating the Contessa and other agents to turn against Union Jack, who ultimately managed to neutralize the villain's influence.[88] Next, the Contessa's familiarity with a R.A.I.D.'s robotic unit, the Dreadnought, was acknowledged when the android was unleashed in a destructive frenzy at Trafalgar Square, followed by its neutralization.[89] As S.H.I.E.L.D.'s British liaison, the Contessa also worked in the British iteration of the Superhuman Registration Act.[90]

Punisher War Journal Vol 2 20 Textless

Hunting the Punisher down

Continuing her operations in Europe, the Contessa acted as an independent spy in Paris, where she was approached by G. W. Bridge to join a squad to bring down the Punisher.[91] The mission also enlisted the services of mercenaries Silver Sable and Domino.[92] The team pieced together that the Punisher had been implicated in a setup by Jigsaw.[93] They opted to intervene in the Punisher's ongoing confrontation with his nemesis, seizing the opportunity to guarantee their mutual capture. The Contessa, Silver Sable, and Domino found themselves battling a contingent of Hand assassins dispatched by Jigsaw to eliminate his adversaries. The Hand assassins were defeated, and the Punisher, incapacitated and apprehended.[94] However, when Jigsaw unleashed the Wrecking Crew against Bridge's cadre aimed at ending the Punisher's life,[95] the all-female unit resisted to counter Jigsaw. With the demise of the despicable villain, the Punisher chose to surrender himself into custody.[96]

Deep within the shadows, Nick Fury uncovered that various organizations, superhero teams, and villainous groups revealed signs of internal corruption. In urgent need for allies he could rely upon, Fury reached out to the Contessa. After they shared an intimate moment, Fury's experience compelled him to ensure her authenticity; employing his seasoned espionage skills, he conducted a discreet investigation and confirmed the woman he believed to be his lover was an impostor. Fury executed the doppelgänger, who showed its true colors as a Skrull, part of a species of shapeshifting aliens with intentions of subjugating Earth. The genuine Valentina de Fontaine had been replaced by the infiltrators.[85] Recognizing that the Skrulls had compromised known individuals, Fury assembled a group of young agents with no prior connections to the established superhero world, thus being immune to Skrull intelligence: the Secret Warriors.[97] The Skrull invasion was repelled, and the humans who had been replaced were discovered within a spaceship nearby in orbit. The Skrulls had kept them as bargaining chips. Among the rescued captives was the real Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.[98]

Leviathan[]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616) from Secret Warriors Vol 1 6 001

Impersonating Madame Hydra

In the aftermath of the Skrull invasion, S.H.I.E.L.D. was supplanted by Norman Osborn's H.A.M.M.E.R. with most superhero groups being thrown into illegality, including Fury and his Secret Warriors. The power vacuum was exploited by Hydra, who reasserted their influence as masterminds of global espionage — a role that Fury was determined to destroy.[99] To her associates, the Contessa seemingly enjoyed retirement.[100] In fact, however, her new lifestyle was cloaked in secrecy: she usurped the identity of Madame Hydra[7] to establish herself a position in the High Council of Hydra as a double agent inside Gehenna.[101] As Madame Hydra, she stormed the black-ops H.A.M.M.E.R. base known as the Torch, in search of valuable assets. Hydra's other highest-ranking members ran parallel activities to set their plans into motion.[100]

Unable to keep herself hidden from Nick Fury, the Contessa was invited to a luxurious dinner held in Tamaya, New Mexico. As he discussed his current struggles, their conversation took an abrupt turn when the Secret Warriors were in distress, locked in perilous combat with Hydra. The Contessa took the opportunity to highlight how Fury's unwavering dedication to his duty had overshadowed their personal connection.[100] As Madame Hydra, she strategically attempted to persuade them to moderate their aggressive methods, citing her concern over the potential retaliation that Fury might unleash. Nonetheless, her false commitment led her to recognize the necessity of direct confrontation when the situation demanded it.[102] Their immediate target was a H.A.M.M.E.R. facility that was the interest of Fury's Howling Commandos. Parallelly, Madame Hydra and Viper performed another mission to secure a potent artifact locked within a sacred jewelry box. To acquire it, they blackmailed members of Clan Yashida members.[7]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616) and Ophelia Sarkissian (Earth-616) from Secret Warriors Vol 1 14

Murdering the Viper

The artifact was to be harnessed by the Contessa to catalyze the biological resurrection of agents of Leviathan — who had devolved into unstable grotesque forms.[21] Following a prolonged period of dormancy, Leviathan finally reemerged under the leadership of Magadan. Their initial target was Hydra.[103] In a deceitful assault, they abducted the Viper due to her connection to the mystic item enclosed within the box. This caused the Gorgon to suspect the presence of a traitor within the High Council of Hydra. In response, the Kraken proposed a psychic inquiry to reassure the loyalty of the organization's leaderships.[104] Madame Hydra then discreetly slipped away from her position within Gehenna, under the pretense of a rescue mission for the Viper when questioned by the Gorgon. Arriving at the Long Winter, she introduced herself to Leviathan and delivered the prize to Magadan.[105] As “Madame Hydra” revealed her true allegiances, she silenced the Viper with lethal precision. For the first time in decades, Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine dropped layers of charades, being honest with her true allegiances to Leviathan. The power source allowed Magadan and the Contessa to revive Orion and structure a large army of resurrected Leviathan soldiers.[1]

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Earth-616) and Nicholas Fury (Earth-616) from Secret Warriors Vol 1 15 001

Exposing her true colors to Fury

As part of her intricate manipulations, the Contessa orchestrated another dinner meeting with Fury at Tamaya, where she was met with an unexpected revelation: Fury had been aware of Leviathan's resurgence. Despite overpowering the Contessa's forces, he chose to depart as a sign of his care for her.[15] As Leviathan demanded subservience from Hydra, a brutal war between the two factions erupted,[106] resulting in the gradual destruction of both sides.[107] Fury seized the opportunity to finish Hydra,[108] ultimately eliminating Baron Strucker.[21] Leviathan was not spared either, with the execution of Magadan[109] and the sabotage of their power source. As a result, the Leviathan zombie agents, save for the Contessa, perished in decay. With everything she had ever been loyal to no longer existing, Valentina de Fontaine turned herself to the authorities rather than run away.[22] Her choice was driven by a desire to reconnect with Fury. During their reunion, the Contessa shared that, with the experience of reviving Leviathan and then witness its collapse, she realized that the organization had never truly aligned with her innermost desires. As Fury left her, he set a plan into motion to break her escape from captivity.[23]

In her freedom, she became a member of a secretive council known as J.A.N.U.S., which positioned Osborn to gain secret control over the rebuilt Ravencroft Institute.[110]

It was later revealed that she had died several years before in a Russian Gulag. The Outer Circle created a Life-Model Decoy of her and uploaded the original's memories into the new body.[111]

Attributes

Power Grid[115]
:Category:Power Grid/Fighting Skills/Experienced Fighter:Category:Power Grid/Energy Projection/None:Category:Power Grid/Durability/Normal:Category:Power Grid/Speed/Normal:Category:Power Grid/Strength/Normal:Category:Power Grid/Intelligence/Learned

Abilities

The Contessa is a superb hand-to-hand combatant, a brilliant marksman with firearms of most kinds, and an excellent leader and strategist on combat missions in the field.

Notes

  • The name "Valentina Allegra de Fontaine" can be seen as a play with the stereotype of long names in royalty. This has caused confusion in different depictions across the years. In her original appearances, she was named "Valentina Allegro de Fontaine".[3] Sometimes, the name "Valentina de Allegro" was used.[56] In Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #42, she was first referred to as "Valentina Allegra de la Fontaine". After this, different variations appeared.
  • At the time of Grizzly's interrogation, when she was S.H.I.E.L.D. Deputy Director, Valentina was Agent Security Level 9, and was granted clearance Level 10 agent in the preparation of the Secret War.[112]

Trivia

  • Jim Steranko, the character's creator, was involved in different censorship issues regarding the Comics Code Authority. Some of the restrictions were related to the depiction of the Contessa. In Strange Tales #168, she highlights on her buttocks were darkened to make the shape less prominent. In Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #2, in the classic page that depicts the Contessa and Fury in a romantic moment, different panels were edited. The Contessa's cleavage was erased. The panel where a phone on the hook is portrayed was originally drawn by Steranko as an off-hook phone, which was deemed too suggestive. The last panel, which had the Contessa and Fury in an embrace, was replaced by the arguably more explicit gun tightly attached to a holster.[113]
  • The word "contessa" has Italian origin and means "countess". Valentina de Fontaine has been referred by both terms.[3][6]
  • The names "Valentina" and "Allegra" are both common Italian names. The surname "de la Fontaine", however, is of French origin.

See Also

Links and References

References

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  2. 2.0 2.1 Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #42
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Strange Tales #159
  4. 4.0 4.1 Strange Tales #163
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Captain America #145
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Marvel Spotlight #31
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Secret Warriors #6
  8. Avengers: The Initiative #17
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Strange Tales #168
  10. 10.0 10.1 Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #2
  11. 11.0 11.1 Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #12
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 Captain America #150
  13. 13.0 13.1 Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. #2
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #47
  15. 15.0 15.1 Secret Warriors #15
  16. 16.0 16.1 Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. #6
  17. 17.0 17.1 Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #6
  18. 18.0 18.1 Double Edge: Omega #1
  19. 19.0 19.1 Captain America #449
  20. 20.0 20.1 Fury / Agent 13 #2
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 Secret Warriors #26
  22. 22.0 22.1 Secret Warriors #27
  23. 23.0 23.1 Secret Warriors #28
  24. Strange Tales #162
  25. Strange Tales #164
  26. Strange Tales #167
  27. Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #1
  28. Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #5
  29. Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #13
  30. Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #14
  31. Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #15
  32. Captain America #146
  33. Captain America #147
  34. Captain America #148
  35. 35.0 35.1 Captain America #152
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  37. Captain America #153
  38. Captain America #166
  39. Captain America #167
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  41. Captain America #189
  42. Captain America #190
  43. Hulk Comic (UK) #3
  44. Hulk Comic (UK) #4
  45. Hulk Comic (UK) #5
  46. Hulk Comic (UK) #6
  47. Hulk Comic (UK) #7
  48. Hulk Comic (UK) #911
  49. Hulk Comic (UK) #12
  50. Hulk Comic (UK) #14
  51. Hulk Comic (UK) #1516
  52. Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. #1
  53. Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. #3
  54. Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. #4
  55. Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. #5
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  58. 58.0 58.1 Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #3
  59. Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #4
  60. Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #5
  61. Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #711
  62. Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #12
  63. Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #13
  64. Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #14
  65. Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #1519
  66. Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #20
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  72. Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #43
  73. Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Vol. 3) #45
  74. Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. #13
  75. Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. #4
  76. Double Edge: Alpha #1
  77. Incredible Hulk #434
  78. Cable #34
  79. Punisher (Vol. 3) #11
  80. Onslaught: Marvel #1
  81. Fury / Agent 13 #1
  82. Captain America (Vol. 3) #31
  83. Secret War #1
  84. Secret War #5
  85. 85.0 85.1 Mighty Avengers #12
  86. Union Jack (Vol. 2) #1
  87. Union Jack (Vol. 2) #2
  88. Union Jack (Vol. 2) #3
  89. Union Jack (Vol. 2) #4
  90. Civil War: Battle Damage Report #1
  91. Punisher War Journal (Vol. 2) #14
  92. Punisher War Journal (Vol. 2) #19
  93. Punisher War Journal (Vol. 2) #20
  94. Punisher War Journal (Vol. 2) #21
  95. Punisher War Journal (Vol. 2) #22
  96. Punisher War Journal (Vol. 2) #23
  97. Mighty Avengers #13
  98. Secret Invasion #8
  99. Secret Warriors #1
  100. 100.0 100.1 100.2 Secret Warriors #3
  101. Secret Warriors #2
  102. Secret Warriors #4
  103. Secret Warriors #11
  104. Secret Warriors #12
  105. Secret Warriors #13
  106. Secret Warriors #16
  107. Secret Warriors #20
  108. Secret Warriors #2122
  109. Secret Warriors #23
  110. Ravencroft #5
  111. Thunderbolts (Vol. 5) #1
  112. Secret War From the Files of Nick Fury #1
  113. Comic Book Legends Revealed #219
  114. Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z Update #3
  115. Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z Update Vol 1 3
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