ALPHA-TRON
Classification: Terrestrial technology
Creator: Unidentified Hydra scientists
User/Possessors: Baron Wolfgang von Strucker
First Appearance: Strange Tales I#156 (May, 1967)
Powers/Abilities/Functions: The Alpha-Tron was a sophisticated detonator connected to the death-spore bomb. By turning a lever, the Alpha-Tron would unleash alpha waves to detonate the death spore bomb some minutes later. At the same time, the local alpha particles would strike anyone strapped into the Alpha-Tron and kill them.
History:
(Strange Tales I#156) - As Baron Strucker took Colonel Nick Fury captive on Hydra Island his minions ruled that the ex-agent Laura Brown was guilty and therefore, per his demands, the death spore bomb aboard the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier would be detonated, filling the Earth's atmosphere with the deadly spores. Strucker pressed the lever on the Alpha-Tron to set off the bomb and kill Nick Fury.
(Strange Tales I#157) - As the alpha waves emerged from the Alpha-Tron Nick Fury took the distraction as an opportunity to escape using his 60-second invisibility pill, evading Hydra before the alpha particles could kill him.
(Strange Tales I#158) - As Nick Fury fought Baron Strucker, Strucker threw Fury at the Alpha-Tron machine, breaking it as Fury's body collided with the sensitive instruments.
Comments: Created by Jim Steranko.
This profile was completed on 11/24/2025 but its publication was delayed, as it was intended for the Appendix's 25th anniversary celebratory event.
Profile by Prime Eternal.
CLARIFICATIONS:
This should not be confused with:
images: (without ads)
Strange Tales I#156, pages 11-12 (main)
Appearances:
Strange Tales I#156-158 (May-July, 1967) - Jim Steranko (writer, artist), Stan Lee (editor)
First posted: 09/01/2026
Last updated:11/24/2025
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
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