Who Is The Shield? Origin, Powers and Key Facts

The Shield is a Archie Comics comic book character, the alter ego of Joseph Higgins, with over 280 comic issue appearances. Predating Marvel's Captain America as the first U.S. patriotic superhero, the Shield has gone through many incarnations over the decades.

Who is The Shield?

For the current incarnation of the Shield, Victoria Adams, is the first female to take on the mantle, click HERE . Origin Joe Higgin was an American soldier selected to undergo an experimental treatment that physically enhanced him. Creation Created in 1940 by Harry Shorten and Irv Novick for Archie Comics , the Shield was actually the first patriotic American superhero who wore a costume patterned after the flag, predating Captain America by over a year. He quickly became the publisher's most popular superhero. Aftyer the golden age, the Shield passed through several incarnations and for a time he among other characters was licensed to DC Comics before return to Archie and had an update on his origins, status and current place. Character Evolution The Shield I (Joe Higgins) - 1940 The Original Shield Joe Higgins' father, Lieutenant Tom Higgins, was working on a formula that would grant super-strength to American soldiers. Tragically, Tom Higgins was killed in an act of German sabotage known as the Black Tom explosion, which was an attempt by the Nazis to acquire the formula. In the aftermath, Tom was framed as the saboteur.

Key facts

The Shield is of human origin and first appeared in "G-Man Extraordinary". The character is published by Archie Comics. With 280 recorded issue appearances, The Shield ranks among the most featured characters in comics.