Shield

The Shield is a superhero published by M.L.J. Magazines, Inc. (now known as Archie Comics). Created by Harry Shorten and Irv Novick, the Shield first appeared in Pep Comics #1 (January 1940). The Shield was the first patriotically themed superhero, predating Captain America by a year. DC Comics planned to integrate the Shield and other MLJ characters into the DC Universe, but the character rights reverted to Archie Comics in 2011. Joe Higgins is the Shield. The only one who knows the Shield's true identity is the chief of the FBI. As Joe's father Lieutenant Tom Higgins was slain by German saboteur Hans Fritz in the Black Tom explosion, Joe has since devoted his life to shielding the Unites States from any harm, and succeeded in securing an appointment as a government agent to carry out his avowed purpose. The Shield's uniform was constructed by himself. Not only is it bullet and flame-proof but also gives him power to perform extraordinary feats of physical daring and courage. Wearing the costume, Joe has the speed of Mercury and the strength of Hercules. With these powerful forces, he shields the U.S. government from all enemies.