Revolutionary Hero
Adam Christopher and Chuck Wendig reinvent Archie’s Shield- bearer
First created in 1940, Archie
Comics’ the Shield actually predates Captain America by 14 months. Now, courtesy of writers Adam Christopher and Chuck Wendig and artist David Williams, the superpowered patriot is returning as part of the fledgling Dark Circle line in the radically different form of new character Victoria Adams.
“The new Shield has a very different origin story, one going back to the American Revolution,” says Christopher. “Over the last 200- or- so years, she’s been brought back when America needs her most. This time, though, things are different – something has gone wrong, she doesn’t know who she is… and she doesn’t know why she is here.”
“Making her a woman is vital to our approach,” adds Wendig. “Not just to differentiate her from the likes of Cap, but also because really, representation matters. She’s a strong female character not just because she’s literally strong, but because she’s complex, real, flawed, powerful and has agency in her own destiny and the fate of the US.”
With Wendig describing it as “a modern spy thriller coupled with superpower shenanigans”, the Shield’s allegiances will be tested like never before. “Outside the pages, the country is dealing with some cuckoo stuff,” he says. “The overreach of the police, racism, surveillance culture… we’re going to be cracking all these eggs.”
“The Shield is a superhero action book, but hopefully a bit more than that too,” continues Christopher. “There are conspiracies and dark secrets, some very nasty, insidious evils to fight. The Shield will also punch a giant robot in the face, I’m absolutely 100% committed to making that happen!”
“I still think the satirical idea of a ring filled with rich people hovering above the impoverished Earth is an awesome idea. I almost want to go back and do it correctly” Maybe Neill Blomkamp should go and remake Elysium after Alien 5.
The Shield # 1 hits shelves on Wednesday 17 June.