We get the return of a classic here, from Archie Comics, this one-shot is The Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1.
THE SHIELD IS BACK! America’s first patriotic superhero, The Shield, has persevered through countless challenges and always manages to come out on top! But what happens when forces beyond anyone’s control threaten The Shield’s legacy of fighting for truth and justice? Follow Joe Higgins as The Shield (and get ready for some surprises!) in this new one-shot comic featuring art by Rob Liefeld and a story by David Gallaher.
Script: Rob Liefeld, David Gallaher
Art: Rob Liefeld, Jack Morelli
Cover: Rob Liefeld
Variant Covers: Francesco Francavilla, Aaron Lopresti, David Mack, Jerry Ordway, Rob Liefeld (Top Secret), Sketch Variant
This works as an interesting piece. First as an introduction (or re-introduction) we get some information. Not only do we learn about The Shield, but we also get some information about the person(s) behind the mask. It works well, just.
I can see how this can be a little confusing to new readers – how can their be multiple/different/the same Shield? Can it be a legacy? This issue doesn’t answer those questions, but it gives us some hints as to where it will be going and how we may get there as well as how we got to where we are.
There is going to be some serious changes made to this character and I hope they stick and hold on.
On top of that, we get some good cameos from the rest of the Crusaders. Some may be more recognizable than others. Black Hood is one I am a fan of, in part to the previous mini-series from the Archie Comics imprint, Dark Circle. Others I know from my youth.
As well as serving as an introduction, we do get some action too. This attack on the Shield serves a good purpose of learning more of this iteration of the Shield, as well as the powers, strengths and weaknesses of the armour. It works out well.
The art is enjoyable, with some great action scenes and clearly definable characters.
This looks to hopefully be a bright new start for these characters.
You can get The Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 from Archie Comics on Amazon/ComiXology.
