History
Origin
Tom Higgins was a scientist working on a means of boosting human performance during WWII. Although he was murdered by foreign agents before he was able to mass produce the formula, his son Joe used the formula on himself. Creating a patriotic themed costume, he avenged his father's death and became an agent for the FBI.
For a time, only the "chief" of the F.B.I. knew of Joe's dual identity. Joe was assigned to work with fellow agent Ju Ju Watson, who became a very good friend of his, but didn't know he was also the Shield.
Dusty, the Boy Detective
One day while Joe was visiting an airfield, a plane on the ground exploded, killing everybody on board, including the father of a little boy named Dusty Simmons. Suspecting foul play, Joe and his girlfriend, Betty Warren, snooped around. Betty noticed some thugs tampering around in a hangar. They quickly grabbed her, but Dusty saw the confrontation and came to her rescue. Later, the Shield believed the kid showed "plenty of spunk" in saving Betty, and not only asked him if he wanted to be a detective with him, but also shared his true identity. The newly orphaned boy agreed to be his sidekick, better known as — Dusty the Boy Detective.
Frozen in Time
At one time, the Shield was frozen in suspended animation due to the Eraser's "Ion Weapon," his son, Bill Higgins, found a spare uniform and continued his father's legacy. He fought alongside the Mighty Crusaders as a hero, but his civilian life was difficult, as he would often shuffle from job to job, and never felt worthy of following in his father's footsteps.
When Bill finally asked for help to "cure" his father's condition, the Comet used his "Altroxian Science" to reverse the Ion Weapon's effects, and the original Shield came back to life. With his father in action again, Bill retired his Shield identity and joined the Armed Forces.
The Mighty Crusaders
Joe agreed to join the Mighty Crusaders, replacing his son, and fought alongside his teammates until they disbanded.
Powers and Abilities
Powers
- SHIELD Serum: Joe Higgins' body is infused with the S.H.E.I.L.D. serum affecting his body in numerous ways. According to his father's last words, the word "SHIELD" describes how the serum affects the human body:
- "S"acrum: This powers allows Joe to gain control over his spinal center of his body to allow Joe to jump superhuman distances.
- "H"eart: This power allows Joe to control his heart and allow for more blood flow to increase the strength of his strikes.
- "I"nnervation: This power allows Joe to control his nervous system and react more quickly.
- "E"yes: This powers allows Joe to see more clearer and focus on faraway objects.
- Superhuman Stamina:: This powers allows Joe to control his respiration allowing for extended endurance.
- Superhuman Durability:: This power allows Joe's skin to take a considerable amount of damage even without his suit.
Abilities
Paraphernalia
Equipment
- The Shield Suit: Along with the Shield serum which provided enhanced physicality, the Shield also protected his body with an invulnerable suit. This suit protected the wearer from fire, blunt force and puncture.
Notes
- Joe Higgins is often called, "The Original Shield".
- Lancelot Strong was the "new" Shield published by Archie in 1959, but he has no connection to Joe Higgins.
- Although some may regard the Shield derivative of Captain America, in fact he debuted nearly a year before Cap burst onto the scene.
Links and References
- Appearances of Joe Higgins
- Minor Appearances of Joe Higgins
- Media Joe Higgins was Mentioned in
- Images featuring Joe Higgins
- Quotations by or about Joe Higgins
- Character Gallery: Joe Higgins
- Mighty Crusaders Who's Who
- Toonopedia entry on the Shield
Footnotes
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