Joe Higgins

Joe Higgins gained superhuman abilities after his father's secret formula was administered to him, transforming him into the Shield — one of comics' earliest patriotic heroes, debuting in Pep Comics #1 in 1940 for MLJ/Archie Comics.

Few Golden Age heroes can claim a debut as storied as Joe Higgins, who burst onto the scene in Pep Comics #1 back in 1940 — the very first issue of one of Archie's landmark titles, brought to life by the wildly talented Jack Cole. That's about as foundational as it gets, and with 12 key-issue appearances to his name, collectors have always known this character carries serious weight. Over 84 years of publication history spanning Pep Comics, Shield-Wizard Comics, and beyond, Joe Higgins has proven himself one of the most enduring figures the Golden Age ever produced, sharing pages with icons like Archie Andrews, Jughead Jones, and the brooding Hangman along the way. If you have any love for the era when American comics first found their heroic voice, Joe Higgins is essential reading.