Edited by Robert Beach
Let’s talk about S.H.I.E.L.D. Given that you and I are conversing on the Internet, I’m taking it as a bit of a given that you like or at least know of the Marvel cinematic universe. In less than a decade, the Marvel shared universe of films, TV shows, and one-shots have come to dominate the cultural landscape and occupies the same space in the pop cultural psyche that was once reserved for the likes of Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. There are a lot of reasons for that success, but chief among them is how the MCU has used continuity to cross pollinate its various properties, tying the distaff films and show together into a rich tapestry of genres and stylistic affects.
Let’s talk about S.H.I.E.L.D. Given that you and I are conversing on the Internet, I’m taking it as a bit of a given that you like or at least know of the Marvel cinematic universe. In less than a decade, the Marvel shared universe of films, TV shows, and one-shots have come to dominate the cultural landscape and occupies the same space in the pop cultural psyche that was once reserved for the likes of Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. There are a lot of reasons for that success, but chief among them is how the MCU has used continuity to cross pollinate its various properties, tying the distaff films and show together into a rich tapestry of genres and stylistic affects.
This has allowed the individual Marvel endeavors to explore
their own unique focuses like Captain America’s heavy political metaphors,
Guardians of the Galaxy’s emphasis on universe building, or the villain-centric
storytelling of Jessica Jones & Daredevil. And at the core of this continuity-driven exploration is
S.H.I.E.L.D., the in-universe super spy agency tasked with bridging the gap
between the government and the superheroes. S.H.I.E.L.D.’s had a pretty crazy history in the MCU over
the course of the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
TV show, yet an even stranger history in the comic books. And today, we showcase
that history.
