#ComicBytes: Interesting facts about S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel's transnational espionage agency
What's the story
S.H.I.E.L.D. is Marvel's transnational espionage agency, which is instrumental in every big event in the universe.
Over the years, we have seen the agency in action in the Marvel Cinematic Universe via movies and TV series like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The combined history of S.H.I.E.L.D. in both comics and MCU has many interesting facts in it.
Here are some of them.
Full form
The many different full forms of the organization
In the beginning, S.H.I.E.L.D. was the shortened form of Supreme Headquarters, International Espionage, and Law-Enforcement Division.
Then it became Strategic Hazard Intervention, Espionage, and Logistics Directorate.
Due to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the full form was changed to Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division.
In the Ultimate Marvel Universe, S.H.I.E.L.D. equals to Saviors of Humanity by Intervention in the Evolution of Life-Form Deviants.
Hall of Fame
The historic and unexpected members of the S.H.I.E.L.D.
Contrary to the belief that S.H.I.E.L.D. was established after World War II to fight Hydra, it has actually been around for centuries.
Formed by Imhotep to stop the evil insectoid race called the Brood, it was then known as the Brotherhood of the Shield.
Archimedes, Galileo, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Sir Isaac Newton are also believed to be former members of the organization!
Affiliation
US or UN?: The various affiliations of the organization
Fans usually associate S.H.I.E.L.D. with the United States, because ultimately, Marvel is an American publication.
Even in the Marvel Ultimate universe, S.H.I.E.L.D. is an American agency.
However, in the comics, S.H.I.E.L.D. works for the United Nations with top-level clearance and an almost-limitless budget.
MCU's S.H.I.E.L.D. answers (or answered) to the World Security Council, which is like a shadowy version of the UN.
Others
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s sister and other spin-off organizations
S.H.I.E.L.D'S UN powered sister organizations are A.R.M.O.R. (Alternate Reality Monitoring and Operational Response) that deals with extradimensional security, and S.W.O.R.D. (Sentient Worlds Observation and Response Department), which focuses on extraterrestrial threats.
S.H.I.E.L.D'S spin-offs are the British espionage agency S.T.R.I.K.E. (Special Tactical Reserve for International Key Emergencies), US Government organization S.A.F.E. (Strategic Action For Emergencies), and supernatural division W.A.N.D. (Wizardry, Alchemy, and Necromancy Department).
Batman
Did you know? Bruce Wayne was once a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent!
In the Amalgam crossover between Marvel and DC during the '90s, iconic characters from the two worlds were combined.
Here, the billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne joins S.H.I.E.L.D. after his parents, who were spies, get killed by Hydra.
Bruce then teams up with Nick Fury to take down Hydra and the Green Skull and exact revenge on the ones who murdered his family.