An Independence Day celebration with comics’ first patriot-themed superhero!
It’s July Fourth — one of my favorite holidays. This year, let’s celebrate with 13 COVERS starring the Shield, comics’ first star-spangled superhero, created by writer Harry Shorten and artist Irv Novick.
The Shield — aka Joe Higgins — first appeared in Pep Comics #1, which was released in November 1939 by MLJ Magazines, later Archie Comics. (Archie himself debuted in Pep #22, which is included below).
Before long, the Shield got himself a trendy kid sidekick — Dusty — and was joined on the cover by the Batmannish Hangman. But he was the headliner until he began giving way to young Mr. Andrews in late 1942.
The Shield would never attain the popularity and cultural cachet of Timely’s Captain America, but there’s something to be said for being Number One.
Happy Fourth — and stay safe!
(All covers by Novick.)
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MORE
— 13 COVERS: Hey, Baby, It’s the Fourth of July — With JOHN ROMITA. Click here.
— PEP COMICS AT 85: A Brief 411-Issue History. Click here.
July 4, 2025
Yes that Bill of Rights cover
July 4, 2025
I feel old! I bought a few Pep issues in High School. (With Archie and Co., not the Shield!)
July 4, 2025
“ Hey, Baby, It’s the Fourth of July”
Dave Alvin reference. Very nice.
July 4, 2025
Why, thank you. One of the very best.
July 4, 2025
Thank you for acknowledging the original Star Spangled Sentinel of Liberty.
July 4, 2025
I do what I can, citizen.
July 5, 2025
It’s weird that Archie’s first appearance is not even mentioned on the cover!!!!