After 9 Years, Marvel Brings Back SHIELD, But Can We Trust Them?

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Marvel‘s famously secretive S.H.I.E.L.D. is returning, though I’m already a bit skeptical. It’s been nearly ten years since we’ve seen the organization in Marvel Comics, ever since it was compromised during the Secret Empire storyline. While Maria Hill attempted to rebuild S.H.I.E.L.D. focusing only on individuals with powers and protecting the world from them, the fall of Doctor Doom has paved the way for Nick Fury, Jr. to bring back a more classic version of the agency.

With the defeat of Victor von Doom, the Marvel Universe is gradually recovering. Recent issues of Captain America revealed a hidden history between Steve Rogers and Doom, showing that one of Cap’s first missions after being revived involved a trip to Latveria. He discovered the U.S. actually played a part in Doom gaining his power. Now, the comic returns to the present day, and Captain America is needed for another mission. However, Steve is questioning whether he can truly trust the group leading this new operation.

Nick Fury, Jr. Has Brought S.H.I.E.L.D. Back For a Very Important Mission

The latest issue of Captain America (#6), from the team of Chip Zdarsky and others, finds Latveria in turmoil after Doctor Doom’s disappearance. With the country close to civil war, various groups are vying for control. The United Nations fears that dangerous weapons Doom left behind could fall into the wrong hands, but a new law, the Superhuman Borders Act, restricts their ability to send superheroes on missions. Luckily, Captain America, acting as a soldier, is uniquely positioned to lead a coalition to secure those weapons.

Steve agrees to a meeting with Nick Fury, Jr., the leader of this new initiative. Captain America is hesitant about working with S.H.I.E.L.D. again, remembering how things fell apart last time. Fury assures him this version of S.H.I.E.L.D. is smaller and focused on specific missions, relying on skilled mercenaries instead of a large army. Steve explains he’s currently unable to take on such a mission. However, Cap then learns that General Ross is also planning an operation into Latveria, and his approach is much more forceful than Fury’s.

Captain America reluctantly teams up with S.H.I.E.L.D., uneasy about working with a group that feels more like a band of hired guns than a military unit, particularly his distrust of Red Widow. Their official goal is to attack Latveria, but Fury is secretly searching the city for hidden weapons. Captain America makes it clear he won’t be manipulated, and Fury tries to assure him they’re on the same side. As the team sets off for Latveria, their mission is interrupted by the Red Hulk, who announces that the United States government is now in charge.

Captain America is Keeping SHIELD at a Distance (And for Good Reason)

This situation highlights Steve’s hesitation to work with S.H.I.E.L.D. It’s not a matter of distrusting Nick personally, but Captain America has been misled by government organizations in the past, and it’s taking a toll on him. He’s also returning to Latveria, and we previously saw how upset he was that the US government supported a dictator like Doom. Steve will always be patriotic, but he’s increasingly struggling to trust organizations like S.H.I.E.L.D.

To be honest, Fury’s rebuilt S.H.I.E.L.D. isn’t helping things, especially since it’s smaller and relies heavily on mercenaries – even someone like Red Widow. While paying people for their services might seem like a way to ensure neutrality, it’s perfectly reasonable that Steve Rogers is concerned. What happens if someone is offered more money to betray the team? I get why Nick is trying to keep S.H.I.E.L.D. streamlined, but Captain America is right to be cautious.

Something doesn’t feel right. It could be due to Steve’s previous experience in Latveria, or perhaps the looming threat of Armageddon. Either way, I’m not sure Captain America can fully trust this new version of S.H.I.E.L.D., even though Fury seems to think he should. I believe Fury is sincere in wanting to prevent disaster, but I suspect this new S.H.I.E.L.D. is keeping secrets that could create serious problems for Captain America when they’re revealed.

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2026-01-25 18:41