Skip to main content

'The Shield' #1 One-Shot Gets New Writer, New Story, as the Departed Rob Liefeld's Art Remains

Back in March, we shared the news that Archie Comics was relaunching yet again its Silver Age super-team 'The Mighty Crusaders' with a series of one-shot issues. 'The Shield' #1 is the first one scheduled to be released on June 30 but it was originally solicited with comic book veteran Rob Liefeld as writer and artist. 

After a key plot point was released and shared by Liefeld himself (something Archie says was not sanctioned) Liefeld alluded to leaving the project altogether. The famously polarizing creator tweeted a series of messages explaining the situation with Archie including this, "Fun facts. SHIELD #1 had a June 30th release date. I exited the project on May 8, activating the release in my contract. I have turned in all the final art files for work I produced that was paid for. As I do on any project, I work out of order and sequences are incomplete."

Today, Archie has announced that David Gallaher will write a new story using Liefeld's uncompleted art. According to Liefeld, Archie declined to have him complete the artwork confirming there was art needed for the front and back end. While this split is over "creative differences" there doesn't appear to be hard feelings from Liefeld. 

Archie plans on releasing 'The Shield' #1 as scheduled but this is just the latest wrinkle in the checkered history of 'The Mighty Crusaders.' Living in the shadow of more popular super-teams like DC's Justice League and Marvel's Avengers since the 1960's, Crusaders in all its forms suffered from poor sales resulting in short publication runs and inconsistent relaunches over the last three decades. In 2015, under its Dark Circle imprint, Archie tried to reintroduce The Shield as a woman but the less than stellar roll out and delays doomed the comic. The one bright spot, if you can call it that, was the fact that the campy Crusaders were part of Alan Moore's inspiration for the Minutemen in the iconic Watchmen comic. 


Archie Comics is pleased to announce that David Gallaher (Only Living Girl, High Moon) will script a new story for THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS: THE SHIELD #1 based on Rob Liefeld's artwork.

THE SHIELD #1 goes on-sale at comic book shops and digital platforms on June 30.

Updated Solicitation Text

THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS: THE SHIELD #1 (ONE-SHOT)

THE SHIELD IS BACK! America's first patriotic superhero, The Shield, has persevered through countless challenges and always manages to come out on top! But what happens when forces beyond anyone’s control threaten The Shield’s legacy of fighting for truth and justice? Follow Joe Higgins as The Shield (and get ready for some surprises!) in this new one-shot comic featuring art by Rob Liefeld and a story by David Gallaher.

*Retailer orders for all covers placed by FOC date will be 100% returnable (no minimum)*

Script: Rob Liefeld, David Gallaher

Art: Rob Liefeld, Jack Morelli


  • The Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 CVR A Main Cover: Rob Liefeld

  • The Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 CVR B Var: Francesco Francavilla

  • The Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 CVR C Var: Aaron Lopresti

  • The Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 CVR D Var: David Mack

  • The Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 CVR E Var: Jerry Ordway

  • The Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 CVR F Var: Top Secret Rob Liefeld

  • The Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 CVR G Var: Rob Liefeld Sketch Variant

On Sale Date: 6/30

32-page, full color comic

$3.99 U.S.

THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS: THE SHIELD #1 is available for pre-order now from the Archie Comics Online Store.

Visit the official Archie Comics website for more information and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest news and updates.

Artwork by Rob Liefeld



CVR B Variant by Francesco Francavilla


CVR C Variant by Aaron Lopresti


CVR D Variant by David Mack


CVR E Variant by Jerry Ordway


CVR F Variant by Rob Liefeld


CVR G Sketch Variant by Rob Liefeld


Interior preview art by Rob Liefeld





Courtesy of Archie Comics

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

REVIEW: 'Little Monsters' #1 by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen

  LITTLE MONSTERS #1 Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Dustin Nguyen Publisher: Image Comics Release Date: March 9, 2022 Cover Price: $3.99 They are the last children on Earth... who also happen to be vampires. For longer than they can remember, these child vampires have lived a life of eternal wonder amongst the ruins of humanity. But shocking events fracture the group and set them on a path of discovery that will shatter their innocence forever. Score: ★★★★1/2 (4.5/5) There are certain comic book creators whose books I'll pick up without hesitation. One of those creators is Jeff Lemire. He instills confidence knowing that his stories will be thoughtful and engaging. You add a talented artist like Dustin Nguyen on another collaborative effort and well, 'Little Monsters,' is a must-buy. I know, shocking.   They team up again with an intriguing post-apocalyptic vampire tale featuring "the last children on Earth" who've been left to their own devices among the ruin...
Post a Comment
Read more

PREVIEW: 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Omnibus, Vol. 1

Explore never-before-seen adventures of the hit Paramount+ show in this graphic novel omnibus! Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Omnibus, Vol. 1 Writers: Mike Johnson, Kristen Beyer, Ryan Parrot Artists: Megan Levens, Angel Hernandez Publisher: IDW Publishing Trade Paperback: August 20, 2025, $24.99 First, in The Illyrian Enigma, set between seasons one and two, Una is accused of unlawful genetic modification by Starfleet and Captain Pike sets out in search of evidence that could prove her innocence. But when Captain Pike and the crew of the Enterprise get caught in the Pryllia colony, home to the elusive Illyrians, the mission objective quickly shifts from gathering evidence to exonerate Una to…breaking out. Then, in The Scorpius Run, set course with Captain Pike and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise to the Scorpius Constellation as they become the first Federation vessel to explore this uncharted region of space! In this romp across the stars, the Enterprise crew learn what i...
Post a Comment
Read more

PREVIEW: THE ART OF INVINCIBLE SEASON ONE Companion Hardcover Offers a Behind the Scenes Look at the Hit Series

  Today Skybound debuted an all-new look at  The Art of Invincible Season One,  the behind-the-scenes companion to Prime Video’s hit animated series,  Invincible.  This hardcover marks the first animation artbook produced by Skybound Entertainment for the landmark franchise’s jump to television and will be available everywhere books are sold on March 27, 2024.     The Art of Invincible Season One  features never-before-seen production art, and exclusive commentary on the hit Prime Video series from key creatives, including  Invincible  comic co-creators Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker. Superfans of the hit animated series will be happy to find exclusive characters, backgrounds, vehicle designs, key art, and more inside this volume!    The critically acclaimed adult animated superhero series is currently airing the first half of its eight-episode second season on Prime Video, with new episodes airing weekly on #...
Post a Comment
Read more