While still active in the MCU, the counter-terrorism and intelligence agency SHIELD has been disbanded in the comics for nearly a decade. However, Marvel confirmed the group would return in the aftermath of the One World Under Doom event. This return was teased in a recent comic, which also hinted at a new partnership with a superhero team other than the Avengers.
The return of SHIELD was first announced in a Marvel press release from November 2025. The publisher confirmed that Nick Fury would establish a new incarnation of the organization within the pages of Captain America. They further announced this would start a storyline that culminates in the 2026 summer crossover event Armageddon. However, a comic released ahead of January’s Captain America #6 reveals how the new SHIELD may differ from the original.
Who is the new SHIELD trying to partner with?
The new SHIELD is teased in Fantastic Four #6, by Ryan North and Humberto Ramos. After averting an alien invasion, the team is approached by former SHIELD director Maria Hill. She catches up with them regarding the events of One World Under Doom, where she fought alongside the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and the X-Men.
(Image Source: Marvel / Humberto Ramos)
It should be noted the Earth-616 Maria Hill is a vastly different character than her MCU variant. Her relationship with the superhero community is largely hostile, due to her pragmatic approach to peacekeeping. Indeed, Hill had been trying to reform SHIELD to spy on potentially dangerous superhumans and plot countermeasures to neutralize them.
However, recent events convinced Hill that it would be better for SHIELD to work with established superheroes. To that end, she wants to reorganize it as a group closer to the Fantastic Four’s Future Foundation than an intelligence agency. They will still have the same broad goal of building a better world. However, Hill wants the new organization to have a new focus and a direct partnership with the Fantastic Four.
(Image Source: Marvel / Humberto Ramos)
The team is still undecided by the end of Fantastic Four #6. On the one hand, they have worked with SHIELD before in the past. Indeed, Sue Storm served as a full SHIELD agent on several occasions. On the other hand, they have little reason to truly trust Maria Hill. It is possible, however, that Nick Fury might be able to bring them on-board.
Fantastic Four #6 is now available at comic shops everywhere.