Inspiration for Agents of SHIELD

In the 1960s, in response to the popularity of The Man From UNCLE (and James Bond), Marvel Comics editor Stan Lee decided to launch a spy comic, which became Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD. Lee admitted to inspiration in his boo, Son of Origins, which featured reprints of the origin stories of various Marvel characters. International spy agency UNCLE became SHIELD, while the villainous group THRUSH became HYDRA. In the second SHIELD story, a New York HQ was introduced, complete with a secret entrance, via a barbershop (the barber chair was lowered through the floor, to the hidden SHIELD complex beneath). However, the New York HQ was downplayed, in favor of the more visually exciting Helicarrier, designed by original artist Jack Kirby.

Fortunately, Ah keep mah feathers numbered for just such an emergency!