The S.H.I.E.L.D. Files

The S.H.I.E.L.D. Files is a short series from the Earth-20080502 that shows how the Avengers are being formed.

2010

 * S.H.I.E.L.D. studies Tony Stark and Obadiah Stane for a few days after Stark returns from his kidnapping and later on discover Stane is a criminal and attempt to catch him but he dons a suit of armor and escapes but fights an armored Stark who defeats him. SHIELD director Nick Fury is impressed by the fight and wants Iron Man to be in the Avengers and meets with him at his home and discusses the Avengers Initiative. Tony tells him to get out and Fury leaves to tell that he will continue finding out about Stark.
 * Months after Iron Man's debut, agent Natasha Romanoff is sent to temporarily work for Stark to spy on him. They meanwhile find some of Howard Stark's stuff for Tony while attempting to find a solution to Stark's Palladium Arc Reactor. While Stark looks at his dad's stuff and discovers a new element S.H.I.E.L.D. discuss with Romanoff whether or not Stark fits into the team. Romanoff states Stark's "textbook narcissism" to which they suggest they only keep Stark as consultant for the Avengers.

2011

 * After the Hulk's battle with the Abomination, S.H.I.E.L.D. discusses on whether or not Bruce Banner should be part of the Avengers due to his fugitive status though Fury agrees with the idea believing they can use the Hulk in a way the government wanted but unlike them, use him as a hero rather than a weapon. Knowing Banner has left America, he sends Tony Stark to talk to General Ross about the team.