Marvel Cinematic Universe: Definitive Guide To Easter Eggs, In-Jokes And Foreshadowing
The Avengers
20. The Computer Banks On Helicarrier Bridge Are Shaped Like The S.H.I.E.L.D. Logo
The S.H.I.E.L.D. logo is everywhere on the Helicarrier, even in the floorplan for the control room; the computer banks are angled like the eagle's wings and there's even a head drawn on the floor at the entrance to the room. Nick Fury's clearly been on a course on brand synergy.
19. A New S.H.I.E.L.D. Logo
Speaking of the S.H.I.E.L.D. logo, observant viewers will have noticed that during the first act of The Avengers there's been a bit of a redesign; instead of the U.S. inspired logo used thus far, it's a more angular, modern design. The old logo was last scene in the opening and makes the odd appearance in Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., signalling a gradual, in-universe re-branding.
18. Odins Ravens
Barely visible (although easier to hear) when Thor confronts Loki about the location of the Tesseract are Odin's two ravens, Hugin and Munin. They can be seen flying by the duo during a wide shot and later perched on the top of a rock as Iron Man flies in to disrupt the brothers. Clearly Odin wanted to keep a close eye on what's going on, something that befits the ruler of the whole Universe.
17. Black Sabbath T-Shirt
In a reference that at first seems obvious, but is in fact incredibly protracted, Tony Stark is wearing a Black Sabbath t-shirt through much of the film's middle act. Sabbath's song Iron Man had no original relation to the hero, but has been semi-adopted by the MCU; the song was used in the first two stand-alone movies.
16. Hydra Logo On Weapons
The clues that S.H.I.E.L.D. wasn't as upstanding as it first seemed have been present since The Incredible Hulk, but get tipped over the edge in The Avengers, where Captain America discovers the organisation is pulling a Hydra and developing weapons based off the Tesseract's power. In fact, they're not just following the evil group's lead - those are the actual Hydra weapons from Captain America: The First Avenger (which makes a lot more sense given The Winter Soldier's twist).
