The Alliance of Shades were active since at least the 1950s, at which time Mister Dread and the other Men in Black were active. (TV: Dreamland) In 1972, the Alliance of Shades had discontinued their use of the Men in Black and deactivated them, with the exception of those that had a purpose left to serve. Dread and two other of the agents were kept active and were used to guard a hyperdimensional vault. (TV: The Vault of Secrets)