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Defenders (comics)
Encyclopedia
The Defenders is the name of a number of Marvel Comics
superhero
groups which are usually presented as a "non-team" of individualistic "outsiders," each known for following their own agendas. The team usually battled mystic
and supernatural
threats.
Its original incarnation was led by Doctor Strange
and also included the Hulk
, Namor, and as a kind of belated addition, the Silver Surfer
. They first appeared as The Defenders in Marvel Feature
#1 (December 1971).
The group had a rotating line-up from 1972 until 1986, with Dr. Strange and the Hulk being more or less constant members along with a number of other mainstays such as Valkyrie, Nighthawk
, Hellcat, Gargoyle, Beast, Daimon Hellstrom
and Power Man
, and a large number of hangers on and temporary members. The publication was retitled near the end of the run as The New Defenders but featured none of the original members and only Valkyrie, Beast and Gargoyle of the former long term members. The concept was modified in the 1993–95 series Secret Defenders, in which Dr. Strange assembled different teams for each individual mission. Later, the original team were reunited in a short lived series by Kurt Busiek
and Erik Larsen
. In the 2000s, Marvel published a new miniseries featuring the classic line-up. Writer Matt Fraction and artist Terry Dodson will be launching a new Defenders series in December, 2011.
prior to the official founding of the team. The first, in Doctor Strange #183 (November 1969), Sub-Mariner #22 (February 1970), and The Incredible Hulk #126 (April 1970) occurred when the Dr. Strange series was canceled and the storyline was completed in the other series. Dr. Strange teams with Sub-Mariner, then the Hulk to protect the Earth from invasion by Lovecraftian
inter-planar beings known as the Undying Ones
and their leader, the Nameless One
. Barbara Norriss, later the host of the Valkyrie, first appears in this story. In the second arc (featured in Sub-Mariner #34 and #35, February and March 1971), Namor enlists the aid of the Silver Surfer and the Hulk to stop a potentially devastating weather control experiment (and to inadvertently free a small island nation from a dictator) and face the Avengers under the unofficial name of the "Titans Three" (these two story arcs were reprinted in the first Essential Defenders volume).
The Defenders first appeared as a feature in Marvel Feature
#1 (December, 1971), where the founding members gathered to battle the alien techno-wizard Yandroth, who had invented a machine that could set off nuclear stockpiles all over the planet, and remained as a team afterward. Due to the popularity of their tryout in Marvel Feature, Marvel soon began publishing The Defenders.
The best-known and most prominent Defenders are Doctor Strange
, the Hulk
, Namor the Sub-Mariner, the Silver Surfer
, Valkyrie, Nighthawk
, and Hellcat. Many other heroes worked with the team in its original incarnation, and several became official members. Notable associate members include Clea
, Hawkeye
, Son of Satan
, Luke Cage
(Power Man), Red Guardian
, Gargoyle, Devil-Slayer, Moondragon
, the Beast
, Iceman
, and Angel.
’s run on the Defenders saw a deconstruction
of the superhero genre that predates the exploration of such ideas in the 1980s and 1990s. Gerber first worked on the characters in Giant-Size Defenders #3 (January 1975) and became the writer of the main title with issue #20 the following month. He wrote the book until issue #41 (November 1976). Gerber developed an individual voice that mixed adventure with social satire and absurdist humor throughout his lengthy run on The Defenders (including the introduction of Korvac
). In one issue, for example, a group of supervillains, tired of always being beaten by the good guys, seeks out a self-help
guru for motivation. Another important part of Gerber's oeuvre was reviving forgotten characters; he brought back three pre-Marvel characters, the Headmen
. The Defenders met Gerber's Howard the Duck
in Marvel Treasury Edition #12 (1976)
's 1977–1979 run as writer was also eventful and decidedly offbeat, developing the tone set by Gerber in the series. In The Defenders, Kraft wrestled with large philosophical issues: the temptations of power, the Cold War and nuclear power, sibling rivalry, and growing old alone. Notable storylines from the Kraft era were the 1977 "Scorpio Saga" story-arc (issues #46, 48–50), and the "Xenogenesis: Day of the Demons" storyline, (issues #58-60), where Kraft merged his interests in music and comics by inserting multiple references to the band Blue Öyster Cult
into the stories.
, Marvel Man, Captain Mar-Vell, Ms. Marvel
, Nova
(Richard Rider), Torpedo
, Stingray
, Havok, Polaris
, Black Goliath
, White Tiger
, Captain Ultra
, the Jack of Hearts, Hercules
, Prowler
and Tagak the Leopard Lord
.
The same storyline also had a number of villains attempting to present themselves as new Defenders members in order to confuse the authorities and the public as they committed robberies. Members included android versions of Libra and Sagittarius
, as well as the Beetle
, Batroc the Leaper
, the Shocker
, and others.
that stated that these four, operating as a group, would be responsible for destroying the world. The Beast then reformed the team as an official super-hero team complete with government clearance. The remaining Defenders disbanded in New Defenders #152. Several members (Gargoyle, Moondragon, Valkyrie, Andromeda, Manslaughter, Interloper) had seemingly died in battle with the Dragon of the Moon
and the remaining members left the team to join X-Factor
. Several of these seemingly-deceased members later returned in issues of Solo Avengers, in Strange Tales vol. 2 #5-7, followed by issues #3-4 of the relaunched Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme series.
In 1992, after it was revealed in Hulk #370-371 that the prophecy had been falsified, the original Defenders were reunited in a story entitled The Return of the Defenders running in Hulk Annual #18, Namor Annual #2, Silver Surfer Annual #5, and Dr. Strange, Sorcerer Supreme Annual #2.
#374, before being officially introduced in Secret Defenders #1.
The series premise originally was that Doctor Strange would organize various teams of heroes for certain missions, with him as the leader. Members included Wolverine
, Darkhawk
, Spider-Woman, Spider-Man
, Hulk, Ghost Rider
, and others. This would last for the first several months of the title, before Doctor Strange was removed from the book, due to the character being reassigned to the "Midnight Sons
" line at Marvel.
After an arc where the supervillain
Thanos
organized a team of "Secret Defenders" for a mission, leadership of the Secret Defenders passed to Doctor Druid
and the series itself abandoned the revolving door roster in favor of a group of new characters working under Druid. The series however, by this point, had lost much of the hype that had preceded its launch, and was quietly canceled with Secret Defenders #25.
and Erik Larsen
, immediately followed by The Order #1-6, in which Yandroth manipulated Gaea into "cursing" the primary four Defenders (Doctor Strange, the Sub-Mariner, the Hulk, and the Silver Surfer) so that they would be summoned to major crisis situations. These members were then mind control
led by Yandroth into forming the world-dominating "Order"; once the Order were freed from this control by their fellow heroes (including their teammates Hellcat, Nighthawk
, and Valkyrie), the Defenders apparently disbanded. A fill-in issue set between these two series was published in 2011.
A Defenders five-issue miniseries
debuted in July 2005, by Keith Giffen
, J. M. DeMatteis
, and Kevin Maguire (as a team, best known for their work on DC's Justice League
franchise), featuring Doctor Strange attempting to reunite the original four Defenders to battle Dormammu
and Umar
. This series focuses mostly on humor as the characters spend most of their time arguing with and criticizing one another. The series was later collected into both hardcover and trade paperback collections, entitled Defenders: Indefensible.
wrote a new miniseries with a new line-up of Defenders as a result of the Super-Human Registration Act and the events of the Civil War
. Nighthawk
wanted a team made up of previous Defenders like Hellcat and Devil Slayer but Tony Stark (Iron Man
) makes the decision to select other heroes for the team as the original Defenders team was unstable in membership. The line-up is being led by Nighthawk, with Blazing Skull
, Colossus
, and She-Hulk
also as members. The Defenders are assigned to New Jersey under the Fifty State Initiative
, because the proximity to New York City demands more experienced heroes than can just be recruited from the ranks of Camp Hammond. The team is disbanded for incompetence but Richmond eventually founds a team outside the Initiative with the Son of Satan
, She-Hulk
, Krang
, and Nighthawk (S.H.I.E.L.D.
agent Joaquin Pennyworth). The team reappears in the mini-series Vengeance (2011).
, Terrax the Tamer
, and Tiger Shark and fights past versions of their enemies.
events, Doctor Strange reunites a new version of the Defenders with Lyra
, daughter of Hulk, Namor, Loa
, a student of the X-Men
, and the Silver Surfer
to confront Attuma
who has become Nerkkod, Breaker of Oceans. Many past Defenders appear in the last issue.
, Hellcat, and Gargoyle. A secondary tier of Defenders might include such members as Clea, Hawkeye, Red Guardian, the Son of Satan, Devil-Slayer, Moondragon, and later, Iceman, Angel, and Beast of the X-Men. Membership was clearer in the New Defenders era when the team was more formally organized.
as leader, joined by a custom selection of heroes chosen for the mission at hand. At various times, War Machine
, Darkhawk
, Thunderstrike
, Wolverine
, the second Spider-Woman, Ant-Man
, Iceman
, Nomad
, and many others were members.
At the end of its existence, the group had a somewhat regular composition including Cadaver, Sepulchre
, Joshua Pryce, and Doctor Druid.
, Doctor Strange assembled a team of heroes that has been nicknamed 'the Defenders' by fans - consisting of himself, the Hulk, Wolverine, Spider-Man
, She-Hulk
, Ms. Marvel
, and Nova
- to combat the villain Titannus
, subsequently creating a similar team - replacing Nova and the Hulk with Luke Cage
and Captain America
- to oppose Titannus' return.
In the Ultimate Marvel universe
, the Defenders are a group of amateur vigilantes who dress up as superheroes. None of them have superpowers, although they claim to be experienced in crime-fighting. Henry Pym is invited to join them, and he accepts, adopting a new identity- Ant-Man- to avoid the potential legal problems of using his growth serum as it is now the official property of the government. The Defenders are thrilled at the prospect of having an actual superhuman join their team, and convince Pym they are a serious project. Their first mission together is a disaster, and Pym, who wanted to remain out of the spotlight, is forced by the Valkyrie to reveal himself to save them, humiliating himself in the process as he grows to giant-size without a costume, resulting in him being photographed naked. Their members include Ultimate versions of Power Man
, Hellcat
, Nighthawk
, Valkyrie, Black Knight
, and Son of Satan
. They are later joined by Whiz-Kid, a wheelchair bound boy suffering from polio
. He claims to have the ability to vary the temperature of certain inorganic materials.
The Valkyrie claims to be a martial arts expert, and then admits that she can't even pass her orange belt. Nighthawk
injures himself during an apprehension of a cigarette raid. The Defenders travel the city via taxi and are often late. Later they manage to buy a Pontiac Firebird
, which they obtained by sending several letters asking for money for proper transportation because of Whiz-Kid's condition. To convince Pym that they are a real superhero team they claim Dr. Strange is a member, and that two X-Men (Iceman and Angel) will show as soon as the Defenders get corporate sponsorship. All of this is untrue, though it is a reference to the classic team, seeing as all of the characters they listed were members in the classic Marvel Universe.
Son of Satan is revealed to be a S.H.I.E.L.D spy.
The members of the team seem genuinely perplexed as to why characters such as Spider-Man
are considered heroes and they are not, even though the group has not defeated any villains or saved anyone's lives from danger. When Pym points out that "you have to do something heroic," Nighthawk
misses the point and insists that Pym is right: "it's all about marketing." The Defenders here appear to be much more interested in becoming celebrities as a self described superhero team rather than actually going out and stopping crimes or saving lives. Even their eldest member, the Black Knight, when witnessing Iron Man flying towards a fire, is more concerned about him "stealing all the glory," while the Defenders try to hail a cab to get to the same fire.
However, since The Ultimates volume 3 (written by Jeph Loeb, and not Mark Millar), Pym has rejoined the Ultimates, and the Valkyrie was rewritten as having powers and skills akin to her 616 counterpart, along with expertise in swordfighting, some degree of enhanced strength, and is being trained by Thor.
As of March 2010, the Defenders have returned in New Ultimates #1 as a now super-powered team with the originals members returning, but now possessing superhuman abilities that fit with their chosen namesakes. It's revealed that Loki gave them these powers (Valkyrie included), in order to steal Mjolnir, Thor's hammer.
killed Charles Xavier
, the Defenders were the sole group resisting the regime of the mutant tyrant Apocalypse
. They were formed by Captain America
(wielding Mjolnir), Captain Britain
(wearing the Iron Man
armor), Logan
(without an adamantium skeleton), Molecule Man
, Brother Voodoo
(Sorcerer Supreme
following the death of Doctor Strange
), and the Thing
(who wears a prosthetic arm). They are later joined by Sauron
and Nate Summers
.
, the Defenders received a full team affiliation in the Marvel Team-Up set. Their team focuses on Doctor Strange, the Hulk, Namor, and the Silver Surfer, using smaller characters such as Hellcat, Hawkeye, and Valkyrie to support them. The team was popular, and a number of different incarnations of the team have appeared in major tournaments.
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
groups which are usually presented as a "non-team" of individualistic "outsiders," each known for following their own agendas. The team usually battled mystic
Mysticism
Mysticism is the knowledge of, and especially the personal experience of, states of consciousness, i.e. levels of being, beyond normal human perception, including experience and even communion with a supreme being.-Classical origins:...
and supernatural
Supernatural
The supernatural or is that which is not subject to the laws of nature, or more figuratively, that which is said to exist above and beyond nature...
threats.
Its original incarnation was led by Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange
Doctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Strange Tales #110 ....
and also included the Hulk
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
, Namor, and as a kind of belated addition, the Silver Surfer
Silver Surfer
The Silver Surfer is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Jack Kirby. The character first appears in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue arc that fans call "The Galactus Trilogy"....
. They first appeared as The Defenders in Marvel Feature
Marvel Feature
Marvel Feature was the name of two comic book showcase series published by Marvel Comics in the 1970s. The first volume led to the launching of the new ongoing series The Defenders and Marvel Two-in-One, while volume two led to the new ongoing series Red Sonja.- Volume One :The first series was a...
#1 (December 1971).
The group had a rotating line-up from 1972 until 1986, with Dr. Strange and the Hulk being more or less constant members along with a number of other mainstays such as Valkyrie, Nighthawk
Nighthawk
A nighthawk is a nocturnal bird of the subfamily Chordeilinae, within the nightjar family, Caprimulgidae. Nighthawks are medium-sized New World birds, with long wings, short legs, and very short bills. They usually nest on the ground. They feed on flying insects. The Least Nighthawk, at and ,...
, Hellcat, Gargoyle, Beast, Daimon Hellstrom
Daimon Hellstrom
Daimon Hellstrom, also known as the Son of Satan and Hellstorm, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:He first appeared in Ghost Rider Daimon Hellstrom, also known as the Son of Satan and Hellstorm, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics...
and Power Man
Power Man
Power Man, in comics, may refer to:* Luke Cage, a Marvel Comics superhero, who adopted the name Power Man for a time* Erik Josten, a Marvel supervillain later known as Smuggler, Goliath and Atlas...
, and a large number of hangers on and temporary members. The publication was retitled near the end of the run as The New Defenders but featured none of the original members and only Valkyrie, Beast and Gargoyle of the former long term members. The concept was modified in the 1993–95 series Secret Defenders, in which Dr. Strange assembled different teams for each individual mission. Later, the original team were reunited in a short lived series by Kurt Busiek
Kurt Busiek
Kurt Busiek is an American comic book writer notable for his work on the Marvels limited series, his own title Astro City, and his four-year run on Avengers.-Early life:...
and Erik Larsen
Erik Larsen
Erik J. Larsen is an American comic book writer, artist and publisher. He is best known for his work on Savage Dragon, as one of the founders of Image Comics, and for his work on Spider-Man for Marvel Comics.-Early life:...
. In the 2000s, Marvel published a new miniseries featuring the classic line-up. Writer Matt Fraction and artist Terry Dodson will be launching a new Defenders series in December, 2011.
Publication history
The origin of the Defenders can be traced back to two crossover story arcs by Roy ThomasRoy Thomas
Roy William Thomas, Jr. is an American comic book writer and editor, and Stan Lee's first successor as editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics. He is possibly best known for introducing the pulp magazine hero Conan the Barbarian to American comics, with a series that added to the storyline of Robert E...
prior to the official founding of the team. The first, in Doctor Strange #183 (November 1969), Sub-Mariner #22 (February 1970), and The Incredible Hulk #126 (April 1970) occurred when the Dr. Strange series was canceled and the storyline was completed in the other series. Dr. Strange teams with Sub-Mariner, then the Hulk to protect the Earth from invasion by Lovecraftian
H. P. Lovecraft
Howard Phillips Lovecraft --often credited as H.P. Lovecraft — was an American author of horror, fantasy and science fiction, especially the subgenre known as weird fiction....
inter-planar beings known as the Undying Ones
Undying Ones
The Undying Ones are a fictional race found books published by Marvel Comics. They are a race of humanoid demons from another dimension.-Publication history:...
and their leader, the Nameless One
Nameless One (Marvel Comics)
The Nameless One is a fictional character, a demon in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:The Nameless One first appeared in Sub-Mariner #22 , and was created by Roy Thomas and Marie Severin....
. Barbara Norriss, later the host of the Valkyrie, first appears in this story. In the second arc (featured in Sub-Mariner #34 and #35, February and March 1971), Namor enlists the aid of the Silver Surfer and the Hulk to stop a potentially devastating weather control experiment (and to inadvertently free a small island nation from a dictator) and face the Avengers under the unofficial name of the "Titans Three" (these two story arcs were reprinted in the first Essential Defenders volume).
The Defenders first appeared as a feature in Marvel Feature
Marvel Feature
Marvel Feature was the name of two comic book showcase series published by Marvel Comics in the 1970s. The first volume led to the launching of the new ongoing series The Defenders and Marvel Two-in-One, while volume two led to the new ongoing series Red Sonja.- Volume One :The first series was a...
#1 (December, 1971), where the founding members gathered to battle the alien techno-wizard Yandroth, who had invented a machine that could set off nuclear stockpiles all over the planet, and remained as a team afterward. Due to the popularity of their tryout in Marvel Feature, Marvel soon began publishing The Defenders.
The best-known and most prominent Defenders are Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange
Doctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Strange Tales #110 ....
, the Hulk
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
, Namor the Sub-Mariner, the Silver Surfer
Silver Surfer
The Silver Surfer is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Jack Kirby. The character first appears in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue arc that fans call "The Galactus Trilogy"....
, Valkyrie, Nighthawk
Nighthawk (Marvel Comics)
Nighthawk is the name of several fictional characters that appear in publications published by Marvel Comics. There have been five versions of the character: a supervillain-turned-superhero from the mainstream Marvel Universe continuity, Kyle Richmond, who belonged to the team Squadron Sinister;...
, and Hellcat. Many other heroes worked with the team in its original incarnation, and several became official members. Notable associate members include Clea
Clea
Clea is a fictional character, a sorceress in the . She is the disciple and lover of Doctor Strange. Created by co-plotters Stan Lee and Steve Ditko , Clea first appeared in the Doctor Strange feature in Strange Tales #126 .Clea is a human-appearing being and maternally related to the...
, Hawkeye
Hawkeye (comics)
Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
, Son of Satan
Daimon Hellstrom
Daimon Hellstrom, also known as the Son of Satan and Hellstorm, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:He first appeared in Ghost Rider Daimon Hellstrom, also known as the Son of Satan and Hellstorm, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics...
, Luke Cage
Luke Cage
Luke Cage is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., he first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1...
(Power Man), Red Guardian
Starlight (comics)
Starlight is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. Created by Steve Gerber and Sal Buscema, she first appeared in Defenders # 35 .-Fictional character biography:Tania Belinsky was born in Leningrad, in the former Soviet Union...
, Gargoyle, Devil-Slayer, Moondragon
Moondragon
Moondragon is a fictional character in Marvel Comics Universe. A vastly powerful telepath, master martial artist, minor telekinetic, and highly skilled geneticist, Moondragon's most notable characteristics are her shaved head, superiority complex, and gruelling elite excellence in virtually every...
, the Beast
Beast (comics)
Beast , Dr. Henry Philip "Hank" McCoy, is a comic book character, a Marvel Comics superhero and a member of the mutant team of superheroes known as the X-Men...
, Iceman
Iceman (comics)
Iceman is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero, a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in X-Men vol. 1 #1, ....
, and Angel.
Steve Gerber
Steve GerberSteve Gerber
Stephen Ross "Steve" Gerber was an American comic book writer best known as co-creator of the satiric Marvel Comics character Howard the Duck....
’s run on the Defenders saw a deconstruction
Deconstruction
Deconstruction is a term introduced by French philosopher Jacques Derrida in his 1967 book Of Grammatology. Although he carefully avoided defining the term directly, he sought to apply Martin Heidegger's concept of Destruktion or Abbau, to textual reading...
of the superhero genre that predates the exploration of such ideas in the 1980s and 1990s. Gerber first worked on the characters in Giant-Size Defenders #3 (January 1975) and became the writer of the main title with issue #20 the following month. He wrote the book until issue #41 (November 1976). Gerber developed an individual voice that mixed adventure with social satire and absurdist humor throughout his lengthy run on The Defenders (including the introduction of Korvac
Korvac
Michael Korvac is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Giant-Size Defenders #3 Michael Korvac (often called Korvac or The Enemy) is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character...
). In one issue, for example, a group of supervillains, tired of always being beaten by the good guys, seeks out a self-help
Self-help
Self-help, or self-improvement, is a self-guided improvement—economically, intellectually, or emotionally—often with a substantial psychological basis. There are many different self-help movements and each has its own focus, techniques, associated beliefs, proponents and in some cases, leaders...
guru for motivation. Another important part of Gerber's oeuvre was reviving forgotten characters; he brought back three pre-Marvel characters, the Headmen
Headmen
The Headmen is a group of fictional supervillains in the Marvel Comics universe. They first appeared in The Defenders #21 .-Fictional biography:...
. The Defenders met Gerber's Howard the Duck
Howard the Duck
Howard the Duck is a comic book character in the Marvel Comics universe created by writer Steve Gerber and artist Val Mayerik. The character first appeared in Adventure into Fear #19 and several subsequent series have chronicled the misadventures of the ill-tempered, anthropomorphic, "funny...
in Marvel Treasury Edition #12 (1976)
DAK
David Anthony KraftDavid Anthony Kraft
David Anthony Kraft, also credited simply as David Kraft, is an American comic book writer, publisher, and critic. He is primarily known for his long-running journal of interviews and criticism, Comics Interview.- Writing career :...
's 1977–1979 run as writer was also eventful and decidedly offbeat, developing the tone set by Gerber in the series. In The Defenders, Kraft wrestled with large philosophical issues: the temptations of power, the Cold War and nuclear power, sibling rivalry, and growing old alone. Notable storylines from the Kraft era were the 1977 "Scorpio Saga" story-arc (issues #46, 48–50), and the "Xenogenesis: Day of the Demons" storyline, (issues #58-60), where Kraft merged his interests in music and comics by inserting multiple references to the band Blue Öyster Cult
Blue Öyster Cult
Blue Öyster Cult, often abbreviated BÖC, is an American rock band, most of whose members first came together in Long Island, NY in 1967 as the band Soft White Underbelly...
into the stories.
"Defenders for a Day"
A storyline in issues #63-65 (written by Kraft) had dozens of new applicants attempting to join the Defenders. All of them left shortly after for various reasons, mostly disappointment with the existing members. Among them were the FalconFalcon (comics)
The Falcon is a fictional comic book superhero in comic books published by Marvel Comics.Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan, and introduced in Captain America #117 , the character is mainstream comics' first African-American superhero...
, Marvel Man, Captain Mar-Vell, Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel is the name of a fictional character appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Roy Thomas and designed by artist Gene Colan, the non-powered Carol Danvers debuted as a member of the United States Air Force in Marvel Super-Heroes #13 and as Ms. Marvel—a...
, Nova
Nova (comics)
Nova is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Upon becoming a member of the galaxy's Nova Corps , the youth gained enhanced strength, flight, injury resistance, and a specialized uniform with life support.In May 2011, Nova placed 98th on IGN's Top 100 Comic...
(Richard Rider), Torpedo
Torpedo (Marvel Comics)
Torpedo is the name of five fictional characters that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The first version of the Torpedo was not related to subsequent versions and debuted in a one-shot story in Daredevil #59 Torpedo is the name of five fictional characters that...
, Stingray
Stingray (comics)
Stingray is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The character first appears as Walter Newell in Tales to Astonish #95 and as Stingray in Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner #19 Stingray (Walter Newell) is a fictional character that appears...
, Havok, Polaris
Polaris (comics)
Polaris is a fictional comic book character appearing in books published by Marvel Comics, in particular the X-Men family of books. Created by Arnold Drake, Don Heck, Werner Roth and Jim Steranko, Polaris first appeared in The X-Men #49...
, Black Goliath
Bill Foster (comics)
Dr. Bill Foster, also known as Black Goliath, the second Giant-Man, and the fourth Goliath, is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:...
, White Tiger
White Tiger (Hector Ayala)
White Tiger is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe, and was created by Bill Mantlo and George Pérez. First appearing in Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #19 , he is the first Puerto Rican superhero in the history of comics, and Marvel's first superhero of Hispanic descent.- Publication history...
, Captain Ultra
Captain Ultra
Captain Ultra is a fictional character, a comedic superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared in Fantastic Four #177 and was created by Roy Thomas, George Pérez and Joe Sinnott....
, the Jack of Hearts, Hercules
Hercules (Marvel Comics)
Hercules is a fictional character that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Journey into Mystery Annual #1 and was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby....
, Prowler
Prowler (comics)
The Prowler is the name of three fictional characters owned by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The original Prowler character was a criminal-turned-superhero named Hobie Brown. He debuted in The Amazing Spider-Man #78...
and Tagak the Leopard Lord
Tagak the Leopard Lord
Tagak is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.Tagak is a blind extra-dimensional humanoid with a pet leopard.-Fictional character biography:...
.
The same storyline also had a number of villains attempting to present themselves as new Defenders members in order to confuse the authorities and the public as they committed robberies. Members included android versions of Libra and Sagittarius
Sagittarius (comics)
Sagittarius is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:The original Sagittarius first appeared in Avengers #72 , and was created by Roy Thomas and Sal Buscema....
, as well as the Beetle
Beetle (comics)
Abner Ronald Jenkins is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:...
, Batroc the Leaper
Batroc the Leaper
Batroc the Leaper is a fictional villain from Marvel Comics. His first appearance was in Tales of Suspense #75, 1966...
, the Shocker
Shocker (comics)
The Shocker or just Shocker is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #46 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Romita, Sr.-Fictional character biography:Herman Schultz was born in New York...
, and others.
New Defenders
As of issue #125, Defenders was retitled to New Defenders as the original four members (Doctor Strange, the Silver Surfer, the Hulk, and Namor) were forced to leave the team. This was the result of an alien prophecyElf with a Gun
Elf with a Gun is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. The Elf first appeared in Defenders #25 , and was created by Steve Gerber and Sal Buscema....
that stated that these four, operating as a group, would be responsible for destroying the world. The Beast then reformed the team as an official super-hero team complete with government clearance. The remaining Defenders disbanded in New Defenders #152. Several members (Gargoyle, Moondragon, Valkyrie, Andromeda, Manslaughter, Interloper) had seemingly died in battle with the Dragon of the Moon
Dragon of the Moon
The Dragon of the Moon is a fictional character, a malevolent entity appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. It has been a foe of both the Defenders and the Eternals.-Publication history:...
and the remaining members left the team to join X-Factor
X-Factor (comics)
X-Factor is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics. It is a spin-off of the popular X-Men franchise, featuring characters from X-Men stories. The series has been relaunched several times with different team rosters, most recently as X-Factor Investigations.X-Factor launched in...
. Several of these seemingly-deceased members later returned in issues of Solo Avengers, in Strange Tales vol. 2 #5-7, followed by issues #3-4 of the relaunched Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme series.
In 1992, after it was revealed in Hulk #370-371 that the prophecy had been falsified, the original Defenders were reunited in a story entitled The Return of the Defenders running in Hulk Annual #18, Namor Annual #2, Silver Surfer Annual #5, and Dr. Strange, Sorcerer Supreme Annual #2.
Secret Defenders
In 1993, Marvel sought to revive the "Defenders" brand as "The Secret Defenders". The new team first appeared, unofficially, in Dr. Strange #50 and later Fantastic FourFantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
#374, before being officially introduced in Secret Defenders #1.
The series premise originally was that Doctor Strange would organize various teams of heroes for certain missions, with him as the leader. Members included Wolverine
Wolverine (comics)
Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
, Darkhawk
Darkhawk
Darkhawk is a fictional comic book superhero who first appeared in his own self-titled series, Darkhawk #1...
, Spider-Woman, Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, Hulk, Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider (comics)
Ghost Rider is the name of several fictional supernatural antiheroes appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Marvel had previously used the name for a Western character whose name was later changed to Night Rider and subsequently to Phantom Rider.The first supernatural Ghost Rider is...
, and others. This would last for the first several months of the title, before Doctor Strange was removed from the book, due to the character being reassigned to the "Midnight Sons
Midnight Sons
The Midnight Sons is fictional team of supernatural superheroes in the Marvel Comics Universe. The team first appears in Ghost Rider The Midnight Sons is fictional team of supernatural superheroes in the Marvel Comics Universe. The team first appears in Ghost Rider The Midnight Sons is fictional...
" line at Marvel.
After an arc where the supervillain
Supervillain
A supervillain or supervillainess is a variant of the villain character type, commonly found in comic books, action movies and science fiction in various media.They are sometimes used as foils to superheroes and other fictional heroes...
Thanos
Thanos
Thanos is a fictional character that appears in comic books and other media published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Iron Man #55 and was created by writer-artist Jim Starlin....
organized a team of "Secret Defenders" for a mission, leadership of the Secret Defenders passed to Doctor Druid
Doctor Druid
Doctor Druid, also known as Doctor Droom and Druid, is a fictional character, a supernatural monster-hunter in the Marvel Comics universe....
and the series itself abandoned the revolving door roster in favor of a group of new characters working under Druid. The series however, by this point, had lost much of the hype that had preceded its launch, and was quietly canceled with Secret Defenders #25.
Reunion & The Order
In 2001-2002, The Defenders reunited in Defenders (volume 2) #1-12 created by Kurt BusiekKurt Busiek
Kurt Busiek is an American comic book writer notable for his work on the Marvels limited series, his own title Astro City, and his four-year run on Avengers.-Early life:...
and Erik Larsen
Erik Larsen
Erik J. Larsen is an American comic book writer, artist and publisher. He is best known for his work on Savage Dragon, as one of the founders of Image Comics, and for his work on Spider-Man for Marvel Comics.-Early life:...
, immediately followed by The Order #1-6, in which Yandroth manipulated Gaea into "cursing" the primary four Defenders (Doctor Strange, the Sub-Mariner, the Hulk, and the Silver Surfer) so that they would be summoned to major crisis situations. These members were then mind control
Mind control
Mind control refers to a process in which a group or individual "systematically uses unethically manipulative methods to persuade others to conform to the wishes of the manipulator, often to the detriment of the person being manipulated"...
led by Yandroth into forming the world-dominating "Order"; once the Order were freed from this control by their fellow heroes (including their teammates Hellcat, Nighthawk
Nighthawk (Marvel Comics)
Nighthawk is the name of several fictional characters that appear in publications published by Marvel Comics. There have been five versions of the character: a supervillain-turned-superhero from the mainstream Marvel Universe continuity, Kyle Richmond, who belonged to the team Squadron Sinister;...
, and Valkyrie), the Defenders apparently disbanded. A fill-in issue set between these two series was published in 2011.
A Defenders five-issue miniseries
Limited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
debuted in July 2005, by Keith Giffen
Keith Giffen
Keith Ian Giffen is an American comic book illustrator and writer.-Biography:Giffen was born in Queens, New York City....
, J. M. DeMatteis
J. M. DeMatteis
John Marc DeMatteis is an American writer of comic books.-Early career:Born in Brooklyn, DeMatteis graduated from Midwood High School and Empire State College. He worked as a music critic before getting his start in comic books at DC Comics in the late 1970s...
, and Kevin Maguire (as a team, best known for their work on DC's Justice League
Justice League
The Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
franchise), featuring Doctor Strange attempting to reunite the original four Defenders to battle Dormammu
Dormammu
Dormammu is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Strange Tales #126 Dormammu is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Strange Tales #126 Dormammu is a...
and Umar
Umar (Marvel Comics)
Umar is a fictional character who resides in the "Dark Dimension" of the Marvel Comics multiverse. She is a Faltine, but is trapped in human form. Although she is a sorceress and has vast magical powers, she is still second to her brother Dormammu...
. This series focuses mostly on humor as the characters spend most of their time arguing with and criticizing one another. The series was later collected into both hardcover and trade paperback collections, entitled Defenders: Indefensible.
The Last Defenders
Joe CaseyJoe Casey
Joe Casey is an American comic book writer. He has worked on titles such as Wildcats 3.0, Uncanny X-Men, The Intimates, Adventures of Superman, and G.I. Joe: America's Elite, among others.-Biography:...
wrote a new miniseries with a new line-up of Defenders as a result of the Super-Human Registration Act and the events of the Civil War
Civil War (comics)
Civil War is a 2006-2007 Marvel Comics crossover storyline built around a self-titled seven-issue limited series written by Mark Millar and penciled by Steve McNiven, which ran through various other titles published by Marvel at the time...
. Nighthawk
Nighthawk (Marvel Comics)
Nighthawk is the name of several fictional characters that appear in publications published by Marvel Comics. There have been five versions of the character: a supervillain-turned-superhero from the mainstream Marvel Universe continuity, Kyle Richmond, who belonged to the team Squadron Sinister;...
wanted a team made up of previous Defenders like Hellcat and Devil Slayer but Tony Stark (Iron Man
Iron Man
Iron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
) makes the decision to select other heroes for the team as the original Defenders team was unstable in membership. The line-up is being led by Nighthawk, with Blazing Skull
Blazing Skull
The Blazing Skull is a fictional superhero in the Marvel Comics universe, created during the 1930-'40s Golden Age of Comic Books for Marvel's predecessor, Timely Comics...
, Colossus
Colossus (comics)
Colossus is a fictional character, a superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer Len Wein and illustrator Dave Cockrum, he first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1...
, and She-Hulk
She-Hulk
She-Hulk is a Marvel Comics superheroine. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she first appeared in Savage She-Hulk #1 ....
also as members. The Defenders are assigned to New Jersey under the Fifty State Initiative
Fifty State Initiative
The Fifty State Initiative, often referred to as simply The Initiative, is a fictional governmental plan that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics, in particular those related to The Avengers...
, because the proximity to New York City demands more experienced heroes than can just be recruited from the ranks of Camp Hammond. The team is disbanded for incompetence but Richmond eventually founds a team outside the Initiative with the Son of Satan
Daimon Hellstrom
Daimon Hellstrom, also known as the Son of Satan and Hellstorm, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:He first appeared in Ghost Rider Daimon Hellstrom, also known as the Son of Satan and Hellstorm, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics...
, She-Hulk
She-Hulk
She-Hulk is a Marvel Comics superheroine. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she first appeared in Savage She-Hulk #1 ....
, Krang
Krang (comics)
Warlord Krang is a fictional character, in the Marvel Comics universe. He was a high-ranking member of the Atlantean military.-Fictional character biography:...
, and Nighthawk (S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage and a secret military law-enforcement agency in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Strange Tales #135 , it often deals with superhuman threats....
agent Joaquin Pennyworth). The team reappears in the mini-series Vengeance (2011).
The Offenders
The Red Hulk (also known as Rulk) assembles a counter team of supervillains called the Offenders. The team includes Baron MordoBaron Mordo
Baron Karl Amadeus Mordo is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by Marvel Comics and appearing as an enemy of Doctor Strange...
, Terrax the Tamer
Terrax
Terrax the Tamer is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Fantastic Four #211 and was created by Marv Wolfman and John Byrne.-Fictional character biography:...
, and Tiger Shark and fights past versions of their enemies.
Fear Itself: The Deep
During the Fear ItselfFear Itself (comics)
"Fear Itself" is a 2011 crossover comic book storyline published by Marvel Comics, consisting of a seven-issue, eponymous miniseries written by Matt Fraction and illustrated by Stuart Immonen, Wade Von Grawbadger, and Laura Martin, a prologue book by writer Ed Brubaker and artist Scott Eaton, and...
events, Doctor Strange reunites a new version of the Defenders with Lyra
She-Hulk (Lyra)
She-Hulk is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in books published by Marvel Comics. She is from an alternate future of Marvel's main timeline, and is the daughter of that reality's Thundra and the Hulk...
, daughter of Hulk, Namor, Loa
Loa (comics)
Loa is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. A mutant, Loa is a student at the Xavier Institute. She made her debut in New X-Men: Academy X #5.-Before Xavier's:...
, a student of the X-Men
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in the . They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1...
, and the Silver Surfer
Silver Surfer
The Silver Surfer is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Jack Kirby. The character first appears in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue arc that fans call "The Galactus Trilogy"....
to confront Attuma
Attuma
Attuma is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. He is an Atlantean nomadic warlord who is the nemesis of Namor the Sub-Mariner, and is the father of the superhero Andromeda. He believes he is the prophesied conqueror of the Atlantean Empire...
who has become Nerkkod, Breaker of Oceans. Many past Defenders appear in the last issue.
2011 Series
A new Defenders series will be launched, written by Matt Fraction and drawn by Terry Dodson. The new book will feature Doctor Strange, Red She-Hulk, Namor, Hulk, the Silver Surfer and Iron Fist joining forces with a number of other Marvel heroes on a globe-trotting, dimension-hopping adventure to stop "an ancient conspiracy that threatens the unimaginable.""True" Defenders
Defenders membership was fluid as the characters consider the team a "non-team", yet a few members were somewhat recognizable, most noticeably the three founders (Doctor Strange, Namor the Sub-Mariner, and the Incredible Hulk), the Silver Surfer, Valkyrie, NighthawkNighthawk (Marvel Comics)
Nighthawk is the name of several fictional characters that appear in publications published by Marvel Comics. There have been five versions of the character: a supervillain-turned-superhero from the mainstream Marvel Universe continuity, Kyle Richmond, who belonged to the team Squadron Sinister;...
, Hellcat, and Gargoyle. A secondary tier of Defenders might include such members as Clea, Hawkeye, Red Guardian, the Son of Satan, Devil-Slayer, Moondragon, and later, Iceman, Angel, and Beast of the X-Men. Membership was clearer in the New Defenders era when the team was more formally organized.
Secret Defenders
This group is sometimes counted as an extension of the original Defenders, despite being largely different in composition and goals. Its composition was perhaps even more fluid than that of the original Defenders, but typically included either Doctor Strange or Doctor DruidDoctor Druid
Doctor Druid, also known as Doctor Droom and Druid, is a fictional character, a supernatural monster-hunter in the Marvel Comics universe....
as leader, joined by a custom selection of heroes chosen for the mission at hand. At various times, War Machine
War Machine
War Machine is a fictional character, a comic book superhero appearing in comic books set in the Marvel Comics universe. The character of James Rhodes first appeared in Iron Man #118 by David Michelinie, John Byrne and Bob Layton...
, Darkhawk
Darkhawk
Darkhawk is a fictional comic book superhero who first appeared in his own self-titled series, Darkhawk #1...
, Thunderstrike
Thunderstrike (Eric Masterson)
Eric Masterson is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe, a superhero that has appeared as Thor and later Thunderstrike. The character was introduced as a supporting character in the Thor title, but continued in several other comic books, including the self-titled series Thunderstrike...
, Wolverine
Wolverine (comics)
Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
, the second Spider-Woman, Ant-Man
Henry Pym
Dr. Henry "Hank" Pym is a fictional character that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. Created by editor and plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber and penciler Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Tales to Astonish #27...
, Iceman
Iceman (comics)
Iceman is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero, a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in X-Men vol. 1 #1, ....
, Nomad
Nomad (comics)
Nomad is the name of a number of superhero characters who have appeared in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Nomad name and costume was created by writer Steve Englehart and artist Sal Buscema as an alternate identity for the original Captain America, Steve Rogers, in Captain America #180...
, and many others were members.
At the end of its existence, the group had a somewhat regular composition including Cadaver, Sepulchre
Sepulchre (comics)
Sepulchre is a fictional superhero published by Marvel Comics. She first appeared in Quasar #45 , and was created by Mark Gruenwald and Grant Miehm.-Origin:...
, Joshua Pryce, and Doctor Druid.
Legacy
In addition to the various official incarnations of Defenders, there have been other, unnamed teams put together by Doctor Strange that might be considered Defenders. During the latest story-arcs in Marvel Team-UpMarvel Team-Up
Marvel Team-Up is the name of several American comic book series published by Marvel Comics. The series featured two or more Marvel characters in one story...
, Doctor Strange assembled a team of heroes that has been nicknamed 'the Defenders' by fans - consisting of himself, the Hulk, Wolverine, Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, She-Hulk
She-Hulk
She-Hulk is a Marvel Comics superheroine. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she first appeared in Savage She-Hulk #1 ....
, Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel is the name of a fictional character appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Roy Thomas and designed by artist Gene Colan, the non-powered Carol Danvers debuted as a member of the United States Air Force in Marvel Super-Heroes #13 and as Ms. Marvel—a...
, and Nova
Nova (comics)
Nova is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Upon becoming a member of the galaxy's Nova Corps , the youth gained enhanced strength, flight, injury resistance, and a specialized uniform with life support.In May 2011, Nova placed 98th on IGN's Top 100 Comic...
- to combat the villain Titannus
Titannus
Titannus is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared in Marvel Team-Up #2, and was created by Robert Kirkman and Scott Kolins.-Fictional character biography:...
, subsequently creating a similar team - replacing Nova and the Hulk with Luke Cage
Luke Cage
Luke Cage is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., he first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1...
and Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
- to oppose Titannus' return.
Ultimate Defenders
Ultimate Marvel
Ultimate Marvel is an imprint of comic books published by Marvel Comics, featuring reimagined and updated versions of the company's superhero characters, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Avengers, and the Fantastic Four. The imprint was launched in 2000 with the publication of the series...
, the Defenders are a group of amateur vigilantes who dress up as superheroes. None of them have superpowers, although they claim to be experienced in crime-fighting. Henry Pym is invited to join them, and he accepts, adopting a new identity- Ant-Man- to avoid the potential legal problems of using his growth serum as it is now the official property of the government. The Defenders are thrilled at the prospect of having an actual superhuman join their team, and convince Pym they are a serious project. Their first mission together is a disaster, and Pym, who wanted to remain out of the spotlight, is forced by the Valkyrie to reveal himself to save them, humiliating himself in the process as he grows to giant-size without a costume, resulting in him being photographed naked. Their members include Ultimate versions of Power Man
Luke Cage
Luke Cage is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., he first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1...
, Hellcat
Hellcat (comics)
Hellcat is a fictional character published by Marvel Comics. She premiered as the star of a teen romantic-comedy series and was later integrated into Marvel superhero franchises such as the Avengers and the Defenders....
, Nighthawk
Nighthawk (Marvel Comics)
Nighthawk is the name of several fictional characters that appear in publications published by Marvel Comics. There have been five versions of the character: a supervillain-turned-superhero from the mainstream Marvel Universe continuity, Kyle Richmond, who belonged to the team Squadron Sinister;...
, Valkyrie, Black Knight
Black Knight (comics)
The Black Knight is the alias of several fictional comic-book characters that appear in the Marvel Comics universe.The first is a medieval knight created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Joe Maneely. The second is a supervillain descendant of the original, created by writer-editor Stan Lee and...
, and Son of Satan
Daimon Hellstrom
Daimon Hellstrom, also known as the Son of Satan and Hellstorm, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:He first appeared in Ghost Rider Daimon Hellstrom, also known as the Son of Satan and Hellstorm, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics...
. They are later joined by Whiz-Kid, a wheelchair bound boy suffering from polio
Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis, often called polio or infantile paralysis, is an acute viral infectious disease spread from person to person, primarily via the fecal-oral route...
. He claims to have the ability to vary the temperature of certain inorganic materials.
The Valkyrie claims to be a martial arts expert, and then admits that she can't even pass her orange belt. Nighthawk
Nighthawk (Marvel Comics)
Nighthawk is the name of several fictional characters that appear in publications published by Marvel Comics. There have been five versions of the character: a supervillain-turned-superhero from the mainstream Marvel Universe continuity, Kyle Richmond, who belonged to the team Squadron Sinister;...
injures himself during an apprehension of a cigarette raid. The Defenders travel the city via taxi and are often late. Later they manage to buy a Pontiac Firebird
Pontiac Firebird
The Pontiac Firebird was built by the Pontiac division of General Motors between 1967 and 2002. The Firebird was introduced the same year as the automaker's platform-sharing model, the Chevrolet Camaro...
, which they obtained by sending several letters asking for money for proper transportation because of Whiz-Kid's condition. To convince Pym that they are a real superhero team they claim Dr. Strange is a member, and that two X-Men (Iceman and Angel) will show as soon as the Defenders get corporate sponsorship. All of this is untrue, though it is a reference to the classic team, seeing as all of the characters they listed were members in the classic Marvel Universe.
Son of Satan is revealed to be a S.H.I.E.L.D spy.
The members of the team seem genuinely perplexed as to why characters such as Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
are considered heroes and they are not, even though the group has not defeated any villains or saved anyone's lives from danger. When Pym points out that "you have to do something heroic," Nighthawk
Nighthawk (Marvel Comics)
Nighthawk is the name of several fictional characters that appear in publications published by Marvel Comics. There have been five versions of the character: a supervillain-turned-superhero from the mainstream Marvel Universe continuity, Kyle Richmond, who belonged to the team Squadron Sinister;...
misses the point and insists that Pym is right: "it's all about marketing." The Defenders here appear to be much more interested in becoming celebrities as a self described superhero team rather than actually going out and stopping crimes or saving lives. Even their eldest member, the Black Knight, when witnessing Iron Man flying towards a fire, is more concerned about him "stealing all the glory," while the Defenders try to hail a cab to get to the same fire.
However, since The Ultimates volume 3 (written by Jeph Loeb, and not Mark Millar), Pym has rejoined the Ultimates, and the Valkyrie was rewritten as having powers and skills akin to her 616 counterpart, along with expertise in swordfighting, some degree of enhanced strength, and is being trained by Thor.
As of March 2010, the Defenders have returned in New Ultimates #1 as a now super-powered team with the originals members returning, but now possessing superhuman abilities that fit with their chosen namesakes. It's revealed that Loki gave them these powers (Valkyrie included), in order to steal Mjolnir, Thor's hammer.
What If? Age of Apocalypse
In a reality in which LegionLegion (Marvel Comics)
Legion is a Marvel Comics character, created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Bill Sienkiewicz.David is the mutant son of Charles Xavier and Israeli Holocaust survivor Gabrielle Haller...
killed Charles Xavier
Professor X
Professor Charles Francis Xavier, also known as Professor X, is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero known as the leader and founder of the X-Men....
, the Defenders were the sole group resisting the regime of the mutant tyrant Apocalypse
Apocalypse (comics)
Apocalypse is a fictional character who is an ancient mutant that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in X-Factor #5 , created by writer Louise Simonson and designed by artist Walter Simonson...
. They were formed by Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
(wielding Mjolnir), Captain Britain
Captain Britain
Captain Britain , briefly known as Britannic, is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Chris Claremont and Herb Trimpe, he first appeared in Captain Britain Weekly, #1...
(wearing the Iron Man
Iron Man
Iron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
armor), Logan
Wolverine (comics)
Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
(without an adamantium skeleton), Molecule Man
Molecule Man
Molecule Man is a fictional character, a supervillain or reluctant hero in the Marvel Comics universe, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The character first appeared in Fantastic Four vol. 1, #20.-1960s:...
, Brother Voodoo
Brother Voodoo
Brother Voodoo is a fictional character, a supernatural superhero in the Marvel Universe. Created by writer Len Wein and artist Gene Colan, he first appears in Strange Tales #169...
(Sorcerer Supreme
Sorcerer Supreme
Sorcerer Supreme or Sorceress Supreme is a title granted in the fictional Marvel Universe to the "practitioner of the mystic or magic arts who has greater skills than all others or commands a greater portion of the ambient magical energies than any other organism on a given world or dimension". By...
following the death of Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange
Doctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Strange Tales #110 ....
), and the Thing
Thing (comics)
The Thing is a fictional character, a founding member of the superhero team known as the Fantastic Four in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee in The Fantastic Four #1...
(who wears a prosthetic arm). They are later joined by Sauron
Sauron (comics)
Sauron is a comic book character, a supervillain in Marvel Comics' main shared universe. An enemy of the X-Men, the character was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Neal Adams. He first fully appeared as Sauron in X-Men #60 ....
and Nate Summers
Nate Grey
Nathaniel "Nate" Grey is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in books published by Marvel Comics, in particular those related to the X-Men franchise...
.
Television
- The Defenders are mentioned in the Spider-Man: The Animated SeriesSpider-Man (1994 TV series)Spider-Man, also known as Spider-Man: The Animated Series, is an American animated series starring the Marvel Comics superhero, Spider-Man. The show ran on Fox Kids from November 19, 1994, to January 31, 1998. The producer/story editor was John Semper, Jr. and production company was Marvel Films...
episode "Night of the Lizard."
- The Defenders are formed in The Super Hero Squad ShowThe Super Hero Squad ShowThe Super Hero Squad Show is an American cartoon series by Marvel Animation. It is based on the Marvel Super Hero Squad action figure line from Hasbro, which portray the characters of the Marvel Universe in a cartoonish super-deformed-style...
episode "Invader From the Dark Dimension." When Baron Mordo ends up possessing Iron Man and uses mind control technology to take over Wolverine, Falcon, and Redwing. Hulk, Thor, and Silver Surfer had to team up with Doctor Strange and Valkyrie to stop Baron Mordo.
- In the animated series Justice LeagueJustice League (TV series)Justice League is an American animated television series about a team of superheroes which ran from 2001 to 2004 on Cartoon Network. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It is based on the Justice League of America and associated comic book characters published by DC Comics...
and Justice League UnlimitedJustice League UnlimitedJustice League Unlimited is an American animated television series that was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on Cartoon Network. Featuring a wide array of superheroes from the DC Comics universe, and specifically based on the Justice League superhero team, it is a direct sequel to the...
several allusions are made to the team with Doctor FateDoctor FateDoctor Fate is the name of a succession of fictional sorcerers who appear in books published by DC Comics. The original version was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, and first appeared in More Fun Comics #55...
substituting for Dr. Strange, AquamanAquamanAquaman is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in More Fun Comics #73 . Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later starred in several volumes of a solo title...
for Namor, Solomon GrundySolomon Grundy (comics)Solomon Grundy is a fictional character, a zombie supervillain in the DC Comics Universe. Named after the 19th century children's nursery rhyme, Grundy was introduced as an enemy of the Golden Age Green Lantern , but has since become a prominent enemy for a number of superheroes, such as Batman and...
for Hulk, AmazoAmazoAmazo is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appears in The Brave and the Bold #30 and was created by Gardner Fox and Murphy Anderson. An android, Amazo's special ability is to replicate the special abilities of various superheroes and...
for the Silver Surfer and HawkgirlHawkgirlHawkgirl is the name of several female fictional superhero characters, all owned by DC Comics and existing in that company's universe. The character is one of the first costumed female superheroes...
for Valkyrie or NighthawkNighthawk (Marvel Comics)Nighthawk is the name of several fictional characters that appear in publications published by Marvel Comics. There have been five versions of the character: a supervillain-turned-superhero from the mainstream Marvel Universe continuity, Kyle Richmond, who belonged to the team Squadron Sinister;...
.
Video games
- The four founding members of the Defenders each play a role in Marvel: Ultimate AllianceMarvel: Ultimate AllianceMarvel: Ultimate Alliance is an action role-playing game developed for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox and Xbox 360 by Raven Software and published by Activision. The game was simultaneously ported to the PlayStation Portable and Wii by Vicarious Visions, and to Microsoft Windows by Beenox...
. The Silver Surfer is an unlockable character in the game. However, he can be unlocked with a special code (available to those who pre-ordered the game through specific outlets) or by completing all Comic Book Missions. Both Doctor Strange and Namor are NPC-Striker characters in the GBAGame Boy AdvanceThe is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed, manufactured, and marketed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on March 21, 2001; in North America on June 11, 2001; in Australia and Europe on June 22, 2001; and in the People's Republic of China...
version. Doctor Strange is a playable character in most platforms. In all other versions, Bruce Banner originally only appears as an NPC character who aids the heroes in defusing a gamma bomb, though the Hulk was subsequently released as an optional downloadable playable character in the Xbox 360Xbox 360The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
version. Namor plays a prominent part in the storyline, when the player must assist in averting an uprising in Atlantis, rescuing Namor from the prison of air he has been trapped in and defeating the Atlanteans, now under control of renegades such as AttumaAttumaAttuma is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. He is an Atlantean nomadic warlord who is the nemesis of Namor the Sub-Mariner, and is the father of the superhero Andromeda. He believes he is the prophesied conqueror of the Atlantean Empire...
and Tiger Shark. The player can also get a Defenders team bonus for using a team of Doctor Strange, Silver Surfer, Luke Cage, Iceman, or the downloadable Hulk. They can also get the team bonus of Secret Defenders by using Ghost Rider, Hulk, Silver Surfer, and Doctor Strange.
TCG
In the Vs. System TCGVS System
Vs. System , also written as VS System and abbreviated as VS, is a collectible card game designed by Upper Deck Entertainment . In the game, players build and play a deck of Vs. System cards in an attempt to win a game against their opponent. It was first published in 2004 and is set in the...
, the Defenders received a full team affiliation in the Marvel Team-Up set. Their team focuses on Doctor Strange, the Hulk, Namor, and the Silver Surfer, using smaller characters such as Hellcat, Hawkeye, and Valkyrie to support them. The team was popular, and a number of different incarnations of the team have appeared in major tournaments.
Collected editions
- Marvel Masterworks Defenders
- Vol. 1 (collects Sub-Mariner #34-35, Marvel Feature #1-3, Defenders #1-6, 2008 ISBN 0-7851-3044-6)
- Vol. 2 (collects Defenders #7-16, Giant-Size #1, Avengers #115-118, 2010 ISBN 0-7851-4216-4)
- Avengers Defenders War (collects Defenders #8-11 and Avengers #115-118, 2002 paperback, ISBN 0-7851-0844-0, 2007 hardcover, ISBN 0-7851-2759-3)
- Essential Defenders:
- Volume 1 (collects Defenders (vol. 1) #1-14, Dr. Strange #183, Sub-Mariner #22, 34-35, Incredible Hulk #126, Marvel Feature #1-3, and Avengers #115-118, 2005, ISBN 0-7851-1547-1)
- Volume 2 (collects The Defenders #15-30, Giant-Size Defenders #1-5, Marvel Two-in-One #6,7, Marvel Team-Up #33-35, Marvel Treasury edition #12, 2006, ISBN 0-7851-2150-1)
- Volume 3 (collects Defenders #31-60 and Annual #1, 2007, ISBN 0-7851-2696-1)
- Volume 4 (collects Defenders #61-91, 2008, ISBN 0-7851-3061-6)
- Volume 5 (collects Defenders #92-106, Marvel Team-Up #101, 111, 116, Captain America #268, 2010, ISBN 0-7851-4537-0)
- Volume 6 (collects Defenders #107-124, New Defenders #125, Avengers Annual #11 and Marvel Team-Up #119, 2011, ISBN 0-7851-5754-0)
- New Defenders Vol. 1 (collects Defenders #122-124 and New Defenders #125-131, 2012, ISBN 0-7851-6246-9)
- Defenders: Indefensible (collects Defenders (vol. 3) #1-5, 2006 hardcover, ISBN 0-7851-2152-8, 2007 paperback, ISBN 0-7851-1762-8)
- The Last Defenders (collects 6-issue limited series, 2008, ISBN 0-7851-2507-5)
- Hulk No More (collects the Defenders vs Offenders storyline from Hulk #10-12 plus #13 and #600, 2009 hardcover, ISBN 0-7851-3983-4)