I will be honest, I knew nothing about The Defenders. I did not know that it was a reunion to a series that began in the early 1970's. I was recommended to pick it up at my local comic shop and I figured I should give it a shot. I am glad that I did end up picking up The Defenders #1. Matt Fraction and Terry Dodson definitely have me sold to continue on with this series and I look forward to the second.
The Defenders first appeared in the Marvel Feature #1 in 1971. The Defenders were a team formed by a group of individuals who were not known to be part of a team, usually presented as the "non-team" or even "outsiders". Each individual seemed to have their own agenda and their own set of rules. The original Defenders team consisted of Doctor Strange, Incredible Hulk, Namor, Silver Surfer and many more members.
In this new team of The Defenders, the team is Doctor Strange, Incredible Hulk, Namor, Silver Surfer, She Hulk and Iron Fist. Alone, these super heroes stand as greats, but they may have a new challenge ahead, where they will not have choice but to unite. We are introduced immediately to Nul, the Breaker of Worlds, also mentioned as the "evil ghost hulk".
Nul has begun his terror and he is in Bucharest. The terror has affected a psycho ward where the patients are screaming when they should not be because of their heavy dose of medications, people are getting phone calls from individuals who have died over 20 years ago, buildings elevators have now added a "13th floor" button and it still gets worse. We are then introduced to Dr. Strange who has been having visions and soon is interrupted by the Incredible Hulk.
Interesting thing about the Hulk is that he is asking for help, but from an individual he would least to ever expect to ask. The visit seems to be quick and they are off to find Namor, in hopes that he would then join them.
Namor does not seemed as thrilled to join the Doctor as well, but he understands it is for good reason. Their search continues on in the snow filled Cantabrian Mountains and he actually finds them. We do not see him at first, but just hear him speaking. The Hulk must plea with the Surfer to let him know that he needs his help along with the others and he finally emerges.
The Hulk has mentioned that he is at fault for this problem of Nul, the Breaker of Worlds. He fears that he may be able to "becoming ONE with it again" if he gets too close to it, which is why he needs this team. We are then led to Spain and we see a great scene, where the Running of the Bulls has somewhat of a unique twist. The bulls are actually being chased by someone and you see the fear in their eyes. She Hulk has been looking for a challenge and unfortunately, the bulls are not up to it. This is a great example of what we have found so far in this comic, with great lines and great humor that Matt Fraction has provided to the readers.
The team is nearly complete, but there is one problem for the team. They need to remain hidden not only from the "evil ghost hulk", but there has been mention that the team does not want the Avengers knowing any of this. They will not be able to travel on a public airline because of the attention they may draw, so they need a private plane if possible that can get them to a specific destination. There is one individual, Iron Fist.
The team is now formed and they have a private plane that will keep them hidden. They must head to Wundagore Mountain, where Surfer believes Nul is headed next. Something happens to the plane just as a strange event occurred in Bucharest and they crash to meet a group of feline like creatures with very powerful weapons and who have their own agenda to ensure the Breaker of Worlds will end this universe.
The first issue of The Defenders was terrific! From beginning to end, it kept me interested wanting to read more. The intro was superb with great lines and dialogue from Matt Fraction. The art is amazing by Terry Dodson providing the pencils and Rachel Dodson the inker. We now know who the threat is and who the team is. Matt Fraction has helped provide good reason on why these individuals usually do not join a team because of their personalities. I am really looking forward to the continuation of this series and I look forward to the Defenders #2 on sale on January 4, 2012.
Thank you Heroes and Villains for recommending this great comic!
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