Defenders #1 by Matt Fraction and Terry Dodson
Next week, Marvel releases the highly anticipated return of the Defenders. After years of sitting on the side lines, Marvel’s premiere “non-team” returns with a new line-up, new focus, and new creative team in “Fear Itself” writer Matt Fraction and former “Uncanny X-Men” artist Terry Dodson.
Though Fraction and Dodson have previously worked together on “Uncanny X-Men,” this is the first time they will be working in the “Marvel Style.” The “Marvel Style” essentially amount to Dodson working off of Fractions plot rather than a full script, giving both creator’s a chance to equally add to the series.
The “Defenders” spins out of the aftermath of “Fear Itself” with the Incredible Hulk reaching out to former Defenders comrades Dr. Strange, Namor the Sub-Mariner, and the Silver Surfer for help. During “Fear Itself” Hulk was possessed by the entity known as Nul, Break of Worlds, through an enchanted hammer. When Hulk destroyed the hammer, he inadvertently released Nul in the process. Hulk reaches out for help, and get it not only from his Defenders teammates, but the Immortal Iron Fist and Red She-Hulk as well.
This first story arc, however, is only the tip of the iceberg. During this mission, these Defenders stumbles upon a secret that puts the Marvel Universe into perspective, not to mention mortal danger. To make matters worse, this secret prevents the Defenders from telling there family, friends, and fellow heroes about the dangers to come. Therefore, the Defenders take it upon themselves to defend humanity from this threat and “protect reality from insanity.”
The Defenders do battle with Nul, Breaker of Worlds
Marvel hopes the “Defenders” are able to find a wider audience with this newest iteration of the team. With the “Avengers” continued success, one has to wonder if the “Defenders” are mighty enough to share shelf space with “Earth’s mightiest Heroes.” The test of time only knows; even so, the “Defenders” make their triumphant return December 7th, 2011.
To Be Continued…
• JUAN BOBILLO (A)
To Be Continued 