Defenders #1 - Mobile Edition

Marvel Comics
Defenders #1
By Hervé St.Louis
September 5, 2005 - 19:59

Writer(s): Keith Giffen, J.M DeMatteis
Penciller(s): Kevin Maguire

The sold out Defenders #1 reunites Marvel Comics’ famous anti-team with a new twist, by the same folks who entertained so many Justice league fans in the 1980s, 1990s, and recently in JLA Classifieds. Doctor Strange attempts to unite the Hulk, the Silver Surfer and Prince Namor, the Submariner to oppose his old arch enemy, Dormammu, the inter-dimensional world conqueror and his neglected but sensual sister, Umar.

As usual, Giffen and DeMatteis mix current political and cultural trends with their funny take on the world’s powerful super humans. Here they mix weapons of mass destructions and discussions of pre-emptive strikes against the axis of evil (The Defender’s dimension) with sibling rivalry. This take on the Defenders, will probably annoy many, but I found it fun, refreshing, and entertaining. There was no need to know anything about the characters’ past. A good comic book always brings all readers up to date, dynamically.

Maguire brings an original touch to Marvel’s heroes giving them enhanced unique looks based on established references. What other artists turn into run of the mill and quickly penned mumbo jumbo, Maguire turns into a work of art. Of course, Maguire follows Giffen’s layouts and it shows in the posing and the pace of the issue. These guys are a professional comic book making dream team. It’s about time Marvel hired them.