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Classic Review: Marvel Masterworks- Defenders Vol. 1

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Quick Summary

Pros: The book’s core team-up is interesting. The quality of the stories improves as the volume progresses. The entire collection works as a unique piece of Marvel history. The artwork is positive for the vast majority of the collection.

Cons: The opening few stories are somewhat forgettable and generic. One of the major plotlines ends in disappointment. Valkyrie’s early characterization is somewhat strange.

Overall: This a solid collection of stories that provides an optimistic start to the Defenders series. The majority of the stories here center around an interesting team-up that slowly becomes more interesting as the volume progresses. Though there are some problems here and there, especially in the comic’s first few chapters, it seems like the series only gets better as it goes on. This book is most suited for readers interested in seeing the origin of the Defenders or who are looking for a prelude to their later adventures.

Story

Marvel Masterworks: Defenders Vol. 1, by Roy Thomas and Steve Englehart, starts out a little rough, as this new series struggles to define itself. The book’s central team-up is interesting but the adventures are rather generic. However, as the volume progresses, the quality of the adventures increases and the characters help the comic develop a sense of purpose. There are a few points where the later portions of the book disappoint but, in general, the comic seems to be on the rise as the book closes. Plus, the whole comic lets readers see the origin of the Defenders and the transition of a number of characters from the Silver to the Bronze Age of Comics, which adds to the historical appeal of the work.

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Defenders Vol. 1 gets off to somewhat of a slow start. The comic’s opening chapters feature a team-up between Namor, the Silver Surfer, and the Hulk, with Doctor Strange stepping in later. Though the team-up leads to several exciting situations, the lack of a continuing narrative prevents anything too substantial from developing. In addition, many of the stories here are simply forgettable and fail to really define themselves significantly.

However, things start to improve as the volume continues. Marvel Feature #3 feels unique and imaginative for this era in comics, with a threat that feels like a cross between science fiction and horror genres. Then, once the Defenders series begins, the team starts to develop some regularity and intrigue. The characters within begin to develop their own motivations and relationships, such as Valkyrie’s desire to turn the Defenders into a real team and Hulk’s indifference toward Doctor Strange but appreciation toward Namor. Finally, the volume introduces a rallying point for the team when the Black Knight is turned to stone, an action that directly leads to the Avengers/Defenders War. In general, these later stories make it seem like this series is on the rise, a trend I hope to see continue as it progresses.

Unfortunately, even in these better chapters, there are some rather significant points of contention. The conclusion to the Omegatron plotline is tremendously disappointing. The threat of the Omegatron was teased over the course of several issues but was completely dealt with over the course of a few pages. Meanwhile, Valkyrie’s characterization comes off strange from a modern perspective. Her character seems to be an attempt to bring feminism into the comic but she comes across as a stereotype for an “angry feminist” rather than a unique person on her own. Hopefully, problems like these are confined to this volume and will not continue on in the next one.

Defenders Vol. 1 is notable for the position it occupies in Marvel history. This comic, quite obviously, sees the creation of the Defenders, a team that will carry on its existence for decades. It also sees the return of Doctor Strange and the Silver Surfer, helping them transition from the Silver to the Bronze Age of Comics. Plus, it begins storylines involving Valkyrie and Black Knight that will have a big impact at this point in time. Though these are not incredibly critical moments in Marvel history, they are key to anyone looking to understand this team and its members.

(spoilers end here)

Art

The artwork in Defenders Vol. 1 has a lot going for it. Sal Buscema does plenty of excellent work throughout this volume. His visual approach allows the characters and their thrilling actions to stand out on every page. It gives a little flavor to the chapters with less appealing stories and adds to the comic’s energy. In addition, Buscema’s splash page in Defenders #3 is probably the visual highpoint for the entire collection and features an excellent take on the Silver Surfer. Plus, most of these chapters have a level of creativity that allows the magical events or strange creatures to look interesting.

However, there are some noticeable low points for Defenders Vol. 1 as well. The most notable of these is the Defender’s debut in Marvel Feature #1, which the book’s forward explains as the result of miscommunication among the artistic team. This chapter features an abundance of inking that makes everything look like a big mess. Later chapters in the Marvel Feature series are better but still maintain a sense of disconnect between the pencils and the inks. These chapters comprise a minority of the collection’s visuals but are enough to be noticed in the reading process.

Continuity

Marvel Masterworks: Defenders Vol. 1 details the origins of the Defenders. This volume introduces the entire concept behind the Defenders and, thus, does not require any prior reading.

The story here continues in Marvel Masterworks: Defenders Vol. 2 (Review).

This volume also makes references to other comic books, detailed below:

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All Defenders Reviews

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