Marvel Masterworks: The Defenders, Vol. 6

Marvel Masterworks: The Defenders #6

by David Anthony Kraft, Gerry Conway, Roger Slifer

The Defenders, Marvel's "non-team" with an ever-changing roster, brings together its most famous members - Doctor Strange, the Hulk, the Sub-Mariner - with new comrades - Red Guardian, Moon Knight, Nick Fury - and fan-favorites - Luke Cage, Hellcat, Valkyrie, Nighthawk - and the result is nothing short of classic! The creative team of Kraft and Giff en jumps into the series feet first and spin some of the Defenders' greatest adventures: Doctor Strange, possessed by the Red Rajah, becomes a mystic threat to the entire universe! Scorpio and his Zodiac launch a kidnapping conspiracy involving S.H.I.E.L.D.! Valkyrie struggles to reclaim her life! Also featuring an all-new Emissaries of Evil, the origin of the Red Guardian, Atlantean mega-monsters, and the debut of Lunatik! COLLECTING: DEFENDERS (1972) 42-57; MATERIAL FROM FOOM (1973) 19

Genres: Comics, Comic Book, Graphic Novels, Superheroes, Marvel, Fiction

309 pages, Hardcover

Published May 29, 2018

About the author

David Anthony Kraft was an American comic book writer, publisher, and critic.
(source: Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Jimbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good set of reading with the Classic Defenders. Always fun how their members come and go. Hulk is so unpredictable though out this series (and in his own magazine, but there is pathos in his own magazine which is missing often in his work with the Defenders. Rarely is Hulk's storyline even connected to his own magazine, although Dr. Stranges's seems to be tied closer together.

I love the addition of Hellcat, but I don't remember her being so chatty and kind of stupid in her naivete. I was hoping that Nighthawk and Hellcat would be given powers with their fight with the Presence, but no such luck. Nighthawk is so weak sometimes and gets slapped around a fair amount that I wish one of these writers would consider having him given some kind of extra powers for the daytime, since all he has is double strength in the night (Strength is not a problem in the Defenders with Hulk, Valkyrie, sometimes Namor, Power Man, etc.) He needs to contribute more than just money.

Anyway, I do love the Defenders.

[Bob Wolniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

The short Scorpio storyline by Kraft and Giffen was a favorite as a young collector. The unusual line-up, quirky humor, homage to legendary rock band Rush, a ridiculous killer Elf, and incessant references to having a beer (Schlitz), made this memorable stuff. Before Giffen would more fully establish his talents with Legion of Super-Heroes, he had a few brilliant Kirby-esque issues w/ Defenders that stand the test of time.

[Gar Berner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The nostalgia tasted delicious!

Some of the issues reprinted in this volume were some of my first leaps into comics fandom. With notable comic luminaries like Keith Giffen, Dave Cockrum, & Carmine Infantino under the guided pen of David Anthony Kraft, there was so much going on! Whenever I think about my ideal Defenders roster, Hulk, Hellcat, Nighthawk and Valkyrie are that core. As a bonus, Luke Cage and Moon Knight make strong appearances as well.

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've got nothing but love for you. 🗳

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Defenders are a hoot! Steve Gerber is gone but the new writers do an admirable job of keeping the tone he started.

I always enjoy how much of their lives outside of superheroing we get to see.