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New team! New villains! New creators! Valkyrie and Misty Knight are the Fearless Defenders, and not since Power Man and Iron Fist has an unlikely duo kicked this much - well, you know. Writer Cullen Bunn (VENOM, Sixth Gun, FEAR ITSELF: THE FEARLESS) and new-to-Marvel artist Will Sliney (MacGyver, Star Wars) bring you the book that everyone is going to be talking about...and that's a promise! COLLECTING: Fearless Defenders 1-6
170 pages, Hardcover
First published August 14, 2013
8 people are currently reading
836 people want to read
About the author
Cullen Bunn
2,102 books1,067 followersCullen grew up in rural North Carolina, but now lives in the St. Louis area with his wife Cindy and his son Jackson. His noir/horror comic (and first collaboration with Brian Hurtt), The Damned, was published in 2007 by Oni Press. The follow-up, The Damned: Prodigal Sons, was released in 2008. In addition to The Sixth Gun, his current projects include Crooked Hills, a middle reader horror prose series from Evileye Books; The Tooth, an original graphic novel from Oni Press; and various work for Marvel and DC. Somewhere along the way, Cullen founded Undaunted Press and edited the critically acclaimed small press horror magazine, Whispers from the Shattered Forum.
All writers must pay their dues, and Cullen has worked various odd jobs, including Alien Autopsy Specialist, Rodeo Clown, Professional Wrestler Manager, and Sasquatch Wrangler.
And, yes, he has fought for his life against mountain lions and he did perform on stage as the World's Youngest Hypnotist. Buy him a drink sometime, and he'll tell you all about it.
Visit his website at www.cullenbunn.com.
All writers must pay their dues, and Cullen has worked various odd jobs, including Alien Autopsy Specialist, Rodeo Clown, Professional Wrestler Manager, and Sasquatch Wrangler.
And, yes, he has fought for his life against mountain lions and he did perform on stage as the World's Youngest Hypnotist. Buy him a drink sometime, and he'll tell you all about it.
Visit his website at www.cullenbunn.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 2, 2015
The blurb on this volume promised lots of witty banter and loads of action. The volume was written by Cullen Bunn, who has had moderate success with Deadpool. The blurb was probably written by his mum. Maybe I’ve set the bar too high for the laughs? Maybe I’ve just become incredibly jaded in my opinions? Maybe this volume isn’t that funny? Maybe.
It delivers on the promise of action. Lots of girl on girl action. With weapons and flying fists. Sorry Gavin.
The Fearless Defenders are a group of female super heroes that include Valkyrie, Dani Moonstar, Misty Knight and Hippolyta, also known as Warrior Woman. Hippolyta wears a metal bustier, which is incredibly uncomfortable. I know this because my wife refuses to wear one in the privacy of our own home. Something about chafing or pinching or whatever.
There’s a reasonably entertaining plot revolving around the evil Asgardian Doommaidens with a knock-down-drag-out fight involving practically every Marvel female super hero.
The cover art from the individual issues is clever and funny.
The series was cancelled after 13 issues, which is a shame because I’d like to see more of Misty Knight, Dani Moonstar and Hippolyta.
It delivers on the promise of action. Lots of girl on girl action. With weapons and flying fists. Sorry Gavin.
The Fearless Defenders are a group of female super heroes that include Valkyrie, Dani Moonstar, Misty Knight and Hippolyta, also known as Warrior Woman. Hippolyta wears a metal bustier, which is incredibly uncomfortable. I know this because my wife refuses to wear one in the privacy of our own home. Something about chafing or pinching or whatever.
There’s a reasonably entertaining plot revolving around the evil Asgardian Doommaidens with a knock-down-drag-out fight involving practically every Marvel female super hero.
The cover art from the individual issues is clever and funny.
The series was cancelled after 13 issues, which is a shame because I’d like to see more of Misty Knight, Dani Moonstar and Hippolyta.
December 19, 2013
Unexpectedly great. I'm not sure what inspired me to pick up this collection in the first place. I haven't read Defenders before, in any incarnation, and don't know the first thing about the history of the book. I also know very little about Valkyrie and Misty Knight. I know Misty used to be Jean Grey's roommate and... that's it. I can't say that I'm terribly attached to either character yet, but I am interested.
Bunn writes this book with very limited interaction with mainline Marvel Now titles. I'm pleased with that. It keeps the focus on what's actually happening here and now, instead of what's going on elsewhere. Of course, the grand finale brings in bucketloads of awesome female heroes from all over the Marvel universe. They're put to good use, though they don't all get a starring role.
That said, the villains are pretty terrible. Dull, uninspired, and gratingly cheesy, they're the biggest and most obvious weak point of the book. I think Bunn is going for something along the lines of Xanatos by the way of Dame Judi Dench with the female mastermind (whose name escapes me, she was that memorable) but it just doesn't come together in a compelling way. I know that Bunn can writer interesting villains. He's done it in The Sixth Gun, so I'm not sure what went wrong here.
The art quality varies. At the beginning, the artist, Will Sliney, is much more concerned with overtly sexy poses. He slowly abandons that as the book goes on, and his version of She-Hulk looks as tough as she should. He has some very good qualities to his work, and I hope that he keeps away from awkward, sexually charged poses and panels that don't really make sense.
I'm disappointed that this series was cancelled, though I can see why. Both Valkyrie and Misty Knight are niche characters, at best, and Marvel Now has delivered up a lot of new series for fans to read. It would be easy for this one to fall by the wayside. Too bad.
Bunn writes this book with very limited interaction with mainline Marvel Now titles. I'm pleased with that. It keeps the focus on what's actually happening here and now, instead of what's going on elsewhere. Of course, the grand finale brings in bucketloads of awesome female heroes from all over the Marvel universe. They're put to good use, though they don't all get a starring role.
That said, the villains are pretty terrible. Dull, uninspired, and gratingly cheesy, they're the biggest and most obvious weak point of the book. I think Bunn is going for something along the lines of Xanatos by the way of Dame Judi Dench with the female mastermind (whose name escapes me, she was that memorable) but it just doesn't come together in a compelling way. I know that Bunn can writer interesting villains. He's done it in The Sixth Gun, so I'm not sure what went wrong here.
The art quality varies. At the beginning, the artist, Will Sliney, is much more concerned with overtly sexy poses. He slowly abandons that as the book goes on, and his version of She-Hulk looks as tough as she should. He has some very good qualities to his work, and I hope that he keeps away from awkward, sexually charged poses and panels that don't really make sense.
I'm disappointed that this series was cancelled, though I can see why. Both Valkyrie and Misty Knight are niche characters, at best, and Marvel Now has delivered up a lot of new series for fans to read. It would be easy for this one to fall by the wayside. Too bad.
January 23, 2020
Butts. Boobs. Butts and boobs. Boobs and butts.
That's it.
I mean, I am sure there was something more to this comic that could have been so great - it had female superheroes, nordic mythology and girlpower - but it all just fell flat for me, and what stood out the most were just that; butts and boobs.
I really don't understand how some don't tire of spending so much time on drawing butts and boobs in such detail on every single page. I'm almost impressed. Or not.
So even though we should have had a group of somehow kickass females, it seems like the thing that the creators spent the most time on, instead of figuring out how to execute their ideas and flesh out their characters, was all those butts and boobs.
Needless to say, I wasn't a fan.
That's it.
I mean, I am sure there was something more to this comic that could have been so great - it had female superheroes, nordic mythology and girlpower - but it all just fell flat for me, and what stood out the most were just that; butts and boobs.
I really don't understand how some don't tire of spending so much time on drawing butts and boobs in such detail on every single page. I'm almost impressed. Or not.
So even though we should have had a group of somehow kickass females, it seems like the thing that the creators spent the most time on, instead of figuring out how to execute their ideas and flesh out their characters, was all those butts and boobs.
Needless to say, I wasn't a fan.
January 12, 2018
If you're a fan of female centred comics, I'd definitely recommend giving this a go. It's full of badass ladies! I particularly enjoyed Misty and Valkyrie. The artwork was lovely, and the story compelling, especially if you're a fan of the Valkyries and Asgardians. It also has a lesbian character, and features an f/f kiss.
June 18, 2014
I like Valkyrie, and I love the idea of an all-female team of heroes. However, I have never been satisfied with how her character has been written. I had hoped Fearless Defenders would give the character new life; and it almost does.
First off, Val’s always felt like a second run character. She’s extremely powerful, but she doesn’t face any of the powerful foes of the Marvel Universe. In this series, Valkyrie leads a team of female heroines. Therefore, she has to have her own female villain who leads a team of female villains. I don’t mind pulling a villain from a hero’s past – it worked with Captain Marvel. But this isn’t a character from the past. In fact, this first adventure feels like a retread. Valkyrie has failed to fulfill her mission to replenish the Shieldmaidens from among the worthy on Midgard. So, the Doom Maidens have risen to fill the void. Who are the Doom maidens? They are Valkyries gone bad. No, not the Disir. This is a different group of Valkyries gone bad. *sigh* Honestly, they couldn’t come up with a more original story?
While I wasn’t thrilled with the story or characterizations, the series does have potential. At one point, Valkyrie arranges to have all the major female heroes show up to battle the Doom Maidens. It was damn impressive seeing Black Widow, Captain Marvel, Storm, She-Hulk, Hell Cat, and a dozen more engage in battle. Further, the initial team line-up has some strong figures on it including Hippolyta, Dani Moonstar, and the new-to-me Misty Knight of the bionic arm. They could be so great together!
Overall, this series is weak compared to other Marvel Now titles, but it’s got enough potential to keep me reading. Recommended.
First off, Val’s always felt like a second run character. She’s extremely powerful, but she doesn’t face any of the powerful foes of the Marvel Universe. In this series, Valkyrie leads a team of female heroines. Therefore, she has to have her own female villain who leads a team of female villains. I don’t mind pulling a villain from a hero’s past – it worked with Captain Marvel. But this isn’t a character from the past. In fact, this first adventure feels like a retread. Valkyrie has failed to fulfill her mission to replenish the Shieldmaidens from among the worthy on Midgard. So, the Doom Maidens have risen to fill the void. Who are the Doom maidens? They are Valkyries gone bad. No, not the Disir. This is a different group of Valkyries gone bad. *sigh* Honestly, they couldn’t come up with a more original story?
While I wasn’t thrilled with the story or characterizations, the series does have potential. At one point, Valkyrie arranges to have all the major female heroes show up to battle the Doom Maidens. It was damn impressive seeing Black Widow, Captain Marvel, Storm, She-Hulk, Hell Cat, and a dozen more engage in battle. Further, the initial team line-up has some strong figures on it including Hippolyta, Dani Moonstar, and the new-to-me Misty Knight of the bionic arm. They could be so great together!
Overall, this series is weak compared to other Marvel Now titles, but it’s got enough potential to keep me reading. Recommended.
July 27, 2015
2 1/2 Stars
The whole time I read this I kept unfairly comparing it to DC's 'Bird's of Prey' which I really dig. Of course, I always compare The Avengers to JLA like any other dork out there, and the JLA always kicks The Avengers asses. Just how it goes. In my mind.
I really liked the characters, and overall it wasn't that this was not entertaining to some degree, but two things kind of inhibited my reading enjoyment: 1) I really didn't give a flip about the plot; 2) the very-Marvelesque schmarmy asides. The first reason speaks for itself, but my issue with always having characters make funny asides (even Misty Knight) is that it can end up detracting from the action; if the characters who are fighting for their lives and the lives of others don't take shit seriously, well, then how I am I supposed to? You may be saying to yourself, 'Well, gee, reviewer, it's just a comic book. This isn't real.' To which I would respond: 'Having spent thousands of untold hours reading thousands of pages of these stories since I was a child, you better believe that deep down in my dark soul, there is Bat symbol etched on the wall. And a Superman sigil. And I'm pretty sure Mjolnir is laying around somewhere. And, yes, every time I say the the Green Lantern oath, I say it with intent.' Alright, look, humor is a crucial component to any story because, in a very Shakespearean kind of way, it accents the drama, and it is done very well by a good many writers. But it seems like so many (Marvel) titles rely a little too heavily on Spiderman antics when Spidey ain't anywhere to be found. Funny is good. I like me some funny. But just focus on kicking some ass once in a while without so much self-awareness. Then it ain't a comic book. To be fair, I will read volume 2.
The whole time I read this I kept unfairly comparing it to DC's 'Bird's of Prey' which I really dig. Of course, I always compare The Avengers to JLA like any other dork out there, and the JLA always kicks The Avengers asses. Just how it goes. In my mind.
I really liked the characters, and overall it wasn't that this was not entertaining to some degree, but two things kind of inhibited my reading enjoyment: 1) I really didn't give a flip about the plot; 2) the very-Marvelesque schmarmy asides. The first reason speaks for itself, but my issue with always having characters make funny asides (even Misty Knight) is that it can end up detracting from the action; if the characters who are fighting for their lives and the lives of others don't take shit seriously, well, then how I am I supposed to? You may be saying to yourself, 'Well, gee, reviewer, it's just a comic book. This isn't real.' To which I would respond: 'Having spent thousands of untold hours reading thousands of pages of these stories since I was a child, you better believe that deep down in my dark soul, there is Bat symbol etched on the wall. And a Superman sigil. And I'm pretty sure Mjolnir is laying around somewhere. And, yes, every time I say the the Green Lantern oath, I say it with intent.' Alright, look, humor is a crucial component to any story because, in a very Shakespearean kind of way, it accents the drama, and it is done very well by a good many writers. But it seems like so many (Marvel) titles rely a little too heavily on Spiderman antics when Spidey ain't anywhere to be found. Funny is good. I like me some funny. But just focus on kicking some ass once in a while without so much self-awareness. Then it ain't a comic book. To be fair, I will read volume 2.
April 1, 2014
Not bad. Mostly women characters. They're drawn in a cheesecakey way though. Some funny lines. Cute covers. Lots of guest stars in the last section. Quick 5 issue read (I think there's half as many words in comics these days compared to the '70's).
April 27, 2014
These books had so much potential and such a fabulous cast of ladies, but I just couldn't get that invested. The plot was fine, the characters were great, I just wish they'd taken advantage of the full cast available to them. Utilize the ensemble!
April 24, 2017
Would have absolutely given this five stars for character and story but it's a star off for the ridiculously male-gaze artwork in most panels.
July 25, 2020
2.5*
It was fine, but nothing particularly outstanding. I like a good queer super women comic as much as the next, but this had some troubling elements, such as an incredibly one-note villain whose motivations were never explained, other than to blame her “evilness” on growing up with an abusive mother. Nice art, fairly interesting characters, and a few funny moments.
It was fine, but nothing particularly outstanding. I like a good queer super women comic as much as the next, but this had some troubling elements, such as an incredibly one-note villain whose motivations were never explained, other than to blame her “evilness” on growing up with an abusive mother. Nice art, fairly interesting characters, and a few funny moments.
June 27, 2018
I'm all for ladies being badass...but what on earth was with those boobs? NOBODY has boobs that act like that.
July 18, 2018
Uneven and weird. The art is good and the story clips right along, but it doesn't go anywhere satisfying, and there's this odd Wonder Woman rip off character in it. The ending leaves me cold. I liked the middle part of this and most of the stuff with Misty, but I'm waiting to really evaluate this along with part 2 when I read it.
November 4, 2017
The Fearless Defenders, Vol. 1: Doom Maidens by Cullen Bunn
Star rating: ★★☆☆☆ 2/5 stars
Format: library graphic novel
Summary: When Misty Knight brings an artifact to archeologist Annabelle Riggs, they accidentally wake the dead with a prophecy about Valkyrie. The three join forces to stop former shieldmaidens of Asgard, twisted into Doom Maidens.
Review: I was pretty torn on how much I liked or didn't like it right up until the end and then I was not too big a fan. It appears to be something I would really enjoy, the majority of characters are all female, both heroes and villains. When Misty calls on help from Avengers she only gets women to come help.
But it fails in some really major ways. The art suffers from constant butt and boob poses. Every fighting pose has got to show both boob and butt, come on guys it was just overkill. Valkyrie's chest armor looks like two metal bowls sitting on her collarbone. It's like, that's not how armor OR breasts work. A lot of suits for the women had nipples showing in side views and it was just ridiculous. So yeah a lot of girl power but tainted by heavy male gaze for all of these characters.
Another way it failed was it introduces in the very beginning Annabelle Riggs who is quickly shown to be lesbian. Which, was great at first. I was excited, at the very beginning was a kiss between her and Valkyrie so I figured there was good things to come. I was willing to overlook the stupid poses in favor of LGBT representation. I should have known better because in the end they went the dead lesbian route. So that initial excitement was for nothing, and now I don't really care to finish reading any more of this series.
It really is too bad because a lot of the writing (aside from the death of Annabelle) was really good. I thought I could look past the artwork for the sake of the story but then the story really let me down in a big way.
Recommendation: I don't think that anything that uses the dead gay trope should be supported.
Star rating: ★★☆☆☆ 2/5 stars
Format: library graphic novel
Summary: When Misty Knight brings an artifact to archeologist Annabelle Riggs, they accidentally wake the dead with a prophecy about Valkyrie. The three join forces to stop former shieldmaidens of Asgard, twisted into Doom Maidens.
Review: I was pretty torn on how much I liked or didn't like it right up until the end and then I was not too big a fan. It appears to be something I would really enjoy, the majority of characters are all female, both heroes and villains. When Misty calls on help from Avengers she only gets women to come help.
But it fails in some really major ways. The art suffers from constant butt and boob poses. Every fighting pose has got to show both boob and butt, come on guys it was just overkill. Valkyrie's chest armor looks like two metal bowls sitting on her collarbone. It's like, that's not how armor OR breasts work. A lot of suits for the women had nipples showing in side views and it was just ridiculous. So yeah a lot of girl power but tainted by heavy male gaze for all of these characters.
Another way it failed was it introduces in the very beginning Annabelle Riggs who is quickly shown to be lesbian. Which, was great at first. I was excited, at the very beginning was a kiss between her and Valkyrie so I figured there was good things to come. I was willing to overlook the stupid poses in favor of LGBT representation. I should have known better because in the end they went the dead lesbian route. So that initial excitement was for nothing, and now I don't really care to finish reading any more of this series.
It really is too bad because a lot of the writing (aside from the death of Annabelle) was really good. I thought I could look past the artwork for the sake of the story but then the story really let me down in a big way.
Recommendation: I don't think that anything that uses the dead gay trope should be supported.
January 11, 2015
Huh. If I'd realized this was effectively the third Asgardian book, beside Thor and Journey into Mystery, I would have picked it up long ago. Beyond that, it's the book that The Fearless should have been. The characters are great, and I loved seeing the cast as it slowly expanded. I also thought that the Doom Maids plotline was quite interesting, and a nice adjunct to Asgardian lore, even if it was a bit redundant with the Disir.
Overall, a good read and I'm eager to see what comes next, as the last issue had the potential to really open up the book.
Overall, a good read and I'm eager to see what comes next, as the last issue had the potential to really open up the book.
October 5, 2020
Check out my interview with writer Cullen Bunn here: https://youtu.be/7V1aFB6KyMw
I’m diggin it!
All lady team up! Valkyrie (who just starred in The Fearless) and a bunch of other awesome babes including Misty Knight, Warrior Woman and MOTHAFUCKIN Dani Moonstar!!!
Zombies, action, awesome art, funny lines... this is good. You’ll like it.
I’m diggin it!
All lady team up! Valkyrie (who just starred in The Fearless) and a bunch of other awesome babes including Misty Knight, Warrior Woman and MOTHAFUCKIN Dani Moonstar!!!
Zombies, action, awesome art, funny lines... this is good. You’ll like it.
January 13, 2014
I'm a sucker for female superheroes. It's nice to see Marvel who is always trying to give the women their due taking a chance on the women.
If you're a fan of Birds of Prey I'd recommend checking out these girls kick some ass.
If you're a fan of Birds of Prey I'd recommend checking out these girls kick some ass.
March 19, 2015
This stinks of 'separate but equal'. Marvel doesn't have enough strong female characters in lead stories so they put a dozen in one oddly plotted one. Flimsy idea with no depth and lazy character tropes. The characters deserve better as do fans (no matter their gender.)
March 4, 2014
This was fun.
But.
Seriously.
Can we get Valkyrie a new outfit? She looks like circa 1990 Madonna with a sword.
But.
Seriously.
Can we get Valkyrie a new outfit? She looks like circa 1990 Madonna with a sword.
June 21, 2014
I enjoyed seeing a different and all female lineup. But this book just lacked oomph that makes for an epic debut. I see this team being great for female empowerment,but this was blah.
April 28, 2015
Was interesting enough but nothing mind-blowingly spectacular. Had a bit of humor and the story was alright. Made me want to know more about the Enchantress to be fair.
April 26, 2015
A fun, snappy story that didn't take off, sadly enough.
June 9, 2017
I will read anything that has Dani Moonstar in it and I quite enjoyed this story.
June 30, 2020
Just so obviously written by some straight white guy, good lord. This isn't how women talk. Good art, though.
August 18, 2020
A narzekałem, że w ostatniej Kapitan Marvel autor przedobrzył z seksizmem. KAŻDA, absolutnie każda panna jaka tu występuje to seks bomba i obiekt marzeń sennych dorastających chłopców (no może poza jedną lub dwiema przeciwniczkami...) i w sumie powinienem z tego tytułu narzekać... tyle że akcja jest zaskakująco sprawnie poprowadzona i realnie czytanie pierwszego tomu dało mi dużą radość.
Zasługa to w dużej mierze prostej fabuły, która nie ma zbędnych przestojów i momentami galopuje szaleńczo na wierzchu Aragorna byle przed siebie. Misty Knight podczas jednej z misji znajduje pewien posążek, który dostarcza Anabelle Riggs. Ta badając przedmiot "niechcący" go aktywuje, czym wywołuje szereg zdarzeń, w tym przebudzenie lokalnych zmarłych, jak i nieco większych tuz. Na szczęście do akcji wkracza Walkiria. Uwielbiam tą postać. Kwintesencja kobiecej siły i piękna.
Obudzone tytułowe Dziewice Zagłady to dawne walkirie, które oszalały i kroczyły na ścieżkę krwi, kąpiąc życie we własnej posoce. Na drodze stanął im jednak sam Odyn. Teraz, gdy Wszechojciec zniknął, Wszechmatki wysyłają drużynę wojowniczek wspartą przez Hipolitę, Władczynie Amazonek i niejaką Dani Moonstar na starcie ze złem. Mamy morze akcji i kilka nieco sygnalizowanych, ale niezłych zwrotów akcji.
Całość podobała mi się bardzo, zwłaszcza z naciskiem na trzy elementy. Po pierwsze, wątek uczucia Anabelle do Walkirii jest świetny. Ma w sobie sporo uroku, nie jest narzucający i miejscami miał w sobie coś rozbrajającego. Po drugie, starcie Odyna z jedną z Dziewic. Czuć było w tym potęgę. Po trzecie, wspomniana Walkiria. Za charakter i bycie badassem trafia do mojego top 5 bohaterek Marvel NOW! (gościu, nie zapomnij o wstępach gościnnych w finale!)
Czy są jakieś minusy. Fabuła jest naprawdę prosta i rozumiem, że trafią się osoby, którym nie spodoba się takie nakreślenie bohaterek. Obserwując scenę nagromadzenia herosek w finale doszedłem do wniosku, iż wszystkie one mają chyba miseczkę D jeżeli chodzi o biust... Naprawdę. Bunn, nie dało się inaczej? Ktoś może mieć kompleksy ze względu na rozmiar (a nie powinien, Panie pamiętajcie: co naturalnie od Boga dane jest najsłodsze, nie róbcie sobie durnych operacji...).
Za kreskę odpowiada tutaj niejaki Sliney i robi swoją robotę doskonale. Postacie są ostro zarysowane, piękne i "zadziorne". Obawiałem się tego, bowiem myślałem że tytuł będzie taką pozycją, która przyciąga głównie oczy, a nie proponuje nic ciekawego do czytania, ale na szczęście nic z tego. Jestem zachwycony tytułem i sięgam po drugi, i niestety (lub stety, sprawdzę) ostatni tom w tej serii.
Zasługa to w dużej mierze prostej fabuły, która nie ma zbędnych przestojów i momentami galopuje szaleńczo na wierzchu Aragorna byle przed siebie. Misty Knight podczas jednej z misji znajduje pewien posążek, który dostarcza Anabelle Riggs. Ta badając przedmiot "niechcący" go aktywuje, czym wywołuje szereg zdarzeń, w tym przebudzenie lokalnych zmarłych, jak i nieco większych tuz. Na szczęście do akcji wkracza Walkiria. Uwielbiam tą postać. Kwintesencja kobiecej siły i piękna.
Obudzone tytułowe Dziewice Zagłady to dawne walkirie, które oszalały i kroczyły na ścieżkę krwi, kąpiąc życie we własnej posoce. Na drodze stanął im jednak sam Odyn. Teraz, gdy Wszechojciec zniknął, Wszechmatki wysyłają drużynę wojowniczek wspartą przez Hipolitę, Władczynie Amazonek i niejaką Dani Moonstar na starcie ze złem. Mamy morze akcji i kilka nieco sygnalizowanych, ale niezłych zwrotów akcji.
Całość podobała mi się bardzo, zwłaszcza z naciskiem na trzy elementy. Po pierwsze, wątek uczucia Anabelle do Walkirii jest świetny. Ma w sobie sporo uroku, nie jest narzucający i miejscami miał w sobie coś rozbrajającego. Po drugie, starcie Odyna z jedną z Dziewic. Czuć było w tym potęgę. Po trzecie, wspomniana Walkiria. Za charakter i bycie badassem trafia do mojego top 5 bohaterek Marvel NOW! (gościu, nie zapomnij o wstępach gościnnych w finale!)
Czy są jakieś minusy. Fabuła jest naprawdę prosta i rozumiem, że trafią się osoby, którym nie spodoba się takie nakreślenie bohaterek. Obserwując scenę nagromadzenia herosek w finale doszedłem do wniosku, iż wszystkie one mają chyba miseczkę D jeżeli chodzi o biust... Naprawdę. Bunn, nie dało się inaczej? Ktoś może mieć kompleksy ze względu na rozmiar (a nie powinien, Panie pamiętajcie: co naturalnie od Boga dane jest najsłodsze, nie róbcie sobie durnych operacji...).
Za kreskę odpowiada tutaj niejaki Sliney i robi swoją robotę doskonale. Postacie są ostro zarysowane, piękne i "zadziorne". Obawiałem się tego, bowiem myślałem że tytuł będzie taką pozycją, która przyciąga głównie oczy, a nie proponuje nic ciekawego do czytania, ale na szczęście nic z tego. Jestem zachwycony tytułem i sięgam po drugi, i niestety (lub stety, sprawdzę) ostatni tom w tej serii.
December 4, 2022
'The Fearless Defenders, Vol. 1: Doom Maidens' can be considered an excellent and glorious start to those who are looking for female-led superhero comics, particularly in Marvel. It came out in 2013, so it is fairly old at this point (ten years!), but it is nonetheless an effective introduction to the prominent leading ladies featured here; not to mention entertaining as all hell. This is the most I've seen and understood of Valkyrie/Brunnhilde in the Marvel comics, and it marks the first time I've seen Misty Knight in anything, other than the book, 'Fearless and Fantastic!'.
'Doom Maidens' also stars Dani Moonstar (X-Man and Native American archer who is somehow no longer a mutant, and is somehow Hel's Valkyrie), Hippolyta, aka Warrior Woman (not related to DC comics, and is as far removed from that iteration as you can get), and Dr. Annabelle Riggs, an ordinary archaeologist who is swept up in the apocalyptic, earth-and-Asgard-and-the-Nine-Realms-and-the-universe-saving superheroine plot and action, and who also has the hots for Valkyrie. Cameos include the All-Mother, who are Freyja, Gaea, and Idunn, Hela, and brought in for the big climactic fight are: She-Hulk, Captain Marvel, Storm, Black Widow, Hellcat, Spider-Woman, Electra, Black Cat, Tigra, Thundra, Tarantula, and Colleen Wing! It is awesome.
The ending, not so much. In fact, the ending is a downer. There is girl power, but significantly less girl success and girl support; women supporting women, and saving women. It is the reason why I kind of both love and hate 'Doom Maidens', but I won't elaborate due to spoilers. I hear it gets better in the subsequent issues, anyway, and it can't diminish the quality of an otherwise bloody brilliant and near-flawless book.
There is very good humour and banter as well as action and drama. The dynamics are so well written and well paced. The only real flaw throughout the comic up to the ending is the weak, undistinguished and unmemorable villains, who want to control ancient armies of the dead. They are a couple of non-powered, rich, power-hungry, nihilistic, trigger-happy, ruthless, sadistic and murderous nobodies named Caroline LeFay and Mr. Raven, who just want to watch the world burn.
But there is high fun, high stakes and high emotional peaks to be had. The Marvel universe really is ginormous, ample and messy. And there is LBGTQ rep, with a w/w kiss in the first issue.
'The Fearless Defenders, Vol. 1: Doom Maidens' comes recommended by me, despite the downer ending. I've already ordered the second volume. I have to know what happens next. Can't wait.
Final Score: 3.5/5
'Doom Maidens' also stars Dani Moonstar (X-Man and Native American archer who is somehow no longer a mutant, and is somehow Hel's Valkyrie), Hippolyta, aka Warrior Woman (not related to DC comics, and is as far removed from that iteration as you can get), and Dr. Annabelle Riggs, an ordinary archaeologist who is swept up in the apocalyptic, earth-and-Asgard-and-the-Nine-Realms-and-the-universe-saving superheroine plot and action, and who also has the hots for Valkyrie. Cameos include the All-Mother, who are Freyja, Gaea, and Idunn, Hela, and brought in for the big climactic fight are: She-Hulk, Captain Marvel, Storm, Black Widow, Hellcat, Spider-Woman, Electra, Black Cat, Tigra, Thundra, Tarantula, and Colleen Wing! It is awesome.
The ending, not so much. In fact, the ending is a downer. There is girl power, but significantly less girl success and girl support; women supporting women, and saving women. It is the reason why I kind of both love and hate 'Doom Maidens', but I won't elaborate due to spoilers. I hear it gets better in the subsequent issues, anyway, and it can't diminish the quality of an otherwise bloody brilliant and near-flawless book.
There is very good humour and banter as well as action and drama. The dynamics are so well written and well paced. The only real flaw throughout the comic up to the ending is the weak, undistinguished and unmemorable villains, who want to control ancient armies of the dead. They are a couple of non-powered, rich, power-hungry, nihilistic, trigger-happy, ruthless, sadistic and murderous nobodies named Caroline LeFay and Mr. Raven, who just want to watch the world burn.
But there is high fun, high stakes and high emotional peaks to be had. The Marvel universe really is ginormous, ample and messy. And there is LBGTQ rep, with a w/w kiss in the first issue.
'The Fearless Defenders, Vol. 1: Doom Maidens' comes recommended by me, despite the downer ending. I've already ordered the second volume. I have to know what happens next. Can't wait.
Final Score: 3.5/5
January 27, 2018
Čtenářská výzva na Goodreads 2018 (11/205)
U svazků z Nejmocnějších hrdinů Marvelu většinou platí, že kniha má dva, případně dokonce až tři příběhy. Tady to ovšem neplatí a nám je naservírován pouze jeden jediný příběh, jehož jméno zní "Morové panny". V něm musí Brunnhilda neboli Valkyrie vést tým Fearless Defenders sestavený čistě z ženských hrdinek celého světa Marvelu proti titulním Morovým pannám a Caroline le Fay.
Já sám ani tak moc nevím, co si o knize mám myslet. Cullen Bunn určitě napsal pěkný příběh o ženských superhrdinkách, které nám jsou poměrně pěkně představeny (což platí zejména u titulní postavy, jejíž osobnost mi přišla sympatická a dobře napsaná), přičemž jsou napsány zajímavě, jenomže po dočtení mám pocit toho, že jsem četl pouze nic neříkající akční příběh, kde jde pouze o bezduchý souboj dobra proti zla. Nic více od toho v podstatě čekat nemusíte. Každopádně, Bunnovi opravdu jde psaní postav a jejich my��lenkových pochodů, což samo o sobě není špatné, ale do komiksu je dává pouze v menším množství, aby celkový zbytek mohl být tvořen pouze několika různými akčními sekvencemi, jež sice vypadají pěkně, ale na kvalitě celkového komiksu se to v mnoha ohledech razantně podepisuje, což není moc pozitivní.
I přesto mi však samotná kniha nepřijde příliš špatná. Má to samozřejmě nudné části spolu s negativy, o nichž jsem se již rozepsal o několik řádků výš, avšak samotný autor se snaží a nepíše to úplně zle. Převratný počin to i přesto ovšem není jak z čtenářského, tak také nováčkovského hlediska (byť tedy nováčci si to možná užijí trochu více)
Hodnocení z mého čtenářské hlediska - 3/5 (55%)
Hodnocení z hlediska začátečníka - 3/5 (60%)
U svazků z Nejmocnějších hrdinů Marvelu většinou platí, že kniha má dva, případně dokonce až tři příběhy. Tady to ovšem neplatí a nám je naservírován pouze jeden jediný příběh, jehož jméno zní "Morové panny". V něm musí Brunnhilda neboli Valkyrie vést tým Fearless Defenders sestavený čistě z ženských hrdinek celého světa Marvelu proti titulním Morovým pannám a Caroline le Fay.
Já sám ani tak moc nevím, co si o knize mám myslet. Cullen Bunn určitě napsal pěkný příběh o ženských superhrdinkách, které nám jsou poměrně pěkně představeny (což platí zejména u titulní postavy, jejíž osobnost mi přišla sympatická a dobře napsaná), přičemž jsou napsány zajímavě, jenomže po dočtení mám pocit toho, že jsem četl pouze nic neříkající akční příběh, kde jde pouze o bezduchý souboj dobra proti zla. Nic více od toho v podstatě čekat nemusíte. Každopádně, Bunnovi opravdu jde psaní postav a jejich my��lenkových pochodů, což samo o sobě není špatné, ale do komiksu je dává pouze v menším množství, aby celkový zbytek mohl být tvořen pouze několika různými akčními sekvencemi, jež sice vypadají pěkně, ale na kvalitě celkového komiksu se to v mnoha ohledech razantně podepisuje, což není moc pozitivní.
I přesto mi však samotná kniha nepřijde příliš špatná. Má to samozřejmě nudné části spolu s negativy, o nichž jsem se již rozepsal o několik řádků výš, avšak samotný autor se snaží a nepíše to úplně zle. Převratný počin to i přesto ovšem není jak z čtenářského, tak také nováčkovského hlediska (byť tedy nováčci si to možná užijí trochu více)
Hodnocení z mého čtenářské hlediska - 3/5 (55%)
Hodnocení z hlediska začátečníka - 3/5 (60%)
September 23, 2018
Me dejo con ganas de leer más.
Una mujer misteriosa, con acceso a bastante dinero, busca artefactos antiguos para revivir un enorme mal del pasado.
Valkiria debe hacerle frente como única escudo de Asgard. En su misión la acompañan Misty, no me gusto al inicio por la forma de hablar y las poses que tomaba, y una arqueóloga llamada Annabel.
En el camino se le sumarán una Amazonas y una ex mutante ahora valkiria de hel. La historia da un buen dijo revelando de Valkiri es en realidad parte de este mal del pasado, el grupo original de valkirias, las doncellas de la destruccion.
Se necesito un grupo de heroinas para hacer frente a las ocho doncellas, pero ambos grupos cayeron cuando Brunilda, la doncella de la rabia despertó, dejando atrás su antiguo ser, Valkiria.
Solo con el sacrificio de la arqueóloga las cosas regresaron a la normalidad. Un interesante final al tratar de decir palabras que unieran al grupo para futuros desastres de parte de Valkiria, terminando en recibir un puñetazo en la cara a modo de: “nos traes hasta acá para casi matarnos y mataste a una chica, y ahora quieres que seamos amigas y cantemos cumabay? No lo creo”. Y cada quien por su camino.
Una mujer misteriosa, con acceso a bastante dinero, busca artefactos antiguos para revivir un enorme mal del pasado.
Valkiria debe hacerle frente como única escudo de Asgard. En su misión la acompañan Misty, no me gusto al inicio por la forma de hablar y las poses que tomaba, y una arqueóloga llamada Annabel.
En el camino se le sumarán una Amazonas y una ex mutante ahora valkiria de hel. La historia da un buen dijo revelando de Valkiri es en realidad parte de este mal del pasado, el grupo original de valkirias, las doncellas de la destruccion.
Se necesito un grupo de heroinas para hacer frente a las ocho doncellas, pero ambos grupos cayeron cuando Brunilda, la doncella de la rabia despertó, dejando atrás su antiguo ser, Valkiria.
Solo con el sacrificio de la arqueóloga las cosas regresaron a la normalidad. Un interesante final al tratar de decir palabras que unieran al grupo para futuros desastres de parte de Valkiria, terminando en recibir un puñetazo en la cara a modo de: “nos traes hasta acá para casi matarnos y mataste a una chica, y ahora quieres que seamos amigas y cantemos cumabay? No lo creo”. Y cada quien por su camino.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2018
Valkyrie's hesitation to create a new generation of, well, Valkyries, lead to a villainous character filling the power vacuum, and Misty Knight is dragged along in the aftermath, along with a slew of other female Marvel heroes. This is another attempted Defenders reboot that never hit its stride. It's kind of a shame; it feels like Bunn was going for a Iron Fist/Power Man kind of vibe between Knight and Valkyrie, which I can see working. And I'm a big fan of Valkyrie as a character, and it seems like any future version of her is going to be overshadowed by the film (who is also a good character, and admittedly one with a much simpler backstory). It's also notable, I think, for being an earlier attempt than A-Force at an all-female team--at least the Valkyrie angle gives it a plausible reason for being all-female. What I'll always remember most, though, is the covers, for their wonderful satirical approach to gender and genre tropes.
May 9, 2017
This was fun. The art was beautiful, and it was awesome to have a full on book full of female heroes. I grabbed it knowing that the defenders on Netflix wouldn't be the same squad, as this is the group that changes it's line up every few episodes. So I just wanted to see what the comic version of the defenders had to say in contrast to the Netflix series. The commonality is they're a bunch of misfit unlike the avengers. Hopefully JJ has guest appearances in other episodes. The only problem was the plot line felt formulaic and stale. It was also a wee bit on the children's show style of pace. The only reason I bring this up is considering it was a female all star cast, it seemed it was dumbed down and softened a bit. I felt this could have had a Vertigo flavor, but went for a soft PG. That's ok, I still love
October 18, 2025
Meh. Nice to see Annabelle Riggs again (or for the first time, I guess? I knew her from Asgardians of the Galaxy but that came out after this) but I've never been super into the Asgardian lore so that part fell a little flat. Takes place in the weird era where Dani Moonstar doesn't have powers due to M-Day, but she becomes a Valkyrie? I'm not gonna lie, it annoys me when mutants get stripped of their powers but then immediately get new ones. She's badass enough as just Dani. Probably would be better if it was written by a woman too. Warrior Woman is fine I guess (outside of her ugly white woman dreadlocks) but when there's already one ancient warrior woman, the Greek version just feels like they're trying to shoehorn in a Wonder Woman knockoff. Would've loved to see her spot on the team nixed and given to, like, Elsa Bloodstone or someone.
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