It's Either In You Or It's Not a.k.a. The Defenders

[runawayboulder]

Fear Itself.....more like Fail Itself.

 

[Dread]

The irony is that while I'd usually avoid Fraction like the plague now, the fact that THE DEFENDERS is written "Marvel Style" - in which the artist gets a plot lay out and can go more nuts versus a sheer strict script - makes me more willing to get it. I trust Terry Dodson as a co-writer more than Fraction as a solo-writer. And to be fair, Fraction co-wrote IMMORTAL IRON FIST fine, albeit years ago.

I'm less keen about his idea to seemingly unravel "the mysteries of the Marvel Universe" here, as if it all needs to be tied together like Ultimate. He also claims the DEFENDERS are a "ghettoized" team, but in fairness they have historically battled big threats - just those threats tended to be magical, and avoided the Avengers. I mean, technically the GLA really did save the entire universe from Maelstrom once - the issue was the universe didn't notice.

 

[antonydelfini]

So let me get this right, it has Iron Fist, Silver Surfer, Namor and Strange in it? Drawn by Dodson? Im so in.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I'd be so out but it has that dang Iron Fist in it. I'll have to skim the first issue for him alone.

 

[runawayboulder]

So let me get this right, it has Iron Fist, Silver Surfer, Namor and Strange in it? Drawn by Dodson? Im so in.

Yeah, if you don't mind paying 4 bucks to look at some pretty pictures and not bother reading the words then I say go for it.

 

[Sebastos]

DEFENSIVE MEASURES: Doctor Strange and Nul

DEFENSIVE MEASURES: Iron Fist and She-Hulk

Kung Fu fighting Dr. Strange? Danny Rand back as a kung fu billionaire? Marvel, take my money.

 

[Dread]

DEFENSIVE MEASURES: Doctor Strange and Nul

DEFENSIVE MEASURES: Iron Fist and She-Hulk

Kung Fu fighting Dr. Strange? Danny Rand back as a kung fu billionaire? Marvel, take my money.

I didn't mind the idea of Danny running a non-profit that mostly deals with setting up martial arts dojos to train troubled or impoverished kids.

Still, Matt Fraction still co-wrote the launch run of IMMORTAL IRON FIST, and Brubaker often gave him props for a lot of things. It seems obvious that he still has passion for the character. Although I wonder why he decided to bottle it from FEAR ITSELF - rather than have Danny Rand be central and, heaven forbid, make a story with a key central cast of characters, it devolved into a corporate mess.

Iron Fist is literally the only reason why I'd even consider picking up a Fraction book again, even if Dodson is co-writing it (sort of).

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Meh.

 

[antonydelfini]

Yeah, if you don't mind paying 4 bucks to look at some pretty pictures and not bother reading the words then I say go for it.

Yeah, cause I said I won't bother reading the words. The characters and the artist are the main draw for me, but Fraction can write some good stories (i love his Immortal Iron Fist series and some of his Invincible Iron Man stuff). He's had bad ones lately, but I'm sure with the right project he can produce good stories again.

 

[Sebastos]

I didn't mind the idea of Danny running a non-profit that mostly deals with setting up martial arts dojos to train troubled or impoverished kids.

Still, Matt Fraction still co-wrote the launch run of IMMORTAL IRON FIST, and Brubaker often gave him props for a lot of things. It seems obvious that he still has passion for the character. Although I wonder why he decided to bottle it from FEAR ITSELF - rather than have Danny Rand be central and, heaven forbid, make a story with a key central cast of characters, it devolved into a corporate mess.

Iron Fist is literally the only reason why I'd even consider picking up a Fraction book again, even if Dodson is co-writing it (sort of).

LOL, from the start Fraction thought the idea of a kung fu billionaire was a cool idea. He states it in an interview when he was talking about Immortal Iron Fist. So it doesn't surprise me that he's reinstated that part of Danny, it's going to be really cool seeing Rand International back up and running since Immortal Iron Fist ended.

 

[Sebastos]

DEFENSIVE MEASURES: Nick Fury and the Silver Surfer

 

[Sebastos]

DEFENSIVE MEASURES: Namor and Ant-Man

Preview art is also included inside, love what Strange is doing with the tea bag, lol:

Spoiler

 

[Sebastos]

DEFENDERS #1 Preview:

When the impossible is everywhere and the very fabric of reality is threatened by insanity, the world needs more than super heroes…they need Defenders! Enter Defenders #1, from the top-selling creative team of Matt Fraction (Fear Itself, Invincible Iron Man, Mighty Thor) and Terry Dodson (Uncanny X-Men), as Doctor Strange assembles a new team of heroes to face a new kind of threat that will leave readers shocked. Doctor Strange, Iron Fist, Namor, Red She-Hulk, Silver Surfer and more of your favorite Marvel Heroes will band together exploring corners of the Marvel Universe you never knew existed for missions so deadly they have to be kept secret. Once a Defender, always a Defender – no matter the cost or sacrifice.


To support the launch of this major new series, Marvel is promoting Defenders through the following retailer support program:



•A free Defenders/Avengers X-Sanction preview book in stores Wednesday, November 2nd
•Exciting new ordering incentives for retailers, announced in this week’s Marvel Mailer
•Full issue preview on Diamond Retailer Site
•Extremely limited-edition Defenders #1 Neal Adams Inked Variant
•In-store promotional items including mini-posters, postcards and more.
•Digital marketing designed to drive consumers to comic stores for Defenders #1
•Prominently placed Defenders house ads in major Marvel comics
•A month long promotion through the Marvel Comics app, designed to create greater awareness and interest in Defenders
•Defenders-centric E-mail blasts to consumers
•Mainstream press timed around the Defenders #1 on-sale
•Ads in each digital issue of Defenders #1 directing fans to check out subsequent issues at their local comic shop


This December, all-new era in Marvel history begins with Matt Fraction and Terry Dodson’s Defenders #1.


DEFENDERS #1 (OCT110587)

DEFENDERS #1 IMMONEN VARIANT (OCT110588)

DEFENDERS #1 ADAMS VARIANT (OCT110589)

DEFENDERS #1 ADAMS INKED VARIANT (SEP118111)

DEFENDERS #1 BLANK VARIANT (OCT110590)

DEFENDERS #1 I AM A DEFENDER VARIANT (OCT110591)

Written by MATT FRACTION

Pencils & Cover by TERRY DODSON

Variant Cover by STUART IMMONEN

Variant Cover by NEAL ADAMS

Sketch Variant Cover by NEAL ADAMS

Blank Variant available

I Am A Defender Variant also Available

FOC—11/7/11, On-Sale—12/7/11

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=10273

Some really terrific art. Awesome panel with Namor and it looks like Danny is brining Rand International to space, the "DR" on his space suit is a nice touch.

 

[IKB]

How does Danny have his wealth back all of a sudden?

 

[Sebastos]

Fraction explained here:

"Danny is getting Rand International back together with the help of a Chinese company. He is the central figure in this new enterprise. He's somewhere between Steve Jobs and Richard Branson -- very much a public face and the Chief Visionary Officer as well," Fraction explained. "The gag we start with is, 'How do you fly this particular group of people around the world? What if they capture Nul? Where do you put him?' So quite simply, Doctor Strange needs a plane. He says, 'I know somebody who has a plane.' Cut to Danny. It's one of those cases where the guy ends up in the band because he's the guy with the van. That's why Danny's here, but it very quickly becomes important that he sticks around.

Iron Fist's skills as a martial artist and his knowledge of the mysticism and high technology used in secret, ancient cities like the one he trained in, K'un Lun, will also be invaluable assets for the Defenders. "One thing that every member of the Defenders will come to realize right away is that they're each unimpeachable masters of their own corner of the Marvel Universe," Fraction said. "You can look at someone like Red She-Hulk or Silver Surfer and break out the rulers and measure yourself, but there is no better kung fu billionaire in the Marvel Universe than Danny Rand. Danny is the only one who can do what he does. That is important. That is vital to the team."

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=35135

 

[IKB]

Well, that sucks.

I actually really liked the situation that Danny had found himself in by the end of the Immortal Iron First run, I thought it made him a bit more of a complete character. Back to being one of dozens of billionaire entrepreneurs moonlighting as a superhero, I guess.

 

[Sebastos]

Like I said, Fraction always liked the concept of a kung fu billionaire lol, he said it since he first began work on Immortal Iron Fist. That side has always been apart of Danny since day one, so it didn't come as a surprise to me.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

What the f*** is happening to the Silver Surfer on that second page?

 

[Sebastos]

Cosmic swag?

 

[moraldeficiency]

I looks like he's forming from the ground. That kind of thing would actually be pretty easy for the surfer.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

On paper, it would seem to be. But I can't recall his ever messing with his own molecular composition like that before.

Actually, now that I think about it, didn't he lose his silver skin when Galactus made him stay on Earth? Maybe it only returns when he wants it to, and that page is showing the metal in the process of slithering back onto him.

Anyway, I guess it doesn't really matter. This is sounding ever more em-to-the-eh for me. Still passing.

 

[Dread]

LOL, from the start Fraction thought the idea of a kung fu billionaire was a cool idea. He states it in an interview when he was talking about Immortal Iron Fist. So it doesn't surprise me that he's reinstated that part of Danny, it's going to be really cool seeing Rand International back up and running since Immortal Iron Fist ended.

Iron Fist is honestly the only reason why I would even consider reading this. That, and Dodson co-writing.

 

[moraldeficiency]

On paper, it would seem to be. But I can't recall his ever messing with his own molecular composition like that before.

Actually, now that I think about it, didn't he lose his silver skin when Galactus made him stay on Earth? Maybe it only returns when he wants it to, and that page is showing the metal in the process of slithering back onto him.

Anyway, I guess it doesn't really matter. This is sounding ever more em-to-the-eh for me. Still passing.

No, but if you're flying through stuff like the sun or time traveling I'm assuming you'd have to be doing something like that, so it fits with his power set even if I've not seen it.

He has a few times in the past for various reasons.

 

[Sebastos]

Iron Fist is honestly the only reason why I would even consider reading this. That, and Dodson co-writing.

Well i'm a fan of Iron Fist, Dr. Strange and Namor, so them being in a book together is all kinds of awesome. Plus it's going to be great seeing Fraction write Iron Fist again, can't wait to see what he has in store for Danny.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Man, I was hoping Iron Fist himself wouldn't be enough to pull me into buying yet another book but those interviews sound very interesting. I've become interested in this team, primarilly Iron Fist, Nick Fury, Hulk, and Silver Surfer. The Ant Man corpse has me curious... dagnabit!!!!

Well, if I pick this up I need to drop something else. I'll have to do some figuring if I end up liking my skimming of this.