The definitive, chronological, and up-to-date guide on collecting Defenders comic books via omnibuses, hardcovers, and trade paperback graphic novels. A part of Crushing Krisis’s Crushing Comics. Last updated September 2024 with titles scheduled for release through April 2025.
Who are The Defenders? Or, perhaps the better question is, what are The Defenders?
The concept of this unofficial team of heroes originated with the cancellation of Dr. Strange’s 1968 series, itself an outgrowth of Strange Tales. When a multi-part story teaming up the Doctor with Namor and Hulk was slotted to begin in what turned out to be his final issue (#183), the remaining chapters wound up running in Sub-Mariner (1968) #22 and Incredible Hulk (1968) #126.
Later, the Namor/Hulk team-up added Silver Surfer to the mix in Sub-Mariner (1968) #34-35 as “Titans Three.” Then, the entire founding foursome of The Defnders assembled in Marvel Feature #1-3 before spinning off into their own title.
This quartet of characters worked so well together because they are all massively powerful loners. Each one of them could single-handedly battle a Silver Age Avengers line-up to a stand-still. Plus, they’d each bristle at trying to remain a member of a team in the long-term.
Together, they kept that curmudgeonly attitude, which made the main draw of The Defenders that it was a team that wasn’t a team – all while battling enemies from other dimensions and outer space. The original quartet was completed with a fifth member – Valkyrie – who debuted in the pages of issue #4.
The book later added other unlikely team members like Luke Cage, Moon Knight, Hellcat, and Daimon Hellstrom.
The original, 1972 Defenders volume has been collected in a variety of formats as a key part of Marvel’s transition from Silver to Bronze age. Over the years the original team has seen many revivals of its title and concepts (both of loners and of protecting our dimension).
In 2017 the title took a left turn as it was co-opted for Marvel’s Netflix team of Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Daredevil, and Jessica Jones – who could have easily been deemed Mighty Avengers based on those characters’ recent publication history.
- The Defenders Bookshelf
- Omnibus Editions – Premium color reprints in oversize hardcovers
- Marvel Masterworks – Premium color reprints in standard-size hardcovers with carefully-restored linework
- Epic Collections – Comprehensive color paperback collections of an entire title or character
- Essentials – Black-and-white reprints on newsprint paper
- The Defenders Reading Order
- PrologueStories
- Doctor Strange Battles the Undying Ones (July 1969 – Jan 1970)
- The Titans Three in Sub-Mariner (1968) #34-35 (Feb – Mar 1971)
- The Day of The Defenders in Marvel Feature (1971) #1-3 (Dec 1971 – Jun 1972)
- The Defenders (1972) #1-152, Annual 1, & Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #1-5 (Aug 1972 – Feb 1986)
- The Defenders (1972) #1-139 & Annual 1 (Aug 1972 – Jan 1985)
- Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #1-5 (Aug 1972 – Jan 1985)
- New Defenders (1985) #140-152 (Feb 1985 – Feb 1986)
- The Return of The Defenders (1992 Annuals)
- Secret Defenders (1993 – 1995) #1-25 (Mar 1993 – Mar 1995)
- Defenders & The Order (Mar 2001 – Dec 2002)
- The Defenders (2001) #1-12 (Mar 2001 – Feb 2002)
- The Order (2002) #1-6 [AKA (2001) #13-18] (Apr – Dec 2002)
- The Defenders: From the Marvel Vault (2011) #1 (Jul 2011)
- The Defenders (2005) #1-5 (Sep 2005 – Jan 2006)
- The Last Defenders (2008)
- Heroic Age: The Defenders, Vol. 4 (2012)
- Marvel Now: The Fearless Defenders (2013)
- All-New, All-Different Marvel & Marvel Legacy: Vol. 5
- Fresh Start:
- PrologueStories
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The Defenders Bookshelf
Defenders Omnibus Editions
These massive tomes have oversize pages and collect huge swaths of comics – between 25 and 50 issues a book. They look beautiful on a bookshelf! This is a list of omnibuses focused on Defenders material – other, non-Defenders omnibuses that cover a range of Defenders issues are also listed in this guide chronologically.
The Defenders Omnibus Vol. 1 (2021 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302928599)
Collects Sub-Mariner (1968) #34-35, Marvel Feature (1971) #1-3, Defenders (1972) #1-19, Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #1-2, and the crossover with Avengers (1963) #116-118 (and the second story from #115). Giant-Size issues are also collected in Giant-Size Marvel [50th Anniversary Omnibus] (2025 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302963880 / digital TBA).
The Defenders Omnibus Vol. 2 (2023 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302948771 / digital)
Collects Defenders (1972) #20-41 & Annual 1, Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #3-5, Marvel Two-in-One (1974) #6-7, Marvel Treasury Edition (1974) #12; and material from Mystery Tales (1952) #21, World of Fantasy (1956) #11, and Tales of Suspense (1959) #9. Giant-Size issues are also collected in Giant-Size Marvel [50th Anniversary Omnibus] (2025 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302963880 / digital TBA).
Marvel Masterworks
Marvel Masterworks editions are high quality, full color reproductions of original issues. The volumes were originally released as hardcovers, with many now out of print. Masterworks are not listed below in their chronological placement, but they are referenced if they are the only means of obtaining an issue.
Marvel Masterworks Volume 1 (2008 hardcover, ISBN 978-0785130444 / digital)
Collects Sub-Mariner (1968) #34-35, Marvel Feature (1971) #1-3 and Defenders (1972) #1-6
Marvel Masterworks Volume 2 (2010 hardcover, ISBN 978-0785142164 / digital)
Collects Defenders (1972) #7-16, Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #1, & Avengers (1963) #115-118
Marvel Masterworks Volume 3 (2012 hardcover, ISBN 978-0785159612 / digital)
Collects (1972) #17-21, Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #2-4, and Marvel Two-in-One (1974) #6-7
Marvel Masterworks Volume 4 (2014 hardcover, ISBN 978-0785166276 / digital)
Collects (1972) #22-30, Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #5, and Marvel Super-Heroes (1967) #18
Marvel Masterworks Volume 5 (2015 hardcover, ISBN 978-0785191827 / digital)
Collects (19720 #31-41 & Annual 1 and Marvel Treasury Edition (1974) #12
Marvel Masterworks Volume 6 (2018 hardcover, ISBN 978-1302909581) / digital)
Collects (1972) #42-57 and material from Foom (1973) #19
Marvel Masterworks Volume 7 (2020 hardcover, ISBN 978-1302922269 / digital)
Collects (1972) #58-75 and Marvel Treasury Edition (1974) #16.
Marvel Masterworks Volume 8 (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302933302 / digital)
Collects (1972) #76-91 and material from Tales to Astonish (1979) #13.
Marvel Masterworks Volume 9 (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302955342 / digital)
Collects (1972) #92-102 and Marvel Team-Up (1972) #101.
Jump to this spot in the chronology.
#103-152: Not yet announced in this format.
Epic Collections
Marvel’s Epic Collections represent a consistent, affordable, full-color bookshelf format of issues in perfect continuity order without a single gap. The catch? Marvel is releasing them in a random order to focus on the biggest gaps first – since early issues are already well-covered by both Essentials and Masterworks.
Epic editions are also listed below in their chronological placement, as they are frequently the only coverage of a specific run.
Epic Collection Volume 1: The Day of the Defenders (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302933562 / digital)
Collects Doctor Strange (1968) #183, Sub-Mariner (1968) #22, Incredible Hulk (1968) #126, Sub-Mariner (1968) #34-35, Marvel Feature (1971) #1-3, Defenders (1972) #1-11, and the crossover with Avengers (1963) #116-118 (and the second story from #115).
Epic Collection Volume 2: Enter the Headmen (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302955311 / digital)
Collects Defenders (1972) #12-25, Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #1-4, Marvel Two-in-One (1974) #6-7; and material from Mystery Tales (1952) #21, World of Fantasy (1956) #11, and Tales of Suspense (1959) #9
Epic Collection Volume 3: World Gone Sane (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302960544 / digital TBA)
Collects Defenders (1972) #26-41 & Annual 1, Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #5, and Marvel Treasury Edition (1974) #12.
Epic Collection Volumes 4-5: Not yet announced, but will collect issues #42-91, and all non-reprint material from Giant-Size and Annual issues.
Epic Collection Volume 6: The Six-Fingered Hand (2016 paperback, ISBN 978-0785195993 / digital)
Collects (1972) #92-109, Marvel Team-Up (1972) #101, Captain America (1968) #268
Epic Collection Volume 7: Ashes, Ashes (2017 paperback, ISBN 978-1302904289 / digital)
Collects (1972) #110-125 and Avengers (1963) Annual 11
Epic Collection Volume 8: The New Defenders (2018 paperback, ISBN 978-1302912031 / digital)
Collects (1972) #126-137; Iceman (1984) #1-4; and Beauty and the Beast (1984) #1-4
Epic Collection Volume 9: The End of All Songs (2019 paperback, ISBN 978-1302920708 / digital)
Collects New Defenders (1983) #138-152 and Gargoyle (1985) #1-4. This is the first time the final dozen issues of the series have been collected.
Essential Defenders
Marvel’s Essentials line packs tons of comics into each black and white, phone-book-sized edition with newsprint paper. If you don’t care about color and glossy paper, Essentials used to be a good way to acquire your favorite classic stories quickly. The line was discontinued in 2013 to make way for Epic Collections.
Essential Editions are not repeated below in their chronological placement, since B&W is not the original format of this series.
Essential Vol. 1 (2005 black-and-white paperback, ISBN 978-0785115472)
Collects Doctor Strange (1968) #183, Sub-Mariner (1968) #22, Incredible Hulk (1968) #126, Sub-Mariner (1968) #34-35, Marvel Feature (1971) #1-3, Defenders (1972) #1-14, and the crossover with Avengers (1963) #115-118
Essential Vol. 2 (2006 black-and-white paperback, ISBN 978-0785121503)
Collects Defenders (1972) #15-30, Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #1-5, Marvel Team-Up (1972) #33-35, Marvel Treasury Edition (1974) #12, and Marvel Two-in-One (1974) #6-7
Essential Vol. 3 (2007 black-and-white paperback, ISBN 978-0785126966)
Collects (1972) #31-60 & Annual 1
Essential Vol. 4 (2008 black-and-white paperback, ISBN 978-0785130611)
Collects (1972) #61-91
Essential Vol. 5 (2010 black-and-white paperback, ISBN 978-0785145370)
Collects (1972) #92-106, Captain America (1968) #268, and Marvel Team-Up (1972) #101, 112, & 116
Essential Vol. 6 (2011 black-and-white paperback, ISBN 978-0785157540)
Collects (1972) #107-125, Avengers (1963) Annual 11, and Marvel Team-Up (1972) #119.
Essential Vol. 7 (2013 black-and-white paperback, ISBN 978-0785184058)
Collects (1972) #126-139, Iceman (1984) #1-4, and Beauty and the Beast (1984) #1-4 (but not Gargoyle (1985) #1-4)
The Essentials line has been discontinued and will not extend past #139 (at which point the indicia finally changes to reflect the New Defenders title on the cover). Jump to that spot in the chronology.
The Defenders Reading Order
Doctor Strange Battles the Undying Ones (July 1969 – Jan 1970)
The original Defenders origin story was a relatively rare direct multi-title crossover in 1969-70 between Doctor Strange (1968) #183, Sub-Mariner (1969) #22, and The Incredible Hulk (1968) #126.
Many Defenders collections don’t include this story – it’s not in Omnibus or Masterworks, though it is in the Epic Collection line! The issues are singly collected in various Namor and Hulk collections (see Guide to Namor, The Sub-Mariner and Guide to Hulk , but tend to appear together in Doctor Strange collections (since the story would have appeared entirely in his own title had it not been canceled). See Guide to Doctor Strange for more details.
The Day of the Defenders (Epic Collection Vol. 1) (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302933562 / digital)
This is a beautifully-mapped volume that collects all three prologue stories and the entire first year of The Defenders – including all of The Avengers/Defenders War! Collects the Undying Ones team-up (Doctor Strange (1968) #183, Sub-Mariner (1968) #22, Incredible Hulk (1968) #126), the Titans Three story (Sub-Mariner (1968) #34-35), Day of the Defenders (Marvel Feature (1971) #1-3), Defenders (1972) #1-11, and the crossover with from #8-11 to Avengers (1963) #116-118 (and the second story from #115).
The Titans Three in Sub-Mariner (1968) #34-35 (Feb – Mar 1971)
A year after their initial team-up, Namor was the central character in this second proto-team-up story. This time, Silver Surfer stands in for Doctor Strange alongside Namor. Calling themselves “Titans Three,” they briefly battle El General before Namor redirects them to their true goal – averting climate disaster due to a new UN-sponsored weather control machine. But, to fix it, they’ll need to hold off The Avengers!
This material is the first material collected in most collections of the start of the 1972 series, including Omnibus and Masterwork (although Epics and Essentials before them started with the prior story.
in omnibus oversize hardcover…
The Defenders Omnibus Vol. 1 (2021 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302928599)
Collects Sub-Mariner (1968) #34-35, Marvel Feature (1971) #1-3, Defenders (1972) #1-19, Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #1-2, and the crossover with Avengers (1963) #116-118 (and the second story from #115).
in paperback…
The Day of the Defenders (Epic Collection Vol. 1) (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302933562 / digital)
This is a beautifully-mapped volume that collects all three prologue stories and the entire first year of The Defenders – including all of The Avengers/Defenders War! Collects the Undying Ones team-up (Doctor Strange (1968) #183, Sub-Mariner (1968) #22, Incredible Hulk (1968) #126), the Titans Three story (Sub-Mariner (1968) #34-35), Day of the Defenders (Marvel Feature (1971) #1-3), Defenders (1972) #1-11, and the crossover with from #8-11 to Avengers (1963) #116-118 (and the second story from #115).
This story is also collected in Masterworks and Essentials, above. Also, see Guide to Namor, The Sub-Mariner.
The Day of The Defenders in Marvel Feature (1971) #1-3 (Dec 1971 – Jun 1972)
The first three issues of anthology spotlight title Marvel Feature (1971) are consistently treated as the official prologue to the 1972 series. In fact, this story was called “The Day of the Defenders” and the cover debuted the logo treatment of “The Defenders” beneath the “Marvel Feature Presents” banner.
This story by Roy Thomas & Ross Andru features all four primary cast members and is always collected alongside the initial issues of Defenders. This is a true ensemble story and does not tend to appear in solo collections of their material.
in omnibus oversize hardcover…
The Defenders Omnibus Vol. 1 (2021 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302928599)
Collects Sub-Mariner (1968) #34-35, Marvel Feature (1971) #1-3, Defenders (1972) #1-19, Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #1-2, and the crossover with Avengers (1963) #116-118 (and the second story from #115).
in paperback…
The Day of the Defenders (Epic Collection Vol. 1) (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302933562 / digital)
This is a beautifully-mapped volume that collects all three prologue stories and the entire first year of The Defenders – including all of The Avengers/Defenders War! Collects the Undying Ones team-up (Doctor Strange (1968) #183, Sub-Mariner (1968) #22, Incredible Hulk (1968) #126), the Titans Three story (Sub-Mariner (1968) #34-35), Day of the Defenders (Marvel Feature (1971) #1-3), Defenders (1972) #1-11, and the crossover with from #8-11 to Avengers (1963) #116-118 (and the second story from #115).
This story is also collected in Masterworks and Essentials, above. It was also reprinted in 2012 as a single issue called Defenders: The Coming of the Defenders. Issue #1 was reprinted without the other two issues in Day of the Defenders (2001) #1.
The Defenders (1972) #1-152 & Annual 1
& Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #1-5 (Aug 1972 – Feb 1986)
[AKA New Defenders (1985) #140-152]
After their trio of try-out stories from 1969 to 1972, The Defenders debuted in their own title in the middle of 1972 – the start of The Bronze Age.
In 1983 the Defenders team received a facelift, with several older members transitioning off the team for the core of original X-Men Beast, Angel, and Iceman to take over along with Moondragon, Gargoyle, Cloud, and team mainstay Valkyrie with issue #125. Though the cover treatment immediately changed to “New Defenders” on #125, technically the indicia does not reflect this change until issue #140.
Marvel does not have a single, unified convention for how to handle this title the way they do with the 1963 volume of “X-Men” vs “Uncanny X-Men.” Some collections refer to issues #125 and onward as “New Defenders (1983),” but Marvel Unlimited lists this entire series under a single volume and the Epic Collections have all been published under one line. [Marvel Unlimited]
in omnibus oversize hardcover…
The Defenders Omnibus Vol. 1 (2021 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302928599)
Collects Sub-Mariner (1968) #34-35, Marvel Feature (1971) #1-3, Defenders (1972) #1-19, Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #1-2, and the crossover with Avengers (1963) #116-118 (and the second story from #115).
The Defenders Omnibus Vol. 2 (2023 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302948771 / digital)
Collects Defenders (1972) #20-41 & Annual 1, Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #3-5, Marvel Two-in-One (1974) #6-7, Marvel Treasury Edition (1974) #12; and material from Mystery Tales (1952) #21, World of Fantasy (1956) #11, and Tales of Suspense (1959) #9
as collected by single issue or storyline…
#1-11: The Day of the Defenders (Epic Collection Vol. 1)
(2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302933562 / digital)
This is a beautifully-mapped volume that collects all three prologue stories and the entire first year of The Defenders – including all of The Avengers/Defenders War! Collects the Undying Ones team-up (Doctor Strange (1968) #183, Sub-Mariner (1968) #22, Incredible Hulk (1968) #126), the Titans Three story (Sub-Mariner (1968) #34-35), Day of the Defenders (Marvel Feature (1971) #1-3), Defenders (1972) #1-11, and the crossover with from #8-11 to Avengers (1963) #116-118 (and the second story from #115).
#8-11: Avengers/Defenders War
(2007 hardcover, ISBN 978-0785127598 / 2019 paperback, IBSN 978-1302923174 / digital)
Also collects The Avengers (1963) #115-118. See Guide to Avengers (1963-1996) for additional collection options under the Avengers line.
#10: Thor Vs. Hulk (2017 paperback, ISBN 978-0785185154 / digital)
Collects Avengers (1963) #3, Sub-Mariner (1968) #35, Defenders (1972) #10, Incredible Hulk (1968) #255 & 440, Thor (1966) #385 & 489, Hulk (2008) #5-6, What If? (1977) #45; and material from Journey Into Mystery (1952) #112, Incredible Hulk Annual 2001, & Hulk (2008) #26
#12-25 & Giant-Size #1-4: Enter the Headmen (Epic Collection Vol. 2)
(2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302955311 / digital)
Collects Defenders (1972) #12-25, Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #1-4, Marvel Two-in-One (1974) #6-7; and material from Mystery Tales (1952) #21, World of Fantasy (1956) #11, and Tales of Suspense (1959) #9
#15-16: See Guide to Silver Age X-Men. A Magneto story in these issues is often collected along with X-Men collections of their hiatus years in the late 60s and early 70s.
#26-29 & Giant-Size #5: See Guide to Guardians of the Galaxy. This story focuses on the original 1970s Guardians team and is routinely collected with any classic Guardians material.
#26-41: World Gone Sane (Epic Collection Vol. 3)
(2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302960544 / digital TBA)
Collects Defenders (1972) #26-41 & Annual 1, Giant-Size Defenders (1974) #5, and Marvel Treasury Edition (1974) #12.
#42-46: In Masterworks & Essentials, above.
#47-50: See Guide to Moon Knight. These issues are one of Moon Knight’s first team-ups with other heroes and are routinely collected with his early material in most formats.
#51-61: In Masterworks & Essentials, above.
#62-64: See Guide to Nova. These issues star Richard Rider as Nova and are routinely collected alongside his classic material in most formats.
#62-65: Defenders: Tournament of Heroes (2012 comic)
A single issue one-shot reprinting these four issues.
#65: Models, Inc. (2010 digest-size paperback, ISBN 978-0785139201 / digital)
Collects Models, Inc. (2009) #1-4, Patsy Walker (1945) #119, Millie the Model (1945) #100, and The Defenders (1972) #65
#66-75: In Masterworks & Essentials, above.
#76-77: Omega The Unknown Classic (2005 paperback, ISBN 978-0785120094 / digital)
Collects Omega the Unknown (1976) #1-10 and The Defenders (1972) #76-77
#78-91: In Masterworks & Essentials, above.
#92-109: The Six-Fingered Hand (Epic Collection Vol. 6)
(2016 paperback, ISBN 978-0785195993 / digital)
Collects (1972) #92-109, Marvel Team-Up (1972) #101, Captain America (1968) #268 (which continues from #104 and into #106).
Masterworks editions currently end with #102
#110-125: Ashes, Ashes (Epic Collection Vol. 7)
(2017 paperback, ISBN 978-1302904289 / digital)
Collects (1972) #110-125 and Avengers (1963) Annual 11
#112-114: See Guide to Squadron Supreme (eventually). This arc is routinely collected with classic Squadron Supreme material in many formats.
#122-124: New Defenders, Vol. 1 (2011 paperback, ISBN 978-0785162469 / digital)
Effectively part of the Marvel “Classic” line, with the corresponding slightly lighter weight matte paper compared to other collections.
#126-137: The New Defenders (Epic Collection Vol. 8)
(2018 paperback, ISBN 978-1302912031 / digital)
Collects (1972) #126-137; Iceman (1984) #1-4; and Beauty and the Beast (1984) #1-4
Essentials collections end with #139
#138-152: The End of All Songs (Epic Collection Vol. 9)
(2019 paperback, ISBN 978-1302920708 / digital)
Collects New Defenders (1983) #138-152 and Gargoyle (1985) #1-4 (fits after #141). This is the first time the final dozen issues of the series have been collected.
#145-146: See Guide to Ghost-Rider. This is a key guest appearance for Johnny Blaze after the end of his 1972 series and is routinely collected with his classic material.
#150: Pet Avengers Classic (2009 paperback, ISBN 978-0785139669 / digital)
Collects pet hero material from Thing (1983) #4, Captain America (1968) #220, Ka-Zar the Savage (1989) #14-15, X-Men Unlimited (1993) #43, Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #72, Speedball (1988) #6, Marvel Tales (1966) #100, Marvel Super-Heroes (1990) #8, Amazing Fantasy (2004) #15, Fantastic Four (1961) #94, New Defenders (1985) #150, New Mutants (1983) Annual 4, Franklin Richards: Happy Franksgiving (2006) #1, New Warriors (1990?) #2, and Journey into Mystery (1952) #57.
#152: See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Secret Wars II. This final issue was a tie-in to the massive 1986 linewide event.
Where do Defenders members next appear?
- Members departing in issue #125:
- Daimon Hellstrom: Hellstrom next appears in West Coast Avengers #14-16 and Annual 1, then generally lays low until his 1993 series, Daimon Hellstrom: Price of Lies. See Guide to Hellstrom (eventually)
- Doctor Strange: Strange continues in his own title starting with with issue #62. See Guide to Doctor. Strange.
- Hulk: Hulk continues in his own title starting with issue #290. See Guide to Hulk, Bruce Banner.
- Namor: Namor continues to a string of guest appearances in Fantastic Four and Alpha Flight. See Guide to Namor, The Sub-Mariner.
- Patsy Walker, Hellcat: Hellcat next appears in Captain America #314 and West Coast Avengers #14-16 and Annual 1. See Guide to Hellcat, Patsy Walker.
- New Defenders after the end of the series:
- Angel, Beast, & Iceman: All three original X-Men next appear in X-Factor (1986) #1. See Guide to X-Factor.
- Cloud: Cloud next appears in Solo Avengers #20 and then disappears into obscurity.
- Gargoyle: Gargoyle next appears in West Coast Avengers #24 followed by Solo Avengers #16, 18, & 20. He goes on to be a regular character in Hellstorm: Prince of Lies, and later in Avengers: The Initiative #10-23.
- Moondragon: Moondragon next appears in West Coast Avengers Annual 1 and #24. She is a supporting character in Quasar starting from #11 and would later be involved in Infinity Watch and Guardians of the Galaxy.
- Valkyrie: Valkyrie goes on to co-star with old-school teammate Dr. Strange in Strange Tales #5-7 and Dr. Strange #3-4, but is effectively rendered an occasional guest star after this run.
- See Guide to Valkyrie.
The Return of The Defenders (1992 Annuals)
1990 was the first year since the launch of Defenders in 1972 when all four of their original members had their own ongoing titles! Two years later, Marvel used one of their crossovers through the 1992 annuals to bring them together again for a single story in “The Return of the Defenders.”
The story ran through the first stories in Incredible Hulk (1968) Annual 18, Namor the Sub-Mariner (1990) Annual 2, Silver Surfer (1988) Annual 5, and Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme (1988) Annual 2.
See Guide to Hulk – Bruce Banner, Guide to Namor – The Sub-Mariner, Guide to Silver Surfer, and Guide to Doctor Strange. However, note that as of this writing the only characters collections to include all four chapters of this crossover has been Hulk (in his Epic Collection). Also, see Guide to Marvel Universe Events – 1992 Annual Crossovers for more information.
Secret Defenders (1993) #1-25 (Mar 1993 – Mar 1995)
A rotating-cast team headlined launched by Dr. Strange (and, later led by Dr. Druid). Over the course of the run, team members included Wolverine, Darkhawk, Nomad, Spider-Woman, Captain America, Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, Deadpool, Thunderstrike, Silver Surfer, Luke Cage, and more!
#1-11: Doctor Strange and the Secret Defenders (2016 paperback, ISBN 978-1302901080 / digital)
This initial run is sometimes also collected alongside Doctor Strange’s solo material from this period – see Guide to Doctor Strange
#12-25: Deadpool and the Secret Defenders (2017 paperback, ISBN 978-1302904173 / digital)
The Defenders (2001) #1-12 (Mar 2001 – Feb 2002),
The Order (2002) #1-6 [#13-18] (Apr – Dec 2002)
& The Defenders: From the Marvel Vault (2011) #1 (Jul 2011)
A 12-issue series from the superstar combo of Erik Larson and Kurt Busiek featured the core cast of Dr. Strange, Namor, Silver Surfer, and Hulk – plus Hellcat and Nighthawk. It continues directly into The Order for its final arc, which took the unusual step of adding “Legacy Numbers” of #13-18 alongside the arc issue numbers of #1-6.
The Order plays out a fun beat with this team, leaning into their status as some of the most powerful individuals on Earth and exploring what would happen if they were manipulated to be evil versions of themselves
[Marvel Unlimited: Defenders (not available), Vault, Order]
Day of the Defenders (2001) #1: A one-shot issue reprinting classic Defenders prologue stories from The Incredible Hulk (1968) #126, The Sub-Mariner (1968) #22, and Marvel Feature (1971) #1.
The Defenders (2001) #1-12: Not collected.
The Defenders: From the Marvel Vault (2011) #1: From the Marvel Vault
(2011 paperback, ISBN 978-0785157847 / digital)
This run of five 2011 one-shots were all previously drafted scripts ostensibly meant to be released during the initial runs of their titles. The Defenders issue is ostensibly issue #12.5 of this run, falling between issue #12 and The Order. Collects Human Torch & Hulk: From the Marvel Vault (2011) #1 (from Karl Kesel’s 2003 Torch series), Marvel Vault: Doctor Strange (2011) #1 (from the Roger Stern era),, Thunderbolts: From the Marvel Vault (2011) #1 (from Fabian Nicieza’s run), Defenders: From the Marvel Vault (2011) #1 (from Busiek’s 2002 run), and Gambit: From the Marvel Vault (2011) #1 AKA “Gambit & The Champions” (a flashback story from prior to Gambit’s debut, intersecting with the original Champions team).
The Order (2002) #1-6: Not collected. Continued from the 2001 volume, this is effectively #13-18 of that series (though it received its own unique title treatment and indicia).
Defenders (2005) #1-5 (Sep 2005 – Jan 2006)
A five-issue limited series featuring Doctor Strange, Namor, Silver Surfer, and Hulk. Writers J.M.’ DeMatteis & Keith Giffen wrote this in the comedic tone of their beloved Justice League International, but the tonal shift was not well-received by fans at the time. [Marvel Unlimited]
#1-5: Indefensible (2006 hardcover, ISBN 978-0785121527 / 2007 paperback, ISBN 978-0785117629 / digital)
The Last Defenders (2008) & Vengeance (2011)
A six-issue limited series written by Joe Casey expanding the traditional Defenders cast to include She-Hulk, Colossus, and erstwhile Thunderbolt Atlas in the wake of Marvel’s Civil War (plus classic member Daimon Hellstrom and 2001 update member Nighthawk). They are then commissioned to be the official Avengers: Initiative team of New Jersey.
#1-6: The Last Defenders
Vengeance (2011) #1-5
A five-issue limited series also penned by Casey focused on a young generation of heroes and villains, but incidentally featuring the team that emerged from The Last Defenders.
Fear Itself: The Deep (2011) #1-4
& The Defenders (2012) #1-12
A classic Defenders revival staring Dr. Strange, Namor, Silver Surfer, Iron Fist, and Red She-Hulk – plus, later, Black Cat.
Curiously, when this series was hurried to an early ended with issue #12, Fraction’s solution was to retcon the entire story out of existence with the final issue – making it a peculiar pocket universe all of its own.
Fear Itself: The Deep (2011) #1-4: Fear Itself: Uncanny X-Force / The Deep (20?? hardcover, ISBN / 20?? paperback, ISBN / digital)
Collects Fear Itself: The Deep (2011) #1-4, an entertaining prelude to The Defenders staring Namor, Academy X’s Loa, and Dr. Strange. Also collects Fear Itself: Uncanny X-Force (2011) #1-3. Also, see Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Fear Itself.
#1-6: by Matt Fraction Vol. 1 (2012 paperback, ISBN 978-0785158516 / digital)
Also includes material from Fear Itself #7 and Marvel Point One.
#7-12: by Matt Fraction Vol. 2 (2013 paperback, ISBN 978-0785158530 / digital)
Marvel Now:
The Fearless Defenders (2013)
A series that fell backwards into becoming a Defenders title
At the end of Fear Itself, classic Defender Valkyrie was tasked with retrieving a series of weapons – and, also, assembling a team of female guardians. That transpired in the strong and surprisingly-popular series The Fearless, by Cullen Bunn. See Guide to Valkyrie for collections of that title.
Bunn pitched the follow-up book – a team-up between Valkyrie and recent Heroes for Hire star Misty Knight plus a rotating cast of other women including Danielle Moonstar, Elsa Bloodstone, and Clea. Marvel’s editorial team encouraged Bunn to make it a part of the Defenders franchise – and Fearless Defenders was born.
#1-6: Vol. 1: Doom Maidens (2013 paperback, ISBN 978-0785168485 / digital)
#4.AU: This average alternate timeline one-shot was part of Age of Ultron. See Marvel Universe Events: Age of Ultron for collection information.
#7-12: Vol. 2: The Most Fabulous Fighting Team of All (2014 paperback, ISBN 978-0785168492 / digital)
Misty Knight would go on to reappear in Sam Wilson’s run as Captain America, while Valkyrie would fall back into disuses, though she makes guest appearances in Avengers World, Thor and Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat.
All-New, All-Different Marvel & Marvel Legacy:
The Defenders (2017) #1-10
The Defenders title has laid dormant in Marvel Comics since the end of 2013, when it was announced that Marvel would bring a slate of TV shows to Netflix that would culminate in a mini-series titled The Defenders.
Of course, having now seen all of those Netflix series, we know that they don’t focus on classic Defenders like Doctor Strange or Hulk, but on street-level heroes Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist.
Why the change? According to Marvel’s editor-in-chief, Joe Quesada,”because to the world at large, no one knows who the Defenders are.” Using the name for the Netflix team was a matter of clever marketing to contrast them against The Avengers – and, hadn’t that really been the point of the original title back in 1972?
With the mini-series debuting on Netflix in the summer of 2017, Marvel relaunched the solo comics of Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist, and followed them with a new Defenders ongoing penned by Brian Bendis – the creator of Jessica Jones and resuscitator of both Daredevil and Luke Cage.
#1-5: Vol. 1: Diamonds Are Forever (2018 paperback, ISBN 978-1846538674 / digital)
Also includes material from Free Comic Book Day 2017: Guardians of the Galaxy / Defenders (Defenders story).
#6-10: Vol. 2: Kingpins of New York (2018 paperback, ISBN 978-1302907471 / digital)
Marvel Fresh Start:
The Defenders Return! in Defenders: The Best Defense (2018) #1
A series of one-shots focusing on each of the original four members of The Defenders, followed by a one-shot of the assembled team.
Defenders: The Best Defense (2019 paperback, ISBN 978-1302916145 / digital)
Collects a series of Defenders one-shots (in this order) Hulk: Defenders #1, Namor: Defenders #1, Doctor Strange: Defenders #1, and Silver Surfer: Defenders #1, and Defenders #1.
Tarot (2019) #1-4
An Avengers/Defenders flashback story set during the time of the initial team line-up (including Valkyrie).
#1-4: Tarot: Avengers/Defenders (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302915254 / digital)
Defenders (2021) #1-5 by Al Ewing & Javier Rodriguez
Partly spinning out of set-up in Marvel Comics #1000, Doctor Strange assembles a team including Masked Raider, Silver Surfer, Red She-Hulk AKA Harpy, Cloud, and more.
#1-5: There Are No Rules (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302924720 / digital)
Defenders: Beyond (2022) #1-5 by Al Ewing & Javier Rodriguez
Ewing & Rodriguez continue their run on a reality-bending team that includes America Chavez, the Blue Marvel, Tigra, and Loki.
#1-5: Beyond (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302946715 / digital)
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Vengeance (2011) includes issues 1-6, not 1-5
The description for the 2017 series calls Brian Michael Bendis ‘Brian Bendis’.
Issue #10 of Fearless Defenders is an Infinity tie-in
The Defenders (Strange, Hulk and the Silver Surfer) appear and team-up together in Silver Surfer (2014) #4-5. Despite happening in 2014 their costumes, appearance and characterisation is more in keeping with classic Defenders.