Are Marvel's Original Defender's Returning?

Earlier today, Marvel Comics floated the following teaser images by artist Ron Garney and colorist Richard Isanove. For newer comic readers the use of the line "The Best Defense" might just come off as a cool catchphrase. For the, let's say, more "seasoned" readers, this might actually point in the direction of "The Defenders", an early '70s super-team starring Doctor Strange, the Sub-Mariner, the Hulk, and Silver Surfer!

What's that you say? You thought the Defender were Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist? Well, that's just the recent incarnation of a team that has always had a fairly inconsistent roster of characters. The most recent line-up being Marvel's Netflix heroes by Brian Michael Bendis and David Marquez in 2017. Marvel's original Defenders arrived in 1971's Marvel Feature #1 and comprised of Namor, Stephen Strange, Silver Surfer, and Hulk -- an undeniable powerhouse put together by writer Roy Thomas and Ross Andru. The quartet's first appearance as a unit was popular enough to warrant a series. Simply titled The Defenders the title would kick off by Steve Englehart and Sal Buscema and would quickly add Valkyrie to the roster.

From that point, The Defenders seemed to change players whenever a new creative team would arrive. There were The New Defenders led by Beast of the X-Men, Doctor Strange's Secret Defenders of the early 1990s, a 2005 comedic mini-series with the original team, and a government-sanctioned version that spun out of Marvel's Civil War event.  More contemporary versions of The Defenders include the 2011 team formed during the "Fear Itself" event and the fan-favorite Fearless Defenders featuring Misty Knight and Valkyrie at the forefront. 

With the Netflix Defenders team (we say that with love) seemingly out of the picture, it may be time for a return to the classic line-up the only question is, what villain is relentless and crazy enough to go against Silver Surfer, The Hulk, Doctor Strange, and Namor: The Submariner?

Looking to catch up on the various incarnations of Marvel's Defenders. Take a peek at our list of titles below. All available at your local comic shop.

Keep an eye on PREVIEWSworld.com (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram) for more Defenders updates and information.