NETFLIX/ MARVEL’S The Defenders:

Everyone is aware that back in 2013 Marvel Studio’s television department and the streaming service Netflix, agreed to produce several mini series. A total of five mini series were ordered by Netflix from Marvel Studio’s. Having retained and reclaimed the rights to several unused iconic Marvel characters. Marvel Producer Joesph Loeb had a similar idea to Executive Producer Kevin Feige’s. Leob began building a comic book related universe aimed for a television audience.

There are four mini series leading up to a fifth mini series. DareDevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron fist. This was all planned to culminate in the fifth mini series, The Defenders.

Over the years the defenders haven’t always consisted of DareDevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron fist. In fact there have been several teams or Marvel characters that have been known to be apart of The Defenders. Such as the Avengers, the X-men, the Illuminati and many others.

The Defenders – Founding Members:

The original founding members of the Defenders consists of three heavy hitters with in the Marvel universe. The first appearance and origin of all three characters joining forces together was debuted in Marvel Feature #1. A three part story arc and introduction of these characters to the series was written by author Roy Thomas, one of my favorite Marvel writers. Now some of these characters may seem familiar and some characters may seem a little new. The Defenders are Doctor Strange, the Submariner, and the Incredible Hulk.

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First on the roster is Stephen Strange himself aka Doctor Strange. Doctor Strange made his first appearance in Strange Tales #110. Written by Stan Lee and art by the amazing artist Steve Ditko. Strange’s connection to Marvel Feature #1, was through his own series Doctor Strange #183. With art contributions done by Gene Colan, Bill Everett, Tom Palmer and Jean Izzo.

In this issue, Doctor Strange must battle three demons who are searching for an idol. This idol has a direct link to the humanoid demons known as the Undying Ones. It is now up to Dr. Strange to stop these human like demons from taking over.

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Next on our roster is Namor Mckinzie aka the Submariner. The Submariner’s first appearance dates back to the golden age of comics and his first ever appearance was in Marvel Mystery Comics #4. But the majority of readers are more familiar with the Silver Age Submariner. Prince Namor the Submariner was re-introduced in his own series with the art done by the late great artist, John Buscema.

The Submariner’s connection to Marvel Feature #1 was in his own series in issue #22. In this issue Namor had been recovering from losing his ability to breath under water. During his recovery Doctor Strange implants a message in his mind about the idol and the coming doom known as the Undying ones.

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The third and final Defender is Bruce Banner aka The Incredible Hulk. Most people know Bruce Banner and the Hulk from the Marvel cinematic movies. But his first appearance was in his own comic book series The Incredible Hulk #1. Written by Stan Lee with art done by Jack Kirby and Paul Reinman.

The Incredible Hulk was connected to Marvel Feature #1 through his own series in issue #126. In this issue Bruce Banner is taken and confronted by a mysterious cult that wants to bring the Undying ones to Earth. After being sent to another dimension Bruce turns into the Hulk. In this new dimension the Hulk must face off against Nightcrawler. During which the two are teleported to the realm of the Undying ones before returning back to earth.

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All three parts come full circle in Marvel Feature #1. Written by Roy Thomas, with pencils done by Ross Andru, inks by Bill Everett and this amazing cover art by Neal Adams.

Now these are sought after and hot key issues. However you can still find this amazing story in the several reprint series such as Essential Defenders #1 (2005), Marvel Masterworks: Doctor Strange #4 (2003) and Marvel Masterworks: The Defenders #1 (2004).

Netflix Defenders Roster:

The Netflix Defenders TV series roster consists of Daredevil (Charlie Cox), Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), Luke Cage (Mike Colter), and Iron Fist (Finn Jones).

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A new character has been announced and will be introduced in the new Netflix. Sigourney Weaver will be playing Alexandra. Now Alexandra maybe the female incarnation of Alexander Bount. Now who knows who will arrive in this new mini series. It could be Punisher (Jon Bernthal), Misty Knight (Simone Missick), Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson), Stick (Scott Glenn), and the list goes on. So don’t miss out on Netflix Marvel’s The Defenders. Available for streaming on August 18th.

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