In 1972, the Defenders appeared in Marvel Feature #1, with this dynamic cover by Neal Adams.
It’s a great cover. Each hero has a dynamic pose. And you are not sure if these guys are here to save the world or destroy it!
In a recent Doctor Strange Barry Smith article, I came across a Marvel Milestones reprint that also had this version of Neal Adams’ cover, sans logo and with new coloring.
The colorist went for more muted tones here, rather than the bright colors on the original. Doc’s left hand is obscured by the glow of the spell he is casting. This cover was probably used on an Essentials reprint. It’s an interesting experiment—but I can’t help think the original version is still superior.
The Defenders are one of my favorite super-hero teams of all time. I can’t understand why modern Marvel can’t get the formula of Doc Strange + Hulk (smash) + Sub-Mariner to work. Nuff Said!
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Richard:
I agree that the color on the original was better, but that's almost certainly our Bronze Age bias at play. Color palates were much more limited back then. There's a sample palate from the period in the DC Comics Guide to Coloring and Lettering, and it's completely made up of different 25 percent combinations of CMYK. Certainly more limited, but, damn, if it doesn't look more like comics to me!
Cheers,
Andrew
ComicsBronzeAge.com
This is one of my favorite Marvel covers by my all time favorite comic book artist as well as my favorite Marvel superhero team! Thanks for posting this! Hopefully soon we'll see some of Neal's Avengers stuff!
I agree, I am very biased towards the old material. Yet strangely proud of it! Thanks for all your comments and tweets, Andrew!
I do believe there are ways to make the classic lineup of the Defenders work. I think Busiek tried to recreate the zaniness of the Gerber era in the 90s Defenders series, and failed. Of course, Erik Larsen's artwork didn't help matters. I think a straightforward approach would be better.
I agree about the covers. I think the artist went a bit too dark.
By the way, I'm a first time poster on this blog. Just discovered it yesterday, and I love it! I saw some panel art from G.S. Defenders #2 with art by the late great Gil Kane and Klaus Janson. I dont buy back issues these days, but I'm going to make an exception and track down that issues.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you for the kind words!