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!
