Defenders (3rd Series)

(Marvel, 2005)
™ and © Marvel Characters, Inc.

Cast with the usual Marvel suspects—Dr. Strange, Namor, the Hulk and Silver Surfer—the storytelling in this mini-series is definitely not business as usual. Deranged plotter Keith Giffen and insane scripter J. M. DeMatteis, joined by penciller Kevin Maguire, play this one with their usual mix of serious threats and “bwah-ha-ha” humor.

The same creative team responsible for the hilarious 1980s Justice League, Giffen and DeMatteis treat the heroes and villains with due respect at the same time they shamelessly mock them. While faced with an actual threat, the invasion of Earth by the Dread Dormammu and his sister Umar the Unholy, the characters get involved more by forced accident than any wish to help. Namor bickers with Strange, and all Bruce Banner wants to do is make fish jokes. Silver Surfer spends most of his time, well, surfing. A humorous and enjoyable look at a superteam that succeeds in spite of themselves.

— Jerry Smith

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