The Order

(Marvel, 2002)
™ and ©2002 Marvel Characters, Inc.

Dr. Strange, The Hulk, The Sub-Mariner and The Silver Surfer foiled the plans of the techo-wizard Yandroth for world domination in The Defenders (Vol. 2). Yandroth’s revenge was unusually spiteful: Since they chose to involve themselves, they would have no choice but to keep being involved. Thus cursed by Yandroth’s sorcery, these four disparate characters were forced to come together as in times of crisis, regardless of any personal plans they may have. And they’re getting a little tired of it. Rebuffed by Gaea the Earth goddess, when they petition her to lift the curse, these four reluctant team members decide to take matters into their own hands. What better way to put an end to world emergencies than by controlling the world?

That’s the scenario in this six-issue mini-series, spun off from The Defenders. Of course, despite the good intentions, world governments as well as other groups of super-heroes object to The Orders’ benevolent dictatorship. If The Defenders actions seem uncharacteristic, the fact that the incarnation of the Hulk that is present in The Order is the arrogant, insolent, Mr. Fixit version, implies that all may not be as it seems.

— George Haberberger

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