Writer: Matt Fraction
Penciler: Terry Dodson
Inker: Rachel Dodson
Colourist: Sonia Oback
Published by Marvel
The Defenders finally engage Nul, while secondary villain Prestor John escapes to the stars only to be pursued by the Silver Surfer but not before he converses with another, silent, prester. For all the build up to Nul, I was sorely disappointed that the team only have one battle with him (and it’s mostly Red She-Hulk that does anything at that) but I was more annoyed at the manner of his defeat, being whisked away by the Other-Prester. We’re given very little information about this character, so I’m hoping he will be a continuous part of the book and not just a quick way for Matt Fraction to end the story.
I was surprised to see that this was the last part of the current story arc with only being three issues in and it definitely explains the busyness of the issue. I can’t help but feel that the story would of worked much better with an extra issue, but seeing how a guest artist steps in on art for #4, I assume this short arc was to accommodate the Dodsons, allowing them to finish on time and get to work on the next story. Disappointed as I am to see them taking a break so soon, having Michael Lark take over for them is more than enough reassurance that the quality of the book will hold.
The focus on the Silver Surfer this time around was due, as in the previous issues I felt he was relegated to the background. While Doctor Strange is the leader of the team, Surfer seems to be the brains as he is the first person to notice the presence of and speak to the Other-Prestor, as he tries to ascertain what is going on and who he is. Also, while the rest of the team are pummelling Nul, it is Surfer who remembers to chase after Prestor John and stop his escape, by throwing him into deep space.
As in previous instalments, Terry and Rachel Dodson, along with colour artist Sonia Oback, were spot on. While some of the writing seemed rushed, the art was excellent. They capture everything from the brutal fight between She-Hulk and Nul, the eerie stillness of the Other-Prestor, and the quieter moments between characters, especially a panel with Red She-Hulk and Silver Surfer in which their mood and emotion come across so well, yet so subtly. There’s a scene in which the Defender’s clothing is transformed into previous designs (except for Red She-Hulk who receives a gladiator inspired outfit) that I can’t help but to think was added just so we could see what those costumes look like drawn by Terry Dodson.
A little bit rushed in the writing department but The Defenders is easily one of Marvel’s most entertaining comics.
7/10
