Fanboys Anonymous

I've had a lot on my plate recently, so Fearless Defenders didn't immediately jump to the top of my read list when it debuted a couple of weeks ago. Well, things have calmed down quite a bit, and I finally had the opportunity to dive into this work by Cullen Bunn and Will Sliney.

As a fan of the original Defenders from the early days of Marvel, I'm glad to see such a classic and underrated character like Valkyrie making a triumphant return to the spotlight. A couple of other B-list characters seem to be tagging along for the ride, too, namely Misty Knight and Daniel Moonstar, the (de-powered) leader of the New Mutants. I'm glad to see that Marvel is using this Marvel NOW! movement to shed some spotlight on these lesser known characters that have a great deal to offer.

The book, in general, may largely be considered "fan-service" initially, with tons of busty babes, girl-on-girl action, and an all-female cast. Fearless Defenders #2, however, sets clearly  defined plot points that draw the reader into the story past the superficial. There's a nice touch of mystery (maybe too much at some points) and danger to it all, as well, as the story is brought together piece by piece, leaving readers wondering where it all connects.

Overall, Fearless Defenders is shaping up to be a pretty strong Marvel NOW! series. While Bunn has left readers somewhat in the dark with the entire picture of what's happening, the witty writing and the expressive and vivid penciling by Sliney detract from that fact a little. This is hardly the lesbian sex-capade story that people have made it out to be, and I look forward to seeing what girl power can accomplish in the coming issues. As Doctor Strange often says in one Marvel vs. Capcom 3, "I'm starting an all-female Defenders. What do you say?"


Score: 7.5/10