Steve Gerber’s thought-provoking and eclectic run on The Defenders ends with The Defenders Omnibus Vol. 2.
The latest volume collects The Defenders #20-41, The Defenders Annual #1, Giant Size Defenders #3-5, Marvel Two-in-One #6-7 starring Doctor Strange and Valkyrie, Marvel Treasury Edition #12’s original Howard the Duck team-up, and Defenders-adjacent stories from Weird Wonder Tales #7, Mystery Tales #21, World of Fantasy #11, and Tales of Suspense #9.
Outside of the regular series issues by Gerber, other writers whose work is represented in the collection include Bill Mantlo, Jim Starlin, Len Wein, Roger Slifer, Chris Claremont, Gerry Conway, Scott Edelman, Arnold Drake, Paul S. Newman, Larry Lieber, and Stan Lee.
Numerous artists (particularly the work of long-time Incredible Hulk and Defenders artist Sal Buscema) are included in Volume 2 such as Gene Colan, Bob Powell, Angelo Torres, Doug Wildey, Sam Grainger, Jim Starlin, Don Heck, George Tuska, Vince Colletta, Sal Trapani, Mike Esposito, Bob McLeod, Jack Abel, Frank Giacoia, John Tartag, Jim Mooney, Klaus Janson, Dan Adkins, Don Newton, and Dave Hunt.
Gerber and Buscema’s tales focus on odd and unique villains such the Headmen, Nebulon, the Badoon, Sons of the Serpent, and Plantman, with satirical commentary and cultural touchstones from the era. Along with the primary team of Hulk, Doctor Strange, Valkyrie, and Nighthawk, Luke Cage, the Red Guardian, and the Son of Satan also show up to help fight evil and mayhem.
The Defenders Omnibus Vol. 2 consists of 704 pages for a suggested retail price of $100.00.
Fans can also choose between the standard Al Milgrom cover and a variant by Gil Kane and Janson.
Look for the omnibus in stores on July 12, and keep coming back to Conskipper for all of your classic comic needs.
