List of Defenders members

Last updated

The Defenders are a loosely organized team of fictional characters mostly, but not solely, superheroes in the Marvel Universe. For much of their history, there was no official membership. Thus, the Defenders had a reputation as being a non-team, a term which was coined in the pages of the comic.[ volume & issue needed ] All could be considered Defenders. The following list attempts to make sense of their membership but may not be complete.

Contents

Original "non-team"

Founders

These characters helped form the team in Marvel Features #1 (December 1971).

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Doctor Strange Stephen StrangeMarvel Feature #1 (December 1971).
Hulk Robert Bruce Banner
Namor the Sub-Mariner Namor

Recruits of the early 1970s

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Clea CleaMarvel Feature #2 (March 1972).Later became a recurring member in Defenders #39.
Silver Surfer Norrin Radd Defenders #2 (October 1972).
Valkyrie Brunnhilde of Asgard Defenders #4 (February 1973).Created by the Enchantress as a mystical combination of the spirit of Brünnehilde the Valkyrie and the body of minor magic user Barbara Denton-Norriss; former member of the Secret Avengers.
Hawkeye Clint Barton Defenders #7 (August 1973).Left after issue #10
Nighthawk Kyle Richmond Defenders #14 (July 1974).Reformed member of Squadron Sinister, replaced Namor.
Power Man Luke Cage Defenders #17 (November 1974).
Son of Satan Daimon HellstromGiant-Size Defenders #2 (October 1974).
Yellowjacket Hank Pym Defenders #23 (May 1975).

Recruits of the mid-1970s

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Red Guardian Tania BelinskyDefenders #35 (May 1976)
Hellcat Patsy WalkerDefenders #44 (February 1977).
Devil-Slayer Eric PayneDefenders #58 (April 1978).
Wasp Janet van DyneDefenders #77 (November 1979).

Defenders for a day

The team had managed to keep its existence a secret from the general public until a television documentary film by supporting character Dollar Bill announced it to the world. Dollar made a special mention to the currently open membership for the team. Consequently, in Defenders #62 (August 1978), the currently active members were joined by a large number of former associates and new recruits. The majority of the latter served for a single mission before quitting in Defenders #64 (October 1978).

Rival group

Taking advantage of the newfound notoriety of the team, a number of supervillains formed their own rival group of so-called Defenders in Defenders #63 (September 1978). They soon came to conflict with their heroic counterparts and consequently disbanded in Defenders #64 (October 1978).

Early 1980s recruits

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Gargoyle Isaac ChristiansDefenders #94 (April 1981).
Beast Henry "Hank" McCoyDefenders #104 (February 1982).
Overmind GromDefenders #115 (January 1983).The body of Overmind under spiritual possession.

New Defenders

In Defenders #125 (November 1983) the team was reorganized into a more formal organization, somewhat modeled after the Avengers. By this time, several former members had severed ties with the team.

Founders

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Angel Warren Worthington IIIDefenders #125 (November 1983)Later changed codename to Archangel.
Beast Henry "Hank" McCoy
Gargoyle Isaac Christians
Iceman Robert Louis "Bobby" Drake
Moondragon Heather Douglas
Valkyrie Brünnehilde

Later recruits

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
CloudNADefenders #127 (January 1984)A sentient nebula who was able to assume human form. At first, it modeled itself after a human female Carol Faber. After falling in love with Moondragon, Cloud also developed a male form that was modeled after Danny Milligan.
Candace Southern NADefenders #138 (December 1984). Angel's former girlfriend who is appointed leader. Deceased.
Andromeda Andromeda AttumasenDefenders #147 (September 1985).Member of the Homo mermanus race. Illegitimate daughter of Attuma of Atlantis.
Interloper NADefenders #151 (January 1986).An Eternal.
Man-Slaughter NADefenders #151 (January 1986).A psychotic assassin.

Dragon Circle

By the time of Defenders #152 (February 1986), Moondragon had fallen under the control of the Dragon of the Moon. The Dragon led her to attack the Defenders. During the battle, the physical forms of Andromeda, Gargoyle, Interloper, Manslaughter, Moondragon, and Valkyrie were destroyed. Candace Southern retired. Angel, Beast, and Iceman were joined by Cyclops and Marvel Girl in forming X-Factor.

Gargoyle and Moondragon were later able to gain new corporeal forms. However the other four remained disembodied spirits until Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme vol 3 #3–4 (March–April 1989). There they managed to gain temporary but recurring spiritual possession over the bodies of four residents of Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom. These four unknowingly acted as their representatives in forming a successor group of the Defenders. [1]

Secret Defenders

Debuting in Dr. Strange (vol. 3) #50 (February 1993) the Secret Defenders were another successor group to the team. They were very loosely organized, consisting of a leader and the various associates recruited for a mission at hand. They would disband again after each mission. Several "members" were former Defenders. Others had no previous connection to the team. Some served for a single mission while others were recurring members.

Founders

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Doctor Strange Dr. Stephen StrangeDr. Strange (vol. 3) #50 (February 1993)Initial leader and recruiter of the group.
Hulk Robert Bruce Banner
Ghost Rider Daniel Ketch
Silver Surfer Norrin Radd

Early recruits

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Spider-Man Peter Parker Fantastic Four (vol. 1) #374-375 (March–April 1993).
Wolverine James "Logan" HowlettNow a member of the X-Men, the Avengers, the New Avengers, and the co-leader of X-Force.
Darkhawk Chris PowellSecret Defenders #1 (March 1993).
Nomad Jack MonroeServed as the third Bucky during the 1950s. Later served as Scourge of the Underworld.
Spider-Woman Julia Carpenter
Namorita Namorita PrentissSecret Defenders #4 (June 1993).
Sleepwalker Inapplicable
Captain America Steve RogersSecret Defenders #6 (August 1993).
Scarlet Witch Wanda Maximoff
Thunderstrike Eric MastersonSecret Defenders #9 (November 1993).
War Machine James "Rhody" RhodesSecret Defenders #9 (November 1993); now a member of the Secret Avengers.
Northstar Jean-Paul BeaubierSecret Defenders #11 (January 1994).
Nova Richard Rider

Questing villains

From Secret Defenders #12-14 (February and April), the title of characters was an organized group of super-villains that was in the quest of finding and obtaining the Oracle of Ancient Knowledge. They apparently disbanded after the successful mission.

Final recruits

By Secret Defenders #15 (May 1994), Doctor Strange's duties and circumstances required him elsewhere. He retired after naming Doctor Druid as his replacement. The latter would serve as leader until the group disbanded in Secret Defenders #25 (March 1995).

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Doctor Druid Anthony DruidSecret Defenders #15 (May 1994).The final leader and recruiter of this group.
Luke Cage Carl Lucas
Deadpool Wade Wilson
Sepulchre Jillian Woods
CadaverCody FleischerSecret Defenders #16 (June 1994).
Giant-Man Henry "Hank" PymSecret Defenders #18 (August 1994).
Iron Fist Daniel "Danny" Rand
Archangel Warren Worthington IIISecret Defenders #19 (September 1994).
Iceman Bobby Drake
U.S. Agent John WalkerSecret Defenders #20 (October 1994).
Dagger Tandy BowenSecret Defenders #23 (January 1995).
Deathlok Michael Collins
Drax the Destroyer Arthur Douglas

Note

Before and during the initial few months of publication of Secret Defenders, an advertisement that Marvel used depicted a team consisting of Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider, John Blaze, Maverick, and Wolverine, a team which never existed in the comics. Neither John Blaze nor Maverick were ever part of a Secret Defenders team in any published story.

Cursed members and The Order

In Defenders (vol. 2) #1 (March 2001), four former Defenders were forced to regroup to help Nighthawk and Hellcat in a battle against Yandroth. He was defeated but cursed them to gather every time planet Earth faces a threat. This continued until Defenders (vol. 2) #12 (February 2002). Four members of the team formed The Order. This group attempted to conquer the world in order to protect it. Its activities were featured in The Order #1-6 (April–September 2002). The group disbanded again after Gaia lifted Yandroth's curse which was associated with her.

Founders

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Doctor Strange Dr. Stephen StrangeDefenders (vol. 2) #1 (March 2001).Became a member of The Order.
The Incredible Hulk Bruce Banner
Namor the Sub-Mariner Namor
Silver Surfer Norrin Radd
Hellcat Patsy Walker
Nighthawk Kyle RichmondReformed member of Squadron Sinister.

Recruits

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Valkyrie Samantha ParringtonDefenders (vol. 2) #4 (June 2001).Transformed by the Enchantress to a duplicate of the original Valkyrie in both appearance and powers.
Red Raven UnknownDefenders (vol. 2) #7 (September 2001).Associate member.

Recruits against The Order

This incarnation of the Defenders was divided among two rival groups. The Order (Doctor Strange, the Hulk, Namor the Sub-Mariner, and the Silver Surfer) and the Defenders (Hellcat, Nighthawk, and Valkyrie). The three decided to recruit the so-called "female analogs" of their former teammates. They would serve until both teams disbanded.

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Clea CleaThe Order #3 (June 2002).
Namorita Namorita Prentiss
She-Hulk Jennifer Walters
Ardina The Order #4 (July 2002).An actual female analog of Silver Surfer. It was created by combining the energy drained from him and by the magic of Clea that called the protector Goddesses Apalla (living embodiment of the Sun in Marvel Comics stories), Demeter, Hecate, Jord and Umar.

Initiative Team (Last Defenders)

Kyle Richmond requested an Initiative version of the Defenders from Tony Stark, intending to fill the ranks with previous Defenders including Gargoyle, Hellcat, and Devil Slayer. However, Stark assembled an entirely different team in hopes of the Defenders maintaining a stable roster for once. The team was officially disbanded after its first mission was deemed a failure.

Founders

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Blazing Skull Mark ToddLast Defenders #1 (May 2008).
Colossus Piotr RasputinLeaves the team in Last Defenders #2.
Nighthawk Kyle RichmondReformed member of Squadron Sinister.
She-Hulk Jennifer WaltersLast Defenders #6: Rejoins after the Initiative version of the team disbands.

Last Defenders recruits

After the Initiative team disbands, Richmond attempts to continue by hiring registered mercenaries to replace the teammates that Stark had assigned to him. After he was forced to retire from his superhero career, he privately assembles and supports a version of the Defenders based on an encounter with a future version of that team. This team is later forcibly disbanded by H.A.M.M.E.R. [3]

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Atlas Erik JostenLast Defenders #3 (July 2008).
Junta Manuel Diego Armand Vicente
Paladin Unrevealed
Warlord Krang KrangLast Defenders #6 (October 2008).
Son of Satan Daimon Hellstrom
Nighthawk Joaquin PennysworthSon of J.C. Pennysworth, Kyle Richmond's former business partner. Becomes a new Nighthawk in a possible future.

Fear Itself: The Deep's Defenders

This incarnation of the Defenders was formed during the Fear Itself storyline in order to liberate Atlantis from Attuma (in the form of Nerkodd: Breaker of Oceans).

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Doctor Strange Dr. Stephen StrangeFear Itself: The Deep #1 (August 2011).—
Namor Namor McKenzie—
Silver Surfer Norrin Radd—
Lyra LyraNow a student at the Avengers Academy.
Loa Alani RyanA student of the X-Men.

Defenders Vol. 4

The Defenders came together again when it comes to keeping the Concordance Engine from falling into the wrong hands.

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Doctor Strange Stephen StrangeDefenders Vol. 4 #1
(November 2011)		Also a member of the Heroic Age New Avengers team.
Namor Namor McKenzieAlso a Former member of the X-Men
Silver Surfer Norrin Radd—
Hulk Bruce Banner—
Red She-Hulk Betty RossJoined the team again as Red Harpy in 2021.
Iron Fist Daniel "Danny" RandAlso a former member of the Heroic Age New Avengers team.
Black Cat Felicia HardyDefenders Vol. 4 #8—
Ant-Man Scott LangDefenders Vol. 4 #10—

Fearless Defenders

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Valkyrie BrunnhildeThe Fearless Defenders #1 (February 2013)Team leader.
Is merged with Annabelle Riggs in The Fearless Defenders #7 (July 2013)
Mercedes "Misty" Knight —Team leader.
Annabelle Riggs —Killed in The Fearless Defenders #6 (July 2013)
Returns and becomes Valkyrie's host in The Fearless Defenders #7 (July 2013)
Danielle "Dani" Moonstar —The Fearless Defenders #2 (March 2013)—
Warrior Woman HippolytaThe Fearless Defenders #3 (April 2013)—
Clea —The Fearless Defenders #7 (July 2013)—
Elsa Bloodstone —The Fearless Defenders #8 (August 2013)—
Ren Kimura—The Fearless Defenders #10 (October 2013)—
Nova Frankie RayeThe Fearless Defenders #12 (December 2013)—

Defenders Vol. 5

A new, street-level team calling themselves the Defenders form to stop crime. This team is based on the Netflix version of the team.

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Daredevil Matthew "Matt" MurdockDefenders Vol. 5 #1
(August 2017)		—
Jessica Jones Jessica Campbell Jones—
Luke Cage Carl LucasPrevious member. Also a member of Heroes for Hire.
Iron Fist Daniel "Danny" Rand

Defenders Vol. 6

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Cloud—Defenders Vol. 6 #1
(August 2021) [4] 		Previously a member of the New Defenders. Left the team after issue #4.
Doctor Strange Stephen Strange—
Masked Raider Carlo ZotaFormer member of the villainous Enclave.
Red Harpy Betty RossPreviously a member of the team as Red She-Hulk.
Silver Surfer Norrin RaddLeft the team after issue #2.
Taaia—Defenders Vol. 6 #3
(October 2021) [5] 		Mother of Galan of Taa (later known as Galactus), from the Sixth Incarnation of the multiverse.

Defenders Beyond

CharacterReal NameJoined inNotes
Blue Marvel Adam BrashearDefenders Beyond #1
(August 2021) [6] 		—
Ms. America America Chavez—
Taaia——
Tigra Greer Grant Nelson—
Loki Loki Laufeyson—
Beyonder —Defenders Beyond #3
(September 2022) [7] 		—

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Members of "The Defenders" appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe television series Marvel's The Defenders . Each of the Defenders listed below have an individual series all leading up to the miniseries

CharacterReal NamePortrayed byFirst appearance
Daredevil Matthew "Matt" Murdock Charlie Cox Daredevil Season 1, Episode 1: "Into the Ring"
Jessica Jones Jessica Jones Krysten Ritter Jessica Jones Season 1, Episode 1: "AKA Ladies Night"
Luke Cage Carl Lucas Mike Colter
Iron Fist Daniel "Danny" Rand Finn Jones Iron Fist Season 1, Episode 1: "Snow Gives Way"

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Squadron Supreme</span> Group of fictional characters by Marvel Comics

The Squadron Supreme is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, of which there are several notable alternate versions. The original team was created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, derived from the previously created supervillain team Squadron Sinister.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nighthawk (Marvel Comics)</span> Fictional superhero

Nighthawk is the name of several fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. There have been seven versions of the character: two supervillains-turned-superheroes from the mainstream Marvel Universe continuity (Earth-616), Kyle Richmond and Tilda Johnson ; two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, Joaquin Pennyworth and Jackson F. "Jack" Norriss; and five from alternate universes, who belonged to various incarnations of the Squadron Supreme, including the Kyle and Neal Richmond of Earth-712, and an African-American version of Kyle Richmond from Earth-31916 who primarily kills white supremacists and mentors Tilda upon travelling to Earth-616; after his death, a simulacrum of him is created by Mephisto and programmed by the Power Elite to serve as a member of the Squadron Supreme of America, under the command of Phil Coulson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moondragon</span> Comics character

Moondragon is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. A powerful telepath, master martial artist, minor telekinetic and highly skilled geneticist, Moondragon's most notable characteristics are her shaved head and achieving excellence in virtually every area of human accomplishment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Defenders (comics)</span> Comic book superhero team

The Defenders are a set of superhero groups with rotating membership appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They are usually presented as a "non-team" of individualistic "outsiders" who, in their prior adventures, are known for following their own agendas. The team often battle mystic and supernatural threats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Masters of Evil</span> Marvel Comics fictional team

The Masters of Evil is a supervillain team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first version of the team appeared in The Avengers #6, with the lineup continually changing over the years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mephisto (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Mephisto is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Silver Surfer #3, and was created by Stan Lee and John Buscema and based on Mephistopheles – a demon character from the Faust legend, who has sometimes been referred to as Mephisto. Introduced as a recurring adversary of the Silver Surfer and Ghost Rider, Mephisto has also endured as one of Spider-Man's most prominent adversaries, being responsible for Norman and Harry Osborn's respective transformations into the Green Goblin and Kindred; and for the superhero's loss of his marriage to Mary-Jane Watson, considering their future daughter Spider-Girl his archenemy. Mephisto has often come into conflict with Doctor Strange, Doctor Doom, Scarlet Witch and other heroes of the Marvel Universe, being responsible both for the creation of the Cosmic Ghost Rider and the descents of Phil Coulson and Otto Octavius into villainy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patsy Walker</span> Fictional superhero

Patricia "Patsy" Walker is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stuart Little and Ruth Atkinson, Patsy Walker first appeared in Miss America Magazine #2, published by Marvel precursor Timely Comics, and became Hellcat in The Avengers #144. She premiered as the star of a teen romantic-comedy series, and was later integrated into Marvel superhero franchises such as the Avengers and the Defenders as Hellcat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andromeda (Marvel Comics)</span> Character from Marvel Comics

Andromeda Attumasen is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is depicted as an Atlantean of Marvel's shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe. She is the illegitimate daughter of Attuma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Valkyrie (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Comics superhero

Valkyrie is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, the character first appeared in The Avengers #83. She is based on the Norse mythological figure Brynhildr. Valkyrie became a mainstay of the superhero team known as the Defenders and a close ally and one-time love interest of the superhero Thor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peepers (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Comics character

Peepers is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in Captain America Annual #4 and was created by Jack Kirby.

The Headmen is a group of supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Squadron Sinister</span> Marvel Comics fictional group

The Squadron Sinister is a supervillain team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Squadron Sinister first appeared in the final panel of The Avengers #69, created by Roy Thomas and Sal Buscema. The team is a pastiche of DC's Justice League.

Gargoyle is a name shared by two fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

The Interloper is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a member of the Eternals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orrgo</span> Comics character

Orrgo is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lady Liberators</span> Group of fictional characters

The Lady Liberators, also called the Liberators, is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The original team's only appearance was in Avengers volume 1 #83, written by Roy Thomas, with art by John Buscema and Tom Palmer. The original team was a one-off group, lasting only a single issue and meant to satirize what was perceived to be extreme feminism, though it is also now seen as an early example of the Scarlet Witch as a feminist character.

Starlight is a fictional superheroine appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on superhero films and other series starring various titular superheroes independently produced by Marvel Studios and based on characters that appear in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The shared universe, much like the original Marvel Universe in comic books, was established by crossing over common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters. Over the course of the films and related media, several teams and organizations have been formed, each with different aims and purposes.

References

  1. ↑ "Dragon Circle". Marvunapp.com. Retrieved 2010-11-14.
  2. ↑ "Dafydd ap Iowerth". Marvunapp.com. Retrieved 2010-11-14.
  3. ↑ Marvel Zombies 4 # 1
  4. ↑ "Defenders #1". Marvel. Retrieved 2021-08-14.
  5. ↑ "Defenders #3". Marvel. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
  6. ↑ "Defenders Beyond #1". Marvel. Retrieved 2022-07-20.
  7. ↑ "Defenders Beyond #3". Marvel. Retrieved 2022-09-28.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.