List of Defenders members

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Marvel Feature #1 (December, 1971)
Marvel Feature #1 (December, 1971)

The Defenders were a loosely organized team of fictional characters, mostly but not solely superheroes, in the Marvel Universe. For much of their history there was no clear distinction between "official", honorary and associate members or even allies. Thus, the Defenders had a reputation as being a non-team, a term which was coined in the pages of the comic. All could be considered Defenders. The following list attempts to make sense of their membership but may not be complete.

Contents

[edit] Founders

These characters helped form the team in Marvel Feature #1 (December, 1971)

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Doctor Strange Stephen Vincent Strange Marvel Feature #1 (December, 1971)
The Incredible Hulk Robert Bruce Banner Marvel Feature #1 (December, 1971)
Namor the Sub-Mariner Namor McKenzie Marvel Feature #1 (December, 1971)

[edit] Recruits of the Early 1970s

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Clea Clea Marvel Feature #2 (March, 1972), associate member Later became a recurring member in Defenders #39
Silver Surfer Norrin Radd Defenders #2 (October, 1972)
Black Knight Dane Whitman associate member
Defenders #4 (February, 1973)
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
Namorita Namorita "Nita" Prentiss associate member
Defenders #5 (April, 1973)
Hawkeye Clinton Francis "Clint" Barton Defenders #7 (August, 1973).
Nighthawk II Kyle Richmond Defenders #14 (July, 1974) reformed member of Squadron Sinister
Professor X Charles Francis Xavier associate member
Defenders #15 (September, 1974)
Son of Satan Daimon Hellstrom associate member
Giant-Size Defenders #2 (October, 1974)		 Later became a recurring member
Luke Cage Carl Lucas associate member
Defenders #18(December, 1974)		 Later became a recurring member.
Daredevil Matthew Michael "Matt" Murdock associate member in Giant-Size Defenders #3 (January, 1975) Later became a recurring member.
The Thing Benjamin Jacob "Ben" Grimm associate member
Defenders #20 (February, 1975)
Yellowjacket Henry Jonathan "Hank" Pym associate member Giant-Size Defenders #4 (April, 1975)

[edit] Guardians of the Galaxy

A group of superheroes from the 31st century, the Guardians of the Galaxy time traveled to the 20th century. They served as associate members of the Defenders in Giant-Size Defenders #5 and Defenders #26-29 (July - November, 1975).

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Yondu Yondu Udonta Giant-Size Defenders #5
Martinex Martinex T'Naga Giant-Size Defenders #5
Charlie-27 Charlie-27 Giant-Size Defenders #5
Starhawk Stakar Defenders #29 (November, 1975) joins the Guardians in Defenders #29 (November, 1975)
Aleta Ogord Aleta Ogord Giant-Size Defenders #5
Vance Astro Vance Astrovik Giant-Size Defenders #5

[edit] Recruits of the mid-1970s

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Red Guardian Tania Belinsky (Belinskaya) Defenders #35 (May, 1976)
Howard the Duck Howard associate member, Marvel Treasury Edition #12 (c. November 1976)
Hellcat Patsy Walker

(a.k.a. Patsy Hellstrom (married name))

 Defenders #44 (February, 1977)
Moon Knight Marc Spector associate member
Defenders #47 (May, 1977)
Ms. Marvel Carol Danvers associate member
Defenders #57 (March, 1978)
Devil-Slayer Marc Payne associate member
Defenders #58 (April, 1978)		 Later became a recurring member
Spider-Man Peter Benjamin Parker associate member in Defenders #61 (July, 1978) Later became a recurring member

[edit] Defenders for a day

The team had managed to keep its existence secret from the general public until a television documentary film by supporting character Dollar Bill announced it to the world. Dollar made 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).

[edit] 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).

  • Batroc: Also known as "Batroc the Leaper". Member of Baron Zemo's Thunderbolts army, leader of various incarnations of Batroc's Brigade.
  • Beetle: Later changed codename to MACH-1 of the Thunderbolts. Currently working for the Commission on Super-Human Affairs.
  • Blob: Member of various incarnation of the Brotherhood of Mutants, former member of the Freedom Force.
  • Boomerang: Member of the Sinister Twelve. Former member of the Sinister Syndicate. One-time operative of the Secret Empire.
  • Electro: Member of the Sinister Twelve. Former member of various incarnations of the Sinister Six
  • Joe the Gorilla: Former member of the Split-Second Squad.(Avengers Vol.1 #77)
  • Leap-Frog: Has since retired due to old age. His equipment has been adopted by his son as the second-string superhero Frog-Man.
  • Libra: An android and a member of the second incarnation of the criminal Zodiac cartel.
  • Looter: Also known as Meteor Man.
  • Melter: Killed by the Scourge of the Underworld in Avengers Vol.1 #263
  • Pecos: Was a member of the Split-Second Squad(Avengers Vol.1 #77)with Joe The Gorilla. Former partner of Live-Wire.
  • Plantman: Reformed, became a member of the Thunderbolts under the codename Blackheath.
  • Porcupine.Deceased as of Captain America vol 1 #315 (March, 1986).
  • Sagittarius: An android and a member of the second incarnation of the criminal Zodiac cartel.
  • Shocker: Member of the Sinister Twelve, former member of the Sinister Syndicate.
  • Toad: Member of various incarnations of the Brotherhood Of Mutants.
  • Whirlwind: Member of various incarnations of the Masters of Evil.

[edit] Last 1970s Recruits

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Moondragon Heather Douglas Defenders #76 (October, 1979)
Wasp Janet van Dyne
(a.k.a. Janet Pym)		 Defenders #76 (October, 1979)

[edit] Early 1980s recruits

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Aeroika associate member in Defenders #79 (January, 1980)[1]
Black Panther T'Challa associate member Defenders #84 (June, 1980)
Gargoyle II Isaac Christians Defenders #94 (April, 1981).
Dracula Vlad Tepes Dracula associate member in Defenders #95 (May, 1981)
Ghost Rider Johnny Blaze associate member in Defenders #96 (June, 1981)
Man-Thing Theodore "Ted" Sallis associate member in Defenders #98 (August, 1981)
Beast Dr. Henry Phillip McCoy Defenders #104 (February, 1982)
Wonder Man Simon Williams associate member in Defenders #104 (February, 1982
Mister Fantastic Prof. Reed Richards associate member in Defenders #105 (March, 1982).
Captain America
a.k.a. Nomad,
The Captain		 Steven Rogers associate member in Defenders #106 (April, 1982)
Nighthawk II Kyle Richmond (Earth-712) associate member in Defenders #112 (October, 1982) Former member of the Squadron Supreme
Scarlet Witch Wanda Maximoff
(a.k.a. Wanda Frank)		 an associate member in Defenders #112 (October, 1982)
Vision Victor Shade (alias) associate member in Defenders #112 (October, 1982).
Overmind Grom Defenders #115 (January, 1983) The body of Overmind under spiritual possession

[edit] 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

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Angel Warren Kenneth Worthington III Defenders #125 (November, 1983) Later changed codename to Archangel
Beast Dr. Henry Phillip McCoy Defenders #125 (February, 1982)
Gargoyle II. Isaac Christians Defenders #125 (November, 1983)
Iceman Robert Louis Drake Defenders #125 (November, 1983)
Moondragon Heather Douglas Defenders #125 (November, 1983)
Valkyrie Brünnehilde Defenders #125 (November, 1983)

Later Recruits

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Cloud Inapplicable Defenders #127 (January, 1984) A sentient nebula who was able to assume human form. She at first modeled herself after human female Carol Faber. After falling in love with Moondragon, Cloud also developed a male form modeled after Danny Milligan.
Candace Southern. Nick-named "Candy" Leader and strategist in Defenders #138 (December, 1984) Longtime lover of Angel. Deceased as of X-Factor #34 (November, 1988).
Andromeda. Andromeda Attumasen Unofficial member as of Defenders #146 (August, 1985). Officially joined in Defenders #149 (November, 1985) Daughter of Attuma by his Lady Gevan.
  • Seraph: Alleged sister of Cloud. Unofficial member as of Defenders #129 (March, 1984). Returned to her native Soviet Union in Defenders #150 (December, 1985).
  • Manslaughter: Unofficial joined in Defenders #151 (January, 1986).
  • Interloper: Unofficial joined in Defenders #151 (January, 1986).

[edit] 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.

  • Sian Bowen: Host to the spirit of Valkyrie.
  • Geneviene Cass: Host to the spirit of Andromeda.
  • Will Fanshawe: Host to the spirit of Interloper.
  • Roger Loomis: Host to the spirit of Manslaughter.
  • Dafydd ap Iowerth: Alleged descendant of King Arthur and host to his spirit.
  • Doctor Strange: Associate member.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Founders

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Doctor Strange. Stephen Strange Dr. Strange vol 3 #50 (February, 1993) initial leader and recruiter of the group.
The Incredible Hulk Bruce Banner Dr. Strange vol 3 #50 (February, 1993)
Ghost Rider II Daniel Ketch Dr. Strange vol 3 #50 (February, 1993)
Silver Surfer Norrin Radd Dr. Strange vol 3 #50 (February, 1993)

[edit] Early Recruits

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Spider-Man Peter Benjamin Parker Fantastic Four vol 1 #374-375 (March - April, 1993).
Wolverine James "Logan" Howlett Fantastic Four vol 1 #374-375 (March - April, 1993).
Darkhawk Chris Powell Secret Defenders #1 (March, 1993).
Nomad Jack Monroe Secret Defenders #1 (March, 1993) served as the third Bucky during the 1950s. Later served as Scourge of the Underworld.
Spider-Woman II Julia Carpenter Secret Defenders #1 (March, 1993).
Namorita Namorita "Nita" Prentiss Secret Defenders #4 (June, 1993)
Sleepwalker Inapplicable Secret Defenders #4 (June, 1993).
Punisher Frank Castle Secret Defenders #4 (June, 1993)
Captain America Steven "Steve" Grant Rogers Secret Defenders #6 (August, 1993).
Scarlet Witch Wanda Maximoff Secret Defenders #6 (August, 1993).
Thunderstrike Eric Kevin Masterson Secret Defenders #9 (November, 1993).
War Machine James Rupert "Rhodey" Rhodes Secret Defenders #9 (November, 1993).
Northstar Jean-Paul Beaubier Secret Defenders #11 (January, 1994).
Nova Richard Rider Secret Defenders #11 (January, 1994).

[edit] Questing villains

From Secret Defenders #12 -14 ( February, April) the title characters were actually a loosely organized group of supervillains in a quest of finding and obtaining the Oracle of Ancient Knowledge. They apparently disbanded following their successful mission.

[edit] Final recruits

By Secret Defenders #15 ( May, 1994) Doctor Strange was apparently weary of his duties as the sole steady member of the team. He retired after naming Doctor Druid as his replacement. The later would serve as leader till the group disbanded in Secret Defenders #25 (March, 1995).

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Doctor Druid Anthony Ludgate Druid Secret Defenders #15 ( May, 1994) The final leader and recruiter of this group.
Luke Cage Secret Defenders #15 ( May, 1994)
Deadpool Wade Winston Wilson Secret Defenders #15 ( May, 1994)
Sepulchre Jillian Marie Woods Secret Defenders #15 ( May, 1994).
Cadaver Cody Fleischer Secret Defenders #16 ( June, 1994).
Giant-Man Henry "Hank" Pym Secret Defenders #18 ( August, 1994).
Iron Fist Daniel Thomas Rand-K'ai Secret Defenders #18 ( August, 1994)
Archangel Warren Kenneth Worthington III Secret Defenders #19 ( September, 1994).
Iceman Robert "Bobby" Louis Drake Secret Defenders #19 ( September, 1994).
USAgent John F. Walker Secret Defenders #20 ( October, 1994)
Dagger Tandy Bowen Secret Defenders #23 (January, 1995)
Deathlok II Michael Collins Secret Defenders #23 (January, 1995).
Drax the Destroyer Arthur Sampson Douglas Secret Defenders #23 (January, 1995).

[edit] 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. Their activities were featured in The Order #1 - 6 (April - September, 2002). Then the group disbanded again after Gaia lifted Yandroth's curse.

[edit] Founders

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Doctor Strange Stephen Strange Defenders vol 2 #1 (March, 2001) became member of the Order
The Incredible Hulk Bruce Banner Defenders vol 2 #1 (March, 2001) became member of the Order
Namor the Sub-Mariner Namor Defenders vol 2 #1 (March, 2001) became member of the Order
Hellcat Patsy Walker

(a.k.a. Patsy Hellstrom (married name))

 Defenders vol 2 #1 (March, 2001)
Nighthawk II Kyle Richmond Defenders vol 2 #1 (March, 2001) reformed member of Squadron Sinister
Silver Surfer Norrin Radd Defenders vol 2 #1 (March, 2001) became member of the Order

[edit] Recruits

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Valkyrie Samantha Parrington Defenders vol 2 #4 (June, 2001). who had years ago been transformed by the Enchantress to a duplicate of the original Valkyrie in both appearance and powers.
Red Raven Unknown associate member
Defenders vol 2 #7 (September, 2001)

[edit] Recruits against the Order

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

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Clea Clea The Order #3 (June, 2002).
Namorita Namorita "Nita" Prentiss The Order #3 (June, 2002).
She-Hulk Jennifer Sue Walters The Order #3 (June, 2002).
Ardina The Order #4 (July, 2002) An actual female analog to Silver Surfer. Created by combining energy drained from him and by the magic of Clea calling on protector Goddesses Apalla (living embodiment of the Sun in Marvel Comics stories), Demeter, Hecate, Jord and Umar.

[edit] Initiative Team

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Blazing Skull Mark Anthony Todd Last Defenders vol 1 #1
Colossus Piotr "Peter" Nikolaievitch Rasputin Last Defenders vol 1 #1
Nighthawk II Kyle Richmond Last Defenders vol 1 #1 reformed member of Squadron Sinister
She-Hulk Jennifer Sue Walters Last Defenders vol 1 #1[1]

[edit] 2000s recruits

Character Real Name Joined in Notes
Atlas Erik Stephan Josten Last Defenders vol 1 #3
Junta Manuel Diego Armand Vicente Last Defenders vol 1 #3
Paladin Unrevealed Last Defenders vol 1 #3
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