*Marvel: Maybe it was their affirmed status as a non-team, but for us, the Defenders never gelled well as a title or team. Marvel put together their characters who weren’t already in a team (Hulk, Sub-Mariner, Dr. Strange and Silver Surfer), and although perhaps they were too powerful or similar to blend well, this imbalance seemed to plague the title long after most of them were gone, despite the intriguing quirkiness of many storylines and scenarios. Our new selection, ranging between #2 and #43, plus Giant-Size #1 & #2, includes the debut of Barbara Norris as Valkyrie (in #4), the first appearances of Starhawk in #27 & #28, and guest stars galore from the Marvel Universe. Avengers they’re not, but always a popular choice for Bronze Age enthusiasts.