*Marvel: Following their ‘stealth pilot’ appearances in Sub-Mariner’s own series, the non-team of Namor, Doctor Strange, the Hulk and (on & off) the Silver Surfer proved such a hit that the powers-that-be brainstormed the idea of an alliance of Marvel’s most determined loners, who were forced by circumstances to work together whether they liked it or not! The Defenders premiered in 1971’s Marvel Feature #1, an extra-length issue which also brought Doctor Strange back from his ill-judged ‘masked superhero’ phase in a separate back-up. This is the comic that kicked off 150+ issues of the Defenders’ original series, plus myriad relaunches – and, as an additional factor, it was never distributed in the UK! This is a splendid VF-, bright with excellent squarebound spine, vivid colour and only minimal corner blunting; on sale at £130. SORRY, THIS HAS NOW SOLD