REVIEW: Fearless Defenders, #1

[CBR News]

Cullen Bunn and Will Sliney deliver the new
adventures of odd couple Misty Knight and
Brunnhilde the Valkyrie in "Fearless Defenders"
#1.


Full review here.

[Porcupeth]

Really liked this issue, took me completely by surprise. I'll admit that the kiss scene was a bit awkward though..

[Happyface]

I absolutely loved the first issue of Fearless Defenders, I thought it was funny and smart. Big fan of Will Sliney's art, such beautiful women without being cheesecakey or looking unrealistic. The kiss was totally unexpected, totally out of nowhere and a very cool surprise. Dr Annabelle Riggs is a new favourite of mine, it's rare that a supporting character has such an impact on me. I'm very happy with this issue and am looking forward to reading much more.

[lacracha]

I enjoyed the issue cover to cover. The only scene I didn't like was the kiss scene. That moment threw the story off a bit. As a black female, words cannot express my joy at seeing Misty Knight as a leader. I expressed my gratitude to Marvel on my blog. http://www.comicstoread.net. I thought it was funny, but intense. I can't wait to read issue #2 because I have a feeling this series will be sticking around.

[ragnarok]

Overall: I liked the issue VERY much, yet I agree on the rating 3/5. I somehow think it was not perfect, but it induced just the right kind of intrigue and mystery to get me hyped for the next issue. How can a #1 be better?!

The dialogue was fun, the heroines are tough. The Enemies are competent (mercenaries) and creepy(undead vikings) and actually threatening(both), without invoking "they need a DeusExMachina to survive that, so why care?". [As over in (New-) Avengers (-Arena)]. There's a lot of mystery in the air, but not of Lost-kind (which always gave me the impression, that not even the writers had a clue what's going on).

There's only one thing that really stood out: The Kiss. Came so "out of the blue" I expected the next panel to be kinda like [SCRUBS]"Stop daydreaming, Dr. Riggs" [/SCRUBS]. At the same time I wouldn't be suprised, if there's something more to this scene and Dr.Riggs agreeing to go to Asgardia. Like the good Dr. Riggs being possessed, or otherwise mythically involved/influenced (However, going there out for adventure and/or Valkyrie is legit as well :)). But as you can see, even that got my head spinning and looking for the next issue.

I think the art could use a better coloring, but I really love the composition (for example the reveal of the mummy on the ship) and I think the artist did hit the right spot right on 'superheroics' without going to much "cheescake".

So in my eyes: This issue: 3/5. Promise for the series 5/5.

[Flinkman]

Hmmm, I didn't love this as much as I would have liked to. Not a fan of the art at all, and the plot didn't really feel strong enough for an "all-new #1!"

Obviously I'm sticking with it, and I'm very confident that it'll start coming together better. But I'd like a less exaggerated art style, we had quite a few "back breakers" in this one.

[NormanB]

Loved this issue. The kiss was hilarious. Oh, I know you're fighting Viking zombie, but lets pause for this hilariously over dramatic and strategically ill advised kiss. I swear I could hear overblown romantic music cueing up in my head.

[kingderella]

spoilers!

the writing overall is fine, but i think it could use some more "flavour". the kiss was awkwardly executed, but i also liked the directness of it, and i like the dynamic it sets up for future issues. while it seems off that annabelle would kiss valkyrie in the middle of a fight, it does make sense that she would fall head-over-heels for the immortal, mythological warrior that just saved her. and i like how neither the writing nor the characters make much of the gay aspect.

like the writing, the art is perfectly fine, but it doesnt knock me out, and there are some awkward moments. im particularly confused by mistys bangs. she has this gorgeous afro, but her bangs seem to be relaxed. it just seems weird to me.

i really want to like this book. as it is, i find it to be only "above average", both the writing and the art. but it has awesome characters and a ton of potential. the flaws this issue has seem more like clumsy missteps rather than fundamental problems. there is no reason this cant become a terrific, fun superhero series.

[Ood Omega]

I would not expect these two characters to team-up ever and I worked so well I didn't give it a second thought. Misty Knight was a complete bad-ass and I can't wait to read issue #2! Is Dani Moonstar going to be a team member or just have a guest appearance in the next issue?