Review: Defenders #4

Written by Matt Fraction

Pencils by Michael Lark

Inks by Stefano Gaudiano and Brian Thies

Colors by Matt Hollingsworth

Letters by VC's Clayton Cowles

Covers by Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson, Dale Keown, and Edgar Delgado

From Marvel Comics

The Defenders ponder the “magical machine” they took, but it just may be entirely too much to handle. Can Strange control the thing, much less ever figure out what to do with it? Strange is caught between a triangle of new and old passions and in the center of it all is the unpredictable artifact. Matt Fraction just might be the most successful under-rated writer in comics. Perhaps I should use the word “under-rated” more carefully. He has loyal fans who appreciate him, but his rap got soiled by the internet in regard to his cluttered, but very nice looking, event “Fear Itself”. I admit Fear Itself wasn’t great, but it seemed like some exasperated fanboys wanted Fraction’s head on a stick. Don’t they realize that most major comic book events are terrible? Fraction was merely following in the footsteps of many capable creators who drop the ball on overblown hoo-hah. Maybe one good one every ten years comes around. Don’t let that keep you from Defenders is all i’m saying. This issue in particular is a bit more grounded than the previous, but still maintains the elements of fantastical mystery. The character play between  Molly, Strange, and Strange’s returned lost love is very well done. The writing is nicely paced and is not at all tightly wound. In fact it is a very loose book with many lighthearted elements. This issue also featured a Michael Lark fill in. I just read the entirety of Gotham Central, so seeing Lark’s name just makes me giddy. He draws magic elements very well and seems to coincide smoothly with Fraction’s writing style. Let’s hope Lark sticks around for more than one issue. Let's hope Fraction can shake those Fear Itself barnacles so people can appreciate this title for what it really is.

Writing 4.5 out of 5

Art 4.5 out of 5

Overall: 9

B.S.