The Defenders #116

Published by Marvel Comics in February 1983, The Defenders #116 was created during a transitional period for the title under the editorial guidance of Al Milgrom. This issue is part of a celebrated creative run by writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Don Perlin, who sought to emphasize the unconventional, found-family dynamic of the team. The narrative tone balanced cosmic stakes with the peculiar psychological struggles of its members, a hallmark of the series' identity in the early eighties.

The cover and interior art by Don Perlin reflect the gritty, detailed aesthetic that defined his tenure on the book. Perlin, known for his long-term consistency and ability to handle the ensemble cast's idiosyncratic personalities, aimed to ground the team’s surreal adventures in a distinct visual style. The issue was received by readers of the era as a quintessential example of the 'non-team' philosophy that differentiated The Defenders from the more structured Avengers or Fantastic Four.