The Defenders #135

The Defenders #135, released in September 1984, arrived during a transitional period for Marvel's non-team team. Written by Peter B. Gillis with cover art by Mike Zeck, the issue is part of a storied run that leaned heavily into the metaphysical and cosmic themes that defined the series under various creative teams. This specific era of the book often explored the shifting dynamics between core members like Doctor Strange, Valkyrie, and the Hulk, emphasizing the group's reputation as a gathering of disparate, often reluctant, outcasts.

The design and narrative tone of this period reflect the mid-eighties approach to superhero storytelling, where the rigid boundaries of team books were frequently challenged. Mike Zeck, a highly regarded artist of the decade known for his work on The Punisher and Secret Wars, contributed to the series' visual identity. His work was well-received for bringing a grounded, gritty realism to the often surreal and high-concept adventures that Gillis scripted, helping to maintain the series' distinct, slightly experimental legacy within the broader Marvel Universe.