The Defenders #21

The Defenders #21, released in 1975, represents a significant chapter in the history of Marvel's non-team team. Written by Steve Gerber and illustrated by Sal Buscema, this issue is part of a celebrated creative run that shifted the series away from traditional superhero conventions toward surreal, satirical, and highly experimental storytelling. During this period, the book leaned into the idiosyncratic personality of the characters, specifically the erratic behavior of the Hulk and the mystical preoccupations of Dr. Strange, reflecting the countercultural sensibilities prevalent in mid-seventies comic book writing.

The visual identity of this era is defined by Sal Buscema’s dynamic, reliable penciling, which grounded Gerber’s often bizarre narrative arcs. The issue fits into the wider 'Head' era of The Defenders, where the title was lauded by readers and critics alike for its refusal to adhere to standard team dynamics. While not the most famous issue of the run, it is frequently cited by collectors as a quintessential example of the mid-70s Marvel aesthetic, characterized by an emphasis on character-driven dialogue and unconventional, often philosophical, plot developments.