Writer Matt Fraction
Penciler Mirco Pierfederici
Colorist Veronica Gandini
Letterer VC’s Clayton Cowles
Cover Dated January 2013
This is the final issue of this volume. The Defenders at this point are – Dr. Strange, Black Cat, Silver Surfer, Iron Fist, Red She-Hulk and Namor, who is not in this issue.
So the issue is about the end of the universe, as the Death Celestials are on Earth to end the planet.
In a previous issue, the one thing that would stop them is the Concordance Engine, which earlier the Defenders ruined.
From the cover, Dr. Strange and Iron Fist are sporting new uniforms.
Silver Surfer opens Dr. Strange’s mind so that he knows that the planet is coming to an end due to the Defenders. Strange goes back in time to see if he can change that.
We get an origin for the Death Celestials. There is a panel homaging the first Fantastic Four issue, from a different angle, which is fun.
Then we get Pierfederici drawing a slew of heroes. The Inhumans – Medusa, Black Bolt, Lockjaw and Crystal. Young Avengers – Wiccan, Hulkling, Lady Hawkeye. Wanda, Moondragon, Vision, Spider-Woman, Punisher, Deadpool and Archangel. The Fantastic Four – Thing, Sue and Reed. Iceman, Cable, Ghost Rider, a lady who may be Kitty Pryde wearing her Excalibur blue costume. Gambit, Rogue, Captain Britain, Daredevil and Hulk. Colossus, Beast, Cyclops, Emma, Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America Thor, Wolverine and Spider-Man. Then front and center, is Doop and everyone’s favorite purple cat sized alien in the shape of a dragon, Lockheed!
Nick Fury shows up and he isn’t happy that the world is coming to an end.
At one point, Dr. Strange makes a comment regarding how Philadelphia is worst than Hell.
Dr. Strange is in the recent past. He sees himself falling for a gal, Molly who wants to borrow one of his books for a research project. They get it on, present day Strange goes on about how he is hurt here.
We get the day where they ruin the machine. Hulk shows up to get help to fight Black Hulk, who I’m not familiar with.
Oh, Namor is in this issue, he just has a beard like when he reshowed in the Marvel Universe right after Captain America did back in the 60s (our time).
Dr. Strange is successful, and Prester shows up and agrees to fix the past.
we get a blank page of history resetting itself, it is a nice technique.
Issue ends with Hulk showing up to Dr. Strange’s house, Wong tells him he is not home and Hulk goes to find someone else to help.
Earth is once again, safe.
There is an ad for Toyota Corolla, now I know to buy one of these next time I have some spare change.
Shadow and Flame with Magik 