Defenders

Riding the crest of the popular "Super-Team" genre, and to perhaps find a way of boosting characters in The Marvel Universe which had become marginalized, Marvel brought out The Defenders, maybe the most awkward teaming of heroes to gain their own book.

The Defenders made their proper debut in Marvel Feature #1 - #3,  but the team actually came about by tying in a storyline from three different titles, Doctor Strange #183 (November 1969), Sub-Mariner #22 (February 1970), and The Incredible Hulk #126 (April 1970). With Dr. Strange cancelled, he needed a home, and it was decided by Roy Thomas that it would be beneficial to have these 3 seemingly-incompatible heroes in one book.

With the success of their tryout issues in Marvel feature, The Defenders own title was debuted in 1972, and included the three heroes named above as its principals. Steve Englehart and Sal Buscema were the creative team for the earlier issues, with Len Wein, a young Chris Claremont, and Steve Gerber all contributing to the writing duties as the series went on. ed hannigan took over the art after Sal's long stint, and then the book ended up in the capable hands of veteran Don Perlin for the rest of the run.

Marvel managed to keep the book selling respectably by rolling out new members - Valkyrie, Nighthawk, Son of Satan, Beast, Hellcat and Power Man - and featuring regular cameos - Hawkeye, Iron Man, The Avengers, The Guardians of the Galaxy, The Thing, The Squadron Supreme, and probably others that I am missing!

The Original series is considered to have ended in 1983, however, it was almost immediately re-booted with new characters that looked an awful lot like the old X-Men, with The Angel, Beast and Iceman among the new members. 

The book limped on for about another year as The "New" Defenders, but the plug was finally pulled in 1984.

Issue #10 is particularly collectible for the Hulk/Thor battle, And the Avengers team-up!