The Defenders #108

Review: And so Marvel provides a complicated conclusion to a long-forgotten story arc about the origin of Valkyrie back in issue #4 of this series. It was nice of them to think of her, despite her being a fictional character after all. It is a pretty decent story, mediocre art and cluttered layouts notwithstanding. DeMatteis comes up with exposition to explain everything about the Enchantress’ motives and exact state of existence of Brunhilde and Barbara Norriss. Too bad they couldn’t have brought back her husband Jack to give him some closure and perhaps a new chance at happiness for the Norriss’…hey, now I’m doing it, caring what happens to a poorly delineated comic book character. Anyway, the tale is not quite as silly as a Steve Gerber offering but it comes close, with that blue monster from the cover dancing joyously, bizarre attempts to define love, and everyone else living happily ever after. And it comes close to being hippy-dippy craziness but just misses.

Comments: Part one of two parts. Barbara Norriss, last name frequently misspelled as with her husband Jack, is next seen in VALKYRIE (1996 one-shot) where she dies. Mark Gruenwald credited with a plot assist. GCD lists Joe Sinnott, Sal Trapani, Hilary Barta, and Al Milgrom as inkers but also possible pencil finishers. The letters page includes one by future author Anthony R. Cardno.