Cullen Bunn Discusses The Final Fate Of ‘Fearless Defenders,’ Reveals Where The Book Might Have Gone

Fearless Defenders #12 arrived in stores this week, the final issue of a series that in a short amount of time gained a cult following unlike any other in mainstream comics. Upon close examination, it's easy to understand why -- it was not only the rare team title that featured an all female cast, but it was easily one of, if not the, most diverse and progressive titles on the stands. With Fearless Defenders, writer Culllen Bunn and artist Will Sliney fully embraced the notion that women of color and queer women are just as qualified to be heroic as anyone else.

So when it was announced that Marvel was ending the title at issue #12, it was disappointing news for many, including the title's creative team. As one last gift to fans, Bunn took to his website to bid a final farewell to the title, while also sharing some background information, including various lineups considered for the team and notes on where the book may have gone next.

From Bunn's website:

From the original pitch: 'During her search for this team, Valkyrie will turn to many known characters. (Imagine Arana, She-Hulk, Lyra, Loa, Kitty Pryde, Monica Rambeau, Dani Moonstar, Lionheart, Hellcat, Songbird, Ms. Marvel, the Invisible Woman, the Savage She-Hulk, Ghost Rider, X-23, Photon, or others being offered the position and powers of a Shield Maiden.) While some known (and lesser known) characters will accept Valkyrie’s offer, the team will also be joined by new characters who may have no previous powers. Police officers, doctors, firefighters, nurses, etc., will change the way Valkyrie defines heroism.'

 

It's a fairly extensive post, and if you're a fan of the series, it's worth the read. There were several other bits of information regarding what almost happened, and what would have happened, later on in there title, including my personal favorite: "The first issue was originally going to start with Valkyrie beating the snot out of Namor."