THE DEFENDERS (2017) ISSUE #5
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: David Marquez
Color Artist: Justin Ponsor
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Diamondback has been taken into custody after a fight that left Iron Fist with what might be a broken back. Our heroes breath a sigh of relief but will it last?
What You Need To Know:
Diamondback’s drug is killing people, and the Daily Bugle plans a story that involves both the drug and the Defenders.
The Punisher was captured by Daredevil and Luke Cage but still refused to tell them what he knows. Meanwhile, Jessica Jones and Iron Fist planned a stakeout on Diamondback, but they were spotted and a fight ensued. Iron Fist sustained a major back injury that made Diamondback think he was out of the fight but, after throwing Jones through a window, Iron Fist got a sneak attack in and defeated him.
Now Diamondback and the Punisher have both been captured and turned over to the police.
What You’ll Find Out:
We catch up with our heroes at the medical center as Iron Fist gets his back treated by Linda Carter. Fist is so grateful that he buys the medical center for nurse Carter. However, the lightheartedness is short lived. Daredevil tells everyone he can hear the police scanners saying that Diamondback escaped.
We see Diamondback being drug to an armored vehicle by police. He’s loaded in to find the Punisher is being taken by the same vehicle. While in transit, Diamondback begins antagonizing the Punisher by bringing up his dead family.
We see the transport suddenly jump into the air and explode. Diamondback escapes, leaving the Punisher still bound inside the vehicle.
The Defenders split up to search for Diamondback. Jessica Jones takes Luke Cage to see Raindrop Lily, a facilitator who provides favors for people. When they get there they see Hellstrom stomping out, his mood is not improved when he sees his ex, Jessica Jones. He storms off without a word, could we be seeing him again too?
Jones and Cage meet with Raindrop Lily, who refuses to give information on Diamondback before they even ask. They are sent away unsuccessful.
We then see Iron Fist investigating his recently destroyed local office with Daredevil. As they approach, Daredevil catches the scent of a familiar person, Elektra Natchios. She isn’t there, but she had been not long ago.
Last we meet up with the Black Cat as she returns home for the night. There, she’s met by an unexpected visitor, Diamondback.
What Just Happened:
This issue was heavy on exposition and story. While It had less action than some of the other issues, it was no less gripping to read and has added even more plot twists than before.
Luke Cage guessing that Daredevil’s name is Gary has become a running joke with the characters. It adds so much to the story to see them mess with each other instead of it always being about business.
Raindrop Lily is an interesting part of this issue, she is introduced as sort of an all-knowing character but she refused to provide any information on Diamondback. It is strange that she would be introduced the way she then provided no help. Perhaps her role in this story is not over.
Rating: 7/10
Final Thoughts: This issue definitely did a lot to further the overall storyline. The plot continues to thicken!