First 10 - The Defenders

The Defenders are the first non-team of comic book superheroes. The original lineup of Dr. Strange, The Hulk, and Namor is widely considered one of the strongest groups of superheroes ever collected (they got even stronger when Silver Surfer Joined up). The most interesting thing about The Defenders is also their greatest weakness as the basis for a series: the fact that they aren't a team with any central leadership, but rather a group of individuals who work together only when it suits them. This being the case, every issue becomes a struggle to explain why these heroes, which run in completely different circles, would ever hang out together, let alone join forces and battle for good.

Despite its major flaw, The Defenders is a very good series. Each character brings unique strengths and abilities to the team, and the storylines are definitely unique. I don't think that, as a non-team, The Defenders have the potential for longevity that The X-Men or The Avengers have, but they're still absolutely intriguing. This is a series that I will eventually read starting with issue #1 and then give up on it as soon as they replace the original lineup. Here's where it falls in the First 10 standings:

1. Batman
2. Amazing Spider-Man
3. Fantastic Four
4. Deadpool
5. Booster Gold
6. Daredevil
7. The Punisher
8. Golden Age Green Lantern
9. The Avengers
10. The Defenders
11. Captain America
12. Golden Age Captain America
13. Golden Age Blue Beetle
14. Captain Marvel (Marvel Comics)
15. Aquaman