The New Defenders’ start with a JM DeMatteis story, which continues his convoluted tale about an evil group called The Empire who have infiltrated all levels of American government. Including SHIELD, we learn this issue.
The newly formed team acts like a real team, unlike all prior iterations of The Defenders, which means they need to vote on a leader. Beast and Valkyrie both campaign for the post.
And Val completely emasculates Beast.
After bringing Mad Dog into SHIELD custody, they have a meal together. Iceman is in his underwear, and both he and Angel are crushing on Moondragon. Then, they take on the giant Leviathan.
He’s a product of the Secret Empire, who escapes SHIELD custody, and he has the mind of a child.
Professor Power appears to be the leader of Secret Empire now.
During the battle, Mad Dog escapes again–and frees mutant force.
I agree with the Valkyrie- she IS the most qualified of all those present to lead this lame-o team of ‘C’ and ‘D’-listers. And since the Beast ( who we know to be a genius ) insists on acting like an over-jovial jerk all of the time, I would laugh at his suggestion for nomination, too! Iceman’s interest in Moondragon is interesting, considering that, these days, the ol’ boy is playing for the other team!! Which doesn’t explain his psychotic obsession with Polaris, which I still believe continues unabated, to this very day! Oh, the controversy!!