![Fearless Defenders #4 courtesy Marvel](https://i0.wp.com/www.comicsblend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/fearless-defenders-4-198x300.jpg?resize=198%2C300&ssl=1)
Acclaimed artist Phil Jimenez (Wonder Woman, New X-Men, Fairest) is joining Cullen Bunn on Fearless Defenders. Jimenez designed Warrior Woman who joined the series with issue three this week and will drawn the cover and interior art for Fearless Defenders #4 which ties into the Age of Ultron epic. The artist known for his run on DC’s Amazon princess reveals his approach to the newest member of Valkyrie’s team on Marvel.com.
![Fearless Defenders #4 courtesy Marvel](https://i0.wp.com/www.comicsblend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Fearless-Defenders-4a-200x300.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1)
“Marvel wanted a character that could stand toe-to-toe, visually and literally with Valkyrie and Misty Knight. I also wanted to keep her in a costume that fit with the mythological worlds of the Marvel Universe, which definitely have a distinct design sensibility—thank you, Jack Kirby!—and are not entirely rooted in “reality.” So the idea was to create a physically imposing character while maintaining a distinctly mythological look that would work in the Marvel Universe. I used previous versions of her—she last appeared in INCREDIBLE HERCULES a couple of years ago—and we took elements of that design, [like] her large mane of hair, the bird helmet, and mixed and matched them with armor and other pieces inspired by current fashion and actual armor that I found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The winged harpy on the bodice was meant as both fearful emblem and playful homage.
![Fearless Defenders #4 courtesy Marvel](https://i0.wp.com/www.comicsblend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/fearless-defenders-4b-200x300.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1)
There was quite a debate about skirt vs. pants; I really, really wanted her in a skirt, to delineate her visually from Valkyrie but also to maintain the Grecian “feel” as well as a hint of sexy. Plus, I like the idea that this character is now so powerful, she can wear whatever she wants. Oh, except heels, maybe!
If nothing else, I think I bring a bit of regality, scale, and uniqueness to the character, and a look that makes her visually distinct from the other Defenders, and most other characters in the Marvel Universe.”
![Fearless Defenders #4 courtesy Marvel](https://i0.wp.com/www.comicsblend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/fearless-defenders-4c-200x300.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1)
Jimenez revealed who pops up in the next issue – the Age of Ultron tie-in:
“Omigod, I love it! I get to draw Hippolyta, Wolverine, Doctor Doom—as ever, I am reminded what an incredible job I have, playing with iconic characters that people know all over the globe. I simply wish I had more time to do the pages justice!”
![Fearless Defenders #4 courtesy Marvel](https://i0.wp.com/www.comicsblend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/fearless-defenders-4d-200x300.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1)
With a roster including Valkyrie, Dani Moonstar and Misty Knight – the artist revealed his favorite Defender so far:
“Hippolyta, of course. Followed closely by Misty Knight and Dani Moonstar; both are characters I’ve loved since I was a kid. I think it’s actually really amazing that those two characters—both women, both minorities—have these long, storied pasts at Marvel, and are being showcased in a book like this. Beyond that, they’re unique in terms of their character and characterization; they each bring something so different and wonderful to the roster’s table. And I’m a sucker for anyone with a bionic arm, especially a character as visually fabulous as Misty Knight.”
For the entire interview here’s the Marvel.com link.
Phil Jimenez will be appearing at Fan Expo Vancouver April 20, 21st.
By Editor