Issue(s): Avengers annual #11
Cover Date: 1982
Title: "In honor's name!"
Credits:
J.M. DeMatteis - Writer
Al Milgrom - Penciler
Jack Abel, Brett Breeding, & Al Milgrom - Inker
Mark Gruenwald - Editor

Review/plot:
UHBMCC: The Official Marvel Index to the Avengers (II) #4 adds A.Milgrom and B.Breeding as inkers. The credits for this issue just say "Jack Abel and crew".

Stranded on the Earth at half power by his alien race for his crimes...

...Nebulon manipulates the Avengers into helping him. Although it's not clear exactly what help Nebulon wants initially, because the Defenders soon show up to stop the Avengers from helping.

They are being aided by Supernalia, Nebulon's betrothed.

It's a bit of a mini-Avengers/Defenders War.

There's a bit of a back and forth on who is being manipulated...

...and possibly both teams were, but in the end Supernalia and Nebulon both commit suicide.

Kind of a typical DeMatteis story. Pseudo-philosophical cosmic-ish stuff that really goes nowhere.

Even though it's an Avengers annual, DeMatteis is writing so clearly there's going to be a focus on the Defenders cast, and since this is the first adventure for the Valkyrie now that she's back in her own body...

...we learn here that she's stronger than ever before and talking in Thor-ese.

I don't mean to imply that DeMatteis ignores the Avengers in this issue, though.

This annual also contains a copy of the original Avengers Charter, signed by all the founding members (including the Hulk!).

Quality Rating: C

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: This seems to take place before the Avengers recruit She-Hulk and Hawkeye in Avengers #221, and the MCP place it between #220-221 (not that those members couldn't just not have been included in this mission). For these Defenders, it takes place soon after Defenders #109.

References:

• Nebulon has been condemned by his people for trying to take over the Earth in Defenders #14, Defenders #93 (incorrectly listed as issue #92), and Defenders annual #1.
  
• "This issue takes place a short time after Defenders #109",, wherein the Valkyrie was restored to her real Asgardian body.
  
• Dr. Strange is "off chasing Daimon Hellstrom and the Sub-Mariner", as seen in Defenders #110 and Defenders #111.

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A

It was about this time that a Wonder Man mini-series was first announced, but nothing came of it until the Wonder Man Special some years later.

Supernalia was originally called Saturnalia in the "SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS SECTION" advertising this annual in Avengers #225.

I would guess "Saturnalia" was a mistake and Supernalia was always the intended name, since "supernal" means "of or pertaining to the stars or the heavens." That way Nebulon and his wife both have star-related names.

Who knew that the early Hulk had such good penmanship? Also can't help but note the faded pink Beast coloring error panel. Looks like Hank used the wrong soap last bath-time.