Most of our favorite superheroes stand for good American values: integrity, honesty, justice, and the like. But have you heard of a superhero that stands for flavorful and delicious beer? Brooklyn Brewery has teamed up with New York Comic Con in recent years to create the official beer for the convention, which also calls for a cool superhero mascot, AKA the Defender! This year, our video producer Alec and I got to attend their official release party where we spoke to the artist behind this year’s Defender, Jamal Igle of Molly Danger and Supergirl, and brewmaster Garrett Oliver.
Oliver gives us some insight into how the collaboration works, and his extensive experience with brewing really shines alongside his geekiness. I was particularly curious about how this year’s Defender wears a mech suit of duct tape and a Nintendo controller, giving off strong DIY every-woman feels. Igle explains they give her a hipster, Brooklyn vibe in comparison to an earlier, more hi-tech version.
The event did a great job of keeping everyone entertained with booze, craft tables for decorating beer sleeves, an amazing cake by Ramona Schatzer of Rock Candy Cakes NY, and a battle (?!?) between the Defender and Godzilla. The whole geeky atmosphere was energizing, and it definitely got me really excited for NYCC.
We also got a chance to talk to the Defender herself (minus the keg) about her costume, values, and superhero friends. To no one’s surprise, she’s homies with all our fave superheroes. Hopefully, she’s referring to an older Spider-Man and not Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. (TMS does not endorse underage drinking.) If the Defender makes an appearance at NYCC, you can bet I’m going to see if she can top me off. Conventions can get tiring and warm, y’all.
Finally, the launch was full of some awesome cosplayers! Watch me geek out with a Ramona Flowers, a Ms. Marvel, and a Moon Girl with her plush Devil Dinosaur about their cool outfits and their thoughts on the Defender. As you can see, this beer not only quenched our thirsts, it also gave us the gift of friendship.
Most of the people I spoke to enjoyed the beer, and found the Defender less bitter than your typical IPA. Their site describes it as an “explosively juicy West Coast-style red IPA” that pairs well with Mexican food and tinkering which are things I also pair well with. If you want to give it a try, they’re going to be sold nationwide this year at places that sell Brooklyn Brewery drinks!
What do you think about this year’s Defender? Are you excited to enjoy a bottle at this year’s NYCC?
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