Brian Michael Bendis is part of the reason I got back into reading Marvel Comics.
Even when I wasn’t a Wednesday warrior during a stretch from the early 2000s to the mid-2010s, I had amassed a stack of New Avengers trades, along with events like House of M, Secret Invasion and Siege. They presented Marvel’s mainstream, non-X-Men heroes in a way that was “cooler” than I’d previously seen – even with leather bomber jackets – and they were a good companion to the hours I’d spend playing the first Marvel Ultimate Alliance game on the Xbox 360.
Bendis eventually ran his course at Marvel, having written nearly every major character and creating a wealth of material that eventually got mined for the MCU.
And Goldballs. He also co-created Goldballs.
But when the time came for him to hit the dusty trail, DC was more than happy to roll out the red-underpantsed carpet, shouting “BENDIS IS COMING” in two-page promo ads featuring Superman in his classic togs, while nodding to the time Jack Kirby jumped ship from Marvel to DC in the early 1970s, where he went on to create his iconic Fourth World.
And just like the King, Bendis now is returning to Marvel, starting with a backup story in next month’s Avengers #34, the 800th issue of the title, a supersized comic that will retail for $7.99. Joining him will be artist Mark Bagley, his collaborator on 111 issues of Ultimate Spider-Man.
In a statement from Marvel, Bendis says it’s just the beginning of more work from him at the publisher. But what mighty Marvel worlds are left for Bendis to conquer? What characters would you like to see him take on? The Defenders? The New Warriors? Aliens vs. Alias? Willie Lumpkin: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.?
Take a look at this Bagley variant cover for Avengers #34, keeping scrolling for Marvel’s press release, think about what characters you’d like Bendis to write, and let us know on the socials!
A major milestone for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes calls for the return of one of their mightiest creators!
This January, BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS returns to the Marvel Universe in AVENGERS #34, the landmark 800th issue of AVENGERS. The issue by current Avengers creative team, writer Jed MacKay and artist Farid Karami, will feature a special 14-page backup story written by Bendis and drawn by superstar artist Mark Bagley, reuniting the powerhouse pair known for their work together on Ultimate Spider-Man and Avengers Assemble.
For nearly a decade, Bendis redefined Avengers storytelling, revitalizing the franchise for the 21st century. Always at the center of the Marvel Universe and at the pulse of modern pop culture, his groundbreaking run launched now-classic Marvel events like House of M, Secret Invasion, and Dark Reign, and his transformative work on the Marvel mythos is still heavily felt today. Now he’s back, starting with AVENGERS #34 and continuing with more exciting new Marvel stories just on the horizon!
Taking place on the anniversary of the founding of the Avengers, the all-new story brings together the “Big Three,” Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America, for a high-stakes mission to take down Hydra’s latest weapon of mass destruction. They’re soon joined by many more teammates—past and present—for a thrilling showdown that exemplifies the team’s mission and impact!
“Returning to the pages of Marvel Comics has been an incredible experience,” Bendis shared. “To reunite with the Avengers on the occasion of an anniversary is doubly wonderful because anniversary issues are where we really celebrate our love of the characters and legacy. I made my Avengers debut on Avengers #500. I love the symmetry.
“AND I get to reunite with my dear longtime Ultimate Spidey AND Avengers collaborator Mark Bagley. Just reuniting would be magical enough, but him coming out of retirement to do this story with me was an incredible gesture. He has already penciled magical pages. It’s been a wonderful reunion between us AND the characters.
“Thanks to everyone at Marvel for having me back for such an auspicious occasion,” he added. “This is the first of some truly special Marvel projects that I will be part of in the near future. Stay tuned…”
Check out Mark Bagley’s variant cover and preorder AVENGERS #34 at your local comic shop today! Stay tuned for more news about Bendis’ return to Marvel Comics in the months ahead. For more information, visit Marvel.com.
Pre-order Avengers #34 here. (Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, ComicsXF may earn from qualifying purchases.)
Dan Grote is the editor and publisher of ComicsXF, having won the site by ritual combat. By day, he’s a newspaper editor, and by night, he’s … also an editor. He co-hosts The ComicsXF Interview Podcast with Matt Lazorwitz. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, two kids and two miniature dachshunds, and his third, fictional son, Peter Paul Winston Wisdom. Follow him @danielpgrote.bsky.social.
