For the past 17 years, no single writer has been as synonymous with Marvel Comics as Brian Michael Bendis. He got his start at the House of Ideas at a time when the company was struggling with bankruptcy in 2000. His book Ultimate Spider-Man, which gave readers a new, modern version of a teenage Peter Parker, was a smash hit that helped put Marvel back on track.
So it was a HUGE shock to comics fans everywhere when it was announced by DC Comics on Tuesday that Bendis would jump ship to Marvel’s #1 rival. And although Bendis has written a little bit for DC Comics before, this time he’s theirs, exclusively. Meaning no more Marvel Comics for him for the foreseeable future. Bendis tweeted out, “Change is good. Change is healthy. I am bursting with ideas and inspiration.” According to DC Comics, they have the writer locked down for a “multiyear, multifaceted” deal.
We’re so excited to start working with @BRIANMBENDIS! pic.twitter.com/v1tgsMaNTr
— DC (@DCComics) November 7, 2017
Bendis is known for his long runs of hit Marvel titles like Daredevil, New Avengers, All New X-Men, Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, and most importantly, he created Jessica Jones and the second Spider-Man, Miles Morales. Not since Stan Lee and Jack Kirby has a single creator contributed so much to the Marvel Universe.
So far, no projects for the writer have been announced by DC, but it would make sense for them to put Bendis on a high profile book like Batman, Superman, or Wonder Woman. Certainly since Greg Rucka left, Wonder Woman has had a revolving door of writers take over for brief periods, so maybe that’s where Bendis is headed. Regardless of what DC chooses to put the writer on, expect it to make waves.
The last time a creator so intimately identified with Marvel left for DC was when Jack Kirby defected back in 1970. At DC, he created Darkseid and the New Gods mythology, and that mythos is playing into the upcoming Justice League film. Will Bendis make as huge a contribution to DC? Time will tell, but right now comics fans everywhere are foaming at the mouth with anticipation at the possibilities.
What do you think of Bendis jumping ship? Will you miss him at Marvel, or has the possibility of a Bendis written Batman or Wonder Woman got you excited? Let us know down below in the comments.
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Images: Marvel Comics
