Historical Return for Marvel Heroes; Brian Michael Bendis Returns to ‘Avengers’ After Years

According to Khabaronline News Agency, based on a report from ComicBookMovie, this major event, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of the formation of the ‘Avengers’ team, will take place this January. Bendis will be featured in issue #34 of the new Avengers series, collaborating with veteran artist Mark Bagley.

In this issue, Marvel’s current creative team, including writer Jed MacKay and artist Farid Karami, will also be present. However, a special 14-page supplementary story, written by Bendis and drawn by Bagley, has been added. This marks the renewed collaboration of these two artists, who previously excelled in acclaimed works such as ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ and ‘Avengers Assemble’.

For nearly a decade, Bendis redefined the Avengers’ narrative and revitalized the series in the 21st century. His presence at the heart of the Marvel Universe and in modern popular culture led to the birth of some of the biggest events in Marvel history, from ‘House of M’ to ‘Secret Invasion’ and ‘Dark Reign’. The impact of his tenure, both praised and criticized, is still felt throughout the Marvel Universe.

Now, Bendis has returned. According to Marvel’s official announcement, his collaboration begins with Avengers #34, and as stated in the press release, ‘more fresh and exciting Marvel stories are on the horizon.’

This new story takes place on the anniversary of the Avengers team’s founding and brings together three central figures — Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America — on a perilous mission to confront Hydra’s latest weapon of mass destruction. Subsequently, other team members, from past and present generations, will join them to demonstrate the group’s core mission and spirit of unity in a breathtaking battle.

Bendis stated: ‘Returning to the pages of Marvel comics was an incredible experience. Being back with the Avengers again in an anniversary issue is doubly enjoyable, as these issues are where we celebrate our love for the characters and their legacy. I started my first stint in the Avengers world with issue #500, and this synchronicity holds special meaning for me.’

He further added: ‘I’m happy to be reunited with my longtime friend and collaborator Mark Bagley, from our Ultimate Spider-Man and Avengers days. His return from retirement to work on this story was a fantastic move. He has already designed some magical pages, and this collaboration is a sweet and nostalgic experience for both of us and for our characters.’

Bendis concluded: ‘I am grateful to everyone at Marvel for inviting me back for such a special occasion. This is just the beginning of several special Marvel projects I will be involved in soon. Stay tuned for more news.’

Additionally, Marvel has released the variant cover image designed by Mark Bagley for Avengers #34, which is generally considered issue #800 of Marvel’s comic books.