DF Interview: Brian Michael Bendis on Guardians film and book, All-New X-Men, more

By Byron Brewer

If any one man can claim the role of architect of the current Marvel Universe, it is certainly Brian Michael Bendis.

He came to the House of Ideas from the indy world and helped build the Ultimate Universe, launching Ultimate Spider-Man in 2000. He relaunched the Avengers franchise with New Avengers in 2004, and has also written the Marvel event storylines “Secret War” (2004), “House of M” (2005), “Secret Invasion” (2008), “Siege” (2010) and “Age of Ultron” (2013).

Arguably no one writer has done so much to change and alter the Lee/Kirby/Ditko landscape than he. That is why, after years of pursuit by myself as an interviewer, Mr. Bendis has agreed to finally slow down and answer some of our questions. We are extremely honored.

Dynamic Forces recently spoke with him and this is what he told us.

Dynamic Forces: First, Brian, since the Guardians of the Galaxy film tore up the box office this summer, your thoughts on James Gunn’s finished product, based on the book you now write?

Brian Michael Bendis: Well, it is certainly not based on the book that I write and it is quite firmly based on the volume that happened previously. That said, it was absolutely fascinating, from the perspective of the Marvel films creative committee, to watch this movie blossom from a little germ of a “should we?” to the biggest movie of the summer. It’s a tremendous amount of fun. It’s extremely well-made.

As I said online, you know it’s a good movie if my name in the credits is my 17th favorite part! (smiles)

DF: Elephant in the room: You took a lot of criticism from some circles after Guardians returned to Marvel publication with you at the writing helm instead of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. I know you have gone out of your way to pay homage to DnA and what went before in other interviews, but besides the Cancerverse storyline will any of their other loose ends – Knowhere being a Celestial’s severed head, Jack Flagg as a promised celestial messiah of sorts, the Luminals of Knowhere, et al – see light in Guardians under your reign?

Brian Michael Bendis: Some of that criticism was from people who never even read the original run. (smiles) Listen, DnA are no longer writing together so I don’t think that was ever even something that was considered. My favorite runs of my favorite comics were from creators who went out on their own and did their own thing just like DnA did. My job is to bring the characters forward with new stories and new adventures.

DF: We saw him in Avengers Assemble but not since. Where’s Bug? 

Brian Michael Bendis: Loitering around the Hasbro parking lot. (smiles)

DF: Will we see Thanos in the pages of GotG again? Thane? Maybe Gamora vs. Thane, sibling rivalry, lol?

Brian Michael Bendis: Yes, yes, yes, and yes.

DF: The Guardians were a big part of young Jean Grey’s trial at the hands of the Shi’ar. Are the days of Jean and possession by the Phoenix now past?

Brian Michael Bendis: I certainly hope so. I believe that story has been told then told and told. The best thing we did in that story was not repeat stories from the past. I think everyone is ready for Jean Grey to find a new voice and storyline and I’m happy to be part of it.

DF: OK … Luke Cage, I believe, was your favorite New Avenger. I think Peter Quill is your favorite Guardian. Drum roll: Your favorite X-Man?

Brian Michael Bendis: Lockheed.

DF: Loving young Cyclops’ romp through space and sorry to see Rucka leave the book, but will Scott Summers (teen version) resurface in the near future in All-New X-Men?

Brian Michael Bendis: Yes.

DF: Just a continuity query I have been wondering about: Was Professor X aware of his beloved Lilandra’s death in the DnA books before he met his fate?

Brian Michael Bendis: I believe so. I’m going on the belief that he did.

DF: You certainly did a wonderful job with the Hood and then Norman Osborne in the pages of New Avengers. Is there another villain we might watch out for in one of your books you will be giving “the Bendis build-up”?

Brian Michael Bendis: From the sound of these questions, it looks like I am the villain we might watch out for! (laughs)

DF: Haha! No, no, certainly not. OK, and finally, Brian, any threads from your celebrated, Roy Thomas-beating stint on Avengers that you would like to reexamine in your current books?

Brian Michael Bendis: Honestly, all of them. I’m hardly a creator that pats himself on the back.

Dynamic Forces would like to give its extreme thanks to the ever-busy Brian Michael Bendis for taking the time to answer our questions.

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