Brian Michael Bendis Returns to Marvel for Avengers #800

The legendary writer is officially back at Marvel Comics, teaming up with Mark Bagley for a special story in the landmark Avengers issue and hinting at more exciting projects on the horizon.

TL;DR

• Brian Michael Bendis is officially returning to Marvel Comics after a 2018 departure, contributing to Avengers #34 (Legacy #800).
• He reunites with superstar artist Mark Bagley for a 14-page backup story featuring the "Big Three" and other Avengers against Hydra.
• Bendis teases this is just the "first of some truly special Marvel projects," signaling a potentially significant new chapter for the publisher.

What does it take to get a legendary artist like Mark Bagley to come out of retirement? Apparently, it takes the return of Brian Michael Bendis to the Marvel Universe, and a milestone issue like Avengers #34, which also happens to be the series’ 800th legacy issue.

After years away from the House of Ideas, Bendis is officially back, much to the excitement (and perhaps a little trepidation) of the comic book world. His first announced project is a special backup story, reuniting him with his long-time collaborator, Bagley, in an issue that’s poised to be a huge moment for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

The Legendary Writer's Grand Comeback to Marvel Comics

This January, the pages of AVENGERS #34 (which is also counted as the landmark 800th issue of the original Avengers series from 1963) will feature a 14-page backup story penned by Brian Michael Bendis. This marks his first Marvel Comics work since 2018, and he’s bringing a familiar face along for the ride: artist Mark Bagley.

Bagley, known for his iconic work with Bendis on titles like Ultimate Spider-Man and Avengers Assemble, is reportedly coming out of retirement specifically for this collaboration. The story itself sounds like a classic Avengers romp, taking place on the anniversary of the team's founding. It brings together the "Big Three" — Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America — for a high-stakes mission to neutralize Hydra's latest weapon of mass destruction. Expect plenty of other Avengers, both past and present, to join the fray for what’s described as a "thrilling showdown."

While Bendis and Bagley are handling the special backup, the main story for Avengers #34 will be crafted by the current Avengers (2023) creative team, writer Jed MacKay and artist Farid Karami. This issue also happens to round out MacKay’s impressive three-year run on the series.

"Returning to the pages of Marvel Comics has been an incredible experience. 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."

— Brian Michael Bendis (Source: Marvel.com, The Beat)

Bendis further fueled speculation about his future at Marvel, adding, "This is the first of some truly special Marvel projects that I will be part of in the near future. Stay tuned…" This statement, published on November 10, 2025, confirms that this isn't just a one-off cameo, but a genuine return to the publisher where he made such a significant impact.

During his nearly decade-long tenure at Marvel earlier this century, Bendis redefined how Avengers stories were told, bringing a fresh, modern sensibility to the franchise. He was instrumental in launching now-classic Marvel events such as House of M, Secret Invasion, and Dark Reign. His transformative work extended beyond team books, playing a key role in the creation of beloved characters like Miles Morales, Jessica Jones, and Riri Williams. He even wrote the iconic after-credits scene in the first Iron Man movie, introducing Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. Source: Bleeding Cool, "TOLDJA: Brian Bendis Officially Back At Marvel Comics On The Avengers", November 10, 2025.

After leaving Marvel in 2018, Bendis explored new creative avenues, signing an exclusive deal with DC Comics where he worked on Superman and Legion of Super-Heroes, and moved his creator-owned line to Dark Horse Comics, launching series like Joy Operations and Phenomena.

The Hero's Return: A Cause for Celebration or Concern for the Marvel Universe?

A return of this magnitude naturally generates immense buzz within the comic community. For many, Bendis's name is synonymous with a golden age of Marvel, and his comeback is a cause for celebration, promising a potential revitalization for the publisher.

However, not everyone views his return without a degree of skepticism. Some critics, like those at ComicBook.com, have labeled Bendis as "overrated," arguing that his writing style, while adept at drama, often suffers from excessive wordiness and stretched-out narratives. They point to instances like House of M being "boring" and his X-Men run being less than stellar. A common critique is his tendency to give many characters a similar "quippy" voice, reminiscent of early MCU dialogue, rather than maintaining their established individual personalities. The Civil War II event, written by Bendis, is even cited as "ruining Captain Marvel" for some fans. Source: ComicBook.com, "Brian Michael Bendis Is Overrated", Undated.

These counterpoints highlight a valid concern: does Marvel need to look to its past for success, or seek "new blood" and fresh voices? The company's editorial leadership, including figures like Brevoort, Lowe, and Cebulski, are not universally beloved by fans, leading some to believe a more radical shift is needed. Source: ComicBook.com, "Brian Michael Bendis Is Overrated", Undated.

Yet, the enthusiasm for Bendis's foundational work is undeniable. His runs on Daredevil, Ultimate Spider-Man, and Dark Avengers are still lauded as benchmarks in modern comic storytelling. The sheer volume of his backlist material Marvel is re-releasing in 2026—including multiple omnibuses for titles like Ultimate Spider-Man, New Avengers, and Uncanny X-Men—indicates a significant investment from the publisher, suggesting they firmly believe in his market appeal. Source: Bleeding Cool, "TOLDJA: Brian Bendis Officially Back At Marvel Comics On The Avengers", November 10, 2025.

Marvel's Current Creative Landscape and the Future Beyond Issue #800

Bendis's return comes at a pivotal moment for Marvel. Reports from New York Comic Con 2025 suggested a less-than-stellar showing for Marvel compared to DC, reinforcing the idea that the publisher needs a shot in the arm. Coupled with the conclusion of Jed MacKay’s current Avengers run with issue #34, the timing of Bendis’s reentry could be a strategic move to energize the franchise.

This big news also sits alongside other significant Marvel announcements. Chip Zdarsky's upcoming event series, Armageddon, is set to "reshape Earth’s Mightiest Heroes" in a manner akin to Bendis and David Finch's 2004 crossover "Avengers Disassembled." Additionally, S.H.I.E.L.D. is making a return in Zdarsky’s Captain America #6, sparking speculation about whether Bendis might have a hand in that title or other major projects in the future.

Imagine a long-time comic shop owner, Ms. Chen, looking at her sales figures. The past year has been a bit sluggish for Marvel, with fans craving a major shake-up. Then comes the news of Bendis returning. She immediately thinks, "This is it. This could be the spark that brings back those readers who felt Marvel lost its way." She starts planning a special display for Avengers #34, hoping to capitalize on the nostalgia and the promise of "more to come" that Bendis has teased.

What This Pivotal Return Means for Your Comic Reading Habits

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of Marvel Comics, Brian Michael Bendis's return is a significant development worth paying attention to. It signals a potential shift in creative direction and a renewed focus on a writer whose influence is deeply woven into the fabric of modern superhero storytelling.

Keep your eyes peeled, because this is likely just the beginning of a new era for Bendis at Marvel. He’s back, he’s with Bagley, and he’s clearly got more up his sleeve.

FAQ: Your Quick Questions Answered

When does Avengers #34 (Legacy #800) come out? The issue is slated for a January cover date but will be on sale on December 3, 2025. (Source: Marvel.com) Who is working on the main story for Avengers #34? The primary story for the issue is written by Jed MacKay with art by Farid Karami. Which characters are featured in Brian Michael Bendis's backup story? Bendis's 14-page story will feature Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America (the "Big Three"), along with many other Avengers from the team's past and present. Is Brian Michael Bendis returning to Marvel for good? Bendis himself confirmed that this Avengers story is the "first of some truly special Marvel projects" he will be part of, indicating a broader return. (Source: The Beat)

Sources

• Marvel.com: "Brian Michael Bendis Returns to Marvel Comics in 'Avengers' #800" (November 10, 2025)
• Bleeding Cool: "TOLDJA: Brian Bendis Officially Back At Marvel Comics On The Avengers" (November 10, 2025)
• The Beat: "Bendis returns to Marvel for AVENGERS #800" (November 10, 2025)
• ComicBook.com: "Brian Michael Bendis Is Overrated" (Undated)