It was huge news when it hit this past fall, but in case you haven't heard: Brian Michael Bendis is now a writer for DC Comics. The longtime Marvel mainstay, who created the likes of Miles Morales and Jessica Jones as well as the Image Comics book Powers, has signed a multi-year, exclusive contract with DC Comics. His first story with the publisher will be in April's landmark Action Comics #1000, and it's now been revealed which titles he will be writing going forward.
In an exclusive with Forbes, friend of Batman News Mark Hughes broke the news that Bendis will take over writing duties on both Action Comics and Superman this July. The article is filled with some great insights from Bendis regarding his plans for the flagship Superman titles going forward, but to sum it up: following Action Comics #1000, Bendis will write a weekly Man of Steel miniseries that will spin out of his story in Action 1000 and set up his plans for both titles. Very John Byrne in several different ways.
Beginning May 30th, the six issue miniseries will feature art from heavyweights like Doc Shaner, Jason Fabok, Ivan Reis, Ryan Sook, Kevin Maguire, and Adam Hughes, and Bendis promises it will be a huge story that changes the status quo. From there, both Action Comics and Superman will pick back up in July with issue #1001 of Action and a new #1 for Superman, with each title returning to a monthly release schedule. Bendis notes that the titles will play off of each other, with Superman focusing on big superhero stories and Action looking more at the personal life of Clark Kent, his colleagues at the Daily Planet, and Metropolis as a whole.
Also of note is the release of DC Nation #0, a one-shot issue that will come out May 2nd. Not much is known about the issue, though Bendis will team with comics legend José Luis García-López on a story which is pretty fantastic. The only other detail is one that will be relevant to us Batfans, however: the issue will contain a story where the Joker finds out about Batman and Catwoman's betrothal. Joker's reaction to this could be absolutely hilarious or absolutely terrifying, which is perfectly fitting for the Clown Prince of Crime.
Head over to Forbes for the full interview between Hughes and Bendis, as well as some sneak peeks at the covers for Man of Steel. No word as of yet to where fan favorite creators Dan Jurgens, Peter Tomasi, and Patrick Gleason will head once their tenures end, but we'll be sure to keep you updated as we learn more.
SOURCE: Forbes
UPDATE: Here's the full press release from DC Comics, as well as a gallery featuring sketches for the Man of Steel covers and various "Jinxworld" titles.
Taking Over the Reins on Superman with New MAN OF STEEL Weekly Miniseries in May, New SUPERMAN #1 and ACTION COMICS #1001 Ongoing Series in July
Re-Release of Jinxworld Titles, with Continuing Series and New Titles to Come
Curating “Custom” Imprint Combining a Mix of Characters from the DC Universe with All-New Characters(BURBANK, CA) – (February 1, 2018) – Last November, best-selling writer Brian Michael Bendis set tongues to wagging in the comic book world when he announced that he would be joining DC Entertainment as part of a “multifaceted” deal. Today both DC and Bendis have revealed the first details on what he has in store for fans.
SUPERMAN
Bendis’ first DC story will be with fan-favorite artist Jim Lee in ACTION COMICS #1000 (on sale April 18), but this is only the beginning when it comes to his relationship with Krypton’s Last Son. On May 30, Bendis debuts MAN OF STEEL, a six-issue weekly miniseries. Featuring six interconnected covers by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado, this series will shake up the classic story of Krypton’s final days and Kal-El’s path to becoming an iconic hero, introducing a new villain that knows a terrifying secret behind the destruction of Superman’s homeworld. Bendis’ story will feature an incredible lineup of artistic firepower, including Ivan Reis, Evan “Doc” Shaner, Ryan Sook, Kevin Maguire, Adam Hughes and Jason Fabok. A prelude to MAN OF STEEL by Bendis and artist Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez will be available on May 2, in the DC NATION #0 preview sampler.
This July, more fireworks are in store for fans with not one, but two Superman-themed titles, both written by Bendis. July 11 debuts SUPERMAN #1, with art by Ivan Reis. The conclusion of MAN OF STEEL will leave both fans and Superman reeling, and the debut story arc will dive deeper into its consequences, building on popularity already generated by co-writer Peter J. Tomasi and co-writer/artist Pat Gleason. On July 25, ACTION COMICS resumes with issue #1001; with art by Gleason, Bendis will deliver stories that are more character-focused, introduce new characters (both heroes and villains) and spotlight more of Clark Kent and his role at the Daily Planet. ACTION will also take a closer look at how the actions of Superman impact the DC Universe.
THE RETURN OF JINXWORLD
Bendis’ world of gritty noir crime titles, including JINX, TORSO, POWERS, A.K.A. GOLDFISH and SCARLET among others, has found a new home at DC. The library of JINXWORLD titles like BRILLIANT, FIRE, FORTUNE & GLORY and TOTAL SELLOUT will be available digitally by this Spring. Fans can expect to see new stories from continuing series like POWERS, SCARLET and THE UNITED STATES OF MURDER INC., as well as new characters added to the Jinxworld universe throughout 2018 and beyond.
A CURATED “CUSTOM” IMPRINT
Also scheduled for 2018 is a Bendis-curated custom imprint of titles. This new custom imprint will feature some of Bendis’ all-time favorite characters in very unique and unusual situations, combined with new characters created specifically for this new imprint.
Check out the website at www.dccomics.com or the DC YouTube channel for the latest news regarding Brian Michael Bendis and the World’s Greatest Super Heroes.
SOURCE: DC Comics
