Brian Michael Bendis

Geekscape Comics: Best Bets for 10/19/16

by KarsonOctober 19, 2016

It’s that wonderful time of the week again, new comic book day! Choosing what to read can be daunting (and expensive!). Don’t worry though, Geekscape has you covered. Each week we give our best bet for a comic book that you’re sure to enjoy. Let’s get into it.

Honorable Mentions

Ok, I’ll come out right away and admit that I’m kind of fudging my answer a bit this week. Amazing Spider-Man #20 is by far the book I’m most excited for this week, but this article will get pretty boring if every week you are seeing Spider-Man titles in the Most Excited For slot, so alas, it is only getting an honourable mention. If you aren’t in the know, THE CLONE CONSPIRACY has begun, and Doctor Octopus is back (and not as Spider-Man)!

Speaking of villains becoming heroes, Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev are introducing a new Iron Man and his name is Doctor Doom in Infamous Iron Man #1 . We don’t know what happens to Tony Stark in Civil War II’s conclusion, but it looks like he is going pretty far off the map.

Mark Waid and Chris Samnee are killing it on Black Widow, the seventh issue comes out today and the other six are definitely worth checking out! You’ll probably see this book on a lot of Best of 2016 lists.

In the DC Universe, the Batman titles are moving into the post NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN event, Bane is moving into the spotlight in the newest Batman book and we are about to learn a whole lot more about Raptor in this week’s Nightwing.

Now let’s move on to the publisher responsible for the book I’m most excited for this week…

Most Excited For

We haven’t spoke of Dark Horse in awhile and it turns out this is a perfect week to do so. This week we have new issues of three of their greatest ongoing series’. We have a new issue of Cullen Bunn’s Harrow County, which has fallen into a bit of a slump after the first couple of story arcs, but it still makes for great reading. I’ll read this over his recent X-Men work any day 😊. A new issue Jeff Lemire’s Black Hammer is out, this is the complete comic book package; tight writing, sick art, and captivating characters. And finally…

Dept. H #7
📝 Matt Kindt
🎨 Sharlene Kindt

From New York Times best-selling MIND MGMT creator Matt Kindt comes an exciting new undersea sci-fi mystery. Mia is a special investigator hired to uncover possible sabotage taking place at a deep-sea research station. What she finds is a mind-blowing crime scene filled with suspects with terrible secrets, strange deep-sea creatures, and an impending flood!

This is comic books at their finest. Matt Kindt’s love of the medium bleeds through the pages. Each issue drives the story forward and teaches us more about the characters, growing our attachment to them. The water colours in this book are absolutely gorgeous, some of the best art you’ll see in a comic book this year. The back issues are only $1.99 each, you gotta read this series!

Best Bet

No best bet this week. Seriously consider checking out Dept. H.

Geekscape Comics: Weekly Reads!

by KarsonSeptember 7, 2016

Last week was quiet for releases, so I’ll keep this brief, that way there are no excuses for not reading the massive amount of exciting titles coming our way this week.

👎 – Skip, read at your own risk
👌 – Okay, not great, not bad, you might find something to like here
💪 – Great, highly recommended

Marvel

💪 Amazing Spider-Man #17

Slott is firing on all cylinders! This was the title I looked forward to the most this week and it didn’t disappoint! The issue had zero Spider-Man as the focus was placed squarely on Hobie Brown, the Prowler and Spider-Man decoy. The chess pieces are being put in place for what Spider-Man will face this fall. Jackal’s crew is growing and it looks like we are going to take a break from that and start to see Doctor Octopus’ return the next few issues. Start reading this series guys, it’s going to be good!

👎 Spider-Man #7

I’ve been hot and cold on this series, and to a certain extent Miles Morales as a character, since his introduction to the Marvel Universe. A few issues into this series I thought it was going to start delivering what I was hoping for, basically focusing on balancing Miles’ personal life with being Spider-Man. However, thanks to Civil War 2, we have strayed from that the past couple of issues. Instead we get to watch Miles debate whether or not he should support Tony or not. On a separate note, the art in this book is great!

DC

👌 Suicide Squad Special – War Crimes #1

A title that had quite a bit of hype due to it’s writer, essentially the creator of the modern-day Suicide Squad, John Ostrander. I’m beginning to feel that this franchise isn’t for me. Ostrander delivers a tight plot with plenty of action and there isn’t much to critique there, it just isn’t what I want from the story. I’d prefer to see a focus on each member of Suicide Squad that makes us relate to them and cheer for them to earn their freedom. Think how the Marvel Netflix series’ make you connect and empathize with their villains (Kingpin, Purple Man). If your a fan of the Suicide Squad this is the best version of it to come out in recent months, just don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel in any way.

Geekscape Comics: Weekend Reads!

by KarsonMarch 8, 2016

Welcome to Weekend Reads! It’s your little, weekly dose of comic book goodness that focuses on some aspect of my weekend reading!

This week I was reminded of why I love comic books… and declare Weekend Read’s first MUST-READ issue!

The reads:

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers 001-000 — Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #1 by Kyle Higgins, Steve Orlando, Hendry Prasetya, and Corin Howell

Spider-Man_Vol_2_2 — Spider-Man #2 by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli

Black Widow (2016-) 001-000 — Black Widow #1 by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee

As a kid, I loved Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Watching, playing with my toy zords, putting my hair in a ponytail, so I looked like Tommy (the Green Ranger)… I did it all. Once it turned into Power Ranger in Space or whatever it was, I lost interest. I casually revisited Mighty Morphin in my teens but for the most part, it is something that just lives in my childhood. Well, until now.

The BOOM! Studios published Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is everything I could want a Power Rangers comic book to be. It picks up just after the green ranger frees himself from Rita’s possession (one of the show’s greatest storylines, in my opinion at least). Tommy is struggling to fit in with the rest of the Rangers, and they are fighting to 100% trust him. Issue #1 is fun and feels like Power Rangers. Seeing them morphing, summoning their zords, and all those Power Ranger things is just a lot of fun. Is this book anything special if you aren’t a Power Ranger fan? Probably not, but if you grew up with the series you should check this book out. I hope it doesn’t get too wrapped up in character drama and keeps on the fun, bad guy fighting, don’t have to think too much side of things.

In the first edition of Weekend Reads, I discussed my sadness with the state of Spider-Man in the Marvel Universe. It’s amazing what difference one issue can make because I’ve completely changed my tune on Miles Morales. I love where Bendis is taking the Spider-Man series!

The highlight of this issue has to be Bendis’ dialogue. The interactions between Peter and Miles made me, at times, laugh out loud. After two issues, there is plenty I’m looking forward to:
* Miles struggling to find a balance between his life as Miles and his life as Spider-Man.
* Bendis alludes to the coming of super villains (both old and new).
* Miles’ skin colour is coming into the equation as well in an interesting and unique way.

If you are reading Amazing Spider-Man and longing for the Peter Parker of times past, Spider-Man is for you.

Alright, let’s get to the greatest read of the weekend.

Black Widow #1 is unlike any comic I’ve ever read. It is essentially one long, continuous action sequence and it is fricken INSANE! Black Widow has stolen something from SHIELD and SHIELD is doing anything they can to get it back. We have battles in the sky, in vehicles, hand to hand combat, there’s a little bit of everything. This issue unfolds in epic fashion as Black Widow gracefully deals with all the personnel SHIELD throws at her. It feels almost poetic in the way the panels and pages flow into each other. I had no idea Black Widow could be this cool. My gut says that the creative team of Waid and Samnee are going to make Black Widow one of the best books of 2016. I haven’t done this on weekly reads before, but I’m declaring Black Widow #1 a MUST-READ. It’s fresh, fun, and unleashing the potential of a character that I’ve never thought much about.

That’s it for this week. Check out Black Widow #1, get into Spider-Man, and if you’ve ever enjoyed Power Rangers you owe it to yourself to check that out too. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these books!

Geekscape Comics: Weekend Reads!

by KarsonFebruary 10, 2016

Welcome to the first edition of Weekend Reads! It’s your little, weekly dose of comic book goodness that focuses on some aspect of my weekend reading!

This weekend I longed for the Spider-Man of years past.

The reads:

Amazing Spider-Man no. 7 by Dan Slott and Matteo Buffagni

Spider-Man no. 1 by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli

These books are both full of potential right now. Slott is setting up to explore some potentially Jessica Jones/The Purple Man-esque themes with Mr. Negative, who can take control of essentially anyone that he wants. Bendis, on the other hand, seems to be writing a book that is going focus on Miles Morales’ internal battles (i.e. struggling to balance his personal life and his life as Spider-Man). The art of both books is top notch. There isn’t much that I find wrong with either book, but I’m struggling to connect with them.

I appreciate the direction Marvel is taking with Spider-Man, but I can’t help but long for a Peter Parker more like the one originally conceived by Lee and Ditko. Peter was a character who could never get out of his own way. Even when he won, he’d lose; many of his victories as Spider-Man came at the cost of extreme personal loss. His struggle to fit in, to balance his priorities and endless battles not to feel like a giant screw-up made him more relatable than any other super-hero in comics. Sure, he could spin webs, had spider strength, etc. but I think back on the character I obsessed over growing up and recall more of his personal struggles and losses than his supervillain battles. I’ve come to the realization that I didn’t fall in love with the character of Spider-Man, I fell in love with Peter Parker.

Peter Parker, now the CEO of a multi-international corporation, is a much less relatable character. He no longer solves his problems with his small science experiments; he relies on his company. His financial struggles have become minimal. He has little time for a relationship because he is focused on Spider-Man and running his business. The character who any reader could once relate to has become one with who very few can empathise.

As I mentioned before, it looks like Bendis is going to explore many of those original Peter Parker themes I loved with Miles Morales but it just isn’t the same when it isn’t Peter. There is potential for many fans to fall in love with Miles (many already have) but I just can’t imagine I ever will. I’ll keep trying, but I don’t believe Miles will ever be able to replace Peter Parker.

Peter Parker? Miles Morales? Could care less? What are YOUR thoughts on the state of Spider-Man in the all new, all different, Marvel universe? Tweet us or tell me directly that I’m a big baby!

Watch The First Trailer For ‘Powers’ Second Season!

by Derek KraneveldtDecember 7, 2015

Briefly: As mixed as reception was for Sony’s adaptation of Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming’s acclaimed comic series Powers was, the series was still beyond popular enough to receive a second season order.

The first season is available in full to Playstation Plus subscribers, and Sony’s VP of Platforms Marketing John Koller states that “The reception to ‘Powers’ has been incredible and we are thrilled to have successfully launched a platform for original content with the PlayStation gamer in mind. We believe original content will continue to be a key pillar as we broaden the value proposition for PlayStation Plus, and we’re excited for what’s to come with season two of ‘Powers.’”

Bendis adds that “We are so grateful to the PlayStation nation and fans of Powers for supporting us and making the second season a reality. I speak for the entire cast & crew when I say that we are really excited about season two and the opportunity to tell the story of the biggest case in Powers history.”

Season two of Powers is without a solid debut date at this point, but in any case, it’s coming in 2016. Take a look at the first look trailer below, and be sure to let us know what you think!

Should You Read ‘Alias’ If You’re Excited For ‘Marvel’s Jessica Jones’?

by KarsonNovember 16, 2015

In anticipation of the upcoming Netflix series, ‘Marvel’s Jessica Jones’, I decided to binge read Brian Michael Bendis’ and Michael Gaydos’ comic book series, ‘Alias’. Finishing the 28 issues has me even more excited for the new television show. However, the comic book series itself, for the most part, was not worth reading.

The title launched on Marvel’s R-Rated MAX imprint, which pretty much means Bendis is allowed to integrate a lot of swearing and sex into the story. Bendis takes advantage of his literary freedom immediately with the first line of dialogue; “Fuck!” He was responsible in his use of adult material and used it to amplify the darkness and grittiness of the story that wouldn’t have been possible without it.

Michael Gaydos’ style of art matches the grittiness of the series to a tee. I also enjoyed the sharp contrasts in the style that occurred during flashbacks that were illustrated by Mark Bagley. Unfortunately, Gaydos’ art does feel repetitive and stale at times, which leads me to my main issue with the series.

After reading the first few issues, the story itself becomes repetitive and even uninteresting at times. Jessica Jones, an ex-superhero turned private investigator, is introduced to us as a loose cannon. She swears, smokes, gets blackout drunk and has a lot of sex. Her character doesn’t develop a whole lot after that. Her investigations are slow there is never much of a payoff.

‘Alias’ is divided into roughly five different story arcs. If you are checking it out, like I was, in anticipation of the television series, I’d suggest only reading issues 22-28. 22-23 are Jessica Jone’s origin story. Then 24-28 is the Purple story arch, which as you might have guessed involves Jessica Jones confronting Kilgrave.

Bendis takes full advantage of the MAX imprint with Kilgrave. For those of you not in the know, Kilgrave, aka the Purple Man, has the ability to control other people’s will power. He wants you to jump off a bridge; you will soon find yourself jumping off a bridge. The commands and things he does to people in these few issues is haunting and the type of thing that will make great inspiration for the Netflix series. My only complaint is the resolution of this arc, like all the others, fell flat.

If you can’t wait for Friday, I highly recommend checking out issues 22-28 of ‘Alias’. It will get you even more amped up for the weekend and spare you the lull’s and repetitive and at times uninteresting storytelling that plagued most of the series.

Geekscape Comics Reviews: ‘Old Man Logan’ #1-4

by KarsonSeptember 7, 2015

I have a confession; since Marvel’s Secret Wars began back in May I have pretty much taken a break from reading all of their properties. However, just like any addict, I began to get the itch to jump back in again. The options of short series’ to read right now is overwhelming so I decided just to pick one and go with it. That’s how I started reading Brian Michael Bendis’ and Andrea Sorrentino’s Old Man Logan.

Old Man Logan was originally conceived as an eight-issue arc by the creative team of Mark Millar and Steve McNiven that ran through Wolverine #66-72 and ended in Wolverine: Old Man Logan Giant-Size. It received high praise from fans and reviewers alike so it goes without saying that Bendis and Sorrentino have big shoes to fill, and so far they haven’t quite been able to.

In this version of the tale, we meet Logan who has been ruined by two major events in his life. First, from Mysterio secretly manipulating him into killing all of his fellow X-Men and second, the Hulk and his gang murdering his wife and child. The first issue was promising. There were a few necessary pages of setup but for the most part it rolls at a pretty good pace and is dripping with potential by the end of the issue. Unfortunately, that potential has yet to be fulfilled.

As I continued reading into the second, third and fourth issues a problem surfaced, the story fails to gain any substance. It lacks an overarching story arc and feels like a realm of the week with Logan, usually literally, being thrown into a different setting every issue. Bendis does little to make any of Logan’s interactions with other characters have meaning as they are seemingly forgotten in the next issue. The book isn’t all bad though, what it lacks in storytelling it makes up for with it’s art.

There is no doubt that the best part of Old Man Logan is Sorrentino’s art. While Logan jumping from setting to setting lessens the quality of the story, it allows Sorrentino to really show off his artistic range. He transitions Logan from the futuristic Technopolis to the hell-like, symbiote and zombie covered Deadlands with ease. His take on each of the many characters Logan meets along the way, from Sabretooth to Iron Man, are all well handled. I was blown away by his ability to capture Apocalypse’s intimidating and god-like presence. Can someone please reference this while trying to translate him onto the big screen? Please. While I favoured Sorrentino’s larger panels and two page spreads, he did a great job of managing the small, quick action panels that frequently appeared during battle sequences.

At the end of the day, there’s enough in this series for me to check out the fifth and final issue. Sorrentino’s pencils more than make up for the book’s lack of substance. Hopefully Bendis introduces some sort of payoff to wrap series the up but if not, at least it will be pretty to look at. If you’re reading this, and haven’t read Millar and McNiven’s Wolverine: Old Man Logan, I’d strongly suggest skipping this version and picking that up but if you’ve already read it and want more Old Man Logan, you’ll probably be able to find something you like here.

Go Behind-the-Scenes of the Upcoming PlayStation Series ‘Powers’

by Eric FranciscoFebruary 17, 2015

In about three weeks will be the premiere of the PlayStation-exclusive series, Powers. Man, a PlayStation TV series. What a time to be alive.

I admit I’m not very familiar with the original graphic novel from Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming, but just from this sneak peek it has my attention.

What I’m dwelling on is that it’s a PlayStation series. I remember reading in Console Wars how Sega wanted their Genesis to be an online, multi-media hub of sorts but was handcuffed by its time. Now, a video game console can create a compelling television series and no one thinks it’s that weird. The doors are opening, the pillars are falling and it’s so exciting to me.

Powers premieres March 10 on the PlayStation Store. The first three episodes will be available, followed by a new episode weekly.

Will you be watching Powers?

Teaser Trailer Released For Marvel’s ‘Age Of Ultron’

by Shawn MaddenFebruary 10, 2013

The next big Marvel event is coming this March from the creative team of Brian Michael Bendis (All New X-Men. Ultimate Comics Spider-Man) and Bryan Hitch (Ultimates), the Age Of Ultron! You must submit or perish, what choice will you make?

This March, enter the darkest days of the Marvel Universe from the creative team of Brian Michael Bendis and Bryan Hitch in AGE OF ULTRON #1. Evil has triumphed over good and leading this new age is none other than Ultron, the deadly sentient robot created by founding Avenger Hank Pym who turned on his creator to achieve his twisted objective: the utter destruction of humanity. Now, it’s up to the few remaining heroes to band together and find any way to topple their new monarch. Can Wolverine, Emma Frost, Invisible Woman, Taskmaster, Beast, She-Hulk, Luke Cage, Spider-Man, and Moon Knight turn the tide? With the robotic revolution in full force, no fan can miss how Age of Ultron will ultimately change the Marvel Universe leaving no hero or villain unscathed!

UPDATE: FX Not Ready To Walk Away From ‘Powers’ Adaptation

by Scott AlminianaJuly 28, 2012

Well it looks like all hope in seeing a TV-version of the Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming comic-series Powers is not lost. Variety is reporting that FX hasn’t pulled the plug just yet. The series has been in development hell for quite sometime now.

A pilot was shot last year but rejected by FX topper John Landgraf, who asked scribe Charles “Chick” Eglee for a rewrite. The network had plans to do a reshoot of the pilot — with a completely new cast — but those plans have not gone forward and there is no immediate start date to put it back in front of the camera.

Jason Patric and Lucy Punch, who co-stars in the new Fox sitcom “Ben and Kate,” were in the original cast. Others in the ensemble were Charles S. Dutton, Titus Welliver and Carly Foulkes.

For those not familiar with the series, it follows homicide detectives Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim, who investigate crimes involving “powers” (people with superpowers). The series began in 2000 under Image comics before shifting to Marvel’s Icon imprint in 2004.

I’m sad to see the Christian Walker part that Jason Patric was set to play being recast. I’m a fan of Patric and would love to see him in more stuff. I’m okay with Lucy Punch’s role being recast as I have never been a big fan of hers. If you’re not familiar her name you’ve probably seen her before in movies like Bad Teacher and Dinner For Schmucks. Hopefully the powers that be (no pun intended) can get some quality actors for the parts now that they are recasting.

I’ll be keeping a look out for updates as they come out so be sure to check back.

powersjasonpatrick — Publicity shot of Jason Patric as Christian Walker from the ill-fated pilot

UPDATE: It appears that FX President John Landgraf has confirmed that this is happening and they have ordered four episodes! Earlier this week Bendis tweeted that he had read a script for a third episode of the show and Landgraf told IGN:

“Yeah. Brian has the benefit of reading scripts that I haven’t read! But what we ended up doing is hiring Chic Eglee, who had done the work on the pilot we shot. Not only to rewrite the pilot that we had shot, but to do three more episodes and put together a writing staff. So I think Brian has now read those scripts. I haven’t seen them yet. So we are going to end up having four scripts for Powers. And if we elect to move forward, yeah, I think we will just go back and reshoot the pilot from scratch, with a new cast in all probability.” So, does that mean we won’t see Jason Patric and Lucy Punch as Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim? “I think there’s a possibility that some of the original cast members might return. Jason Patric certainly wants to look at the material and wants to render an opinion about whether he still wants to be involved in the project. But it’s just as likely, I think, that we’d just start from scratch and reshoot it.”

It looks as if the show really is moving forward.

Geekscape Comics: The Final Marvel NOW! Teaser Reveals A Fan Favorite

by Shawn MaddenJuly 20, 2012

So far Fury’s files have shown him to be keeping tabs on Ant-Man, Nova, Wiccan & Loki and Cable. The final teaser reveals he will also be keeping tabs on a fan-favorite…Star-Lord! This most likely will be an introduction to Bendis’ new Guardians Of The Galaxy series.

MARVEL NOW! Point One #1
Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Matt Fraction, Jeph Loeb, Nick Spencer, Kieron Gillen, Dennis Hopeless
Art by Michael Allred, Ed McGuinness, Steve McNiven, Jamie Mckelvie, Salvador Larroca and more!
Cover by Adi Granov
Variant Cover by Joe Quesada
Sketch Variant Cover by Joe Quesada
Variant Cover by Skottie Young
THE FUTURE OF MARVEL IS NOW!
64 PGS./Rated T+ …$5.99

Geekscape Comics: Wiccan And Kid Loki In Latest Marvel NOW! Teaser

by Shawn MaddenJuly 19, 2012

So far we have seen Cable, Nova, Ant-Man and now we have a teaser showing Wiccan, young Loki and Miss America Chavez. Could these three be the focus from here on in Journey Into Mystery? Maybe even an all new title all together? Damn it Marvel! Tell us now! Check back tomorrow to find out who the fifth and final folder features.

Geekscape Comics: Preview “Spider-Men #2”

by Scott AlminianaJune 1, 2012

Check out this preview of ‘Spider-Men #2,” hitting shelves June 27th, courtesy of Comic Book Resources.

Marvel is proud to present your first look at Spider-Men #2, by the chart-topping creative team of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Sara Pichelli! When Peter Parker is thrown into Miles Morales’ world, the duo begin a journey that will not only answer questions about their own identities, but also reveal the truth about a major character in the world of Spider-Man! Kick off Spider-Man’s 50th anniversary in style with double the web-slinging action in Spider-Men #2, hitting comic shops, the Marvel Comics app and the Marvel Digital Comics Shop this June.

ABC Still Developing a “Hulk” TV Show! Passes On “AKA Jessica Jones”!

by JonathanMay 15, 2012

Even after his cinematic rejuvenation in The Avengers, the Hulk might still “smash” on TV!

In a press call this morning, ABC’s Paul Lee revealed that ABC and Marvel are still moving forward on a Hulk TV show, while they have passed on “AKA Jessica Jones”, based on the Brian Michael Bendis’ Alias book.

In an article posted on Deadline about ABC’s slate announcement, the following blurb reveals ABC’s plans for the series:

The only property from Disney-owned Marvel still in active development at ABC is Hulk, which was set up one and half years ago with Guillermo Del Toro and David Eick attached. Lee said the project will be in consideration for the next pilot cycle. I hear Del Toro is still on board. ABC has passed on the Aka Jessica Jones adaptation whose writer, Twilight‘s Melissa Rosenberg, has a new series on ABC, Red Widow.

So sorry, Jessica Jones. We’ll have to wait a little longer to see you on a TV or film screen. And it’ll be at least another year for Hulk. Now how much longer will we have to wait to see “some Luke Cage up in this bitch!?!” (which is how Tyrese would play him if he got the chance).

Brian Michael Bendis To Leave The Avengers For The X-Men?

by Eric DiazFebruary 24, 2012

For the past eight years, since the end of Marvel’s original Avengers comic in Avengers Disassembled, the chief architect and writer for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes has been Brian Michael Bendis. Late last year, Bendis announced that after this summer’s upcoming Avengers Vs. X-Men mini-series, he would be leaving the Avengers franchise behind. And now Bleeding Cool has the scoop on what he’s doing next: Bendis is jumping ship to the X-Men titles.

This isn’t confirmed yet of course, but Bleeding Cool has a pretty damn good track record with this kind of stuff (they broke Before Watchmen almost a full two years ago.) And there are no details as to what exactly the Bendis lead X-Men books would entail. It was less than a year ago that the Schism storyline happened, resulting in two separate branches of the team, one lead by Wolverine and one led by Cyclops, and both books have barely had any time to enjoy this new status quo. I hope Bendis doesn’t give us “X-Men: Disassembled” or something, because technically we just had that. In any event, We likely won’t see any of these Bendis X-Books till 2013 anyway, as he isn’t leaving the Avengers books till the end of this year. Plenty of time to speculate on whether or not Bendis will reveal that Luke Cage is really a mutant and make him an X-Man.