5 Dream Bendis DC Projects

For many years now, Brian Michael Bendis has been the MAN over at Marvel. Like his stuff or not, he’s basically shaped the MU and what it is today, and nobody can deny that fact. From New Avengers to Ultimate Spider-Man to Jessica Jones....this guy has revolutionized Marvel from the ground up and I personally have loved his run for the most part. His comics have brought me hours and hours of entertainment.

But this is not a eulogy. As BMB said himself on Twitter, “Change is good. Change is healthy.” And one of the most expressive and fun comic writers of the modern era (in my opinion) moving to a new company with a whole new universe of characters to play with is not a bad thing whatsoever. In fact, we can only wonder what’s in store and which titles he will work on.

So, I’ve decided to help out (like anyone listens to me) and list a few titles I’d love to see him work on!

 Now I know of the disdain a lot of fans have for Bendis, and I would say to those people, this column is probably not for you. I simply don’t “deal” in negativity and happen to be a fan of his writing. So....sorry/not sorry!

Teen Titans

I’m not exactly sure how this would work out, since Bendis’ X-Men run was not his greatest work...but I think Teen Titans is very much in need of a revitalizing jolt, and BMB may be just the guy to do it.

The ideal thing would be if Bendis brings back together the original core Titans team: Cyborg, Robin, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash, Starfire, Beast Boy and Raven. And with Bendis’ talent for funny dialogue and character development, especially for younger characters...I think it would have a chance at being a spectacular run of comic books.

Titans may not be my first pick for him, but if this was to be the comic Bendis begins his DC tenure with, I certainly would not object. Especially if he was paired with a top tier artist.

Detective Comics

Maybe not the obvious choice for Bendis but hear me out! Arguably Jessica Jones/Alias was Bendis’ best work over at Marvel so we know how good he is at mystery/intrigue stories. And while Batman is usually known for being the main hero of Detective Comics, I think one of the best runs for the series was when Batwoman was the spotlighted character (back when Bruce was dead/lost in the timestream). I would like to see more weird and awesome Batwoman stories and possibly other Bat Family characters in an anthology style run designed specifically for Bendis. Imagine him having the freedom to tell whatever tale from Gotham he wants, using any characters. That’s what I’m talking about.

Also, put Alex Maleev or Michael Gaydos, two of his best Jessica Jones collaborators with him on the art duties and just make everyone happy. Thanks.

Superman

I’m not quite sure how well this would go. But taking risks in the wacky comic book industry is never a bad idea. Superman is an extremely difficult comic book to write and do well (not that I wouldn’t love to try myself one day), but if ANYONE can make Superman or Action Comics a fun, engaging book and even make the Man of Steel relatable, it is Bendis. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Superman is currently the post-Crisis iteration in the canon. That Clark for me was the best and most “human” one.

I would bet money that he will indeed get a chance to tell a Superman story at DC at some point. When is a whole other story. But getting a chance to breathe life to not only Clark, but his great supporting cast like Lois, Jimmy, Perry White, his son John and the rest would be a challenge that Bendis would definitely be willing to accept.

That’s not even talking about the villains. Bendis was pretty darn good at writing the bad guys too. And I know he would bring different dimensions to Supes’ baddies, especially Lex Luthor.

The Flash

When I think of Bendis’ writing style, the first thing that comes to mind is his witty, fast-paced dialogue. And what better DC hero to utilize that style than The Flash? Between the TV show and the upcoming film starring Ezra Miller, Flash will definitely be one of the hottest DC heroes for quite some time. Why not have the comic evolve into something just as exciting?

With his experience writing in both the Ultimateverse and Earth 616 over at Marvel, BMB is no stranger to stories involving interdimensional and time travel. And I know Flash is just the type of character he shines with.

Also, given at how instrumental Flash has been in the DCU as of late after Flashpoint and the upcoming Doomsday Clock, we are going to need his solo comic should be seen as one of DC’s flagship titles. Bendis is the perfect writer to do just that.

Justice League

Well, this was a no-brainer, right? If you are going to put the most popular writer in comics on a title, you’re gonna aim for the top! Justice League is DC’s big team book and Bendis’ most successful run at Marvel was on New Avengers . So, it’s only logical for him to be put on that book.

I’m not sure if JL members are as down-to-earth as the Avengers, but Bendis’ touch could change all of that. Especially if he shakes up the team lineup just right. Like New Avengers, I would give him absolute free reign and see what he comes up with. His team may not have the most popular characters, but Bendis has a way of taking obscure cult heroes like Luke Cage, Daredevil, Iron Fist and the like and making them heavy hitters. Who knows, he could make characters like Blue Beetle, Booster Gold and Animal Man actual valid team members.

I would absolutely love for Bendis to get his hands on this book. If not right away, then eventually. This could end up being some of the most entertaining League comics in quite some time.

Of course, these are just humble suggestions. The ideal thing would be for Bendis to be allowed to create his own original series for DC with brand new characters for him to add to the DCU. And something he never gets enough credit for is that he understands that there’s a whole new generation out there of kids from different backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations that are yearning for a character that’s just like them. And he’s not afraid to go there and create bold new characters for them like Miles Morales and Riri Williams. If I’m to be honest, I think DC sees that and wants him to help them a bit with diversity in their comics. Not that they don’t have great diverse characters, but they could always use a little boost in that department.

Change is good. Change is healthy. And change SHOULD be welcomed.