[BALTIMORE COMIC CON:] MARVEL’S CUP OF B PANEL

September 27, 2008 on 9:24 pm | In Baltimore Comic-Con | No Comments

Brian Michael Bendis started off by introducing the panelists: Dan Slott, C.B. Cebulski and editor Tom Brevoort.

Bendis opened up the first ever “Cup of B” panel (which Bendis joked stood for bullsh–) with a major announcement concerning the status of Avengers post-Secret Invasion.

Bendis leaves Mighty Avengers with issue #20; however, Bendis announced that writer Dan Slott takes of the book on issue #21. Bendis also revealed the reason for his departure: writing duties on a new series Dark Avengers, which will be pencilled by Mike Deodato.

With his takeover of Mighty, Slott said he will departing Avengers: The Initiative and Christos Gage—currently co-writing—will take over full time.

Bendis then talked about Spider-Woman: Agent of S.W.O.R.D. and its March 2009 debut with art by Alex Maleev.

C.B. Cebulski then talked a little about X Infernus, which returns both magic and Magik to the Marvel Universe. David Finch, who co-created the concept with Cebulski, provides covers.

Slott talked about the upcoming stories in Amazing Spider-Man, which include a Flash Thompson story and the revelation on who exactly Harry Osborn returned from the dead. Slott assured the audience the explanation was completely sensible and non-magical.

Bendis announced that issue #47 of New Avengers will have shared art duties. Billy Tan draws half the issue, but because it’s a Luke Cage and Jewel story, Alias artist and current Manhunter penciler Michael Gaydos will be drawing a few pages. Bendis thanked the editor and writer of Manhunter for allowing him to borrow Gaydos.

Bendis also said Powers will be suspended for a few months because the schedule has been all over the place; however the title will launch with a Vol. 3 and a new issue #1 during the middle of next year and will ship monthly.

Bendis then opened the floor up to questions:

The first fan asked if the Amazing Spider-Man crew plans on explaining what happened directly after “One More Day.”
“Yes,” said Slott. “Everything.”

Black Panther re-launches after SI.
“There will be some stuff coming out of secret invasion that affects that title a little bit,” said Brevoort.
Brevoort didn’t reveal much more about the plot as he said it’s not his book.

A fan asked about Steve Rogers:
“Secret Invasion issue #8,” said Bendis. “Just kidding.”
“I just caught up on Ed Bubaker’s Cap and I’m going to say something that will lead to much bashing on the Internet,” added Bendis. “I think Bucky is much more interesting as Cap.”

Bendis then talked about Dark Reign:
“Dark Reign is what happens on the last page of Secret Invasion #8,” said Bendis. “From there it spills out into many of the major Marvel Universe titles. I will tell you when I pitched Secret Invasion this part of it is what got Joe Quesada excited. The next day Secret Invasion hits, you will be pummeled with information.”
Bendis said that Dark Reign is not an event and related it to the Initiative concept after Civil War.

“Not going to happen,” says Brevoort after a fan asked if Peter and Mary Jane will be married again.
“It’s going to be hard because Peter and Flash start dating,” joked Bendis.

A fan asked what station the “Powers” television series will air on. Although, Bendis said he couldn’t answer directly, he did say this:
“I’ll put it this way, it’s sad that ‘The SHIELD’ is coming to and end.”

Bendis talked about wanting to do an issue of Ultimate Spider-Man which turns Peter Parker 16, but was unable to do so at issue #100 as previously planned. He still wants to do the issue.
“Because then he’ll get a driver’s license and can get a Spider-Mobile,” said Bendis. “That’s the entire goal of my life.”

A fan asked about Doctor Strange. Bendis said that the sorcerer left the Marvel Universe after failing during World War Hulk.
“The question is: who is the new Sorcerer Supreme,” said Bendis.
The answer occurs in New Avengers after Secret Invasion.

Bendis talked about Ultimate Mysterio, who makes his first appearance in the Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #3.
“He will be a major character, a la Kingpin or Norman Osborn, in the life of Spider-Man,” said Bendis.