The Bendis Tapes Dec 2007 Pt 1

Time again for another Word Balloon edition of The Bendis Tapes. Host John Siuntres and Marvel Comics scribe Brian Michael Bendis answer fan question from his Jinxworld.com message board. Among the subjects covered they discuss the recent Marvel creator retreat, some tidbits about the upcoming Secret Invasion storyline, and many plots questions involving Powers, Daredevil: End of Days, Ultimate Spider-Man, and the two Avengers titles. Here are some highlights from Part 1... Bendis has two Hollywood projects he's due to start once the WGA strike ends, He can't talk about them until after the strike is settled. Could Powers continue after the death of either Christian Walker or Deana Pilgrim? Bendis: "Sure. How do you know I haven't (written) that already?" Don't speculate that the Hood's group of villains in New Avengers books represents Bendis new take on the "Masters of Evil". That story is still coming. There will be rotating artists on New and Mighty Avengers due to the nature and pacing of the Secret Invasion story. This will allow a bunch of artists to jump on the books whose schedule would only allow one or two issues. After that there will be a regular artist on New Avengers, and a surprising announcement about Mighty Avengers. Secret Invasion will deal with The Hand's reaction to their being led by the Skrull/Elektra, and we'll see more of the Infinity Gem in Black Bolt's possession (a dangling plot line from The Illuminati mini-series). What does the future hold for Quicksilver? Bendis: "He was a big topic of the last Marvel retreat... in fact a vote was put about his future as a character, so you'll be seeing a lot of him." Daredevil: End of Days has been delayed due to artists David Mack and Klaus Janson getting other front burner projects that have to take priority, but work continues on the DD story. Bendis: "I've seen pages and they're gorgeous." The Bendis/Alex Maleev Spider-Woman book starts, "The moment Secret Invasion ends." Bendis defended his story choice of having Wolverine confront Spider-Woman in the shower. In New Avengers #36. Bendis: "Wolverine would wait till she's in the shower, at her most vulnerable. Plus Jessica and Logan have had an intimate relationship in the past. I know nudity and sex makes people uncomfortable, but I don't care...It's never done cheaply (by Bendis)." If Bendis' voice is raspy it was due to his loud disagreements with Jeph Loeb at the Marvel retreat. Bendis: "When we're yelling we're like it's the end of civilization...Sometimes the argument brings out better ideas for both of us, but it's really like Joe putting two pit-bulls in the same room..." Siuntres says, "That story is truly one of the funniest creator anecdotes I've heard since starting the Word Balloon podcast.”

Double Feature The Bendis Tapes Pt1 and G4's Blair Butler and Kevin Mellon

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In part 1 of the latest Bendis Tapes we go over Brian's Summer vacation. You'll hear about the Powers TV pilot shoot in Chicago, and his adventures in the Windy City.

Then we get behind the scene details of the developments in Ultimate Spider-Man. Brian tells us what led to the creation of Miles Morales and the controversies that followed. You'll get Bendis's rebuttals to claims made by right wing pundits like Matt Drudge and Glen Beck.

We also get details on what's coming up in the pages of Bendis's Avengers titles, from working with Neal Adams and the return of Gabriel Del Otto, to Daredevil joining the team.

Then, G4's Fresh Ink comics reviewer Blair Butler has joined the ranks of comic book writers with Heart, a new Image mini series co-created by artist Kevin Mellon. The two join me to talk about this MMA comic, the inspiration behind it, and the challenge of capturing the fastest growing action sport in comic book form. We also discuss the current news and trends in the comic book market.

Time Code

Bendis Tapes Part 1   00:00-1:18:55

Blair Butler-Kevin Mellon 1:19:00 to 2:23:11

Marvel News From Bunn Wacker Waid Rucka Dan Slott and Pt 2 of The Bendis Tapes

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On this episode of Word Balloon we bring you more press coverage of Marvel's Next Big Things, and conversations with some of your favorite creators. 

From last week, you'll hear writer Cullen Bunn talk about Captain America and Hawkeye #629, the new direction for the former Cap and Bucky title, which starting in April will be a Cap and whomever monthly Marvel team up book. 

Then editor Steve Wacker and writers Mark Waid and Greg Rucka conduct a free wheeling discussion about April's crossover event The Omega Factor, which takes place in Avenging Spider-Man, Daredevil and The Punisher. 

Next, Dan Slott joins us to gush about his latest issue of Amazing Spider-Man, out this week. It starts a 2 part time travel story that promises ripple effects for the weeks and months to come. 

Finally we bring you Part 2 of the latest Bendis Tapes, as Brian Michael Bendis answers more question from his Jinxworld Message board about all of his books, and the craft of comic book writing.


Time Code
Cullen Bunn 00:00- 10;19
Steve Wacker Mark Waid Greg Rucka 10:20-36:25
Dan Slott 36:26-1:16:29
Bendis Tapes pt 2 1:16:30-2:30:19

The Bendis Tapes Post NYCC Special Edition

Wordballoon.com, Instocktrades.com, and Newsarama present a special post NYCC podcast, featuring WB host John Siuntres interviewing Marvel Comics writer Brian Michael Bendis, with his exclusive comments on the projects announced at this weekend's convention. In this special edition of THE BENDIS TAPES, Brian gives his thoughts on DAREDEVIL : END OF DAYS, his THE END project co-written by David Mack, with art by Klaus Janson, Bill Sienkewicz, and Alex Maelev,and his work with Maelev on the first arc of the new Marvel ongoing HALO series, produced in conjunction with Bungie and Sony. In addition, Brian discusses behind the scene facts about CIVIL WAR:THE CONFESSION , The current and future issues of NEW AVENGERS: ILLUMINATI , and the upcoming arcs in NEW AVENGERS and MIGHTY AVENGERS. If you want to hear more about the future of Mighty Avengers New Avengers, Ultimate Spider-Man, and a whole lot more, the 2007 winter edition of THE BENDIS TAPES podcasts start Tuesday

The Bendis Tapes Back To School Edition, part 3 of 3

Wordballoon listeners have been very kind about the past two parts of this recent Bendis Tapes session, with e-mail and message board feedback. Thank you very much, Brian and I appreciate it. Then all of a sudden two big news announcements come from Marvel Comics, that directly impact Brian's books, and people started grumbling that this Bendis tapes session is already out of date with it's information... Did you really think Brian and Wordballoon would let you down? At the end of part three, Bendis reacts to the recent announcements, of CIVIL WAR's issue delays, their impact on Brian's tie-in books, and the pending departure of artist Mark Bagley on Ultimate Spider-Man .

The bendis tapes fall 2008 edition pt 3

Word Balloon rolls on this week, with part 3 of the back to school edition of The Bendis Tapes. John Siuntres and Brian Bendis field questions form the writer's Jinxworld message board. Some highlights from the conversation ... Ultimate Jessica Jones returns in the Ultimate Spider-Man Annual. As for 616 Jessica, New Avengers #47 is about Luke Cage, Jessica, and their relationship. The status of Daredevil: End of Days (The "last" DD story): Brian says he and David Mack are putting the final touches on the story. What are the chances that the Bendis and Maleev one shots books would be collected in a trade? (including the Hawkeye-Wanda interlude in New Avengers #26, and Civil War-The Confession) "It is a possibility." The status of Maleev and Bendis's Icon project? "It's way too early to talk about it we've both had big summers ...but pages have been written." The Spider-Woman book will be according to Bendis, "Absolutely set in the Marvel U," but you will only have to buy Spider-Woman to get the whole story, "if that's your choice." On the Powers TV Pilot- Bendis had the first network story meeting, and surprisingly "Everyone in the meeting did read the comic. I gotta tell you I can count on my hands the times that (hasn't happened)...so when I laid out the story we had a very educated discussion about the characters and I was given the go ahead to write (the script)." More on the Avengers line-up changes coming post-Secret Invasion: "They will be dramatically different, the November Previews will have a couple of covers that will have people going "WHAT!!"...and "Who's in THAT Costume?" I will tell you, a major marvel character will have had it, with all this BS."

Breaking News Marvel Press Conference, DC VPs, Boom! Studios Ross Richie, and The Bendis Taoes pt 1

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The latest Word Balloon is chock full of news and conversation.

First, we take you inside Tuesday's Marvel press conference call, as they announced legendary Marvel artist Walter Simonson would be drawing Brian Michael Bendis' final Avengers arc starting with April's #25. You'll hear Bendis and Simonson talk about their first ever collaboration. Brian also previews April's new Avengers Assembled series with artist Mark Bagley .

Then DC Vice Presidents John Rood and Bob Wayne join us to talk about the Diamond Sales Numbers from December. The horse race between DC and Marvel stayed tight, with Marvel edging out DC, but there was plenty for DC to brag about, having 8 of the top 10 books including Justice League at number 1. We also talk about the new back-up features in Batman and Detective comics, and some retailer questions about what DC will be doing for the 4 months this year that have 5 Wednesdays, plus how the pre "New 52" trades will be marketed moving forward.

Next, BOOM! Studios publisher Ross Richie joins us to talk about the Ka-Boom! line of children's comics, like the new Peanuts monthly and the upcoming Adventure Time series. Ross also talks about licensed books like The Planet Of The Apes series, the re-release of Grant Morrison's British Avengers Steed and Mrs Peel, Too Much Coffee Man creator Shannon Wheeler's books, and more. Ross also assess the success and strategies of DC and Marvel, since becoming bigger parts of their corporate media synergy plans.

Finally, we begin a new Bendis Tapes session with questions from Brian's JINXWORLD message board .

Time Cues

00:00- 23:30     Marvel Press Conference

23:31- 41:12        DC Vice Presidents John Rood Bob Wayne

41:13- 1:37:23    Boom Studios Ross Richie

137:24-250:23     The Bendis Tapes Part 1

Follow along with  the questions asked here

Exclusive: Bendis On The Kirkman Statement

In his viral video and on a recent Word Balloon podcast, Robert Kirkman started an open dialog call to fellow creators.

His "Mission Statement" was a call to writers and artists to weigh the advantages of making creator owned comics versus making corporate comics working for DC or Marvel.

 Creators have written blogs message board threads and have been interviewed on podcasts and websites giving their perspective on the issues Kirkman addressed.

 Marvel writer Brian Bendis made his views known in a still to be released new edition of The Bendis Tapes. Well we're not stupid, this is the subject of the moment, so we present this interesting conversation where Bendis discusses the points of Kirkman's statement. The full Bendis Tapes will be presented in the days ahead, but for now, here's another great discussion from Word Balloon.

The Bendis Tapes 2009 Part 3 Brian's Dark Reign

On this episode Of the Word Balloon podcast, it's part 3 of the Bendis Tapes. We continue our marathon sessions answering questions posed to the Marvel writer at his jixnworld.com message board. Some of The Answers Brian gave included these tid bits... Q-"How can Wolverine work with the unregistered "criminal" New Avengers, But also serve in the X-Men who've been helping the San Francisco Police Department? Shouldn't he be arrested? Bendis-"Sounds Like there's Hell coming for Wolverine in the next few months.." Q-"Do you and the other Marvel writers do table reads of scripts, when you meet at the Marvel retreats?" Bendis-"We all gather around and read Jeph Loeb's Hulk books and scream at each other...Actually Dan Slott and I did compare how we would both approach doing a certain scene, but it's not like Cos Play. It's more about theory. You won't see Beta Ray Slott wearing his helmet, while he reads ." Bendis- "There will be lots of Spider-Woman news at the New YorkComicon...I have very strong ambitions with Spider-Woman and other projects that will be announced. I've dedicated my life towards, another level of things that I would like to attempt in mainstream comics. (after Secret Invasion) it would be very easy to be lazy this year, but I've gone elsewhere with that thought. [sic]"

Word Balloon Podcast The Bendis Tapes Janelle Asselin & Scene Missing With Gabriel Hardman Will Pfeifer and Hilary Barta

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On this episode of Word Balloon, it's a king sized episode, with a new edition of The Bendis Tapes. Brian Michael Bendis lays out the blueprints for the new direction for Marvel's Ultimate Universe. From new creators to new team line-ups all starting in April. Bendis also talks X-Men Guradians Of The Galaxy , a new crime project with Michael Avon Oeming , television and film project updates including an animation series from FX and details of his upcoming book on writing WORDS FOR PICTURES . Finally we talk about the oscar contending films out in theaters now, because Brian gets dvd screeners...lucky bastard.

Janelle Asselin joins us to talk about her editorial adventures. From stints with DC and Disney, to her current work at Comics Allience , and The Mary Sue. She's also written a "how to read comics" for bitch.com

We wrap up with a new edition of Scene Missingt as Hilary Barta Gabriel Hardman and Will Pfeifer run through opinons on dozens of old movies. Get your notepads ready for our old film recommendations.

Time Cues

00:00 - 2:14:00 Brian Michael Bendis

2:14:00- 2:52:09 Janelle Asselin

2:52:10 -End Of Show Scene Missing With Hilary Barta Gabriel Hardman and Will Pfeifer

The Bendis Tapes Part 1 A Hard Days Moon Knight

Download The MP3 Here On the opening salvo to this season’s Bendis Tapes, we start with a closer look at the new Moon Knight series beginning in May. After a mixed reaction to last week's Marvel press conference, Bendis addresses the initial concerns old time Marc Spector fans have, with the idea that his 3 multiple personalities have doubled to include Steve Rogers, Spider-Man and Wolverine. We talk about Takio the all ages graphic novel from Brian and his Powers co-collaborator Mike Oeming On the Marvel movie front, Bendis gives a non detail disclosing thumbs up to the Thor film, and more importantly describes the environment of the meetings with Thor director Kenneth Branaugh. You’ll also hear behind the scenes details of the last Marvel retreat, which was the first led by new Editor-In-Chief, Axel Alonso. We also get updates on the many TV projects Bendis has in the works. You’ll hear about Powers at FX, AKA Jessica Jones at ABC, and Ultimate Spider-Man at Disney XD. Finally, we begin to answer question posted at Brian’s Jinxworld message board, which cover big picture topics like the various ways Brian thinks social media has improved the comics fandom -creator relationship.

The Bendis Tapes Dec 2007 Pt 2

On this episode of the Word Balloon podcast, it's time for the conclusion of the Bendis Tapes, as Brian Michael Bendis and WB host John Siuntres wrap up the answers to questions posted at Brian's jinxworld.com message board. You'll hear info about Secret Invasion, the Avengers books, Ultimate Spider-Man and more. Plus a new wrinkle to the Loeb vs Bendis arguments at the last Marvel Story Summit, which leads to the next episode of the WB podcast, coming next week.

Bendis Tapes Part 2 Chris Burnham Rick Remender & Tom Brevoort

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On this episode of Word Balloon we continue the latest edition of the Bendis Tapes . In Part 2, Bendis talks about the editorial process behind marvel's monthly double shipping issues. We discuss the gripes adult views have with the Ultimate Spider-Man Disney XD cartoon, then go into a behind the scenes look at the writers room. Brian addresses the difficulty of creating new stand alone characters for the big two that find success . He hypes Daredevil End Of Days, and  All New X-Men . Brian also talks about the likely scrutiny that his X-Men run will receive from hardcore X-Fans . We also talk about Bendis's recent year run on Moon Knight with Alex Maleve and it's role as a prequel to his upcoming Ultron War story.

Then Chris Burnham sits down for a live interview done at Aw Yeah Comics Store in Skokie, IL. We talk about his run on Batman Incorporated , and how he approaches the character.

Finally we listen in on last week's Marvel Next Big Thing Press Conference as Rick Remender and Tom Brevoort breakdown what to expect from Uncanny Avengers.

Artwork

The Bendis Tapes 2009 Part 1 Brian's Dark Reign

With the Dark Reign story arc, it's a new year and fans are seeing a new direction for the Avengers titles and the entire Marvel Universe. On this edition of the Word Balloon podcast , we sit down with Dark Reign's creator Brian Michael Bendis for another edition of the Bendis Tapes, as he takes fan questions posted at Brian's Jinxworld.com message board. Also with a special cameo appearance, David Mack joins us to discuss his work on a Philip K Dick comic adaptation, the next steps for Kabuki, and behind the scenes details of his co-writing project with Bendis, Daredevil:End Of Days.

The bendis tapes fall 2008 edition pt 4

On this edition of the Word Balloon Podcast we wrap up this marathon edition of the Back to School Edition of The Bendis Tapes. Among the topics discussed, Brian Michael Bendis reveals a tempting project offer earlier this year from Virgin Comics. This was well before the company's current financial re-organizing plans, announced at the end of August. Says Bendis: "I feel weird about Virgin's (current situation), because not even two months ago, I got a pretty spectacular offer from them to co-own and work on the Stan Lee Universe there...I met with Stan. They had come up with a scenario that I may have been able to dance around my Marvel contract...it was a serious enough offer to think about...and I'm still the kind of guy who's amazed that Stan even knows my name ...I had a very cool meeting with the 'serious Stan,' as opposed to the 'public Stan"... in the end I couldn't make it work ...but it was quite amazing... and this is the type of thing that will haunt me forever that I didn't do it. "I usually wouldn't tell a story like this.... but i feel like we're all comic books fans, and this would be of interest... if i take anything away from this...after creating the Marvel Universe in the 1940's and that many years later, the guy is still in it. Stan isn't done."

Comic Books Bendis Tapes pt 2 Marvel, Kitty Pryde Film, Vertigo and More

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Bendis and I continue the Q&A answering tough questions about leaving Marvel, Update On The Kitty Pryde Film, Bendis's audition for Vertigo back in the day, plus more on Leviathan Wonder Comics, Jinxworld, Superman, The Legion and more writing process tips.

Listen to "Comic Books Bendis Tapes pt 2 Marvel, Kitty Pride Film, Vertigo and More" on Spreaker.  

Word Balloon Podcast The Bendis Tapes Summer 2015 So... Any News Lately?

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• 
  
• What was scheduled to be a Summer Review of Powers 1st season, Comic Con Stories and a look at Brian's Secret Wars Tie-Ins, all got interrupted with what may be a Major Sea Change in the way Marvel makes movies

• Big News broke this week that Marvel Film Honcho Kevin Feige has gained independence from Marvel's CEO Ike Perlmutter answering only to Disney CEO Alan Horn. A reported bi-product of this power shift was the apparent dissolution of The Marvel Creative Committee of Bendis, Marvel's Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada and Publisher Dan Buckley. What does this mean for the future Marvel films ? Wasn't the inclusion of input from the comic book makers the difference in Full Fledged Marvel Films versus the failures like Fantastic Four, The Andrew Garfield Spider-Man Films, etc? 
• 
  
• During the first 35 minutes of this marathon edition of The Bendis Tapes, I ask Brian questions   regarding the news. Things like,  "How does it impact the future films ? How does his role at Mavrel change ? " . We also talk about new comics Bendis recommends, more Powers TV news and More. Then we present a talk we started to record last month featuring More Powers Behind the scenes talk including upcoming changes in the production of the series, including the inclusion of Comics and TV masterscribe Ben Edlund (The Tick, Buffy, Angel) on the writing staff. plus more talk about Brian's current and future books. It'll play like we're old and don't realize we were talking about these smae books an hour earlier, but the information is more detailed in this earlier conversation. Enjoy! 

The bendis tapes fall 2008 edition pt 2

Some tidbits from this edition of the Bendis Tapes... Bendis has seven months of spider-man scripts "in the can." He promises an upcoming issue of New Avengers will center around Luke Cage The Beyonder (of Secret Wars and Illuminatti fame) will return in a future Bendis book. More crazy old convention stories and Brian answers the hypothetical question if he ever went to work for DC which character would he like to tackle first? (hint: it isn't Batman)

BENDIS! on A v X #11 and the Death Of...? DC VEEPS and Marvel Editor Lauren Sankovitch

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On this episode of Word Balloon we not only wrap up the latest edition of the Bendis Tapes, we also talk to Brian one day after the shocking events of Avengers Vs X-Men 11. We talk about the story beats of the issue, and the ramifications of the issue's climax.
Check the Time Code below to avoid the spoiler details if you haven't read the issue yet, and have dodged the massive news coverage.

Then it's time for our monthly conversation with Bob Wayne and John Cunningham from DC Comics. We look back at the first year of "The New 52"

We wrap up with Marvel Editor Lauren Sankovitch who talks about the Marvel Now books she oversees like Captain America, Winter Soldier, Thor God Of Thunder, Journey Into Mystery and more. Lauren talks about the new creators on some of the books and new directions for the stoy arcs. We also talk about how Marvel's AR app is changing the way editors map out stories.

TIME CODE
00:00-31:58 Bendis Talks AvX 11 (SPOILER WARNING)
31:58-1:18:10 Bendis Tapes Part 3
1:18:11-1:33:24 DC Comics Bob Wayne and John Cunnigham
1:33:25- End Of Show Marvel Editor Lauren Sankovitch

The Bendis Tapes pt 3 Comic Slumber Party W Matt Fraction

Download the mp3 from here On this episode of the Word balloon podcast, part 3 of The Bendis Tapes with more questions for Marvel Writer Brian Michael Bendis. You'll hear more on the Spider Woman motion comic trailer, Brian's Avengers books, The new role of Doctor Voodoo as Sorcerer Supreme, The List, and a surprise extended cameo from fellow Marvel writer Matt Fraction visiting Bendis while en route to this week's San Diego Comic-Con.