Comic Books

Brian Michael Bendis returns to Marvel for ‘Avengers’ #34, the 800th issue milestone

This January, AVENGERS #34, the milestone 800th issue of AVENGERS, will feature a story by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley.

David Brooke

November 10, 2025

A true Marvel legend is coming home!

This January, writer Brian Michael Bendis makes his long-awaited return to the Marvel Universe with a special story in Avengers #34—the landmark 800th issue of the series. The oversized anniversary comic, written by Jed MacKay with art by Farid Karami, will include a 14-page backup story from Bendis and artist Mark Bagley, reuniting the duo that helped define a generation of Marvel storytelling through Ultimate Spider-Man and Avengers Assemble.

Bendis’ return marks a major moment for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. His nearly decade-long run on Avengers in the 2000s revitalized the franchise, launching classic events like House of M, Secret Invasion, and Dark Reign. His influence continues to echo through the modern Marvel landscape, and now, he’s back to shape its future once again.

Set on the anniversary of the team’s founding, the new story unites the “Big Three”—Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America—for a daring mission against Hydra’s newest doomsday weapon. They’ll be joined by Avengers past and present for an all-out battle that captures everything fans love about Marvel’s premier super-team.

“Returning to the pages of Marvel Comics has been an incredible experience,” Bendis said. “To reunite with the Avengers on the occasion of an anniversary is doubly wonderful because anniversary issues are where we really celebrate our love of the characters and legacy. I made my Avengers debut on Avengers #500. I love the symmetry.”

Bendis also reflected on teaming with Bagley once more: “Just reuniting would be magical enough, but him coming out of retirement to do this story with me was an incredible gesture. He’s already penciled magical pages. It’s been a wonderful reunion between us and the characters.”

Marvel teased that this is only the beginning, promising more Bendis projects are on the way. Fans can check out Bagley’s variant cover and preorder Avengers #34 now at their local comic shop.