Recommended Reading: The Works of Brian Bendis

[Blindzider, Moderator]

This thread is for all group members to give suggestions on what stories they would recommend to people that are new to the group and/or to reading graphic novels. This particular thread will be about all works by Brian Michael Bendis.

The idea is to compile a list of books on each subject/topic from the group members and have a central thread that people can use to decide where to begin.

Preferably, the suggestions should be limited to stories that are available in some type of hardcover: Absolute, Omnibus, Deluxe HC, etc.

Make as many suggestions as you like, but do try to keep it to an "essential/best reads". At some point the mods will count all of the suggestions and make a summarized list.

[Jesse]

House of M was the best.
Also Avenger Disassembled and Secret War.
Not sure if any of these are available in Deluxes or not.

[Blindzider, Moderator]

I thought someone a little more modern was in order this time...

I'm personally not a huge fan of his work, although I was initially.

Of his work, I'd recommend:
Alias

I thought Daredevil and Powers both started out strong but eventually seemed to wander. New Avengers also started out fun as well, but like most of his stuff it seems to have a direction but eventually nothing really happens. He's very good at dialogue and approaching superhero stories from a different perspective but I always finish his stuff feeling unsatisfied. My two cents..

[Blindzider, Moderator]

Jesse wrote: "House of M was the best.
Also Avenger Disassembled and Secret War.
Not sure if any of these are available in Deluxes or not."

I have to admit I do like House of M.

[Relstuart, Mod+]

Bendis is currently writing Iron Man and I am looking forward to reading that one day when we have it in OHC. Especially since Alex Maleev is doing the art on one of the titles.

Bendis has in the recent past been writing Guardians of the Galaxy and X-Men. While I have been buying the OHCs of these runs I can't say I would add them to the list here of his best work. I have not read Powers, Moon Knight, Old Man Logan (2), or his crime stories coming to omnibus later this year. Nor have I read his acclaimed run on Ultimate Spider-Man. Bendis does have 4 or 5 Eisner wins (for Powers, Alias, DD and Ultimate Spider-Man).


My favorite works of his would have to be Alias (3), New Avengers (2), and Daredevil (1) which transitioned seamlessly into the Brubaker run.

[Blindzider, Moderator]

I actually own Torso which I like but don't remember it being exceptional. I do want to read Jinx though.

[Saugata]

For me it has to be Alias, the career highpoint for Bendis. Especially the last arc, whoa!!!
Other than that, I am partial to Powers. I liked it very much. I echo blindzider about it losing steam during the final 3rd.