BENDIS: LOOKING AHEAD AND BACK AT DAREDEVIL

[MattBrady]

by Vaneta Rogers

Four years ago, an up-and-coming writer named Brian Michael Bendis was given one of his first assignments at Marvel Comics as he took over writing duties for Daredevil.

Almost 50 issues later, Bendis has clearly claimed the title as his own, redefining the character with artist Alex Maleev's realistic, dark imagery and establishing Daredevil as the central comic in the edgy Marvel Knights line. Yet the pair has announced that 2005 will mark the end of their run on the Eisner-award-winning title, with their last issue scheduled for release in December of this year.

As his stint on Daredevil winds down, Bendis took a few moments to chat with Newsarama about his tumultuous relationship with Matt Murdock over the years, and what he has planned for his final few stories about the Man Without Fear.

Newsarama: Well, the obvious first question -- will December really see the last issue with you and Alex Maleev as the creators on Daredevil?

Brian Michael Bendis: Yeah. We feel we more or less accomplished what we set out to do. It's time. You can just feel it.

NRAMA: What makes you so sure it’s time to leave?

BMB: You just know. You get to a story and say, "shit, I'm done." It kind of just happens. I felt it with Alias. And it's the same here. It's been a good long run. I started Daredevil as my first Marvel gig back on issue #16. Did an arc, then Bob Gale did his, and I've been on it ever since.

NRAMA: It does feel a little like an "ending" in recent issues – the marriage to Milla is annulled, he's officially back in costume, and we're getting some sort of resolution to White Tiger's death. Are you trying to tie up Daredevil's loose ends?

BMB: Some yes. Some no. I think people will really be surprised with the story as it unfolds this last year. Not "big-event" surprised, but legitimate-story surprised - and where we leave the character at the end of our run. The genie isn't being crammed back in the bottle.

NRAMA: Are you getting Matt's house in order because you didn't want to leave the mess behind for the new owners?

BMB: No, its not about that. I have no problem leaving a huge mess for the next guy. That's fun for the next guy. Especially because I know who the next guy is. This is the story we want to tell. Some things come full circle, some things do not.

NRAMA: So you already know who's taking over? Obviously, you’re not at liberty
to announce that, but do you think the direction of the book will change drastically once the new team arrives?

BMB: I hope they tip over the truck ten more times. But I really hope the new creative team has the same creative experience Alex and I had. I hope they find all kinds of new stories to tell and tell them the way they want to. But we are working together on the transition. We'll get a great ending. They'll get a great beginning.

NRAMA: Back to talking about your upcoming issues, what other pre-existing plotlines are going to be sorted out in the coming months?

BMB: Matt will be facing the federal investigation over his double life. And the Kingpin is returning to the pages of the book.

NRAMA: Will Matt get his secret identity back, or is that something you hope is left in the open?

BMB: That's what the book is about now, and I think it's more interesting for it. It's nice that there is one book where the secret of a double life is so, so dangerous.

NRAMA: The storyline you're finishing up now, "Golden Age," tells the story of the return of Alexander Bont, the first kingpin of Hell's Kitchen that Daredevil took down in his early years as a hero. Before Golden Age started, you had said that you wanted to tell this story in a style reminiscent of Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America. Why use that approach?

BMB: I’m a big fan of fractured story telling technique, as is obvious to some I know. It's a real challenge to rearrange the scenes for even more dramatic effect. And Once Upon a Time in America had this sprawling character study that covered fifty years in the life of a mobster. I thought both were very inspiring for this story we wanted to tell about who was the kingpin before Wilson Fisk. It was also a nice way to poke at the contrivance that all comics have to deal with now, which is the passage of decades of time in the life of our characters.

NRAMA: For those who don't know the film, can you explain how you approached the storyline and how it matches up to the movie?

BMB: Well, it wasn't a total lift or anything. It was just the story structure idea. We made our own creative decisions. The idea is to rearrange the scenes so they have more intrigue and effect in the order they are presented instead of chronological order. Each scene asks a question or gives an answer, and when put together you have this big tapestry.

NRAMA: Alex uses varying art styles in this arc -- with a unique "retro" feel in the historical scenes. Were those his idea or yours? At this point in your collaborative relationship, is there much back and forth on artistic approach, or do you know each other so well that you know exactly what you'll get with him?

BMB: It started with my idea. But Alex and Dave Stewart made their own decisions. Alex has fifty tricks in his sleeve. We'll be looking for excuses to show them off as often as the story will be accentuated by them.

Alex is an amazing painter and print maker on top of the choices he has made as a comic book artist. Plus he's a repressed communist, so he has a lot to say.

NRAMA: What can you say about where things will stand at the end of Golden Age? The solicit says for #70, “…an empire will fall.” Matt isn't looking like he would be able to hold up an empire.

BMB: Well, we will be seeing the debut of a new White Tiger. We'll be witness to some lovely fight choreography. And Matt's life gets even worse.

NRAMA: Even worse? Hasn't Matt brought a lot of this on himself? Looking at Hell’s Kitchen and the larger New York crime scene, was Matt fooling himself, or at least being naïve, to think that he would be able to control it, to rule it?

BMB: Well, as we have illustrated, he may have had a complete nervous breakdown after Karen Page's death, and is just now coming to grips with it. But he made those choices and has to deal with it.

NRAMA: Both before and now in “Golden Age,” you've been playing with the idea of the absence of the Kingpin being something that society, in a way, demands be filled. Is that along the lines of what we're seeing with the unrest percolating through the Kitchen?

BMB: Oh, yes. In the history of organized crime, every time the big Kahuna is taken down, the disarray that follows in the streets is always fifty times worse than what preceded it. We wanted to do the superhero version of this fascinating social issue.

NRAMA: After “Golden Age,” the “Decalogue” story arc that starts in March is going to revisit the "lost year" when Matt first ruled as Kingpin and cleaned up the Kitchen. It's a part of his life you established, but never shared with readers. Why did you skip it the first time around?

BMB: Because we thought that the fact that he had did it was more stunning, and the fact that a large amount of time had passed. But we always were coming back to the stories that make up that year. We just thought it was more interesting to tell in this order and in this way.

And I know that people hate when you skip time in a characters life. I know, but sometimes its just more interesting.

NRAMA: So you always planned to revisit it after a certain point?

BMB: Yeah, we had this planned about two years in advance.

NRAMA: The story arc is framed around the biblical Ten Commandments. Tell us more about what we'll be seeing.

BMB: The story centers around a Hell's Kitchen support group in the basement of a church. All these Hell's Kitchen citizens trying to deal with what has happened to their lives and the world around them because of Daredevil. Each person's story unlocks another layer of what Daredevil has done. It's also, I think, a great way to express different religious beliefs into the story that are not Matt's, and it shows how a guy in a devil costume can really affect someone's entire life.

NRAMA: The cover to the first issue in the "Decalogue" storyline seems to imply the role of "God" in the Ten Commandments story will be played by Matt Murdock. Is this the analogy?

BMB: It's thematic, not literal. Matt is not god nor does he think he is. I know some people were thrown by the image.

NRAMA: Can you explain the idea for utilizing the Ten Commandments theme? Golden Age followed along the lines of Once Upon a Time in America, and “Decalogue” owes its inspiration to Krzysztof Kieslowski’s series of one-hour dramas, right?

BMB: Right. As I’ve talked about right here in Newsarama, its all about the work of Krzysztof Kieslowski. I was reading his Decalogue scripts and there was an essay in there where he wished other writers would deal with the theme of the Ten Commandments. Krzysztof Kieslowski is one of my all time heroes, as he is to many, and I miss him a great deal, and I thought Daredevil was the perfect book to tell these kind of stories -- urban stories with a interlocking theme.

And to those that might find it a bit pompous to be referencing Krzysztof Kieslowski in a Daredevil interview: I don't care. The guy was a genius storyteller, and I miss him.

NRAMA: You've got a storyline based on the Ten Commandments in six parts? How does that division work?

BMB: Some stories will deal with more than one commandment. Some will deal with three at once. Some will be little stories in one issue.

NRAMA: And after that – rounding out your year, is there any information you can give us about the "Murdock Papers," the storyline that readers will see later in 2005? After we find out the details of the "lost year," what will we see happening in Matt's current life?

BMB: Matt has had the FBI chasing their tail on his case for years, and Kingpin will come to the FBI and offer them Murdock in exchange for his own freedom. And from there a lot of people make some awful decisions.

NRAMA: Ah, so that's how the Kingpin will come back. Any of his other more
colorful rogues returning soon?

BMB: Bullit makes an appearance in Decalogue as do a few other oldie-but-goodies. I also let a few of them loose in New Avengers, so who knows who might pop up.

NRAMA: Out of all the villains and heroes in Daredevil, who has been the most challenging to write?

BMB: Matt is a very big writing challenge. He couldn't be more different from me or anyone I know. Peter Parker is almost me to a scary degree, where Matt's repressed Catholic, handicapped lawyer is not me. It's a great challenge to get into his head. He's also smarter than anyone I know.

NRAMA: If Matt's the challenge, then who among his circle of friends and enemies is more understandable to you? Which relationship have you enjoyed writing about more than others?

BMB: Foggy's. Definitely. It's so real to me. I understand it. It's so complex and necessary. It's a pleasure to write, they really love each other, and Foggy has sacrificed a great deal to be his friend.

Also, the brief Elektra appearance. Having written her solo book and having written her briefly in Daredevil, it then occurred to me she is only the most interesting as an object of Matt's lost love and innocence. I was really proud of her appearance because I figured it out just as I wrote it. That is what Elektra is. And it felt right.

NRAMA: Taking a moment to look back, what are some of your other favorite moments in Daredevil's time under your pen?

BMB: You know, it's usually the thing no one else liked, so I'm going to just let the work speak for itself. I am grateful that David Mack and I did a story together that was worthy of our long friendship. I am grateful that we didn't screw up a book with such high execrations from the audience who were raised on Daredevil runs far greater than ours. And it was my first job at Marvel, and I didn't screw it up, and it got me Ultimate Spider-Man. And working with Alex is one of the true blessings of my life.

So people know, we already have our next projects approved. Alex and I are not breaking up, we are moving on to special projects after this. Like [Jeph] Loeb and [Tim] Sale, we plan on crafting interesting stories together on a variety of subjects.

NRAMA: When will we see the first Bendis/Maleev special project? And can you give us any hints about what you'll be doing, so we can get the fans at least guessing?

BMB: Honestly, its a year and a half away. It would be ridiculous to even hint at. I have House of M to be coy about this year. I'll be coy about this next thing next year.

NRAMA: Getting back to Daredevil, you've certainly pushed this character to his limits, having him snub the rest of the costumed world, exposing his secret identity and putting him through an apparent nervous breakdown. What inspired your writing to take this direction? Was this a part of Matt Murdock you thought needed to be explored?

BMB: Quite a few of these ideas had either been tried by others as quick stunts or were teased at or tickled at over the years. I wanted to see these ideas brought out full blown. It occurred to me that many writers were terrified of Daredevil: Born Again, that no one wanted to even try to take it further. And it had been twenty years. It was way past time to take it a step or two farther and see what kind of stories could shake out of it.

NRAMA: How would you respond to Daredevil fans who think you've examined this side of his life excessively -- leaving the superpowers and costume behind for the sake of delving into his psyche?

BMB: That is why there are so many comics out there. There's something for everyone. Some people wish Matt would never put on the costume. And that person is Alex Maleev, but still it's someone.

Just because no one is hitting each other doesn't mean nothing is happening. I like story over plot.

NRAMA: Is this something that's intrinsic to your enjoyment of writing to guide the story in directions that will tear apart the characters and find out what makes them tick?

BMB: Of course, why else would you be doing it?

NRAMA: When you first took over Daredevil, you must have had a vision of the character in mind. How has that vision changed as your stories about him evolved?

BMB: It's more mature, I think. I started out a little more [Gene] Colan swashbuckler, but I figured out that Daredevil isn't a superhero book. It's a pulp book. That very first issue is a pulp comic. And I started writing it as such. It really opened the scope of the book to me.

It's why it feels so different from any other comic I write.

NRAMA: You've had a successful run on the title up to this point. How do you want your time on Daredevil to be remembered by fans?

BMB: Fondly.

NRAMA: But you know with a run like this, your name will be indelibly linked to this character. Do you think you've lived up to the other creators whose names have become synonymous with Daredevil?

BMB: These legacy questions are impossible to answer, because it's not at all up to me how work is perceived or appreciated. We have already, in the time we've been on the book, exceeded my personal hopes and dreams, so anything past that, well, I don't know.

But, for me, Stan and Bill Everett set the stage, Gene Colon stamped it for life, Frank Miller turned it into an art form. It should be law that John Romita Jr. draw Daredevil every day he can draw.

NRAMA: A lot of those guys were pretty tough on the character, too. Matt Murdock has lost everything and everyone he loved at various times in his life. Do you think there will ever be a light at the end of the tunnel that surrounds Daredevil, or do you think darkness is inherent to his character?

BMB: There have been jokes on my board. When they saw a solicitation that says: "Daredevil's life turns upside down," someone joked, "Oh, he has a good day?"

But I don't torture the characters because I hate them. I want them to be as interesting to people as they can be, and the only way to do that is to put them through the wringer.

He has had some good times. He met a nice girl. He had some Black Widow adventures. He kicked the crap out of a bunch of people who had it coming. All good things.

NRAMA: I get the feeling you and Matt Murdock have become close over the years. Will you miss him?

BMB: Yes, but just because I'm giving up the monthly adventures doesn't mean I won't be writing Matt Murdock adventures. I'm still a Marvel writer.

NRAMA: Hmmm ... Does that mean he's joining the Avengers?

BMB: Who? What?

[sidewinder]

Did you notice how Bont is 90 in the current storyline, yet he met up with Matt back in the start of the Silver Age when he was like 40 or 50. What is Matt like 60 fucking years old?? Shit doesn't add up.

[GCom]

I've enjoyed Bendis's run on Daredevil. I found the stories interesting, and expecially enjoyed his use of Luke Cage and Jessica Jones. It was nice to see Jessica still being given attention after Alias (and before Pulse appeared).

I won't miss the Alex Maleev art though...too much dark photoshop work for me. I know it sometimes fit the tone of the book, but it just didn't work for me.


With Tolerance For Another Changing Of The Guard...

GCom

[sidewinder]

Originally posted by GCom
I won't miss the Alex Maleev art though...too much dark photoshop work for me. I know it sometimes fit the tone of the book, but it just didn't work for me.

I'm just the opposite. Maleev is the man and I will definately get whatever title he does next.

[Alfonso]

Bumbling Bendis wrote
Matt is a very big writing challenge. He couldn't be more different from me or anyone I know.

Ah, that explains why he's done such a poor job characterizing him. I read Daredevil #26-50 and dropped the title because I was sick of Bendis adding zero depth to Matt as a character, and then writing Foggy, Luke, Bullseye, and everyone else with the exact same personality.

Given the quiet-to-non reaction of the book in the past year, sounds like I haven't been missing anything. Probably just more awkward, bumbling, and repetitive dialogue.

"Repetitive?"

"Yeah, like over and over."

"Over and over?"

"Yeah, repetitive."

"Hm, repetitive."

"That's it."

"Got it."

"Got it?"

"Yeah, got it."

[stlfan79]

Daredevil has always been my favorite character since I bought my first comic some 18 years ago. Having read almost all of his adventures since I can honestly say that Bendis and Maleev's run has been my most admired run. I am very sad to see them end it this year but am appreciative that they have done it and that I still have a year ahead of their stories.

[JDooley]

Thank you for all the time spent on DD. It has been one of my favorite eras besides the Nocietti & JrJr run.

[AlexLothos]

I'm kinda sad it's all ending, but I'm glad he's stopping when his story is over and not trying to force more along.

[Lee Grice]

For some reason I've got it into my head that Brian's successor will be Peter David. And I've absolutely no idea why...

...but he'd be great!

Peace!

[Darkseid147]

You know when you have enjoyed a run on a comic by a creative team? When you had no idea how long they were on it, and then find out, it is over 50 issues? Amazing, when I read that fact, I was blown away. But like they say, time flies.... I can honestly say, that I have not enjoyed DD like this sense buying the Miller/Janson run of the spinner rack in my teen days. It has been a great ride Mr Bendis, and my only complaint, is that you have left such an imprint on this character, that those following up will surely have large boots to fill. Again thanks Guys.

[Rich L]

Originally posted by sidewinder
Did you notice how Bont is 90 in the current storyline, yet he met up with Matt back in the start of the Silver Age when he was like 40 or 50. What is Matt like 60 fucking years old?? Shit doesn't add up.

I know. And it looks like DD was jumping around in the old yellow and black suit for a lot longer than anyone knew.

Good story though, even if BMB is doing his patented ignoring of continuity and character. Despite that, I've enjoyed his and Maleev's DD run quite a bit. It should read well as one long story arc, even if you do have several issues worth of repetitive dialogue scattered through it.

[jedifish]

Good interview V.

Brian and Alex's run, while not something I typically enjoy in my superhero comics, has exceeded my expectations and has been a damn fine run. Thanks for all the good stories. Keep it up.

[jedifish]

Originally posted by Lee Grice
For some reason I've got it into my head that Brian's successor will be Peter David. And I've absolutely no idea why...

...but he'd be great!

Peace!

Good point. They have been talking and coordinating things. Hmmm.

[Kon-EL]

And the new DD writer is..... Kevin Smith! His first story arc will be the conclusion of DD target but we wont see it till 2006. The first issue will be reprinted a special 1/2 issue only available through Wizard but the art will be totally redone by the new artist Andy Kuburt. yeah dont I wish.

[Mr Wesley]

Is it just me, or did everyone else think Bendis was more polite here than any other interview they've read?

And, BTW, I don't mean that he wasn't friendly. I just mean he's usually talking smack and dropping F-bombs. This time he seems very respectful of the interviewer. Moonbeam must've scared him something awful.

[GeorgeG]

Isn't the new team Brubaker & Lark? Or would that make too much sense?

[Darkseid147]

Originally posted by GeorgeG
Isn't the new team Brubaker & Lark? Or would that make too much sense?

Excellent team to follow up the current creative duo.

[sidewinder]

Originally posted by GeorgeG
Isn't the new team Brubaker & Lark? Or would that make too much sense?

That would be too perfect.

[kerryw]

Well, it'll be a shame to see BMB leave DD. Whoever has the writing job has a lot to live up to.

[seesoul]

The Bendis / Maleev run has been fantastic. I will miss them a great deal. Daredevil has always been my favorite superhero, and I hope the next creator team respects the character as much as this one.

I hope Frank Miller comes back to the title.

[MikeHuffman]

Count me as one of the folks surprised that Bendis has been on the book that long — time really does fly, and it's the longest I've stayed with Daredevil in my 30 years of reading comics.

Let the kids and those afflicted with ADD carp about the dearth of fights and tights in the Bendis/Maleev run. There are plenty of other books out there. But as someone who picked up Daredevil 181 off a spinner rack in a Circle K over 20 years ago — and stared in shock at the panel where Elektra's sai was pushed through her back by Bullseye — I can truly say these past 50 issues have been real gems packed with characterization and story twists I never saw coming.

I'm sorry I'll miss Bendis at this year's Emerald City Comic-Con, but I hope to catch him in '06 and congratulate him in person on a spectacular run on Daredevil.

— Mike

[Stalzer2002]

Originally posted by GeorgeG
Isn't the new team Brubaker & Lark? Or would that make too much sense?

From your keyboard to Joe Quesada's ears...er...screen....

[Bwana Beast]

Thanks for the interview, Matt. Seriously, this may have been the best interview I've ever read on Newsarama.

[jedifish]

Originally posted by GeorgeG
Isn't the new team Brubaker & Lark? Or would that make too much sense?

I was thinking of Lark, but couldn't think of a writer. I could see Rucka or Brubaker writing it.

[Darkseid147]

"I hope Frank Miller comes back to the title."

When pigs fly.