Brian Michael Bendis started off the panel 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 will leave Mighty Avengers with issue #20; however, Bendis announced that writer Dan Slott will take over the book on issue #21. Bendis also revealed the reason for his departure: writing duties on a new series called Dark Avengers, which Mike Deodato will pencil.
With his takeover of Mighty, Slott said he will departing Avengers: The Initiative and Christos Gage—currently co-writing—takes over full time.
Bendis then talked about Spider-Woman: Agent of S.W.O.R.D., which debuts March 2009 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 how 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.
