Along with the 2011-2012Ultimatesrun, callbacks are also made in this issue to last year's 'Infinity' event, as the cosmic repercussions of Earth's Incursion problem are explored with a visit to the Galactic Council. Examples like this show how Hickman is increasingly tying-in every aspect of the Marvel universe into his master narrative, yet where prior additions have sometimes felt extraneous or ill timed, this week's contribution only enhances reader investment. Despite featuring almost no Avengers at all,Avengers #41manages to feel very much like an organic and necessary development in the on-going saga of the title, with a final cliffhanger that feeds directly back into the main drive of its narrative. Admittedly, for those not so familiar with Hickman's wider catalogue this issue may well elicit as much confusion as it does delight. Irregardless,Avengers #41displays a Jonathan Hickman at the very height of his form. Read Full Review

Hickman has restored my faith in this long and convoluted story he's writing with a few minor plot twists. What could he have done to change my opinion so fast? He is utilizing one of the greatest villains Marvel has come up with in a long time" Reed Richards. Read Full Review

If I have any complaint about this chapter, it's that Mike Deodato does nothing to vary his style and strive to distinguish the Earth-616 and Earth-1610 settings. His bold, powerful figures serve the issue well despite the focus on dialogue, but the Ultimate and regular Marvel scenes might as well be taking place on the same world. Read Full Review

Avengers #41 has got a lot to like within its pages for fans of the Ultimate U and the 616. This really feels like an epic battle for the ages is coming and after reading this comic I am more excited for Secret Wars and Battleworld than I ever have been. Ring the bell, let's get this fight started! Read Full Review

Overall, Avengers #40 may have slowed things down, but I’m astonished at how much it raised the stakes for this story. Hickman isn’t done building and once he is, he will bring the highest quality of storytelling Marvel Now! has seen. Read Full Review

What is lacking from the flagship superhero titles from Marvel right now though is some good old fashioned heroing. The truth is that Time Runs Out is so deep into the lore Hickman has woven that there simply isn't any room for the story's heroes to battle any tangible evil, and maybe that is finally starting to take its toll for people who have been following the whole series. All in all though, Avengers #41 is another solid read and crucial chapter in the build up to Secret Wars. Read Full Review

"Avengers" #41 brings a payoff many readers have been waiting for but, with three months still remaining until "Time Runs Out," it also leaves readers wondering just what Hickman has in store before the inevitable changes that will accompany "Secret Wars." The Incursions have frayed the nerves of the characters in these comics and piqued the curiosity of readers, but how many Incursions remain and what happens when the last one lines up? Hickman and company provide readers with plenty to feel uneasy about. Read Full Review

As a stand alone issue, this is very confusing, especially if you haven't read any of the hype about Secret Wars. It also really hinges on knowing so much of the back story about the incursions, the Illuminati, and the Ultimate Universe. Hickman tries to have characters bring us up to date, and does not invoke the text summary page that has become so popular nowadays, especially with Marvel. Instead we get visual recreations of past events that have led up to here, but that actually is more annoying, as it doesn't give context or timing. I do find myself very relieved that Free Comic Book Day will see a comic that will set the stage for Secret Wars, because with subplots that take this long to develop, it's going to be needed. Read Full Review

As evident from the last few issues, key components are now coming fast and furious from obscure and unlikely places. Read Full Review

Avengers is consistently a solid title, which is why my problems with this issue have me feeling so disappointed. I'm sure this book will get back on track next month, but Kirkman needs to be careful. With Secret Wars promising big changes and with Marvel movie season on the horizon, he needs to be drawing in new readers, not scaring them away. Read Full Review

As if the Avengers didn’t have enough on their plates, the Galactic Council is trying to destroy Earth!

Tying the Ultimate universe into this was a great idea.

Continues to be great.

As I have not read the ultimate titles I was in the dark about the villian Reed Richards. However, I think Hickman has an understanding of this character. The potential is incredible and leaves me looking forward to the secret war. I enjoy Hickmans long con approach to writing in that everything matters and nothing is wasted. I can't wait for the 616 Reed to meet Ultimate Reed. And still, all hope lies in Doom!