That last page left me with a chill, working perfectly within the scope of the book, but most importantly, giving us a believable reason for the villain of the piece to be there. The characters get their spotlight this time around, with more light shone on the new cloud-cuckoo-lander Captain Universe, as well as Hyperion, Thor and a lovely showcase for Spider-Man's new attitude. Avengers #12 works as a narrative, as well as a single issue, and has lovely art throughout, combining the Avengers we know with something new and different, successfully navigating tough waters to earn 4.5 out of 5 stars overall. If you're wondering what new ground can be sown after 50 years of the same characters, this book is the place for you... Read Full Review

Avengers #12 is a very welcome chance to take a step back and process what's been going on so far in this book, and the lasting changes to Marvel's Earth it seems to have brought about. It stimulates the brainmeats without bogging us down with stoic unfamiliarity. Plus, with Hickman bringing in not only Garokk but the High Evolutionary, two essential components of that classic X-Men annual from yesteryear, dare we hope that he has plans to bring forth the forgotten son of Colossus in some fashion? Or maybe Terminus, who may seem more in line with big ideas in general? I'm surely planning to stay tuned to find out. Read Full Review

But back to the message of the story this issue tries to convey. Life is short, and the only way to preserve it is with hope. Those like Hyperion and Thor have seen the beginning and end of life, stripped away so fast with nothing to cling to. They want to show these kids that they have a purpose even though they are not like everyone else. They have the opportunity to cherish life and answer a higher calling. In the end it's all about virtue and understanding the gifts you were given with others lack. Hickman succeeded in making something meaningful out of a situation that seemed to be grim and that is something we all expect from him. This book has been built upon morals and Hickman portrays this in every possible way from beginning to end. The biggest shocker is the sudden appearance of the Evolutionary, someone who would gain a lot from this kind of situation. It's a great twist that will lead to something exciting to come. Read Full Review

Along with New Avengers, Avengers is one the best books Marvel is putting out right now. Hickman's run starts at the beginning of Volume 5, so go pick it up. There's nothing really more that can be said about it's quality. It comes out twice a month! That's good! Read Full Review

Another interesting chapter of Hickman's Avengers is delivered this week. I rather enjoy this almost "monster of the week" style of storytelling that allows utilization of a number of members in each story. Each part is quick and concise allowing for a briskly paced run through all these important stepping stones before Infinity. Read Full Review

An interesting issue that deals with the continued ramifications of Ex Nihilos forced evolution, the focus falls less on plot and more on characterization instead. Hyperion and Thor take center stage as they deal with their own immortality in the face of the changes happening across the planet. The issue centers around the future and the legacies left behind as the world becomes a darker place despite their best efforts. Well-complemented by Deodatos vibrant pencils and Martins lush colors, this is an enjoyable read. Read Full Review

Unfortunately, the eclectic nature of the issue isn't the best fit for Mike Deodato's pencils. Deodato's style is all about moody lighting and hulking figures, neither of which are really called for in the script. Deodato also shows a tendency to reuse character poses again and again. He gets an incredible amount of mileage out of one recycled Iron Man frame. This is a case where the lighter touch of Dustin Weaver probably would have worked better. Read Full Review

The real hang-up I have with this issue is the resignation present in all of the Avengers. Hawkeye and Spider-Woman are as hands off in their lessons as they can possibly be, Thor and Hyperion seem more content to navel-gaze and Spider-Man (still Octavius) appears to have had an extra helping of jackass flakes before this issue starts. When the Savage Land kids are attacked, the heroes don't spring into action, obviously allowing for future issues to address the pursuit and conflict certain to follow. Luckily, the scheduling frequency of "Avengers" truly helps to keep Hickman's sprawling epic fresh and mobile. This issue needs a quick follow-up that Hickman, Spencer and company will almost certainly deliver, but like some of the previous issues in this volume, the threat just doesn't feel quite Avengers-worthy. That doesn't keep this from being an enjoyable issue all the same, it just isn't the greatest issue of the dozen "Avengers" have given under Hickman's supervision. Read Full Review

Avengers may have had its first big misstep, but it may also need the context of future issues to become interesting, and such is the issue when dealing with writers such as Jonathan Hickman. Time will certainly tell one way or the other, but with the next issue only two weeks away, even those that disliked this issueneedn'tthink of it for long. Read Full Review

The art for this comic is fine. The penciling, the inking, the coloring, and the layouts are all just fine, but that is it. It's just average work that does not do anything to either impress or be memorable for the reader, but it doesn't do anything particularly awful either. The only thing I can really comment on is that I couldn't tell that was Hawkeye right off the bat until he was holding his bow later on. 4.5 The artwork is nice.The Avengers were given some focus this issue.The scene with Thor and the kid was very enjoyable.Plot still stretched thin and not very memorable.The addition of a second writer has changed very little.The dialogue can be boring and melodramatic. Read Full Review

Twelve issues in, and Avengers is sadly starting to wear out its welcome. The problem with this comic is that, despite the title, Earth's Mightiest Heroes still feel like supporting cast members in their own book " Jonathan Hickman's plot essentially makes the Avengers babysitters for a new species of human. Read Full Review

Nick Spencer comes on board and things get 45% more wordy. This issue started slow, but quickly became entertaining.

Fine issue, but the sudden appearence of characters who apparently were always there in a scene made some moments a bit confusing.

A little flat, like a soda pop two days opened.