This book doesnt seem to be a tie-in as much as a continuation and a critical part of the event. This is an interesting tact to take as it essentially turns a 6-part story into a 16-part one, but well see how necessary it is for Infinity #2 (or New Avengers #9). Marvels even included a very simple chart in the back of this issue explaining where the tie-ins and off-shot issues land in the continuity. Its a lot simpler than it sounds, trust me, there are only three main titles. Regardless, this issue does stand fairly well on its own, but as a continuation, its spectacular. Its good to see the Skrulls again, Klrt in particular, and seeing them try to elevate themselves is actually very moving, but this book is definitely about bombast and action and it accomplishes it beautifully. Read Full Review

They're creating a powerful story here - not always easy to follow, but it's carving a unique and thoughtful space of its own. Highly recommended! Read Full Review

Overall Infinity is shaping up to be one of the biggest comic book events ever, and if these early issues of the event are any indication, it may just end up being the BEST comic book event ever. Infinity #1 got me excited for the next few months, and Avengers #18 went to show that my excitement was well warranted. If you like superhero comics there is no excuse not to be reading this epic story from one of comics' greatest minds. Read Full Review

Jonathan Hickman follows-up quite nicely to the introduction of his event comic by playing the cosmic elements quite well, putting a grand conflict that is illustrated with talent by Leinil Francis Yu, Gerry Alanguilan and Sunny Gho. There are some hiccups here and there, yet fans of cosmic stories shall find much to like here. Read Full Review

Comic readers are right to be wary of tie-ins to big events because it's hard to tell whether it will be a loosely connected story cashing in on the event name, or actual required reading. With Infinity being seeded as far back as the first issue of Hickman's run, the Avengers tie-ins have a natural, intimate connection to the event. If you dug Infinity #1, then you won't want to miss this one. Read Full Review

As for Yu's art, it remains serviceable. His Builders are frighteningly great, but other scenes, such as Avengers in chains or helping out those hurt by the fight come off as scratchy and, at best, ok. Read Full Review

Overall, this is a strong issue that moves the event forward with beautiful artwork and solid writing. Read Full Review

Avengers #18 somehow accomplishes the feat of amplifying the threat level the team is up against while simultaneously letting us breathe a little bit by seeing them get proactive and take the fight to the jerks, even if it doesn't go so well for them. It's only the first issue post-Infinity #1. We didn't expect them to win. Read Full Review

A solid issue heading into the war. You see the stakes, you see the cooperation and everything is finally being put into motion. We all knew that heading into this there was little chance of success and the best thing Hickman could do was deliver on this. Making this alliance which is very rare look as though they are taking the fight to the builders and strip that first victory away from them in an instant. One third of their fleet is a lot in just one issue, so we'll have to see where that slight cliffhanger leads us. Read Full Review

This was an amazing issue, and one of the best tie-in issues that I've read tie-in wise. It is however not a great issue for anyone who isn't following Infinity, as although it is exciting, and entertaining, it may be a bit confusing. Due to this I'll be lowering the rating slightly, having wanted to give it the full five stars. I would however highly recommend it to anyone who has been following Infinity, but unless you are considering getting Infinity it's probably best to leave this issue alone. Read Full Review

Overall it was an overall enjoyable issue, with great art and story progression. Read Full Review

We've only had two issues associated with Infinity so far, but at this point, my interest has not wavered. There is a fine line to walk with events like this, but Hickman's story seems like something that has a scale and plot that is something different than we've become used to. By including the cosmic part of the Marvel Universe, Hickman has opened up the event to something far more grand and exciting, and with art this great to back up the engaging story, there's few complaints that can be levied at this issue of Avengers. Read Full Review

A great cliffhanger brings this issue to its close, and we'll see what happens with that in the next issue ofInfinity. This issue gave a perfect example of how to write a tie-in issue to an event. It's not something that's so essential that a reader would be completely lost if they only picked up the core event title, but it definitely adds to the experience answering the questions of where certain characters went and what they were doing while off-screen. Read Full Review

Nonetheless, “Avengers” #18 is a fine comic book in its own right, but it's an even better example of how to do an event tie-in correctly. Whether this issue is absolutely crucial to understanding “Infinity” remains to be seen, since we haven't seen the 2nd issue of the event yet, but it damn sure feels like it is. And it should be. Tie-ins shouldn't be useless and if you're going to sell specific titles as necessary, then they really should feel like it. What does the issue to do earn the “Infinity” banner? It advances the story told by the first issue of the event. It's written by the core event writer. It's drawn, expertly, by a top-tier Marvel artist. It also contains one or two of the aforementioned drawbacksto event books. And, I suppose if it's doing its job properly, it should. Read Full Review

Is it a recommend? Hmm. If you're reading Infinity and/or Avengers anyway, yes, pick it up. It's a solid read. I don't know if it's a good place to jump in at. It's very lore heavy in this one and the issue acts as a link in the Infinity event chain. But that's not really a knock against it. Everyone's working at full here. Read Full Review

Overall, this was a pretty awesome issue. Hickman is showing that this won't be a walk in the park for the Galactic Council. The Builders are a force to be reckoned with and things are bound to get much harder as the conflict progresses. I look forward to seeing how the Avengers get themselves out of this one. Read Full Review

Avengers #18 is a more or less "obligatory" early chapter in the story, but it overcomes that handicap with sharp execution. Read Full Review

The artwork this time around is by Leinil Francis Yu and it is certainly a cut above the parade of mediocre and painfully average artists we had on this title. He's got a good sense of detail that helps make everyone look different and unique, standing out from everyone else and he can certainly draw an epic looking space battle (one that eventually becomes a curb stomp). Though the colorist he is paired up with always seems to be a bit odd with how he uses his tones and shades, like with how some people seem to shine a bit. Also, Bruce Banner looks like he is in his sixties in this book. Read Full Review

The artwork this time around is by Leinil Francis Yu and it is certainly a cut above the parade of mediocre and painfully average artists we had on this title. He's got a good sense of detail that helps make everyone look different and unique, standing out from everyone else and he can certainly draw an epic looking space battle (one that eventually becomes a curb stomp). Though the colorist he is paired up with always seems to be a bit odd with how he uses his tones and shades, like with how some people seem to shine a bit. Also, Bruce Banner looks like he is in his sixties in this book. Read Full Review

For now, I am enjoying Infinity. If nothing else, Hickman has created a true sense of scale. This really does feel like a battle for the fate of the universe. But at the same time, he's failed to explore the smaller scale of what this actually means to the characters involved. Avengers #18 doesn't seem very important to the larger narrative. It's a quick blurb in the overall event. Read Full Review

"Avengers" #18 survives on the art, but as the first main tie-in to "Infinity" it's a bit of a disappointment. Hopefully future installments are going to pick up the pace and turn out something a bit more exciting, because otherwise I don't see any real need to buy "Avengers" for the next few months. Regular "Avengers" readers deserve something more entertaining than this. Read Full Review

It's taken me awhile to realize what book Avengers has been reminding me of, but it finally hit me - Dwayne McDuffie's Justice League of America. Instead of making this a book about the title characters, Avengers has become Marvel's de facto continuity book, setting up the status quo for the big event rather than actually delivering on its central premise - an awesome team-up book featuring the best and brightest of the Marvel Universe. With few sparks amid all the outer space fireworks, this is Infinite-ly disappointing. Read Full Review

The council of worlds throws a great twist into Infinity and it has been one of my favorite parts so far. The art continues to be excellent

There's a ton going on here and I'm not sure that the art managed to capture it all. But this issue was solid.

Still not a convert to cosmicness I guess

Very bad and meaningless action. Things just happen.