Avengers #40 is the issue of this series that I didn’t know I wanted to read. A certain plot-line that’s been sidelined since August came back to the fore-front in the most satisfying way possible. A truly beautiful way to seemingly end one of the most compelling rivalries in comics. The end is nigh and Hickman is headed towards it in full force. Read Full Review

Best of all, I have no idea what is going to happen next. There aren't many comics out there you can say that about. Read Full Review

There are only a few more months until “Time Runs Out,” and I suspect we'll be seeing a lot of major changes coming for the Avengers. Even though this issue closed the door on a major storyline, the ramifications of the last few pages are bound to stick with the team, and the Marvel Universe, for quite some time. Read Full Review

Hickman is a master of build up and long term planning which has clearly shown in this issue. While I still feel that the inclusion of Thanos has been completely out of place and hope that he ends up making sense here down the line, ‘Avengers' #40 has taken a ton of details and long term planning and blended it all together to make sense. A stand out issue in the ongoing saga. Read Full Review

Avengers is must read for continuity followers, the fact that it is also some of the best hard science fiction available in comics right now is a bonus and seals its critical appeal. Read Full Review

While its nice to see some consistency in the art in the form of Stefano Caselli, Im just not sure hes the right fit for the book. Im a big fan of his work and have liked him in the past on book like Amazing Spider-Man, however at times his often cartoonish art style seems a little conflicting with the very dark tone of the book. On the plus side, his pages towards the end manage to make the big, epic moments feel truly big and epic, ending the issue on a powerful note which is sure to have some big consequences in the remaining issues. Read Full Review

Frequent Hickman collaborator Stefano Caselli steps in to tackle the art this month. While the shift from Mike Deodato to Caselli does nothing to help this book's wildly inconsistent visual style, it's tough to complain about the final product. Caselli has a real talent for combining sleek superhero physiques with dynamic body language and expressive facial work. All of those qualities are integral to this issue's storytelling success. If only we could see him settle down on one series for a while. Read Full Review

This is a pivotal issue of Avengers, and the ending will shock most readers. If you've been keeping up with the Hickman era, this is a must-read. You're going to get more of what you've enjoyed, with some fantastic artwork from Stefano Caselli. Avengers is a top flight book right now when the art and script gel like they do in #40, and I can't wait to see what is coming next. Read Full Review

If you're not reading the ‘Time Runs Out' Avenger issues, then you're missing the real "event" storyline happening in Marvel Comics. An event that will lead into the larger Secret Wars story. Hickman's years of seeding stories is starting to bear fruit, some of those story beats were planted pre-Infinity and shows that Hickman had all of these planned out from the start. I think this issue would be a great point for lapsed readers of Hickman's run to return and continue going forward into Secret Wars. Read Full Review

For those invested in Hickmans Avengers epic, this will be a significant issue bound to shock and awe readers as much as the heroes witnessing these events. Despite some flaws on the periphery, Avengers #40 is the story of two characters and the conclusion of that story is executed perfectly. It is tragic and raw and signals the beginning of the end for Earths Mightiest Heroes. Read Full Review

After what has felt like watching light refract through cracked glass over the last several months, Hickman weaves everything together at just the right moment; any later and it would have felt either too late or too rushed, and any sooner none of the decisions made herein would have had the type of impact required for the larger game Hickman is playing. There are still a few months to go before "Secret Wars" but the end is in sight. Whatever comes next is going to be a burden for the characters but a hell of a ride for readers. Read Full Review

Coming into the home-stretch as the series conclude in April, it's refreshing to start getting resolutions. Considering how densely-packed Hickman's narrative is, this is no small feat. Read Full Review

This issue surprises you in a good way with a very balanced issue that effectively uses flashbacks to make a big moment even bigger. Still, it's rife with dialogue heavy moments that you'd just rather skip than read. Read Full Review

Another crazy good issue.

Great story but since it can't really be "reality" long-term, it's hard to care too much.

Consistent issue with deep character analysis in the form of Rogers' hatred for the Illuminati and the vengeful Black Panther. The flashbacks enhance the spirit of the character-driven episode.

Definitely a pivotal issue. Everything is starting to come together. I love the double cross from Black Panther to Namor. I'm looking forward to where this goes.