The real emotional impact of this issue is, though, is in the fight scenes between Finesse and Taskmaster. Taskmaster has long been Gage's ace in the hole. Under Gage's pen, Taskmaster has been more interesting than he ever has been. He's opportunistic, thirsty for knowledge, but we learn he's got a major issue that is nearly debilitating. In fact, in just a couple word balloons, you can feel Taskmaster's pain knowing that as good of a fighter and trainer he is, his memory is slipping every time he learns a new person's techniques. To see such a selfish character pause and admit he hoped to remember Finesse was a very touching moment between two characters almost devoid of that kind of impact. Read Full Review

Avengers Academy is easily one of the most consistent comic books on stands today. There really is little for me to complain about from month to month. Gage makes Academy so entertaining even with each issue telling its own story for the most part. Honestly, if you like superheroes at all and especially if you love tips of the hat to Avengers history, there is no reason that you should not be reading this series. It is that good. Do yourselves a favor and start reading this now if you arent already. Read Full Review

Avengers Academy has been simply amazing from day one, but Gage and McKone take it to a completely new level here. This is one of the finest issues I've ever seen from either creator. The Taskmaster/Finesse situation is incredibly intriguing and the way that it plays out here is simply incredible. This will be the new standard for this title and for these creators. Not only is this an incredibly easily pick for Read Full Review

Taskmaster became a much smarter, more rounded character when Christos Gage wrote him in Avengers: The Initiative, and he's carried that insight over into this book, extending it logically into Finesse as well. This book is without a doubt the current gem of the Avengers line " smart, entertaining and a lot of fun to read. Read Full Review

Still, aside from a few minor stumbles along the way, this continues to be an entertaining comic, and one well worth following. Read Full Review

Another very strong issue of Avengers Academy. Love the heavy focus on Finesse since she is the best character in this book. Read Full Review

Since I am not a regular reader of the various other Avengers books (I tend to shy away from Bendis' $3.99 price points, but I digress) it's impossible for me to legitimately say this is the best Avengers book on the stands. I can tell you that it's currently the only Avengers title I actively pursue. Gage has created a solid niche for himself with Avengers Academy and if you're a reader who's looking for some character depth in your comics reading experience, I suggest you give this a try. Avengers Academy earns 4 out of 5 Stars. Read Full Review

In what is sadly his final month on the book, Mike McKone expertly handles the dynamic fight between Finesse and Taskmaster. His choreography is excellent, though his figure work is a little underwhelming. Whereas McKone initially inked his own work, he's inked here by Rebecca Buchman. That may well be why McKone's figures are (literally) a bit rough around the edges. But even with McKone's departure, it's clear this series remains in capable hands. And between the double-shipping schedule next month and the Giant-Size special, fans are being treated to even more of a good thing in the coming months. Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America are all well and good, but these are the Avengers you should be reading about. Read Full Review