Here we have seen the most substance this book can offer. We've seen them all at their best, but now we see them at their worst. It has always been about survival, and when it comes down to the final days that doesn't change. The story progression has felt so natural up to this point and you just love how much of a role Apex plays into this. Though her fate is known, we still know that as that one character who actually played the game, she played it well. There's so much in store for this final issue and it seems that it won't be ending on a happy note. Read Full Review

The kids are far from all right, as we have one issue to go before Avengers Arena transitions to Avengers Undercover. At this point, it's really Hopeless and Walker's book to lose - there's a lot of tension, a lot of heartache, and a lot of earned stakes to this comic, as Hopeless really has built up why these teenage heroes are now at each others' throats. If this issue is any indication, the next installment of this series is going to be all killer, no filler. Read Full Review

This is a series people should be reading. It got a bad rap in the beginning but all the fears that people had about it have been erased. This probably isn't an issue for first time readers to pick up, but for the long term crowd this has a real beginning of the end vibe, and it's so so good. Read Full Review

The art in this issue is visceral and has a lot of great action shots. The plot creeps slowly forwards before the finale, setting up all the dominoes before the final act. Just because this issue contains a lot of set-up that isn't to say it isn't without it's twists and turns and the issue is enjoyable to read on its own, but most important for a pre-ending, it gets you ready and exciting for the finale. I know I can't wait for the ending to the Boss Level arc and I'm sure you can't either. Read Full Review

All-in-all, a pretty decent issue, if not a little predictable. Read Full Review

Kev Walker makes Avengers Arena look good, even if this issue feels like too much flash and not enough substance. Read Full Review

While the world was skeptical of 'Avengers Arena' when it was first announced, I've found it to be one of the most enjoyable entries on my pull list. As announced at New York Comic Con, we know that some of the cast will live on in 'Avengers Undercover', but it'll be a little bittersweet to see Dennis Hopeless and Kev Walker's breakout title of 2013 go after the next and final issue. Read Full Review

"Avengers Arena" #17 feels like the book is on track for a strong finale. While I don't think it's going to be the bloodbath that the comic promised for so long, it's certainly going to be violent and tense. Who knows? If nothing else, there are enough original characters created for "Avengers Arena" that the massacre could still happen. Honestly, though, I think that Hopeless has hit the point where there's not a need for character deaths to satisfy the audience. (I'd actually be more pleased if they didn't all die.) It's a little too late at this point, but "Avengers Arena" has definitely found its voice. Read Full Review

All in all, this issue would be really good in setting up suspense within the reader for the final issue if it weren't for Marvel jumping the gun by giving away the ending. Because they did though, I have to give it 3 out of 5 stars. Read Full Review

If you like art work by Kev Walker and Jason Gorder then this is the book for you. If you like mediocre storytelling with teenage superheroes then this might be the book for you. If you want to check out a series where superheroes and super villains are in this situation but more compelling then I recommend checking out Deathmatch by Boom Studios! Read Full Review