Realistically, if you're three issues in, you've probably already made up your mind about the series. This is another great issue, but I wouldn't expect it to get any different. Better maybe, but don't expect the formula to change. Read Full Review

Definitely wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I do, but it's one of my top picks at Marvel these days... whether I like to admit it or not. Read Full Review

The series vacillates between the truly enjoyable character bits and the largely dull and pointless murder scenes. I might just end up dropping the series anyway, since I have no interest in seeing anyone else get killed off. Read Full Review

This book has quite the swerve ending, its unexpected and it pissed me off. Although this is probably good in the long run; because honestly I would rather be mad at a story for a moment of good storytelling than mad because a book just wasnt worth reading. Read Full Review

Avengers Arena is still a pretty good series, and with each passing issue it continues to dig itself out of the hole it was in before it's release. I can now say with issue 3 this book is a recommended read (Please don't kill me fans) Read Full Review

That said, there's something about the book's concept that feels off. On the surface, it's entertaining, but it lacks depth. When comparisons are drawn with the stories it's directly influenced by, there's nothing like "Battle Royale's" social satire, or the "Hunger Games'" skewering of the media. The plot is compelling and the characters are developed well, but ultimately it's lacking the strong metaphor that underpins other stories in this genre. Perhaps that will arise over time, perhaps it'll continue on its character-driven path -- but unless it finds something to say with its characters and setup, it's never going to escape accusations of being an imitation, regardless of quality. Read Full Review

I could tolerate the grotesque concept of this series if I felt like it served a greater purpose. Avengers Arena revels in its similarities to books like Battle Royale and The Hunger Games. But the common factor among those stories, and one that Arena lacks so far, is that the teen-on-teen violence served as a larger sort of social commentary. What purpose do any of these deaths serve besides depriving readers of future stories with the characters? Hopeless is so cavalier in killing off his protagonists that I'm beginning to suspect more and more that this really is all an elaborate illusion or simulation. The thought that Avengers Arena might be one giant red herring somehow seems even worse than it being a nonstop slaughter-fest. Read Full Review

At this point you probably already have your mind made up about this title. If you're a big fan of AVENGERS ACADEMY or RUNAWAYS, odds are you're super pissed off that your favorite characters are being killed off (and believe it's just for shock value). If you fall into that category, then there's really no reason for you to pick this up because it's more of the same. Nothing here will win you over and you'd really just be spending $2.99 to complain. Save the cash and let Marvel know you don't like it by not purchasing it. It's really that simple. Read Full Review

Despite being flashback heavy at times, I still stick with what I said back in my review of the inaugural issue by saying that this whole title is intriguing and I can't wait for the next issue. After all, my favorite characters like X-23, Chase, and Nico have yet to have much page time, which is probably a good thing so they don't end up with a huge red X on their picture on the recap page. Also, we haven't heard from Arcade in a while, so I'm curious to see what he's up to while the festivities are going on. Read Full Review

Overall, while we do get another glimpse of the other teens on the island and up close and personal encounter with X-23 and Darkhawk, this issue feels mostly like a filler. There's something terrorizing these kids, but we have absolutely no idea who or what it is and frankly, there's no reason really to care until the last scene. I just hope it's not the smoke monster from LOST" Read Full Review