Review: Avengers- Time Runs Out Vol. 2

Quick Summary

Pros: The exposition here helps build the foundation for future storylines. The book’s closing chapters are very exciting and are fun to see play out. The volume’s conclusion is satisfying and has a great twist to it. The artwork looks good in most chapters.

Cons: The opening chapters are quite heavy on exposition and low on excitement. Numerous flashbacks add confusion to the opening half of the book.

Overall: Though not quite as instantly entertaining as its predecessor, this is still a very worthwhile volume with a lot of accomplishments on its side. The problems here mainly lie in the first few chapters, which are confusing in places and stumble in generating excitement. However, these chapters also expose concepts and reveal information that is sure to be vital to the series as it progresses. Plus, the volume ends on a great final arc that essentially makes up for the earlier lack of excitement. Those who enjoyed the first volume should continue reading this one, even if it makes a few mistakes.

Story

Avengers: Time Runs Out Vol. 2, by Jonathan Hickman, sees some sacrifices made in terms of instant enjoyment in favor of developing larger story arcs for the future. The main problems come from the amount of time is spent on exposition and amount of confusion generated through numerous flashbacks. Though this isn’t as enjoyable for the present, it does build up a lot of potential for future stories, many of which seem to be starting right here. In addition, the collection’s conclusion ramps up the entertainment levels and delivers two awesome final chapters. All in all, this volume isn’t quite as universally positive as some previous stories but it still has a lot going for it and is definitely worth reading.

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Time Runs Out Vol. 2 starts out a little rough. The opening chapters jump from character or group to character or group far too often, to the point where very little actual progress is made. In addition, flashbacks happen so often that it becomes a bit confusing to construct a mental timeline regarding when everything actually happened. This all also coincides with a general lack of excitement, as most of these chapters are dedicated almost completely to exposition and worldbuilding.

On the flip side, these opening chapters also introduce a ton of potential for future storylines. Here, readers see Thor’s group take on the Black Priests, hear a little bit more about what Doom is up to, and learn about the individual members of the new Avengers group. Plus, secrets and previously unrevealed information are exposed, like what happened to Iron Man and Stephen Strange. Each of these story elements helps contribute something to the larger narrative of this series and is sure to have a large impact on future stories.

Time Runs Out Vol. 2 also vastly improves in the final few chapters. This short story arc sees Mister Fantastic and the remaining members of the Illuminati clash with Captain America’s forces. The resulting battle is an epic confrontation where the world’s greatest heroes confront one another and a variety of unexpected threats. The entire encounter is then improved by narration from Mister Fantastic, whose commentary on the event is nearly as entertaining as the event itself. All in all, this altercation is truly a sight to see and ends up being one of the most fun fights in a while.

The fallout from this entire confrontation is also very satisfying. It has both groups decide to temporarily put aside their differences so they can work toward the larger problems facing the multiverse. This prevents the “heroes vs. heroes” concept from being drug out too far and puts every on track to a more righteous victory. In addition, the surprise appearance of Namor and his even more surprising decision to work with the heroes is the perfect way to close this arc. It completely shatters expectation and puts the series in the perfect position to launch into the next story arc.

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Art

The artwork in Time Runs Out Vol. 2 falls into a similar level of quality as the artwork in Time Runs Out Vol. 1 (Review). On the positive side of things, this means that nearly every chapter is solid on an individual basis. Stefano Caselli’s fluctuations between dark pessimism and light optimism make for a great chapter and Szymon Kudranski’s otherworldly depictions of strange lands look imaginative. However, the consistency of the artwork as a whole leaves a bit to be desired. Characters can look dramatically different from one chapter to the next, which isn’t great to see in a linear story like this. The only reprieve is the volume’s final two chapters, which feature consistently pleasing visuals from Mike Deodato. Overall, the artwork in this collection is still good but has a few flaws here and there.

Continuity

Avengers: Time Runs Out Vol. 2 continues the story from Avengers: Time Runs Out Vol. 1 (Review).

The story here continues in Avengers: Time Runs Out Vol. 3 (Review).

This volume also makes references to other comic books, detailed below:

• Many concepts from the Avengers series have a major role in this volume.
  • The attempt to transform Earth into a sentient creature, through the use of Origin Bombs, happened in Avengers Vol. 1: Avengers World (Review).
  • Starbrand’s encounter with the Earthbrand sight happened in Avengers Vol. 2: The Last White Event (Review).
  • Pod’s first encounter with the Avengers and subsequent encounter with A.I.M. occurred throughout Avengers Vol. 3: Prelude to Infinity (Review).
  • The evil version of Bruce Banner was captured in Avengers Vol. 5: Adapt or Die (Review).
  • The “unworthy” hammer of Thor comes from the same universe as the evil version of Bruce Banner, also featured in Avengers Vol. 5: Adapt or Die (Review).

Steve Rogers’ association with the Mighty Avengers began at the conclusion of Captain America and the Mighty Avengers #7, collected in Captain America & the Mighty Avengers Vol. 1: Open for Business.