Avengers: Time Runs Out

Avengers (2012) (Collected Editions) #7-10

by Jonathan Hickman (Writer), Jim Cheung (Penciler), Kevin Walker (Artist)

For Earth's Mightiest Heroes and the Illuminati, it has all been building to this. One by one, the realities of the multiverse have collided and been destroyed, leaving the Marvel Universe as one of the last dimensions standing. Now Jonathan Hickman's cataclysmic saga jumps forward eight months, to the day of the Final Incursion - and the astonishing climax! After the revelation of the Illuminati's desperate, world-shattering actions, the Avengers are fragmented. While one group seeks out the Illuminati for a confrontation, another takes the fight to the new Cabal!
COLLECTING: AVENGERS 35-44, NEW AVENGERS 24-33

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Comic Book, Graphic Novels Comics, Superheroes, Fiction

520 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2016

About the author

Jonathan Hickman is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for creating the Image Comics series The Nightly News, The Manhattan Projects and East of West, as well as working on Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four, FF, and S.H.I.E.L.D. titles. In 2012, Hickman ended his run on the Fantastic Four titles to write The Avengers and The New Avengers, as part the "Marvel NOW!" relaunch. In 2013, Hickman wrote a six-part miniseries, Infinity, plus Avengers tie-ins for Marvel Comics. In 2015, he wrote the crossover event Secret Wars. - Wikipedia

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read all of this when they came out in individual trades a couple of years ago. I have to say it reads a lot better all at once. There are a lot of cool reveals in here. But there's also a lot of garbage in this book. I hate grumpy old man Captain America. He just got aged up and he's instantly all crotchety and intolerant. All the bickering between the heroes is awful. I guess trying to stop the end of the world turns everyone into a douche bag. Superior Stark is never explained. If you haven't read AXIS, you won't know why he's such a tool. The fight between Iron Man and Cap while the world is dying is just stupid. Hickman writes an awful Captain America. The bright spots for me were when the issues focused on Roberto DaCosta's team. It's the only humor in the book and at the end of the day comics should be fun to read.

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lot...

So the world...no the universe, is coming to a end. Everything we know dies. This is truth. This is fact. However, it's all coming too fast and our heroes are trying to stop it. So you know what happened before this, new teams are created. Biggest being Namor going to Thanos and his crew to stop the end of times. However, them going world to world killing everyone isn't doing people favors. IN fact the avengers work together for once, after the New Avengers/Avengers fought and come together to stop them. But what about the other 16 plotlines all happening at once?

Good: I loved the art for most part. Almost every issue is wonderful to look at. I also enjoyed some of the major plotlines like Cap/Iron-man/Thor/Cannonball and a few more. I thought the way they all were coming together was pretty dang interesting.

Bad: It's a lot. Almost TOO much to keep up with. Some plotlines are also less interesting (1616 earth storyline) and kind of hurts the pacing of the entire graphic novel which is very large to begin with. It also ends on a major cliffhanger, which is awesome for Secret Wars, but I can see some people being pissed.

Overall this was probably a little too overstuffed for my taste. I loved some parts, but some parts were a complete bore. So I'll hit it with a solid 3 out of 5, I still think it's worth reading, and while not as strong as Hickman's other Avengers/New Avengers stuff it's still solid as always.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, everything Hickman's been building since he started his runs on Avengers and New Avengers reaches its breaking point. And hey, IT WORKS. I loved this! After months and months of mounting tension, compromised morals, shattering and re-forming alliances, Hickman actually manages to make it all worth it. I was ever so slightly worried that he didn't actually know how to pay this all off, but those worries were totally thrown out with this volume.

Technically, this isn't the end of this story. Its true ending is in Secret Wars (which I haven't read yet). But this still feels like an ending of sorts, and it really hit me when I put this down. There have been no Marvel comics I've more looked forward to over the past few months than Hickman's Avengers stuff, and this is basically it.

And it feels so FINAL. Earth-shattering, even, for the Marvel Universe. Usually these big runs on major titles kind of feign importance and finality, but once a given writer is done with their run, everything gets reset for the next one. Not here, though. The actions in this book feel like they have real consequences for the MU at large, and there's something very refreshing about that.

Now, a short couple of gripes that are more Marvel editorial's fault than this book's:

- Captain America is old. This is because of some dumb bullshit that happens in Rick Remender's Cap series, and it makes absolutely no sense. Also, Hickman clearly didn't intend for Cap to suddenly be old in this series, and had to work around it pretty hard to keep the story going. That bummed me out.

- I guess Avengers & X-Men: AXIS also kind of "doesn't happen" in Hickman's story. It's Marvel canon, but there are absolutely no connections or fallout from that book in here, which I actually think is for the best. It did make reading Axis kind of confusing, though, since I knew that a lot of the events in this story (which are FAR more dire) were happening at the same time.

Basically, this book feels like Remender and Hickman didn't communicate at all during their concurrent runs on major Marvel properties. It's kind of weird, and also sucks because Hickman's stuff is so much better than Remender's, and deserves to really shine without Remender's boring stories dragging it down. I guess this will only really factor in for people reading both, but still. It's a possible concern.

Regardless, now I'm actually pumped for Secret Wars, an event I couldn't have cared less about 6 months ago. But now I'm just eager to read the rest of Hickman's Marvel run, even though it means the end of something very cool.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man there was so much in this book that I don’t even know where to start. Well, first the beginning of the book frustrated me. The previous book was building up to some things that I was so hyped to see play out. Then you open this book and it has just jumped 8 months ahead. So we don’t even get to see that build up paid off. We just get to see everyone living in the aftermath. That was lame. Also there were some things going on with Stark that we don’t gey to see either. He was being held prisoner in the glass box that the the Black Swan was in in the last book in Wakanda. I’m like, wait a minute, this is a major plot point. How the hell did this happen??? We are not showed this either. Frustrating. There were some cool stuff in here tho. But there was some confusing things too. Like all the stuff with Doctor Doom and Owen Reece had me lost. No clue what that was all about. This book has a great concept, dope idea with the incursions and everything, that gets bogged down with Hickman trying to go too big and leaving you struggling to keep up with all the crazy ish he is throwing at you.

[Sam D’Antonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty crazy stuff

[It's just Deano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phew! What a ride! There is a lot here to unpack here. Not only is Avengers: Time Runs Out the precursory lead into Secret Wars 2015 it's also written by Johnathan Hickman... so brace yourself.

This has all the usual Hickmanisms; it's ram-packed with characters, details, official notes and is convoluted in practically every single way - but therein lies the beauty.

Hickman's knowledge and ability to manipulate Marvel continuity into shapes and plot points is uncanny to behold. Yes, it's confusing at times and yes you're often wondering what's going on between all the jumping around, but my God is it exciting.

The character representation for the most part works and is done well and given what's occurring in the MCU right now there are strong indicators that Hickman's work here could be of some cinematic import down the line.

Overall, I shouldn't have loved this as much as I did. It's the multiverse at its most convoluted and inaccessible, but I simply had a blast reading this. That said, if you're new to the Avengers or comics in general I definitely would not start your journey here.
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My Score: 6/10
My Goodreads: ⭐⭐⭐
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[Marielle Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

I persuaded myself to punt this up to 3 stars because I did enjoy a bunch of the plot points and elements in this collection. Unfortunately, Hickman spends a lot of time in the earlier issues doling out far too much exposition that seem too focused on sounding clever over interesting. Once again the art of female characters in these comics makes me wonder if the artist knows what a woman looks like or how to draw her anatomy doing anything but facing the reader in an impossible fashion. There were some great plot twists/reveals etc. in here however. There's just generally too much going on in the arc plots.

[Swapnil Dubey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to start my 2018 Read-a-Thon with a bang and I did it with a nuke. After reading Infinity I really became huge fan of Hickman. After reading Time Runs Out I really believe he is best at writing cosmic stories.

Highly Recommend!

It is the hardcover you deserve in your collection. It looks fabulous. I really did not want to open the packet as it was looking awesome in it. It's thick, have glossy papers and longer than usual paperbacks. The best thing about it is that it's full of story and only last few pages have some extra covers.

Everything Dies!

Marvel Universe is ending and this time no hero can survive the fall. Hickman really writes the end of marvel in most fabulous way. The end is completely unpredictable and will leave you emotional if you really live Marvel stories.

It's a text heavy graphic novel. Conversations are detailed and deep. I just get lost in these conversation and some of them are really awesome that I repeated them multiple times. More than 500 pages will really provide you what you want to read. But if you really are interested in reading it you must build up some previous knowledge of what is going on. It's not just the story you pick up and read. I would prefer you to at least read Infinity before you pick it.

Heroes Fall. World's Collide. Everything Dies.

It's theme is everything dies and the book really mean it. In the end everything dies. After reading that you can go with Secret Wars to know what exactly happens when everything dies. The ene of the story left me in tears. It really did. I was saying continuously that please don't do it... but in the end unthinkable happens. I won't reveal what happens in the end as some of you haven't read it but I will really highly recommend it for every comics fan. I am now really looking forward to complete my Hickman Run.

Five Outta Five for this Masterpiece.

[Judah Radd · Rating 5 out of 5]

****second read****

Amazing. Crazy af. Mindblowing.

Beyonders. Doom. This is necessary.

Also... Doom

******first read******


This shit just keeps getting crazier.

It’s exciting, because now I can finally read Secret Wars 2015 and have somewhat of an understanding of what’s happening! Yay!! All I had to do was read a bazillion fucking back issues and 3 massive crossover events. Tjis better be worth it!

Nobody just stumbles upon “Time Runs Out.”

If you’re here, it’s because you’ve been reading Hickman up to this point. I hope. Because if you haven’t, you’re gonna be lost.

Excitement here is ramped up. Some great reveals.

Captain America is a douche, and Tony Stark was right the whole time. I mean, in my opinion. Whatever. It’s fun seeing Thanos show up to 1610 and tell Maker what’s what.

It’s fun seeing Doom running the show.

Thor and Hyperion had one of the most badass moments I’ve ever seen in a comic book.

Right now, I’m just hangin on for the ride. This is some intense shit!!!

[Dan Trudeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a lot of good stuff in this collection but there's so much going on that Hickman just barely keeps the wheels from coming off. I admire the scope he was shooting for, and the art team does an admirable job putting it all together.

[Eduardo Velázquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

El arco de New Avengers ha sido uno de los que más me ha gustado desde hace un tiempo a esta parte. Si bien parecía crecer con cada número, ya que la historia se iba diversificando cada vez más con Avengers, Avengers World y demás, el arco principal de New Avengers era algo que se iba construyendo de forma pausada y consistente con cada número. Daba gusto leer cada viñeta y como se iba desarrollando una historia fuerte, tal vez una de las mejores que había leído en los últimos años.

Llegué a Times Runs Out con grandes expectativas, y lamentablemente esas expectativas se fueron cayendo número con número.

Si bien tiene grandes momentos, otros tantos fueron muy tediosos, que no llevaban la historia a ninguna parte y que solo asistía a volverla confusa.

El arco en su totalidad sirvió para alinear y cerrar varias historias, pero termina siendo otro escalón de camino a secret wars.

Por momentos extraño aquellos crossovers que tenían un final más claro, y que no son solo otro paso al crossover siguiente.

[Colin Brightwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ending with a climatic battle between a bitter old Steve Rogers and the arrogant tool Tony Stark - Time Runs Out was a doozy. This edition collects 18 issues that countdown to Hickman’s grand Avengers finale - Secret Wars. And what a countdown this is.

The thing about this Avengers run is the ambition. Hickman never stops. This is an epic wheel that keeps moving, with the major players always at the turning of it.

Hickman writes a kickass Dr. Doom, and his Steve Rogers is incredible as well. Again, Mr. Hickman if you are reading this, please pitch a Captain America comic to Marvel ASAP. The scenes with Hyperion and the Unworthy Thor culminate in some of the greatest Thor moments ever. Hickman knows that the Marvel universe is cosmic, and he certainly wants you to know it too.

Anyway, this was an epic journey getting to this, and it ends on the epic cliffhanger to tie into Hickman’s finale. Amazing stuff.

[Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sprawling, multiversal epic that tells more than it shows. Mainly because the plot is so steeped in lore (mostly from Hickman's earlier Marvel stories) and pseudo science that it's hard to get an organic grasp on what's going on. Things happen. You're not quite sure *why* they happen, but you just accept them and move on.

The character work is good, though. As is most of the art work (the story spans multiple issues, so there are several different art teams here, some better than others).

In the end, Hickman's desire for grandiosity comes at the expense of a clean narrative, IMHO. But that doesn't mean I disrespect the effort. The man's obviously talented (just read Pax Romana), and I'm sure he'll have a comics career that spans decades.

[Luke Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The culmination of possibly the most epic Marvel story

Time Runs Out is the final climax of Hickman's Avengers series, and wow what a journey. I love how the complete destruction of Wakanda, an invasion of Earth by Thanos, and even a galactic war against a seemingly unstoppable threat all seem unimportant when compared to the threat of the incursions. The looming multiversal armageddon at all times really creates a compelling sense of dread throughout the entire comic series, and the way it is interwoven with the other events is very well done. By the end of it you really get the sense that everything is connected. If you like the big stories, the ones with huge stakes, I don't think there is any bigger than this.

[Stewart D. Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is kind of the precursor to the Secret Wars story that will shatter and crack the Marvel stories.

I think it was actually a pretty fun explanation of what is going on. It repeated a lot of the same information a lot but that is because the idea is pretty wild so I feel like they needed to buy into their own story a lot.

I think unlike previous Marvel wide stories the characters featured in this one were fun to read about. Again though it was Captain America and Iron Man at the forefront but this time we also got Reed Richards as a main player which I enjoyed.

I can’t imagine that all of Secret Wars will be as good as this but I’m glad I got caught up with the story and this was the way they told it.

Four kind of lower stars.

[Jirka Navrátil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poslední část New Avengers a Avengers s podtextem Time Runs Out je skvěle zakončení Hickmanovských Avengers a zároveň prequel k Secret Wars. Co se týká postav ty jsou napsané skvěle - Captain America je zde takový párek, že víc už to opravdu nejde, Illuminati a jejich cesta proti všem taky skvělá záležitost. A to nejlepší na konec boj Steva vs Tonyho.
Jediná věc co mě zde štve je to, že k celým Avengers potřebujete mít načteno i vedlejší série. Např Thor z ničeho nic má umělou ruku a sekerou místo Mjomjo, kapitán america starý děda atd. Takže pokud se v tom člověk chce orientovat musí mít proste načteno.

[Tim B · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was just so much going on. Many different storylines and most told in such a choppy fashion as to render them near meaningless. Overall, the primary story arc was interesting, but the lack of focus made it hard to get in to. Most of the other story arcs just fizzle out without much of a conclusion. One minor thing, why did Reed not fight to get Braddock on the lifeboat, Braddock is a super smart physicist with super powers (and the only amongst his siblings without the x gene)? We’ll see if the rating is too harsh once I get to Secret Wars, but really, not worth the effort (but not a waste of time).

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hickman really takes it to the limit in this one. Everything dies when time runs out.


The Final Incursion is upon the Marvel Universe meaning them and another world are the only ones left. The Inter-galactic fight to save the world continues.

Any story where there is multiple universes and multiple versions of characters, it can either be really compelling or confusing. I admit I had to look some things up, because I haven’t read some of these universes, like the Ultimates. Once I got that background information I enjoyed it more.

[FrontalNerdaty · Rating 2 out of 5]

After years of build up this is the end part of Hickman’s very risky and universe changing story. Starting as early as his run on Fantastic Four this penultimate set of issues builds to the conclusion at a bit of a middling rate and ultimately ends as a tease to Hickman’s other event Secret Wars. This is the story of how the universes got destroyed/ merged and created. In all it’s a bit of an anticlimactic ending to a story that was truly excellent. By no means bad but more of a whimper than a bang.

[Crazyjamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like others, I don’t like the character of Captain America in this run at all, and his clash with Stark is really quite silly, but that’s a minor blemish on an excellent story. There is a genuine sense of dread here, which is reflected not just in the consequences of time running out, but in how far certain characters are willing to go to avert the destruction of their Earth. The reveals around the Mapmakers, Rabum Alal and the Ivory Kings were all satisfying. Close to perfect run in to Secret Wars in my view. 4.5 stars rounded up.

[PhadeThe Plex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unavoidably bleak this is still an entertaining story. Quote a range of artists but they all put a spin on the story that adds something. The cosmic focus gives a real sense of stakes and does a great job of aiming high. Some well done action and intrigue. The story also does a better job at handling internal conflict than the more obvious coverage of that theme in Civil War, in large part because this truly is an impossible situation rather than a political disagreement.

[Robbe Rooms · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is created in a very clever way in how it comes together and it has some really cool idea’s and concepts, but it was really complex to understand what was happening all the time. Maybe I should have read more comics in order to prepare for this one, cuz I feel like I didn’t see its potential and power because of that.

6,5/10

[Steve Ruschill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I jumped I to this one having not read the previous books so I was sorta lost. That said, it is an excellent story. Great art and clearly sets up Secret Wars. Now I need to go back and read the rest of the Hickman run.

[Ben Bagley · Rating 1 out of 5]

My god. What a slog. All plot, no story. Another convoluted snoozer from Hickman. This took me like a year to finished because it was such a chore to read. Forgot to log it but finished sometime last Fall 2024.

[Jdetrick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh.

[EP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, that sadly leads to the end of good Marvel. Love Peter Davis!

[andré crombie · Rating 4 out of 5]

[rottweilersmile]

marking this as read bc i read all the new avengers issues in this (theyre good)

[Joel Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

mind blowing adventure

Incursions are happening what is the cause, and what is the solution?! This omnibus really encapsulates the full story. Wow!

[Hristo Simeonov · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ох, това беше голяма мъка...
Вероятно най-досадната, натоварваща, скучна, изсмукана от пръсти - абе, просто кофти Марвъл история - която съм чел.