This review covers issues Avengers 7 through 12, written by Brian Michael Bendis and drawn by John Romita, jr.

The Infinity Gems, the ultimate source of everything in the universe has been hidden away by Marvel’s secret society of do-gooders known as the Illuminati. Professor X, Iron Man, Namor, Black Bolt, Mr. Fantastic, and Dr. Strange hid these incredible items from the rest of the universe….or so they thought.

The Red Hulk bursts into the home of the Avengers with bad news: The Hood, a man of magical energy now down on his luck after the events from Dark Reign, has discovered one of the Gems. The various Avengers teams have to split up to reclaim the gems before it is too late.

I enjoy the story as it grabs all of the current avengers (New, Avengers, Secret). Their dialogue in the story ranges from serious to funny. I think Bendis has a pretty good grasp on the personalities of the teams. He’s had a really good run on the Avengers titles so it comes as no surprise to me that he knows how to develop these lasting relationships among characters you haven’t suspected would get along. I think it might also be the still somewhat sour reactions of Civil War.

I personally believe Romita’s artwork has improved in this volume.  Flipping through the issues between volume one and two aren’t that different so it might be some growing appreciation of his style (still don’t understand Apocalypse in a onesie in the first volume). I won’t spoil who’s involved in this story but I can tell you that it’s visually appealing.  The color styles in the issues are balanced. There’s a few treats for those who read some of the smaller (but still good!) titles.

I am wondering what next for the Avengers; they’ve traveled through time to alternate futures and fought for the Infinity Gems. Fear Itself, the major event in Marvel, might shake up some of the successes for our heroes.