It gets harder and intrigue still gaining momentum.

This volume contains episodes 7 to 12, initially published in 2013 (at a rate of bimonthly publication), all written by Jonathan Hickman, drawn and inked by Dustin Weaver (episodes 7-9) and Mike Deodato (episodes 10 & 11). The color development is performed by Justin Ponsor (episodes 7-9) followed by Frank Martin. It is essential to have started the series by the first volume.

The first sequence shows node stations of the trans-dimensional network "Superflow" exploding and disintegrating network consistency. The Guardian (Caretaker) the nexus of the network dies at the same time that the station is destroyed. On Earth, Nightmask (Adam) awakens, while a white event occurs (White Event). This explosion has impacted the Earth in a US high school. A team of Avengers goes there and finds the individual who received the Starbrand (a planetary defense system). It consists of Captain America, Thor, Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers), Hyperion (Marcus), Captain Universe (Tamara Devoux), Hulk, Iron Man and Nightmask.

Thereafter, the Avengers must intervene on sites where Ex Nihilo sent bombs to create awareness for the Earth: Croatia, the Savage Land (Savage Land), India, Japan, Australia and Canada. The care of the creatures that appear quickly becomes tricky.

Finally, Shang Chi performs a spy mission to Macau to discover that AIM wants to sell his new secret weapon. He is assisted by Carol Danvers, Sam Guthrie, Roberto da Costa, Natasha Romanova and Jessica Drew.

Those who have read the previous 2 series of Hickman (Secret Warriors and Fantastic Four) know that intrigues designs very large, with many ramifications and it takes time for the reader to perceive the extent of prospects. Armed with this warning, it remains only player to go with these three mysteries more or less interconnected: Starbrand the strange decision to create Nihilo, and mission of Shang Chi.

Taken one by one, these events bring their share of mystery, action and wonderful, immersed in the rich universe Marvel shared. It should be well hung to monitor the entry into matter (Superflow network) within the science fiction disheveled, without immediate consequence on the rest of the story. Following frankly mind-blowing. Hickman uses a concept dating back to 1986 when Marvel decided to create a different world, with new superheroes more "realistic": the New Universe. The first series launched in this new world was Jim Shooter Star Brand and John Romita Junior. Let the reader knows this continuity and it can enjoy the full flavor of the adjective "last" of the title, and the renewal of the character Nightmask (its total recreation to be honest). Either he does not know the New Universe, and discover a breathtaking concept: a planetary defense system given to a human being. The intervention in Croatia allows hanging up the plot to the Gardeners (Gardeners) which includes Ex Nihilo. It is supplemented by another procedure in Canada, why Hickman will draw secondary characters of Alpha Flight series in a team configuration derived Beta Flight (composed of Wendigo, Valodator, and Boxx Kingdom). The last part to return this independent island on which AIM has established a sovereign state.

Incredible as it may seem, Hickman managed to integrate some moments devoted to one or two characters. Against all odds, he has no difficulty in making Shang Chi interesting, knowledgeable and extremely effective. Carol Danvers also spring for field experience. Hulk, Thor and Hyperion conspicuous by their physical strength. Hyperion is entitled to a sequence to express his motivation. If the plot premium in the narrative, the characters are not reduced to mere carriers interchangeable superhero costume.

The link with the New Avengers series is quite discreet but very present. In a scene again within science fiction, two characters find themselves locked in the Dyson sphere, built by the Illuminati, to counter the threat of destruction of the Earth.

In total there are 18 Avengers appearing in these five episodes, so the designers have to work hard to cram all, maintain a consistent appearance from the beginning to the end and realize the magnitude of the events. Dustin Weaver and Mike Deodato is doing very well, each with their specificities. While the destruction of nodal stations Superflow seems a bit conceptual, Weaver offers drawings dominant red and blue hue that perfectly manage to make this visual sequence of the most mysterious. It makes each forceful intervention of interesting and memorable Avengers, with staging by line cut that allows each character to have his place, and intense and breathtaking power explosions. Mike Deodato brings the story in a more realistic world, perfectly suited to the plot. His drawings also participate greatly in making Shang Chi credible and effective.

In order to appreciate this second volume of Avengers Hickman, it is imperative to have started with the first book, and it pays to be familiar with the Marvel universe shared. The reader must accept Hickman designed a tale of great magnitude for which each episode brings to the building. He takes care to ensure that there is a story that forms a unit in 1 or 2 episodes, but that does not only have provided to itself. It forms a unity in that it focuses on one main event (Starbrand, catalyzing the consciousness of Earth or mission in Macau). It does not suffice to itself since it is dependent of previous episodes and prepares the following for this massive plot. Hickman has 2 very good designers who can give unity to all these elements, creating memorable images, and remain legible despite the amount of information and concepts to pass.