Civil War #1-3
Recently I wrote a review of Justice League of America #0 [link] where I blamed DC for being so good, content-wise, that I found myself behind on most of my Marvel titles, not the least of which being Civil War. Over the last few days, I pulled a mix of current issues from several titles and re-immersed myself in all things Marvel. Here, in Civil War, we see a series striving to be more than just a comic story. Here we see comics searching for a high level of social commentary and, ultimately, social relevance. Anytime a story can tap into what's going on in the world while remaining entertaining, it makes me proud to be a comic fan.
Civil War, as many have reported before me, is a clear allegory for the political divide present in the post September 11th United States. Thinking about issue #1, I appreciate the level of thought that has gone into the this series. It harkens back to X-Men Day's of Future Past while bringing in all the tensions present in the modern day Marvel Universe. At the same time, the story remains a culturally relevant tale that weaves in allegorical discussions pertaining to issues of national security, border security and the right of the federal government to sidestep personal privacy for national security. It's a different world today and you can clearly see in Civil War the start of a very different Marvel Universe.
In the opening issue, Mark Millar packs enough punch to take on Joe Lewis in his prime. Well, maybe not that much, but close. Here we see events kicked off by a super-hero reality show stunt involving the New Warriors. The group gets in over their head for ratings and the fight turns deadly for the surrounding community. That single act of domestic destruction sets the stage for the initial divide between the heroes and between the entire country. I believe Daredevil said it best in issue #1 when he uttered, "This is the end of the way we do business."
Captain America stuck me as the standout hero as the tale began. Cap quickly overshadowed Iron Man and the other heroes as the events began to unfold. I know this entire moral play is being marketed around seeing both sides and heroes taking a stand for what they feel is honestly best for the United States. Without taking too much of a personal side in the debate at this time, I will say that Cap taking a stand on the S.H.I.E.L.D. carrier was one of the most appropriate Captain America moments I've seen in quite a while. Gone is the disillusioned, self-doubting Cap and back is the decisive leader we've come to expect. You could feel the impact of the moment when the soldiers drew a bead on this living symbol of American freedom. You could, in that very scene, pick out the shot heard 'round the Marvel Universe that tipped this fictional United States into a meta-human Civil War.
From the death of heroes at the start of the story (farewell Speedball, we knew you well) to the initial choosing of sides to the dramatic action sequences to Iron Man's final choice, the first issue decisively set up the drama to come. Joe Quesada has promised fans that this series would alter Marvel forever and it's interesting to see just how easy it was for the divide to be established. Captain America vs. Iron Man... If you were looking for two better figurehead choices to manage dueling sides of an issue, I don't know what better choice could be made. As you divide the Avengers, at least for this story, it's clear so to you now divide the Marvel Universe.
Civil War #2
For all the excitement generated by issue #1 you would think issue #2 would slow down just a little to pace out the series. That, of course, was anything but the case. Issue #1 set the stage for the war while issue #2 quickly showed fans just how dark things are actually getting in the Marvel Universe. In issue #2 we get a huge shock ending, our first look at the underground, hints of Nick Fury's involvement and a host of other interesting clues as to who is siding with who and what's taking place behind the scenes. As we watch Patriot (of the Young Avengers) flee for his life, we begin to feel just how dark the back alleys of Marvel have become. That flight scene was so like the dark future presented in the classic X-Men tale Days of Future Past that is was a little shocking. Days of Future Past has always served as a looming, just out of reach, event waiting some future storyteller. It's exceedingly interesting to see it dawn on the printed page and rendered real.
If you are wearing a mask, even for the right reason, you are now a target and it's open season. With the looming treat of internment camps simply called "number forty-two" and the creepy fervor with which Reed Richards pursues the new option, the clear dismay of his wife Sue and an injured Johnny Storm, we see seeds present that may well reshape even the legendary Fantastic Four. Could the original family team soon be coming to an end?
Okay, let's talk Spider-Man. In the world of comics, it's rare to have a moment that is truly monumental. It's rare to see a title pull off that one instant that takes your breath away. Civil War seems destined to provide that moment for fans at least once or twice an issue, but in issue #2 we sincerely saw a moment unlike any other. The final pages see Peter Parker step into a press conference and reveal his secret identity. Even knowing ahead of time it was coming, that was clearly a moment that will have a lasting impact, not just on one of Marvel's cornerstone characters, but across the entire Marvel Universe. I never thought, for a moment, Spider-Man would fall on the side of the registration act let alone unveil his ultimate secret. Marvel, in just two issues, has already walked where many a pervious writer and editor have feared to treat. They've taken risks and I believe it's paying off. Excelsior baby. This "event" story is for real.
Also, before I move to issue #3, it's worth noting that J. Jonah Jameson blacking out when he heard the news of Spider-Man's identity was worth the price of the book for that panel alone.
Civil War #3
Issue three hit it's pace a bit slower than than the first two issues, but what it lacked in take off it more than made up for with emotional distance covered. Below I've captured, visually, a moment that packed almost as much punch (pun intended) for me as Spider-Man revealing his secret identity. This was a moment that felt like a turning point from which the Marvel Universe may never fully return. Iron Man decks Captain America...
After hearing Iron Man discuss their side of the registration issue with Cap, it appeared clear for the first time that readers were presented with both sides of the issue. Much like the real world, neither side seems completely wrong and neither side seems completely right. It's a moral dilemma for the reader as well as the heroes on the printed page. Nice work from the house of ideas.
In issue #3 we witnessed one of the first hero vs. hero battles in this unfolding Civil War. It's a roller coaster fight which featured Spider-Man showing off some of his new talents, some very honest emotional moments from Iron Man and the penultimate revelation of Codename Lightning... or, quite simply, the return of Thor. In background subplots involving the Fantastic Four, Doctor Strange and the X-Men we see side stories continue to slowly emerge as part of the overall tale. What role will Bishop play in this conflict? Is Thor on the side of registration? Will Reed notice that much of his private life is being lost to the events of Civil War? Where is Sue? Why is Doctor Strange now fasting? We'll have to wait and see.
Issue #3 was a solid bridge issue that had me anxious to read #4, the halfway point for the series. So far, Civil War is clearly off to a solid start. Marvel is utilizing the series not just break up and reorganize the Marvel Universe, but to truly improve the finished product. These three issues left me hungry for answers to many questions and anxious to see how it will all play out. What more can a comic fan ask for from a comic series?
Scale of 1 to 10 ... 9
August 10th, 2006 ... Review by Chuck
Official word from Marvel...
Civil War #1
Writer: Mark Millar / Cover/Pencils: Steve McNiven / Inks: Dexter Vines
Colored: Morry Hollowell / Lettered: VC - Chris Eliopoulos
The Story: THE LANDSCAPE OF THE MARVEL U IS CHANGING AND IT’S TIME TO DECIDE: WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON? A conflict has been brewing in the Marvel Universe for over a year, threatening to pit friend against friend, brother against brother--and all it will take is a single misstep to cost thousands their lives and ignite the fuse! As the war claims its first victims, no one is safe as teams, friendships, and families begin to fall apart. Civil War, a Marvel Comics event in seven parts, stars Spider-Man, the New Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men and the entirety of the Marvel pantheon! Civil War – the cross-over that rewrites the rules - begins here in this double-sized first issue! 48 PGS./Rated T+ ...$3.99
Civil War #2
Writer: Mark Millar / Cover/Pencils: Steve McNiven / Inks: Dexter Vines
Colored: Morry Hollowell / Lettered: VC - Chris Eliopoulos
The Story: The super-heroes split as the CIVIL WAR heats up! Registration has become law, household names have gone rogue and a Marvel legend makes a decision that will change a life forever. Featuring the NEW AVENGERS, the FANTASTIC FOUR, the YOUNG AVENGERS and pretty much everybody else! And, no fooling, true believer... this issue features one of the most shocking climaxes in Marvel Comics history. Miss THIS one and you might just regret it for the rest of your life! 32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99
Civil War #3
Writer: Mark Millar / Cover/Pencils: Steve McNiven / Inks: Dexter Vines
Colored: Morry Hollowell / Lettered: VC - Chris Eliopoulos
The Story: The battle lines are drawn as the conflict between the Super Hero Registration Initiative and the Underground Resistance fighters explodes in a live fire fight as the future of the Marvel Universe is decided! But before the dust settles, a familiar figure will emerge from a strike of lightning to change the odds--and the sides! Witness teams and families torn apart as the Civil War touches all and the momentous events of last issue changes the world as our heroes understand it! 32 PGS./Rated T+ ...$2.99
