Civil War (trade paperback)

[Arvandor]

This is a review of the Civil War trade paperback, which I only just read this week. I never read the singles.

For those like me who waited for the trade, the plot is as follows: After a bunch of amateur superheroes cause a tragedy through their own recklessness, killing over 600 innocent people, the government passes the Superhero Registration Act, which requires all superheroes to reveal their identities and follow federal law, or be imprisoned indefinitely. Half the superherheroes, led by Iron Man, willingly comply. While the other half, led by Captain America, refuse to give up their rights and go underground. The superhero community splits in half and goes to war against itself - hero against hero.


This was far better than I expected it to be, and every bit as good as I'd hoped. From what I'd read online, I was expecting Iron Man to have completely lost it, and the pro-Reg's to be shown as shallow neo-nazis. But I was surprised by how well-balanced the story was, with both sides of the argument presented equally and fairly. It was made clear in several scenes that Iron man and his allies really believed that Registration was necessary and right, and that the resistance was being selfish. It was also made clear, from the increasingly extreme methods the pro-Regs were using, that Captain America made a good point about the erosion of civil liberites. Both sides were right. Neither was wrong. Millar presented both sides of the argument skillfully and well.

Of course, there was much more than just philosophical debating. There was lots of action, as the heroes constantly resorted to violence to settle their differences. But also lots of emotion, as we saw friends and families torn apart by the war. The death and destruction, and the betrayals, had an impact on the characters. And it all built up to a spectacular and powerful finale, in the only way it could.

The artwork, by Steve McNiven, is gorgeous on every single page. He does both talking head and spectacular fight scenes extremely well. A fantastic artist.

This was a great story, and well worth the hype. I almost wish I had read the original singles. If you haven't, definitely get the trade.

[Andrenavarro]

I'm glad you liked it, but I don't agree. Until the fourth issue, great story. After that, it just goes downhill. Steve McNiven's great all the way, though.

Mark Millar is an excellent writer, but I think he missed the point in Civil War.

[lazorbeak]

I think part of the negative hype around Civil War is that while Millar shows both sides as flawed (some would say excessively so), many other writers seemingly go out of their way to show that Iron Man's side is the bad guy. Civil War: New Avengers is so ridiculously anti-registration that I started sympathizing with the pro-reg side just so Cage would stop calling superheroes more credible than him "tools."

I also agree with the post above: the first three issues of this stand alone as beautifully drawn, and pretty solidly written. Then after the gap, the series starts to decline significantly in writing quality. It kind of reminds me of Kevin Smith's Black Cat project: brilliant first half, then a delay, then a second act that takes a nose-dive. Granted, the end of Civil War is still better than the end of Evil that Men Do, but if you've read both, hopefully you understand what I'm saying.

[thefrogman]

Yeah I agree. The main mini itself wasn't so bad as far as balancing the argument. It was just that most of the tie-ins made Iron Man into a villain. Overall, I liked Civil War, but there were some things I didn't like.
Clor: What was his purpose other than an excuse for McNiven to draw Thor fighting other heroes?
New Thunderbolts: Didn't like it that much. I can't see Tony or Reed going for this willingly. Hell if they needed more numbers, have Tony train a bunch of SHIELD agents in Iron Man armor and give him a small squadran or something.

[rlmarts]

I haven't read any of the Civil War yet. When I get around to ordering the trade, what other related trades would you recommend?
Thanks,
Richard

[DEVILMAN]

I haven't read any of the Civil War yet. When I get around to ordering the trade, what other related trades would you recommend?
Thanks,
Richard

I only read the main Civil War title, Wolverine and Front Line when they originally came out, the other tie-ins I was just going to wait for in TPB.

So far the only trades I've picked up have been Heroes for Hire and X-men. I enjoyed Wolverine and will probably pick up the trade despite the fact that I've already read it. Front Line was pretty boring but it covered a lot of things not in the main title. Heroes for Hire, In my opinion, was a waste of money and time, there were no key plot points and I found it painful to read as well as look at. X-men was enjoyable because it pretty much brought Decimation to a close and had some very nice artwork from artist Yanick Paquette, but it had very little to do with Civil War. It's only actually worth picking up if you've read House of M and Decimation.

[The Guvnor]

I haven't read any of the Civil War yet. When I get around to ordering the trade, what other related trades would you recommend?
Thanks,
Richard

I'd recommend picking up the Iron Man trade as it contains issues that show a more positive view of the the Pro-Reg and it also presents Tony Stark in a less evil way. Although not strictly related to Civil War, I would also recommend Civil War: Peter Parker as it shows how his decision reflects the supporting cast members of his life like one of his former school children and his wife. Amazing Spider-man was probably the most essential tie-in but although I didn't pick it up, it looked pretty decent. Frontline was so-so, pick it up if you have the spare cash as it comes in two volumes. I'd probably just about give the Fantastic Four one a miss as it contradicts some of the events that happen during Civil War. But if it is read on its own then it is decent enough.

Hope this helps and hope you enjoy Civil War.

[Skully]

Well if you want Essential tie-ins, I'd say Wolverine (only to explain the reasons behind Stamford in Issue 1, plus it's a really good Wolvie action story) and Amazing Spider-Man (since it ellaborates alot more on Spidey's choices in the core series).

Everything else? Well, not really. I've read the Road to Civil War, Frontline Book 1, Thunderbolts and X-Men TPBs as well as the Cable & Deadpool tie-in, none of which don't seem to be "can't miss" material.

Road sets the series up entirely, sure, but the Thor's Hammer issues which DON'T EVEN GET FOLLOWED UP ON in Civil War takes the mick abit. X-Men had a decent fight and cool use of powers from Bishop and Cyclops but wasn't really part of CW at all apart from the first and last issue meetings with Iron Man.

I really don't know what to think of Frontline. I liked how the "Speedball in Prison" and the Atlantis Sleeper agents arcs went on, but I really didn't get the Sally/Ben recap-interpretation parts of the TPB. I mean, there was no point except to make Iron Man look like a dick (which he shouldn't as the book is meant to give balanced opinions of both sides). Also, the structure of Frontline got on my wick, with it being organised issue-wise rather than story.

The Thunderbolts book I liked alot, but I am a fan of the series already. At this point in time, I think alot of people would struggle to get into 'Bolts due to the minority known characters, if they never read it before. Plus, the all-new, all-A list team would probably appeal more to majority of readers.

Cable & Deadpool? Well it is quite fun. I read this in TPB as well as 'Bolts and they're written by the same writer. Their Tie-in can be found in C&D Book 6 "Paved with Good Intentions." It represents the comedy and most serious side of CW politics in play. A standout moment is when DP drops the yellow text to actually speak to Cable SERIOUSLY, to put him in his place regarding his position in the debate. More good moments include DP vs. the GLA, DP vs. Daredevil and duck tape, LOTS of duck tape. Not essential at all, but possibly the most fun out of all the tie-ins.

There's also She Hulk 8 in Volume 4, which name escapes me right now, and X-Factor 8&9 in their Second Volume of the current series. However, I think both are being reprinted again - She Hulk as part of CW: Marvel Universe and Factor, along with the C&D issues, in CW: X-Men Universe.

[deworde]

The Thunderbolts book I liked alot, but I am a fan of the series already. At this point in time, I think alot of people would struggle to get into 'Bolts due to the minority known characters, if they never read it before. Plus, the all-new, all-A list team would probably appeal more to majority of readers.
I'm hoping that we get a complete reprint of Bolts. I just picked up "Justice like Lightning", which contains the first 4 issues, plus 4 side issues.
A complete reprint would probably bring those of us who are having trouble getting interested in it up to speed.

[tymax1022]

I have two questions, I apologize if they have been asked already, but:

1) What was up with the Watcher? The last time you see him is after Clor kills Bill Foster...

2) And if Iron Fist was wearing Daredevil's costume, why was his hair red? Or was it Matt?

Other than that I enjoyed the whole series.

[deworde]

I have two questions, I apologize if they have been asked already, but:

1) What was up with the Watcher? The last time you see him is after Clor kills Bill Foster...

2) And if Iron Fist was wearing Daredevil's costume, why was his hair red? Or was it Matt?

Other than that I enjoyed the whole series.

1) The Watcher turns up at major events. It's a little tag saying "This Matters". He didn't turn up at Cap's surrender/death because he probably thought a 20 foot tall Bald Guy with glowing eyes would be a bit tactless.

2) Probably a screwup, but noprizeable by saying that IF was trying to disguise himself more, as he's the head of Randcorp, and probably a well known public figure. Sort of like Herc's glasses and Cap's cute little 'tache. Note that he doesn't appear to be blind. Actually, Cable and Deadpool deals with this one, when he's fighting Daredevil.

[The Foreigne]

I have two questions, I apologize if they have been asked already, but:

1) What was up with the Watcher? The last time you see him is after Clor kills Bill Foster...

2) And if Iron Fist was wearing Daredevil's costume, why was his hair red? Or was it Matt?

Other than that I enjoyed the whole series.

1) He shows up again to talk to Dr. Strange in issue 6.

2) They were wearing disguises.

[Skully]

I'm hoping that we get a complete reprint of Bolts. I just picked up "Justice like Lightning", which contains the first 4 issues, plus 4 side issues.
A complete reprint would probably bring those of us who are having trouble getting interested in it up to speed.
All since the rebooted issues have been collected into 3 "New Thunderbolts" TPB including the 100th issue. The CW one does include 2 issues between the 100th issue and the start of the tie-in. The Second Avengers/Thunderbolts arc is still in print so it is pretty much up-to-date.

But yeah, they need to get going on an Essential Thunderbolts or summat. I wants me some early Bolt action.

[FatFreeMilk]

Time to sell my originals and get the trade, but most people have copies - so maby I'd never be able top get rid of them :(

[Dr. Slim]

This series looks very strange in retrospect. For all the fuss that has been kicked up about the unfair portrayal of the Pro-Reg side, it strikes me that none of the villification heaped onto Iron Man has really captured the deep creepiness of the way things work after the final battle wraps up. The revamped Thunderbolts perhaps comes the closest as it shows working class heroes possessed by a stubborn stupid nobility run up against a pack of corporate decadents. It's a liberal nightmare about the military state crossed with a conservative nightmare about the funny-looking kids with cameras...bad touch for all.

That, and most of the major story beats in Civil War are continuity shake-ups rather than internally motivated dramatic events. Thor comes back (sort of), the Punisher shows up, SHIELD hires a pack of super-criminals, Spidey unmasks, the Four split...this is an editorial mandate disguised as a plot (not unusual for a big crossover), and one only need look at Ultimates 2 to see Millar more captivatingly handle heroic motives enter conflict in ambiguous political territory. Reading the whole thing at a stretch is less exciting than recieving it as a glowing monthly billboard for the rest of the line.