I loved Mark Millar’s Civil War series in 2006–2007 with art by Steven
McNiven. It had everything you would want in a cross over superhero comic
extravaganza. Civil War follows the implementation and consequences of the
Superhuman Registration Act, a legislative bill that requires the mandatory
registration of any person based in the United States with super powers. The act
arose due to public pressure for accountability following a series of
superhuman-related events causing significant damage and death within the Marvel
universe.
Tony Stark, the superhero Iron Man, who had previously tried to halt the act,
became the pro-registration figurehead, and Captain America led the
anti-registration group. They both believed they were on the right side and
before it was over the prospect of registration divided the superhuman community
down the middle. At the end of the series with the last battle civilians began
to hold Steve Rogers back and curse him for starting the war that caused so much
destruction and bloodshed, which led to him realize that he failed to prove his
point and Cap surrended himself.
Two weeks later, the Fifty State Initiative was launched and the Mighty
Avengers assembled as a team. Tony Stark was appointed Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.,
and Maria Hill was demoted to deputy status. Some heroes moved to Canada, while
some stayed underground including the New Avengers. Many of the Secret Avengers
were given amnesty by the government, while Captain America was placed in jail.
Later Rogers was assassinated within his own comic series. It really changed the
Marvel universe.
SPOILERS: Now with Civil War II written by Brian Michael Bendis and art by David Marquez I really did not think they could match or improve on the story and art of the original series. I just finished reading Marvel Civil War II #3 and I must say it was a great read and the art by Marquez was excellent. This story was fantastic. Bendis is a good writer and this issue of the story is one of his best I have ever read.
“Carol Danvers, Colonel, United States Air Force” is what Danvers answers to the question asked by Matt Murdock Prosecuting Attorney for the State, “Please state your name for the court”. Through her testimony plus Tony Stark, and Clint Barker (Hawkeye), we ge a clear picture of how Bruce Banner (Hulk) was killed. Yes I said killed. What a surprise that Bendis would write this story. This was done on the premise that Banner was about to change into the Hulk and he would go on a rampage according to the Inhuman Ulysses, who had a vision of the Hulk killing the Avengers.
The testimony of Dr. Henry McCoy is that Banner asked Hawkeve to shoot him to kill with a special tipped arrow if he ever changed into the Hulk again. He showed a video where Banner stated that he asked Hawkeye to kill him. The intrigue of the story and the strange death of Banner plus the fact that people believe that they must act on a vision of the future by Ulysses is an amazing story.
The story reminds me of the Tom Cruise movie “Minority Report” in the year 2054, where “PreCrime”, a specialized police department, apprehends criminals based on foreknowledge provided by three psychics called “precogs”. John Anderton (Tom Cruise) finds the system is flawed because it is run by humans, as the movie reveals and humans have their own agenda or reason to interpret what is seen. Perhaps that is the direction Bendis will go with the story arc.
The panels are brilliantly put together to enhance the story telling and let you feel like your there watching it unfold. I am excited to read more of the continuing series and the surprises that lay ahead. I recommend this series and this issue for your collection. An example of how a comic should be laid out. Stay tuned comic faithful for more. 🙂 Walt