With just over half the issues already having hit the market, Marvel’s “Civil War” event is picking up steam. Word is getting out about the massive bombshells being dropped on Marvel’s Readers. Many borderline comic book fans or fans of superheroes in general may be wondering these days about whether or not it’s worth their while to jump in late. While the answer to this question is almost invariably “yes” we’ll take a closer look at what is happening in Civil War.
As the story opens, B-list super group, The New Warriors, are filming an episode of their reality T.V. show. Pressed for ratings they attack a group of super villains that are by all accounts out of their league. When attacked, one of these villains, Nitro, employs his self-detonation ability, obliterating much of the town of Stamford, including a school. All of this is caught on film. Casualties are extensive.
As a result of these events much of the public believes that reform is needed. In Washington the decision is made to force all persons possessing super powers to register with the government and become paid agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (a sort of super police.) Needless to say this garners mixed reactions from the super community.
Heroes like Iron Man see this as the natural evolution of super humans in our society. Others like Captain America see this as an assault on their civil liberties. Thus a rift is formed, and the battle begins.
Captain America– In past times, Captain America was the embodiment of the American spirit, a symbol for the government. This was not going to change just because of the registration act. However, when higher-ups in military command order Cap to fight against his caped colleagues he goes underground, forming a resistance to combat the new laws. While cap is fighting against the registration laws he also understands that public faith in heroes is fading so he is rounding up super villains and criminals by the dozens in an attempt to win back their respect.
Iron Man– As stated before, Iron Man believes the registration act to be a societal evolution and joins up with S.H.I.E.L.D. to help hunt down the remaining fugitives banding together under Cap’s banner. To show his support for the act, Iron Man unmasks himself on live television, revealing all (even that he is an alcoholic!)
The Fantastic Four– Reed Richards is perhaps the most ardent supporter of the registration act. While much of what he thinks and does is kept to himself, it seems Mr. Fantastic is actually excited about the war because of the scientific options it allows him, such as experiments the government has green-lighted. Johnny Storm, The Human Torch, was attacked by civilians at a night club after the Stamford incident. The attack left him in a coma and is only now waking up and appears to be siding with Captain America’s renegades.
Susan Richards, The Invisible Woman, never saw eye to eye with her husband on the registration issue, but stayed with him to be supportive. However, recent events have upset her enough that she may switch sides. Ben Grimm, The Thing, appears to be following no one. He is caught in the middle and does not want to hurt anyone. He was quoted as saying he was going to leave the country to avoid the conflict, but was also seen fighting with Iron Man’s pro-registration army.
Spiderman– He is the most conflicted character of the entire series. Initially convinced by Iron Man to join the Pro-registration side, Spiderman was convinced to unmask himself, and reveal his identity to the world (causing his loud mouthed editor at the Daily Bugle to pass out to comedic effect.) Over the past months, however, it appears that Peter is regretting this decision and is beginning to see the ramifications of his enemies knowing his identity. This coupled with his newfound hatred of Iron Man and a tremendous respect for Captain America could see Peter Parker switching sides.
Thor– Absent from the Marvel Universe for quite some time, Thor returns in civil war. Returns, and kicks some serious gluteus I might add. In the first major battle, Thor appears and fights alongside the Pro-reg forces. Although later it is shown that he is not in fact the real Thor, but a clone created by Reed Richards. While it would be easy to write him off as an imposter, none of Thor’s power is absent in this replica. What’s more, it appears that Reed has the capabilities to make more of these clones of many if not all the super humans known to the world.
Hulk– Hulk as yet has not taken part in Civil War, due mostly to the fact that just before the conflict began he was shuttled off world, to a far away planet. Although it is possible Hulk could return, his off world story arc doesn’t end for several months, so were he to take part in Civil War, it would not be until the end of the series.
Daredevil– Daredevil is the type of hero that has the most to lose from a reform such as the registration act. He works close to the streets and is involved on a personal level with the people he is saving on a daily basis. Were he to sign up with the government it is likely they would take that from him and assign him elsewhere. Because of this Daredevil is anti-reg to the core and fully supports Cap’s plans and ideals.
Young Avengers– The young guns really never had much of an interest in the politics of it all, they just wanted to fight villains rather than other heroes. Caught by S.H.I.E.L.D. trying to break up a robbery, the Young Avengers are rescued by Captain America and The Falcon and afterwards owed their allegiance and joined the resistance.
Wolverine– Wolverine has taken personal offense to the events in Stamford and is greatly upset that no one seems particularly interested in catching Nitro and making him pay for his crimes. Wolvie takes this responsibility onto himself and sets out looking for Nitro. After catching him and beating him extensively Namor appears and steal Nitro to Atlantis where Wolverine follows closely behind
The X-Men– The Children of the Atom have chosen, more or less, a stance of neutrality. The X-Men, now headed by Emma Frost have no wish to endanger further, the increasingly few in number, 198 mutants left on the planet. However, when the 198 escape, the X-men have to chose, whether to let Iron Man hunt them down, or to try to capture them first and in effect join Cap’s crusade against Iron Man.
