Marvel Civil War: Whose Side Are You On?

Civil War: A Marvel Comics Event
by Mark Miller, Steve McNiven, Dexter Vines, and Morry Hollowell

Why did I read it?

So that same brother that told me about The New 52 Justice League? He also loves him some Avengers, Captain America and Iron Man, so he's been chatting about Marvel Civil War for a while. Once again, I couldn't help but add it to our Teen section.

What happened?

Everybody and their mother has their own reality TV show, so why shouldn't super heroes? Young heroes do battle with villains and capture petty criminals for the thrill of the TV watching populace. But, when a chance at higher ratings winds up destroying an entire city block, people aren't amused anymore.

This flagrant disregard for a citizen's safety brings up the age-old question of super hero registration. Iron Man, SHIELD, and the United States Government are tired of heroes running around without any accountability or training. Heroes are therefore required to register with SHIELD, or hang up the tights.

Obviously, this doesn't sit well with some heroes. Secret identities help protect their already shaky personal lives. Captain America is asked to hunt down heroes who won't comply, but instead, he agrees with them and starts a resistance movement for freedom. Soon teams are torn apart, alliances are broken, and families are split right down the center. Whose side are you on?

What did I like or not like?

The idea of heroes fighting heroes isn't new. There have been plenty of crossover comics. But, the idea that the entire Marvel universe is in a state of Civil War is way too cool to pass up. Whoever your favorite hero is, they most likely wind up on one side or the other, and you'll probably get to see them fighting against another hero.

But underneath the action are the ideas of responsibility, loyalty, freedom, and who heroes are actually fighting for.