Customer Reviews

Civil War

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was having difficulty deciphering the difference between the white hardcover copy of Civil War and the black softcover copy, as I couldn't seem to find anything mentioned concerning the additional 200-something pages in the former. Hopefully this will help the few that are encountering the same problem: The former is an extended edition of the collection of books #1-7, containing insight into the process of the story's creation by the artists and storytellers; very interesting if you are keen on the work's production, not that necessary if you just want to read the comic.

This book includes the 7 main comics of the big Marvel crossover event of 2006. The civil war in question is regarding a split in the superhero community after the USA decide to force all their superhumans to register and be regulated: giving out their secret identities to the authorities and working for them as paid employees after a tragedy in a school occurs. In a way, becoming accountable super-cops. The registration concept is interesting and has been explored before in comics but never with such ramifications and consequences in a popular comic book universe involving pop culture icons. I think the story is relatively easy to follow even for people who haven't read any Marvels for a while despite the large cast but those more familiar will get more out of it.

Both sides of the issue are well represented but not very deeply, drawing parallels to real life politics after 9/11 (security vs privacy, government control vs civil liberties). What's interesting is seeing which side the heroes will choose and how it breaks long-time friendships. The script feels very modern and mature although it has its share of action and big dramatic moments. If you're a fan of Iron-Man, Captain America or Spider-Man, very important things happen to them and it makes Civil War a must read. The art by McNiven is quite beautiful especially the costumes and the faces. The computer coloring is astounding and the gradations make everything look more realistic and almost 3-dimensional. It's not the best company-wide epic I've seen but it's well worth reading if you have any interest whatsoever in Marvel super-heroes (X-Men are minimally involved btw) in an event that still has consequences today. As for all the other Civil War trade paperbacks, most of them are superfluous and so you should pick and choose according to reviews and favorite characters if you want to delve further. The Iron Man and Amazing Spider-Man trades are great especially from a psychological point of view but should be read after Civil War.

3 1/2 rating

This is a fabulous read! Especially if you enjoyed the genre and Marvel comics!

I enjoyed it. I don't read comic books ever but I felt compelled to pick up this one and wasn't let down. Great art, good plot and it kept my interest the whole time as I read.

From various bits of media I gathered that the idea of this book was to present a new, relevant and controversial issue within the marvel universe where the people involved would be force to make a difficult choice.

The 'new' issue was the "Superhuman Registration Act" which forced people with superhuman powers (or technology) to register themselves with the government. However this has been done to death in the Marvel Universe with the 'Mutant Registration Act'

As for controversial well it may actually *be* a controversial issue amongst comic fans but the book hardly gives anything more than a flimsy argument *against* it. Even someone without formal education in critical thinking can see the problems with the arguments presented.

Relevant? Well only in the worst sort of way. You could look at this as some kind of parable about the 'Patriot Act' and other silly legislation but it's kind of artless to talk about a piece of legislation in terms of another piece of fictional legislation (unless you are in fear of reprisal - How bad *IS* it in the US?).

Combine all of that with and ending that was simply stupid. What do you get? Nothing worth paying for. Save yourself some money and check out:

http://the-isb.blogspot.com/2007/02/civil-war-in-30-seconds.html