Most readers know the premise regarding the Hero Registration Act. After the New Warriors botch a raid on their reality television show, Nitro (super-villain, blows up) detonates himself and takes both the heroes and several school children with him. A public backlash against costumed vigilantes ensues, culminating in a proposed act of Congress that would require all heroes to reveal themselves to the government and become freelance agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (with pay and benefits, no less). Needless to say, the heroes of the Marvel Universe split down the middle -- one side in opposition, led by the now-rogue Captain America, and the other side in favor, led by Tony Stark, Reed Richards, and Hank Pym.
Mark Millar wastes no time drawing the lines and paralleling the opposing ideologies that characterize the real-life culture war so exaggeratedly portrayed by the media -- liberals versus conservatives, rights versus security, the new versus the old. While Millar has crafted a timely and political story, he does so intending to give equal airtime to both sides. He's already does this quite well in ULTIMATES which, like EX MACHINA and now CIVIL WAR, offers a political story not intended to shame those not in complete agreement with the writer. And, even if you hate politics in comics, this first issue grabs the reader with palpable tension and unrelenting action. It feels like the opening act to a fantastic movie or television miniseries. By the end of this first issue, you know the sh-t's going to hit the fan, and you just can't wait.
Steve McNiven has drawn easily the best looking Marvel title in years. I don't make such a bold statement lightly. His iconic, yet human characters burst with life, complimented perfectly by Dexter Vines's detailed inking and Morry Hollowell's rich, vibrant coloring. To be honest, it's almost perfect.
I usually don't like crossovers. I usually complain. But with CIVIL WAR, Marvel has attached one of its best writers and begun a story that promises to make lasting changes. I don't think we'll be disappointed by this one.
Questions? Comments? Let us know what you think at comicscape@cinescape.com.
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