A Civil War #7 Cover
© Marvel
Civil War and the Road Ahead
By: Kurt AmackerDate: Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Greetings Maniacs, and welcome to another calamitous Comicscape adventure, where we crack wise about comics and I insult movies everyone else likes. Last week’s admittedly merciless review of Ghost Rider garnered very little mail – not really enough to run a letters column, unfortunately. But, something else happened last week besides a B-level comic adaptation destroying the competition at the box office two weeks in a row – Civil War finally ended. There are huge spoilers ahead for Civil War, so consider yourselves warned.
With the release of issue #7 last week, the event – or at least the titular fight – has concluded. Granted, another issue of Civil War: Frontline should arrive today. And, an uncontrollable milieu of follow-up books will populate the racks for weeks to come. But, the war is over. Contrary to expectations, those in favor of the Superhuman Registration Act won. With no mutual resolution or grand reveal of secret super-villain machinations, Captain America spared Tony Stark’s life and surrendered after a bunch of cops and EMT’s tackled him. He realized that, above all, he serves the people – the very ones that overwhelmingly supported the passage of the SRA. Before we dive in – next week, send me your thoughts on Civil War. E-mail me at comicscape@mania.com or kurtamacker@yahoo.com. If I get enough responses, I’ll run a letters column.
Readers should probably remember Civil War more for its ramifications than the story itself. I liked the miniseries well enough. But, continuity gaffs, delays, and a bunch of other mitigating factors soured the whole event for some readers. Some just didn’t like Millar’s versions of so many Marvel heroes. Those depictions sat better with me than most, but I found the story a bit underwhelming for a super-mega-can’t-miss crossover. Still, I didn’t finish the series as I did House of M, with a single burning thought at the front of my mind: “Sell!” Most readers saw Civil War as a political allegory for the current state of the country, tagging the anti-registration side as representative of the political left in America via its disdain for government regulation of personal behavior. Whether one considers that an accurate representation of left-wing politics remains open to debate, but many readers framed it that way. Similarly, they framed the pro-registration side as representative of, as they see it, the neoconservative agenda to sacrifice civil liberties for security. My earlier disclaimer still stands – I only mean to report how other readers saw it. And, to his credit, Mark Millar subverted everyone’s expectations. Millar has admitted to his own leftist political leanings in the past. While those beliefs occasionally and didactically bleed through, the writer has also proven adept at assuming other points of view. The Ultimates features a militant government superhero team quite willing to commit police actions on foreign soil – not exactly a bunch of dope-smoking, antiwar college professors. But, my real interest in Civil War lies less in its politics than its implications. Millar wrote the only logical ending to a story that arguably undermines the suspension of disbelief most superhero comics have always depended upon.
For the most part, I enjoyed Civil War. I understand the litany of complaints levied against it with regards to continuity and the future it has set in motion for the Marvel Universe. I also acknowledge the thorny and sometimes confused political themes therein. Millar explained his intentions at Newsarama earlier this week. He cited the obvious pragmatic benefits of superhero registration, while acknowledging that those in favor of it acted in extremis because, well, it’s war. He also largely disengaged himself from any political posturing, stating that the event settles on a big, fun superhero fight. Any political interpretations fall to the reader. I don’t really buy that. The series constantly engages the reader on issues of freedom versus accountability. But, despite Millar’s leftist leanings, I think he realized that even he couldn’t justify allowing a bunch of costumed vigilantes to continue to operate while answerable to no one.
Some readers have claimed that the SRA intentionally echoes the Nazi’s forcing Jews to identify and register themselves. Other fascist regimes have employed the same tactic to monitor their designated undesirables. Thus, the pro-registration side’s victory surprises them. But, one’s ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation doesn’t imbue one with godlike powers including, but not limited to, flying, enhanced strength, and firing optical lasers. In the real world, such individuals could constitute an undeniable danger to society. But, of course, the Marvel Universe isn’t real. Here’s the problem, though: the Marvel Universe has always maintained one foot in the real world. The stories take place in New York, not Gotham City. The heroes work day jobs and experience family problems. They can drink too much, struggle with depression, and struggle to balance regular responsibilities with vigilanteism. I realize a few of you will cite examples from DC titles to counter that generalization, but Marvel first distinguished itself with its remarkably human heroes. And, over the years, the Marvel Universe has emphasized increasing realism. Granted, it still exists in a fantasy world, but the tendency has leaned towards more reasonable responses on the part of the players. We can find a bunch of exceptions and Marvel has yet to embrace a hard-line “real world” approach, but it has certainly moved away from the comparably lighthearted, innocent stories of the 1960s. People die (and come back), including innocent bystanders, as the Stamford incident showed.
This presents an inescapable continuity issue. In the past, Marvel heroes could fight super-villains and, for the most part, neither readers nor characters worried about property damage or civilians caught in the milieu. But, as comic readers age, they find difficulty accepting those great leaps of faith and suspensions of disbelief necessary for these stories. The Marvel Universe occurs in a fantasy world where, for whatever unexplained circumstantial reasons, those consequences one would normally associate with vigilanteism usually don’t apply. The NYPD has never shot Spider-Man. But, I’ve grown up a bit since my uncle first gave me that box of Bronze Age Marvel back issues. Now, I really can’t believe that the Hulk has never accidentally killed anyone. I don’t care if Brian Michael Bendis established that canonically in The Illuminati. I can suspend disbelief, but I can also call bullsh-t. Marvel and Mark Millar know my pain, because Civil War stands as the logical answer to a question that most readers don’t want to ask.
Superhero comics rely on suspension of disbelief. Without that, the basic costumed vigilante myth requires updating to the point of rendering it unrecognizable. Ultimates serves as a good example. But, Marvel realizes that the ability to believe that costumed vigilantes can operate unfettered erodes with age. We will keep asking why things like Stamford don’t happen in a world full of human weapons. If Marvel hadn’t answered that question in Civil War, it would’ve run the risk of losing readers that simply can’t accept childhood fantasies about beating up bad guys at face value. It might lose some angry readers unwilling to accept this new realism, but it secures future readers that want the Marvel Universe to grow with them.
Characters and continuity always change with the times. Arguing about “true” versions usually accomplishes nothing, because even ignoring the inescapable evolution of the medium, Marvel has recklessly disregarded its own history for years. I doubt they can even avoid that, given the years of stories and thousands of pages. Arguably, the original creators and editors penned the most authentic versions of those continuities and characters. By that logic, other writers’ stories are apocryphal, if officially canonical. By all rights, the landmark story of Tony Stark’s fight with alcoholism hardly constitutes a “true” version. The original character created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Jack Kirby and Don Heck had, to my knowledge, no such problem. Please, then, let’s drop the argument that Millar has written so many heroes out of character. His constitutes one interpretation of many written over the years. This new vision of the Marvel Universe will satisfy many older readers’ concerns about authenticity and the responsibility that must come with super-powers.
With Civil War, Mark Millar and Marvel answered a question many readers didn’t want to ask – how superheroes can operate with impunity and without hurting anyone. We suspended disbelief for years, but Marvel finally decided to take the kid gloves off and ask how the real world might, theoretically, allow superheroes to operate – that is, licensed, registered, trained, and accountable. In that regard, I applaud Marvel for exploring the logical implications of their own universe. Now, let’s just hope they follow through. This is one genie that can’t return to the bottle with its credibility in tact.
The Spinner Rack
By Ben Johnson and Kurt Amacker
Ben: Hi, I’m Ben and I’m not very funny. Case in point: Civil War came to an end last week so there are only 47 aftermath issues shipping this Wednesday. That’s as good as it gets.
Al: This is the guy you got to replace me? Must have been a pretty shallow pool.
Everyone who didn’t get picked: This is the guy that is funnier than me? I’m going to go drink some Kool-Aid.
Kurt: After this, I intend to take up alcoholism.
DARK HORSE COMICS
Ben: Remember when Dark Horse published Comics? I miss the days of seventeen weekly issues about Aliens, Predator and Robocop. Actually, on second thought, maybe they should stick to statues.
City Of Others #1 (of 4) $2.99
Ben: I am so sick of Lost tie-ins.
Classic Peanuts Character #3 Linus Statue $39.95
Classic Peanuts Character #4 Schroeder Statue $39.95
Ben: I’m holding out for that little girl with the glasses that always called Peppermint Patty “Sir”.
Kurt: Her name was Marcy. Haven’t you heard of Wikipedia? It knows everything.
Conan & The Midnight God #2 (of 5) $2.99
Emily The Strange Bad Luck Candle Black (RES) $9.99
Emily The Strange Heartbreak Candle Red (RES) $9.99
Emily The Strange Protection Candle White (RES) $9.99
Emily The Strange St Emily Candle Black (RES) $9.99
Ben: Spend $10 on anyone of these magic candles and prove that your life has been cursed with stupidity.
Kurt: That, or prove that you’re married to a Goth girl. I know what you’re going to say next, so just remember what your mother told you about not having anything nice to say.
Hellboy Animated Sculpted Magnet Right Hand Of Doom $7.99
Mary Jane Vinyl Figure $17.99
Ben: The first 500 are signed by Cyprus Hill front man B-Real.
Kurt: Actually, the first 500 were shredded and smoked by B-Real.
Oh My Goddess Vol 25 Rtl TP $10.95
Path Of The Assassin Vol 5 TP (MR) $9.95
Samurai Heaven & Earth Vol 2 #3 (of 5) $2.99
Ben: I think I might be the only person reading this, but it is really good stuff.
Shaman Warrior Vol 2 TP $12.95
Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic #14 $2.99
DC COMICS
100 Bullets #81 (MR) $2.99
52 Week #43 $2.50
Ben: The countdown to WWIII begins in earnest.
Kurt: You know, I’d cry foul if 52 wasn’t so good.
Action Comics #846 $2.99
Kurt: Wow, it’s been a while. Richard Donner and Geoff Johns are back in the game.
American Virgin #12 (MR) $2.99
Ben: Talk about not living up to potential.
Kurt: Oh, come on! Are you going to keep up the fine Al Brown tradition of hating this book? What gives?
Batman Confidential #3 $2.99
Blue Beetle #12 $2.99
Cartoon Network Block Party #30 $2.25
Connor Hawke Dragons Blood #4 (of 6) $2.99
Ben: Pointless mini-series like this make me want to party like it’s 1994. It just needs a little foil to make it perfect.
Kurt: Is it just me, or are most miniseries pretty pointless?
Crossing Midnight #4 (MR) $2.99
Deadman #7 (MR) $2.99
Ben: This makes me want to die.
Empty Empire Vol 3 $9.99
Kurt: Following the destruction of the Death Star by Lando Calrissian.
Exterminators #14 (MR) $2.99
Ben: Only the Vertigo imprint could make something like this not suck.
Firestorm The Nuclear Man #33 $2.99
Firestorm The Nuclear Man Reborn TP $14.99
Ben: To bad this isn’t Vertigo.
Flash The Fastest Man Alive #9 $2.99
Ben: Bart Allen as Impulse – great. Bart Allen as Kid Flash – okay. Bart Allen as Flash – open a vein.
Green Lantern #17 $2.99
Hawkgirl #61 $2.99
Jack Of Fables #8 (MR) $2.99
Jack Of Fables Vol 1 Nearly Great Escape TP (MR) $14.99
Ben: I really wanted to like this, but no dice.
JLA Classified #35 $2.99
JSA Classified #23 $2.99
Justice #10 (of 12) $3.50
Ben: A time capsule from 1817 was recently unearthed that contained George Washington’s teeth, Benjamin Franklin’s kite and the first issue of this mini-series.
Kurt: Was the first issue of Daredevil: Target in there with them?
Ninja Scroll #6 $2.99
Ben: Is this any good?
Showcase Presents Green Lantern Vol 2 TP $16.99
Supergirl And The Legion Of Super Heroes #27 $2.99
Ben: Paris Hilton tries to find her way back to her own time.
Her Own Time: Please, for f—k’s sake, keep her.
Superman Batman Ser 3 Armored Lex Luthor Af PI
Ben: 3.14159265358979323846264338327
Superman Batman Ser 3 Future Superman Af PI
Ben: 3.14159265358979323846264338327
Superman Batman Ser 3 Hawkman Af PI
Ben: 3.14159265358979323846264338327
Superman Batman Ser 3 Nightwing Af PI
Ben: 3.14159265358979323846264338327
Superman Batman Ser 3 Steel/natasha Irons Af PI
Ben: Some one call Maximillian Cohen.
Kurt: Either you know that we beat that pi joke into the ground a year ago and you’re just trying to annoy me, or you’re really new to the column. Either way, I should totally fire you.
Teen Titans Go #40 $2.25
Ben: Away!!!
Kurt: All right, you’ve redeemed yourself. Your future here is secure.
Wetworks #6 $2.99
Ben: Do you remember jumping around with anticipation waiting for this to finally come out when it was first released? I’m suing Wildstorm for those moments back.
Kurt: If Wildstorm can return lost time, then they can safely get out of the comics business and make more money elsewhere.
Young Magician Vol 7 (MR) $9.99
Ben: If you’re up to volume seven you should at least be Young-Adult Magician.
IMAGE COMICS
Blood Nation #1 (of 4) $2.99
Ben: What you become if you stand between the U.S. and oil.
Kurt: Here we go. Let the comment section erupt.
Darkness Level 2 Keown CVR C #2 $2.99
Darkness Level 2 Kirkham CVR B #2 $2.99
Darkness Level 2 Sejic Painted CVR A #2 $2.99
Fear Agent #11 $2.99
Ben: I love this comic!
Freshmen Vol 2 Conrad CVR B #3 $2.99
Freshmen Vol 2 Green CVR A #3 $2.99
Freshmen Vol 2 Migliari CVR C #3 $2.99
Ben: The book that defines ‘Meh’, now in three covers!!
Jack Staff #13 $3.50
Noble Causes #27 $3.50
Strange Girl #14 $3.50
True Story Swear To God Image ED #4 $2.99
Walking Dead #35 (MR) $2.99
Ben: I hate this comic. 30 seconds of story, a cliffhanger and then a month of waiting. Rinse and repeat. Get to the point Kirkman!
Kurt: Dude, you did not just…man, I’m going to kill you with my bare hands if you ever leave Alaska. This book rules.
Watchdogs Vol 1 GN $11.99
MARVEL COMICS
Annihilation Heralds Of Galactus $3.99
Ben: I hate mega-event follow ups, but when your mega-event rocks I’ll pony up my $3.99 like a good little fan boy.
Black Panther #25 $2.99
Civil War Front Line #11 (of 11) $2.99
Ben: The big reveal. Tony Stark is an asshole.
Kurt: Not just an asshole, but a rich asshole that directs S.H.I.E.L.D.
Daredevil #94 $2.99
Kurt: I really like that Marvel allowed Murdock to remain unmasked for so long, and I’m equally annoyed that they found a way to can the whole idea. Dorks.
Doctor Strange Oath #5 (of 5) $2.99
Ben: Is this the first time Strange has ever been done right?
Kurt: I’m not going to go that far, but this is pretty damn good – at least what I’ve read of it, thus far.
Essential Peter Parker Spectacular Spider-Man Vol 3 TP $16.99
Ben: I give Marvel a lot of crap, but the Essential line is super sweet.
Kurt: My wife cries a lot around Halloween when Marvel releases Essential volumes of their old Bronze Age horror titles.
Eternals #7 (of 7) $3.99
Ben: I hope they go somewhere with this after the mini wraps up.
Kurt: I know what I’m doing this weekend.
Eternals Romita Jr Var #7 (of 7) $3.99
Exiles Vol 14 New Exiles TP $14.99
Ben: What, no premiere hardcover?
Heroes For Hire #7 $2.99
Immortal Iron Fist 2nd Ptg Foreman Var #2 $2.99
Iron Man #15 $2.99
Marvel 1602 Fantastick Four #5 (of 5) $3.50
Kurt: Seriously, is anyone reading this?
Marvel Adventures Avengers Vol 2 Mischief Digest TP $6.99
Ben: Saying you enjoy the Marvel Adventures line is kinda like being that guy who admits he likes pink – everyone says it’s okay, but you still wonder about him. I really enjoy this line.
Kurt: As long as you don’t force your love of Marvel Adventures on me and keep it in the bedroom, I’m okay with your choice.
New Avengers Vol 5 Civil War Premiere HC $19.99
New Excalibur #17 $2.99
Newuniversal 2nd Ptg Ribic Var #2 (PP #751) $2.99
Ben: Has anyone else noticed that every main character looks suspiciously like a famous actor. Justice is Bruce Willis. Star Brand is Sawyer from Lost. Just check it out.
Kurt: I love this glut of Warren Ellis books we’ve been treated to lately.
Runaways #24 $2.99
Ben: I can’t help reading this without seeing a big black cloud on the horizon. A big black Whedon cloud.
Kurt: God, you’re throwing out raw meat and hoping I’ll jump on it, aren’t you? Okay, I’m not thrilled that Whedon is on this title. However, he’s using the Punisher as a guest star in a few issues, his run is only six issues, and some mega-writer is supposed to take over afterwards. All things considered, I’m going to keep reading.
Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane #15 $2.99
Spider-woman Origin TP $13.99
Stan Lee Meets HC $24.99
Ben: I hope he tells Hard Cover that he is overused and that we don’t need him for every trade released.
Wisdom #3 (of 6) (MR) $3.99
Wolverine #51 $2.99
Ben: This time a reeeeeeally big secret about Wolverine and Sabretooth’s past will be revealed and we promise not to retcon it for at least three issues.
Wolverine Black And White Var #51 (PP #749) $2.99
Wonder Man #3 (of 5) $2.99
Ben: I’d love to see the sales numbers on this one.
X-Factor #16 $2.99
X-Men #196 $2.99
Kurt: I wonder if #198 will be a special-super-mega-polybagged extravaganza. We can only hope.
Well, that was my initial reaction. I am not fond of the Tony Stark portrayed at the end of Civil War, but I guess I'd be pretty smug if I was right and Captain America was wrong. Kind of like i get when I beat my girlfriend in a fight (since it happens so little)