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Civil War (comics)
Encyclopedia
Civil War is a 2006
-2007
Marvel Comics
crossover
storyline built around a self-titled seven-issue limited series
written by Mark Millar
and penciled by Steve McNiven
, which ran through various other titles published by Marvel at the time. The storyline builds upon the events that developed in previous Marvel crossovers, particularly "Avengers Disassembled
", "House of M
", "Decimation
", and "Secret War
". The tagline
for the series is "Whose Side Are You On?"
. Similar acts have been used as literary devices in Watchmen
, Uncanny X-Men
, DC: The New Frontier
, Powers
, and Astro City
, though never on a scale such as permanently altering an entire pantheon of established pop culture icons. Mark Millar, writer for the story, has said:
The act requires any person in the United States with superhuman abilities to register with the federal government as a "human weapon of mass destruction," reveal their true identity to the authorities, and undergo proper training. Those who sign also have the option of working for S.H.I.E.L.D.
, earning a salary and benefits such as those earned by other American civil servants. Characters within the superhuman community in the Marvel Universe
split into two groups: one advocating the registration as a responsible obligation, and the other opposing the law on the grounds that it violates civil liberties and the protection that secret identities provide. A number of villains have also chosen to take sides, some choosing to side with the registration, others against it. Luke Cage
(previously the second Power Man), an African American
, compared registration to slavery
, and did so to Iron Man
's face. Others compared the act to the norms under which the police and soldiers operate.
The genesis for this idea sprang from conversations between Mark Millar, Brian Michael Bendis
, and Bryan Hitch
. Within the story, the adoption of sides by characters builds into the titular "civil war." Although the series can be read as allegorical commentary in the wake of 9/11
and the Patriot Act
, writer Mark Millar has noted, "The political allegory is only for those that are politically aware. Kids are going to read it and just see a big superhero fight."
Mark Millar described the event as "a story where a guy wrapped in the American flag is in chains as the people swap freedom for security," agreeing that a "certain amount of political allegory" was present, but that the real focus of the book was on superheroes fighting each other. Contrasting it with the Ultimates
, Millar stated that Civil War was "accidentally political because I just cannot help myself."
Millar was also questioned about the perception that, despite Marvel's initial marketing, the two sides were not being presented equally, in that the Pro-Registration group was portrayed as amoral and unsympathetic, while the Anti-Registration group acted irrationally and often escalated the conflict without provocation. He responded by explaining that "it's pretty much Tony's side that gets the better rep all the way through" in the main Civil War book, but that "the tie-in books demonized them a little." Tom Brevoort
wrote extensively about the production of Civil War and, some time after the series was over, posted Millar's initial pitch document.
books including the Civil War: Front Line
miniseries
and tie-in issues of other comics were delayed several months so as not to reveal any plot developments.
In late November, Marvel announced another delay. Civil War #6, originally scheduled for release on December 20, was pushed back two weeks and released on January 4. Unlike the previous instance, only The Punisher War Journal
#2 was delayed. In a final act of rescheduling, Civil War #7 was pushed back two weeks (from January 17 to January 31), and then pushed back again until February 21.
"Secret War
", and the Hulk's
rampage in Las Vegas which resulted in the death of 26 people. When the mutant
population was drastically reduced in the aftermath of M-Day
, itself caused by a mutant, anti-mutant hysteria caused by extremist groups caused a majority of the remaining mutants, known as the 198
, to relocate to the Xavier Institute
, and raised public support for the proposed act.
Public sentiment toward superheroes plummeted after the New Warriors
, a group of young superheroes and the focus of a reality TV show, botched an attempt to apprehend a group of supervillains in a quest for better ratings. In the resulting fight the villain Nitro
used his explosive powers to destroy several city blocks, including an elementary school at the epicenter, resulting in the death of over 600 civilians, 60 of whom were children, with just Speedball of the Warriors and Nitro himself surviving. Although many high-profile superheroes assisted in the relief and rescue effort, there were a number of isolated revenge attacks, and support for registration rose.
The prospect of registration divided the superhuman community down the middle, with Tony Stark
, the superhero Iron Man who had previously tried to halt the act, becoming the pro-registration figurehead, and Captain America
leading the anti-registration group. Iron Man, with Mr. Fantastic
and Henry Pym
, argued that the changing political landscape meant that resisting the law was pointless, and that it is reasonable for heroes to have proper training and oversight, whereas Captain America, alongside Luke Cage
and Falcon
argued that heroes required secrecy in order to protect aspects of their 'normal' life, such as wives and children, and to allow them to act in whatever means necessary against threats which the ordinary emergency services couldn't cope with. Although nominally a U.N. agency, S.H.I.E.L.D.
assumed the brunt of enforcing the act under acting director Maria Hill
.
to publically reveal his identity, a secret the latter had worked hard to maintain. During this time many tie-in titles concerned with the wars impact on the wider Marvel universe were published, including Wolverine
hunting Nitro who had fled the scene at Stamford, the X-Men
under the leadership of Cyclops
declaring the remaining mutants to be officially neutral and the effect the war had on supergroups such as the pro-registration Thunderbolts
and the neutral Runaways
, as well as the reaction of the criminal element, many of whom fled to Canada
.
The conflict escalated when Captain America led the anti-registration heroes, known as the Secret Avengers, into an ambush by the pro-registration forces. However Captain America sucker-punched Iron Man with a miniature device that shuts off Iron Man's armour when shaking his hand in agreement to talk about the situation, leading to a public brawl between the pro and anti-registration forces. During the battle, a clone of Thor
was sent to assist in the arrest of the anti-registration heroes, but instead kills Goliath
by blasting him through his chest. As the pro-registration heroes attempted to control the clone, the Secret Avengers retreated.
In order to contain the superpeople unwilling to register, Iron Man and Mr. Fantastic built a prison in the Negative Zone
, labelled 'Project 42', it being the 42nd idea they had come up with post-Stamford in order to improve the world. Upon finding out that people who did not agree to register would be imprisoned indefinitely, Spider-Man quits the pro-registration side and joins with Captain America's underground movement after a battle with Iron Man. The Punisher
obtains the plans for Project 42 through covertly infiltrating the Baxter Building
, home of the Fantastic Four
.
, having been betrayed by Tigra
. However Hulkling
has used his shape-shifting ability to assume the role of Pym, working alongside Iron Man, and had released the incarcerated heroes, leading to an all-star battle between the two sides.
During the fight Cloak
teleported the battle to the centre of New York City, where the pro-registration forces were joined by the fixed Thor clone and Captain Marvel
, and Namor led an army of Atlanteans to assist the Secret Avengers. As the battle rages around them, Captain America and Iron Man, whose armor had been compromised by the Vision II
, exchange blows. As Captain America is about to deliver the finishing blow, several standard emergancy service personel hold him back, and realising how much damage had been caused by the battle and wishing to avert any more bloodshed, Captain America surrendered.
Two weeks later, the Fifty State Initiative
is launched and the Mighty Avengers assemble as a team. Tony Stark is appointed Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., while Maria Hill is demoted to deputy status. Some heroes move to Canada
, while some stay underground, such as the New Avengers. Many of the Secret Avengers are given amnesty by the government, while Captain America is placed in jail. Captain America is later seemingly fatally shot by Crossbones
and Sharon Carter
(the latter hypnotised by Dr. Faustus
) on the way to the courthouse, leading to the conclusion of the Civil War.
?, a stranger appears in front of Iron Man, who is visiting Captain America’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery
. Tony Stark is told of two diverse ways the Civil War could have concluded:
After that story, the stranger is revealed to be none other than Uatu
, Earth 616's Watcher. Upon learning the truth of this alternate reality, Tony is devastated and weeps for the bright future he helped prevent.
In a special What If: Annihilation
by David Hine
and Mico Suayan, a cosmic war reaches Earth. The heroes unite to neutralize it, and many die in the first clashes. Captain America and Iron Man, after a final reconciliation, sacrifice themselves alongside Nova
to deflect the full Annihilation Wave.
took note of the difficulty in using costumed characters to send messages about real world issues: "When I was a kid, I liked it when Captain America saw a high government official commit suicide. I thought that was way deep, man. But I never go there when thinking about Watergate
. While Millar's Captain America and I may both worry about civil rights...the moment this leads Cap to take out a battalion of Secret Agents to buttress his point, he's kind of lost to me as a potential partner-in-ideology."
According to a scholarly analysis presented at the 2007 Comic-Con International
, this story's conflict is a natural outgrowth of what psychologist Erich Fromm
called the basic human dilemma, the conflicting desires for both security and freedom, and "character motivations on both sides arise from positive human qualities because Fromm’s image of human nature is ultimately optimistic, holding that people on either side are struggling to find what is best for all."
episode "The Man Who Stole Tomorrow" the Negative Zone prison "42" makes an appearance although only to incarcerate supervillains. Like in the comics it was designated 42 because it was Tony Stark's 42nd idea for improving the world. Later in "Hail HYDRA", Maria Hill states that she will talk to the president about registering with S.H.I.E.L.D.
2006 in comics
-January:*January 1, 2006: Newsweek offer a look back at 2005 through editorial cartoons. *January 2, 2006: The Cincinnati Enquirer cartoonist Jim Borgman starts a blog to detail his creative process...
-2007
2007 in comics
-January:*January 10: Superman & Batman vs. Aliens & Predator released.*January 24: The Boys is canceled with issue #6.-February:*February 2: Newsarama reports that The Boys has been picked up by Dynamite Entertainment....
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
crossover
Fictional crossover
A fictional crossover is the placement of two or more otherwise discrete fictional characters, settings, or universes into the context of a single story. They can arise from legal agreements between the relevant copyright holders, or because of unauthorized efforts by fans, or even amid common...
storyline built around a self-titled seven-issue limited series
Limited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
written by Mark Millar
Mark Millar
Mark Millar is a Scottish comic book writer, known for his work on books such as The Authority, The Ultimates, Marvel Knights Spider-Man, Ultimate Fantastic Four, Civil War, Wanted, and Kick-Ass, the latter two of which have been adapted into feature films...
and penciled by Steve McNiven
Steve McNiven
Steven "Steve" McNiven is a Canadian comic book artist. He first gained prominence on CrossGen's Meridian, before moving onto books such as Ultimate Secret, New Avengers and Civil War.-Career:...
, which ran through various other titles published by Marvel at the time. The storyline builds upon the events that developed in previous Marvel crossovers, particularly "Avengers Disassembled
Avengers Disassembled
"Avengers Disassembled", referred to in some participating series as "Disassembled", is a crossover event between several Marvel Comics series. The general idea is that the major heroes are assaulted, not just physically, but emotionally...
", "House of M
House of M
House of M is an eight-issue comic book limited series and crossover storyline published by Marvel Comics in 2005. Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Olivier Coipel, its first issue debuted in June 2005 as a follow-up to the events of the Planet X and Avengers Disassembled...
", "Decimation
Decimation (comics)
Decimation is the late 2005 Marvel Comics storyline spinning off from the House of M limited series. It focuses on the ramifications of the Scarlet Witch stripping nearly all of the mutant population of their powers, thereby reducing a society of millions to one of scant hundreds.This event, which...
", and "Secret War
Secret War (comics)
Secret War is a five-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics. The series is written by Brian Michael Bendis and painted by Gabriele Dell'Otto...
". The tagline
Tagline
A tagline is a variant of a branding slogan typically used in marketing materials and advertising. The idea behind the concept is to create a memorable phrase that will sum up the tone and premise of a brand or product , or to reinforce the audience's memory of a product...
for the series is "Whose Side Are You On?"
Publication history
The premise of Civil War involves the introduction of a Superhuman Registration Act in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Similar acts have been used as literary devices in Watchmen
Watchmen
Watchmen is a twelve-issue comic book limited series created by writer Alan Moore, artist Dave Gibbons, and colourist John Higgins. The series was published by DC Comics during 1986 and 1987, and has been subsequently reprinted in collected form...
, Uncanny X-Men
Uncanny X-Men
Uncanny X-Men, first published as The X-Men, is the flagship Marvel Comics comic book series for the X-Men franchise. It is the mainstream continuity featuring the adventures of the eponymous group of mutant superheroes...
, DC: The New Frontier
DC: The New Frontier
DC: The New Frontier is an Eisner, Harvey, and Shuster Award-winning six-issue comic book limited series written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke, published by DC Comics in 2003-2004. It was then collected into two trade paperback volumes from 2004–2005 and then an Absolute Edition in 2006...
, Powers
Powers (comics)
Powers is an American creator-owned police procedural comic book series by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Michael Avon Oeming. The series' first volume was published by Image Comics from 2000 to 2004...
, and Astro City
Astro City
Kurt Busiek's Astro City is a comic book series centered on a fictional American city of that name. Written by Kurt Busiek, the series is co-created and illustrated by Brent Anderson with character designs and painted covers by Alex Ross...
, though never on a scale such as permanently altering an entire pantheon of established pop culture icons. Mark Millar, writer for the story, has said:
The act requires any person in the United States with superhuman abilities to register with the federal government as a "human weapon of mass destruction," reveal their true identity to the authorities, and undergo proper training. Those who sign also have the option of working for S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage and a secret military law-enforcement agency in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Strange Tales #135 , it often deals with superhuman threats....
, earning a salary and benefits such as those earned by other American civil servants. Characters within the superhuman community in the Marvel Universe
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is the shared fictional universe where most comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Entertainment take place, including those featuring Marvel's most familiar characters, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and the Avengers.The Marvel Universe is further...
split into two groups: one advocating the registration as a responsible obligation, and the other opposing the law on the grounds that it violates civil liberties and the protection that secret identities provide. A number of villains have also chosen to take sides, some choosing to side with the registration, others against it. Luke Cage
Luke Cage
Luke Cage is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., he first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1...
(previously the second Power Man), an African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
, compared registration to slavery
Slavery
Slavery is a system under which people are treated as property to be bought and sold, and are forced to work. Slaves can be held against their will from the time of their capture, purchase or birth, and deprived of the right to leave, to refuse to work, or to demand compensation...
, and did so to Iron Man
Iron Man
Iron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
's face. Others compared the act to the norms under which the police and soldiers operate.
The genesis for this idea sprang from conversations between Mark Millar, Brian Michael Bendis
Brian Michael Bendis
Brian Michael Bendis is an American comic book writer and erstwhile artist. He has won critical acclaim for his self-published, Image Comics and Marvel Comics work, and is one of the most successful writers working in mainstream comics, with his books selling consistently highly for over a...
, and Bryan Hitch
Bryan Hitch
Bryan Hitch is a British comic book artist. Hitch began his career in the United Kingdom for Marvel UK, working on titles such as Action Force and Death's Head, before gaining prominence on American titles such as Wildstorm's Stormwatch and The Authority, DC Comics titles such as JLA, and Marvel...
. Within the story, the adoption of sides by characters builds into the titular "civil war." Although the series can be read as allegorical commentary in the wake of 9/11
September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
and the Patriot Act
USA PATRIOT Act
The USA PATRIOT Act is an Act of the U.S. Congress that was signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 26, 2001...
, writer Mark Millar has noted, "The political allegory is only for those that are politically aware. Kids are going to read it and just see a big superhero fight."
Mark Millar described the event as "a story where a guy wrapped in the American flag is in chains as the people swap freedom for security," agreeing that a "certain amount of political allegory" was present, but that the real focus of the book was on superheroes fighting each other. Contrasting it with the Ultimates
Ultimates
The Ultimates is a fictional group of superheroes that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team was created by writer Mark Millar and artist Bryan Hitch, and first appeared in The Ultimates #1 , as part of the company's Ultimate Marvel imprint...
, Millar stated that Civil War was "accidentally political because I just cannot help myself."
Millar was also questioned about the perception that, despite Marvel's initial marketing, the two sides were not being presented equally, in that the Pro-Registration group was portrayed as amoral and unsympathetic, while the Anti-Registration group acted irrationally and often escalated the conflict without provocation. He responded by explaining that "it's pretty much Tony's side that gets the better rep all the way through" in the main Civil War book, but that "the tie-in books demonized them a little." Tom Brevoort
Tom Brevoort
Tom Brevoort is an American comic book editor, known for his work for Marvel Comics, where he has overseen titles such as New Avengers, Civil War, and Fantastic Four. He became Executive Editor in 2007, and in January 2011 was promoted to Senior Vice President of Publishing...
wrote extensively about the production of Civil War and, some time after the series was over, posted Millar's initial pitch document.
Delays
Marvel announced in August 2006, that some issues of the main Civil War series would be pushed back several months to accommodate artist Steve McNiven. The schedule had issue #4 being released one month late, in September, while issue #5 was released two months later, in November. Furthermore, various tie-inTie-in
A tie-in is an authorized product based on a media property a company is releasing, such as a movie or video/DVD, computer game, video game, television program/television series, board game, web site, role-playing game or literary property...
books including the Civil War: Front Line
Civil War: Front Line
Civil War: Front Line is an 11-issue, limited series tie-in to Marvel Comics's Civil War event which started in August 2006.Part of the story is told from the perspective of two reporters embedded in the opposite camps of the war...
miniseries
Miniseries
A miniseries , in a serial storytelling medium, is a television show production which tells a story in a limited number of episodes. The exact number is open to interpretation; however, they are usually limited to fewer than a whole season. The term "miniseries" is generally a North American term...
and tie-in issues of other comics were delayed several months so as not to reveal any plot developments.
In late November, Marvel announced another delay. Civil War #6, originally scheduled for release on December 20, was pushed back two weeks and released on January 4. Unlike the previous instance, only The Punisher War Journal
The Punisher War Journal
The Punisher War Journal is the title of two Marvel Comics comic book series featuring the character Frank Castle, also known as the Punisher...
#2 was delayed. In a final act of rescheduling, Civil War #7 was pushed back two weeks (from January 17 to January 31), and then pushed back again until February 21.
Beginning
Civil War follows the implementation and consequences of the Superhuman Registration Act, a legislative bill which required the mandatory registration of any person based in the United States with super powers. The act arose due to public pressure for accountability following a series of superhuman-related events causing significant damage and death within the Marvel universe, such as an attack on Manhattan in reprisal for Nick Fury'sNick Fury
Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury is a fictional World War II army hero and present-day super-spy in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, Fury first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 , a World War II combat series that portrayed the...
"Secret War
Secret War (comics)
Secret War is a five-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics. The series is written by Brian Michael Bendis and painted by Gabriele Dell'Otto...
", and the Hulk's
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
rampage in Las Vegas which resulted in the death of 26 people. When the mutant
Mutant (Marvel Comics)
In comic books published by Marvel Comics, a mutant is an organism who possesses a genetic trait called an X-gene that allows the mutant to naturally develop superhuman powers and abilities...
population was drastically reduced in the aftermath of M-Day
Decimation (comics)
Decimation is the late 2005 Marvel Comics storyline spinning off from the House of M limited series. It focuses on the ramifications of the Scarlet Witch stripping nearly all of the mutant population of their powers, thereby reducing a society of millions to one of scant hundreds.This event, which...
, itself caused by a mutant, anti-mutant hysteria caused by extremist groups caused a majority of the remaining mutants, known as the 198
X-Men: The 198
X-Men: The 198 is a comic book limited series that was published by Marvel Comics and set in the Marvel Universe shortly after the House of M and Decimation events...
, to relocate to the Xavier Institute
X-Mansion
In the fictional Marvel Comics universe, the X-Mansion is the common name for Professor Xavier's mansion. It is the base of operations and training site of the X-Men and the location of a school for mutant teenagers, the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, formerly Xavier's School for Gifted...
, and raised public support for the proposed act.
Public sentiment toward superheroes plummeted after the New Warriors
New Warriors
The New Warriors is a Marvel Comics superhero team, traditionally consisting of young adult heroes. They first appeared in The Mighty Thor #411 .-General publication history:...
, a group of young superheroes and the focus of a reality TV show, botched an attempt to apprehend a group of supervillains in a quest for better ratings. In the resulting fight the villain Nitro
Nitro (comics)
Nitro is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared in Captain Marvel #34 and was created by Jim Starlin....
used his explosive powers to destroy several city blocks, including an elementary school at the epicenter, resulting in the death of over 600 civilians, 60 of whom were children, with just Speedball of the Warriors and Nitro himself surviving. Although many high-profile superheroes assisted in the relief and rescue effort, there were a number of isolated revenge attacks, and support for registration rose.
The prospect of registration divided the superhuman community down the middle, with Tony Stark
Iron Man
Iron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
, the superhero Iron Man who had previously tried to halt the act, becoming the pro-registration figurehead, and Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
leading the anti-registration group. Iron Man, with Mr. Fantastic
Mister Fantastic
Mr. Fantastic is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero and a member of the Fantastic Four. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Fantastic Four #1 ....
and Henry Pym
Henry Pym
Dr. Henry "Hank" Pym is a fictional character that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. Created by editor and plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber and penciler Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Tales to Astonish #27...
, argued that the changing political landscape meant that resisting the law was pointless, and that it is reasonable for heroes to have proper training and oversight, whereas Captain America, alongside Luke Cage
Luke Cage
Luke Cage is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., he first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1...
and Falcon
Falcon (comics)
The Falcon is a fictional comic book superhero in comic books published by Marvel Comics.Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan, and introduced in Captain America #117 , the character is mainstream comics' first African-American superhero...
argued that heroes required secrecy in order to protect aspects of their 'normal' life, such as wives and children, and to allow them to act in whatever means necessary against threats which the ordinary emergency services couldn't cope with. Although nominally a U.N. agency, S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage and a secret military law-enforcement agency in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Strange Tales #135 , it often deals with superhuman threats....
assumed the brunt of enforcing the act under acting director Maria Hill
Maria Hill
Maria Hill is a fictional character of the Marvel Universe. She was the former director of the planetary defense/intelligence service S.H.I.E.L.D..-Introduction:...
.
Escalation
The opposing sides initially traded propagandic victories, with the anti-registration heroes continuing to fight supervillains, leaving them restrained to be found by the authorities, whilst the pro-registration side attempted to locate and arrest any superperson who was not registered. The first major coup for either side came when Iron Man convinced Spider-ManSpider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
to publically reveal his identity, a secret the latter had worked hard to maintain. During this time many tie-in titles concerned with the wars impact on the wider Marvel universe were published, including Wolverine
Wolverine (comics)
Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
hunting Nitro who had fled the scene at Stamford, the X-Men
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in the . They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1...
under the leadership of Cyclops
Cyclops (comics)
Cyclops is a fictional character, the leader of the X-Men superhero team in the . A mutant, Cyclops emits a powerful energy beam from his eyes...
declaring the remaining mutants to be officially neutral and the effect the war had on supergroups such as the pro-registration Thunderbolts
Thunderbolts (comics)
The Thunderbolts are a Marvel Comics superhero team, which consists mostly of former supervillains. The group first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449 , and was created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley.-Publication history:...
and the neutral Runaways
Runaways (comics)
Runaways is a comic book series published by Marvel Comics. The series features a group of teenagers who discover that their parents are part of an evil crime group called the Pride. Created by Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona, the series debuted in April of 2003 as part of Marvel Comics'...
, as well as the reaction of the criminal element, many of whom fled to Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
The conflict escalated when Captain America led the anti-registration heroes, known as the Secret Avengers, into an ambush by the pro-registration forces. However Captain America sucker-punched Iron Man with a miniature device that shuts off Iron Man's armour when shaking his hand in agreement to talk about the situation, leading to a public brawl between the pro and anti-registration forces. During the battle, a clone of Thor
Ragnarok (comics)
Ragnarok is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in Civil War #3 , and was created by Mark Millar and Steve Mcniven.-Fictional character biography:...
was sent to assist in the arrest of the anti-registration heroes, but instead kills Goliath
Bill Foster (comics)
Dr. Bill Foster, also known as Black Goliath, the second Giant-Man, and the fourth Goliath, is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:...
by blasting him through his chest. As the pro-registration heroes attempted to control the clone, the Secret Avengers retreated.
In order to contain the superpeople unwilling to register, Iron Man and Mr. Fantastic built a prison in the Negative Zone
Negative Zone
The Negative Zone is a fictional setting, an antimatter universe depicted in publications from Marvel Comics, most frequently in Fantastic Four and Captain Marvel. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, it first appeared in Fantastic Four #51 .-Fictional description:The Negative Zone in the Marvel...
, labelled 'Project 42', it being the 42nd idea they had come up with post-Stamford in order to improve the world. Upon finding out that people who did not agree to register would be imprisoned indefinitely, Spider-Man quits the pro-registration side and joins with Captain America's underground movement after a battle with Iron Man. The Punisher
Punisher
The Punisher is a fictional character, an anti-hero appearing in comic books based in the . Created by writer Gerry Conway and artists John Romita, Sr., and Ross Andru, the character made its first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 .The Punisher is a vigilante who employs murder,...
obtains the plans for Project 42 through covertly infiltrating the Baxter Building
Baxter Building
The Baxter Building is a fictitious 35-story office building in Manhattan whose five upper floors house the Fantastic Four's headquarters in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:...
, home of the Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
.
Finale
The Secret Avengers and their allies reach the prison via Riker's Island penitentiary, where they are met by Iron Man and the pro-registration forces, as well as a number of supervillains who were being controlled by nanitesNanorobotics
Nanorobotics is the emerging technology field of creating machines or robots whose components are at or close to the scale of a nanometer . More specifically, nanorobotics refers to the nanotechnology engineering discipline of designing and building nanorobots, with devices ranging in size from...
, having been betrayed by Tigra
Tigra
Tigra is a fictional American comic book superheroine in the Marvel Comics universe. Introduced as the non-superpowered crime fighter The Cat in Claws of the Cat #1 , she was co-created by writer-editor Roy Thomas, writer Linda Fite, and penciller Marie Severin...
. However Hulkling
Hulkling
Hulkling is a fictional comic book superhero and a member of the Young Avengers, a team of superheroes in the Marvel Comics universe. Hulkling's character is patterned on the Hulk...
has used his shape-shifting ability to assume the role of Pym, working alongside Iron Man, and had released the incarcerated heroes, leading to an all-star battle between the two sides.
During the fight Cloak
Cloak and Dagger (comics)
Cloak and Dagger are a fictional comic book superhero duo in the . They were created by writer William "Bill" Mantlo and designed by artist Edward Hannigan.-Publication history:...
teleported the battle to the centre of New York City, where the pro-registration forces were joined by the fixed Thor clone and Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel (Khn'nr)
Khn'nr is a fictional alien character who has appeared in numerous comic book series published by Marvel Comics. He is a Skrull sleeper agent posing as the Kree Captain Mar-Vell ....
, and Namor led an army of Atlanteans to assist the Secret Avengers. As the battle rages around them, Captain America and Iron Man, whose armor had been compromised by the Vision II
Vision (Marvel Comics)
The Vision is the name of three fictional characters that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The first Vision was created by the writer-artist team of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby in Marvel Mystery Comics #13 The Vision is the name of three fictional characters that...
, exchange blows. As Captain America is about to deliver the finishing blow, several standard emergancy service personel hold him back, and realising how much damage had been caused by the battle and wishing to avert any more bloodshed, Captain America surrendered.
Two weeks later, the Fifty State Initiative
Fifty State Initiative
The Fifty State Initiative, often referred to as simply The Initiative, is a fictional governmental plan that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics, in particular those related to The Avengers...
is launched and the Mighty Avengers assemble as a team. Tony Stark is appointed Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., while Maria Hill is demoted to deputy status. Some heroes move to Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, while some stay underground, such as the New Avengers. Many of the Secret Avengers are given amnesty by the government, while Captain America is placed in jail. Captain America is later seemingly fatally shot by Crossbones
Crossbones (comics)
Crossbones is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by writer Mark Gruenwald and artist Kieron Dwyer in Captain America #359-360 . Crossbones usually appears as a henchman of the Red Skull...
and Sharon Carter
Sharon Carter
Sharon Carter, alias Agent 13, is a fictional character, a secret agent in the Marvel Comics universe. She is an ex-field agent of S.H.I.E.L.D...
(the latter hypnotised by Dr. Faustus
Doctor Faustus (comics)
Doctor Faustus is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain.An Austrian by birth, he is most commonly associated with Captain America, first appearing in issue #107 of his first series.-Creative origins:...
) on the way to the courthouse, leading to the conclusion of the Civil War.
Aftermath
- Captain America is seemingly assassinated by CrossbonesCrossbones (comics)Crossbones is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by writer Mark Gruenwald and artist Kieron Dwyer in Captain America #359-360 . Crossbones usually appears as a henchman of the Red Skull...
(acting on orders from the Red SkullRed SkullThe Red Skull is a name shared by several fictional characters, all supervillains from the Marvel Comics universe. All incarnations of the character are enemies of Captain America, other superheroes, and the United States in general....
) and S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Sharon CarterSharon CarterSharon Carter, alias Agent 13, is a fictional character, a secret agent in the Marvel Comics universe. She is an ex-field agent of S.H.I.E.L.D...
(who had been brainwashed by Doctor FaustusDoctor Faustus (comics)Doctor Faustus is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain.An Austrian by birth, he is most commonly associated with Captain America, first appearing in issue #107 of his first series.-Creative origins:...
). - The Avengers Initiative is set up.
- Iron Man becomes the director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
- The New Avengers go underground.
- Iron Man sets up his own team of Avengers (featured in the title The Mighty Avengers).
- Camp Hammond is built on the ruins of the Stamford Disaster.
- The Thunderbolts become a federal agency with Norman Osborn as its director.
- Iron Fist, Doctor Strange, and Ronin (Clint BartonHawkeye (comics)Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
) join the New Avengers. - After Spider-Man's aunt May ParkerAunt MayMay Reilly Parker-Jameson, commonly known as Aunt May, is a supporting character in Marvel Comics' Spider-Man series. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, she first appeared as May Parker in Amazing Fantasy #15...
is shot during an assassination attempt, Spider-Man beats the KingpinKingpin (comics)The Kingpin is a fictional character, a supervillain in the . Kingpin is one of the most feared and powerful crime lords in the Marvel Universe. The character is a major adversary of Daredevil, the Punisher, and Spider-Man...
(who orchestrated the shooting) in prison. To save May's life, he and his wife Mary Jane WatsonMary Jane WatsonMary Jane Watson, often shortened to MJ, is a fictional supporting character appearing, originally, in Marvel comic books and, later, in multiple spin-offs and dramatizations of the Spider-Man titles as the best friend, love interest, and one-time wife of Peter Parker, the alter ego of Spider-Man...
make a deal with the demon MephistoMephisto (comics)Mephisto is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Silver Surfer #3 and was created by Stan Lee and John Buscema, loosely modeled on Mephistopheles - a character from the Faust legend.Debuting in the Silver Age of comic books,...
, removing their marriage from the timelineSpider-Man: One More Day"One More Day" is a four-part, 2007 comic book crossover storyline, connecting the six main Spider-Man series concurrently published by Marvel Comics at the time. Written by J. Michael Straczynski and Joe Quesada, with art by Quesada, this story arc concludes the fallout of Spider-Man's actions...
. As a result, the revelation of Spider-Man's secret identity is erased from the collective memory of the world's population.
Earth-3490
When Mister Fantastic was researching realities where the Civil War ended differently, he found one reality in which their Iron Man was actually Natasha Stark and she was romantically involved with Captain America.What If?
In What If Civil War Ended DifferentlyWhat If (comics)
What If, sometimes rendered as What If...?, is the title of several comic book series published by Marvel Comics, exploring "the road not traveled" by its various characters...
?, a stranger appears in front of Iron Man, who is visiting Captain America’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Lee, a great...
. Tony Stark is told of two diverse ways the Civil War could have concluded:
- The first is, "What if Captain America led all the heroes against the Registration Act?" In this reality, Tony Stark dies of the Extremis virus, leaving the U.S. government to choose Steve Rogers as the spokesperson for heroes, who as in the regular universe opposes registration. Though he manages to delay its passing, the Stamford disaster occurs as in the true reality. Without Tony Stark to provide a fairer path for registration, the government's response is more extreme. Governmental forces led by Henry Peter GyrichHenry Peter GyrichHenry Peter Gyrich is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Avengers Vol. 1 #165 and was created by Jim Shooter and George Pérez.-Fictional character biography:...
destroy the resistance and many heroes are slain. - The second is, "What if Iron Man lost the Civil War?" In this reality, Iron Man asks for Cap's help in chapter three instead of threatening him, thus Cap does not use the hidden weapon in his glove to disable Tony's armor. The heroes unite to stop the out-of-control Thor clone. The resulting goodwill convinces Captain America to help run the program as he is the only one the heroes will trust with their secret identities.
After that story, the stranger is revealed to be none other than Uatu
Uatu
Uatu, often simply known as The Watcher, is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and designed by artist Jack Kirby, he first appeared in The Fantastic Four #13 ....
, Earth 616's Watcher. Upon learning the truth of this alternate reality, Tony is devastated and weeps for the bright future he helped prevent.
In a special What If: Annihilation
Annihilation (comics)
"Annihilation" was a 2006 crossover storyline published by Marvel Comics, highlighting several outer space-related characters in the Marvel Universe. The central miniseries was written by Keith Giffen, with editor Andy Schmidt.-Publication History:...
by David Hine
David Hine
-Biography:Hine has been working in comics since the early 1980s. For Crisis he drew the series Sticky Fingers in 1989, and wrote and drew a number of short pieces in 1990 and 1991...
and Mico Suayan, a cosmic war reaches Earth. The heroes unite to neutralize it, and many die in the first clashes. Captain America and Iron Man, after a final reconciliation, sacrifice themselves alongside Nova
Nova (comics)
Nova is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Upon becoming a member of the galaxy's Nova Corps , the youth gained enhanced strength, flight, injury resistance, and a specialized uniform with life support.In May 2011, Nova placed 98th on IGN's Top 100 Comic...
to deflect the full Annihilation Wave.
Reception
Tom SpurgeonTom Spurgeon
Tom Spurgeon is an American writer, historian and editor in the field of comics, notable for his five-year run as editor of The Comics Journal and his blog The Comics Reporter, which he launched in 2004 with site designer Jordan Raphael.-Books:...
took note of the difficulty in using costumed characters to send messages about real world issues: "When I was a kid, I liked it when Captain America saw a high government official commit suicide. I thought that was way deep, man. But I never go there when thinking about Watergate
Watergate scandal
The Watergate scandal was a political scandal during the 1970s in the United States resulting from the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., and the Nixon administration's attempted cover-up of its involvement...
. While Millar's Captain America and I may both worry about civil rights...the moment this leads Cap to take out a battalion of Secret Agents to buttress his point, he's kind of lost to me as a potential partner-in-ideology."
According to a scholarly analysis presented at the 2007 Comic-Con International
Comic-Con International
San Diego Comic-Con International, also known as Comic-Con International: San Diego , and commonly known as Comic-Con or the San Diego Comic-Con, was founded as the Golden State Comic Book Convention and later the San Diego Comic Book Convention in 1970 by Shel Dorf and a group of San Diegans...
, this story's conflict is a natural outgrowth of what psychologist Erich Fromm
Erich Fromm
Erich Seligmann Fromm was a Jewish German-American social psychologist, psychoanalyst, sociologist, humanistic philosopher, and democratic socialist. He was associated with what became known as the Frankfurt School of critical theory.-Life:Erich Fromm was born on March 23, 1900, at Frankfurt am...
called the basic human dilemma, the conflicting desires for both security and freedom, and "character motivations on both sides arise from positive human qualities because Fromm’s image of human nature is ultimately optimistic, holding that people on either side are struggling to find what is best for all."
Road To Civil War
- The Amazing Spider-ManThe Amazing Spider-ManThe Amazing Spider-Man is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics, featuring the adventures of the fictional superhero Spider-Man. Being the mainstream continuity of the franchise, it began publication in 1963 as a monthly periodical and was published continuously until it was...
#529 - New Avengers: Illuminati Special #0
- Amazing Spider-Man #530
- Fantastic FourFantastic FourThe Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
#536 - Amazing Spider-Man #531
- Fantastic Four #537
Civil War
- Civil War #1
- Amazing Spider-Man #532
- Wolverine #42
- She-HulkShe-HulkShe-Hulk is a Marvel Comics superheroine. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she first appeared in Savage She-Hulk #1 ....
(2nd series) #8 - Civil War: Front LineCivil War: Front LineCivil War: Front Line is an 11-issue, limited series tie-in to Marvel Comics's Civil War event which started in August 2006.Part of the story is told from the perspective of two reporters embedded in the opposite camps of the war...
#1 - Civil War #2
- ThunderboltsThunderbolts (comics)The Thunderbolts are a Marvel Comics superhero team, which consists mostly of former supervillains. The group first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449 , and was created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley.-Publication history:...
#103 - New Avengers #20
- Amazing Spider-Man #533
- Civil War: Front Line #2
- New Avengers #21
- Wolverine #43
- Fantastic Four #538
- X-FactorX-Factor (comics)X-Factor is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics. It is a spin-off of the popular X-Men franchise, featuring characters from X-Men stories. The series has been relaunched several times with different team rosters, most recently as X-Factor Investigations.X-Factor launched in...
#8 - Civil War: Front Line #3
- Thunderbolts #104
- Cable & DeadpoolCable & DeadpoolCable & Deadpool was a comic book series published by Marvel Comics beginning in 2004. The title characters, Cable and Deadpool, shared the focus of the book. The series was launched following the cancellation of the characters' previous ongoing solo series. The book's mix of humor, action, and...
#30 - Civil War #3
- Civil War: X-MenCivil War: X-MenCivil War: X-Men is a four-issue comic book mini-series, published in 2006 by Marvel Comics.Though published as part of the wider Civil War event, its plot is a continuation of the earlier X-Men: The 198 mini-series.-Plot:...
#1 - Daily BugleDaily BugleThe Daily Bugle is a fictional New York City newspaper that is a regular fixture in the Marvel Universe, most prominently in Spider-Man comic titles and their derivative media...
Special Edition: Civil War - X-Factor #9
- Amazing Spider-Man #534
- Civil War: Front Line #4
- Civil War: Young AvengersYoung AvengersYoung Avengers is an American comic book series written by Allan Heinberg and published by Marvel Comics. It follows a group of young superheroes, each of whom patterns themselves after a member of the long-established Marvel superhero team the Avengers....
& RunawaysRunaways (comics)Runaways is a comic book series published by Marvel Comics. The series features a group of teenagers who discover that their parents are part of an evil crime group called the Pride. Created by Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona, the series debuted in April of 2003 as part of Marvel Comics'...
#1 - New Avengers #22
- Wolverine #44
- Fantastic Four #539
- Civil War: Front Line #5
- Black PantherBlack Panther (comics)The Black Panther is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and penciller-co-plotter Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Fantastic Four #52...
#18 - Ms. Marvel #6
- Thunderbolts #105
- Civil War: X-Men #2
- Heroes for HireHeroes For HireHeroes for Hire is a fictional superhero team published by Marvel Comics. The team first appeared in Power Man and Iron Fist #54 , and was created by Ed Hannigan and Lee Elias.-Publication history and original concept:...
#1 - New Avengers #23
- Wolverine #45
- Cable & Deadpool #31
- Civil War: Young Avengers & Runaways #2
- Civil War Files
- Ms. Marvel #7
- Civil War #4
- Civil War: X-Men #3
- Fantastic Four #540
- Wolverine #46
- Civil War: Front Line #6
- Amazing Spider-Man #535
- Cable & Deadpool #32
- Captain AmericaCaptain AmericaCaptain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
(5th series) #22 - Civil War: Young Avengers & Runaways #3
- Heroes for Hire #2
- New Avengers #24
- Civil War: Front Line #7
- Civil War: X-Men #4
- Iron ManIron ManIron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
#13 - Ms. Marvel #8-9
- Wolverine #47
- Captain America (5th series) #23
- Civil War: Young Avengers & Runaways #4
- Heroes for Hire #3
- New Avengers #25
- Civil War: Choosing Sides
- Civil War #5
- Iron Man #14
- Civil War: Front Line #8
- Punisher: War Journal #1
- Fantastic Four #541
- Captain America (5th series) #24
- Amazing Spider-Man #536
- Moon KnightMoon KnightMoon Knight is a fictional character, a mercenary-turned-superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character exists in the Marvel Universe and was created by Doug Moench and Don Perlin...
#8 - Amazing Spider-Man #537
- Wolverine #48
- Amazing Spider-Man #538
- Civil War #6
- Punisher: War Journal #2
- Punisher: War Journal #3
- BladeBlade (comics)Blade is a fictional character, a superhero/vampire hunter in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer Marv Wolfman and penciller Gene Colan, his first appearance was in the comic book The Tomb of Dracula #10 as a supporting character.The character went on to alternatively star and co-star...
#5 - Civil War #7
- Civil War: Battle Damage Report
- Civil War Files
- Civil War: Opening Shot Sketchbook
- Civil War Poster Book
- Civil War: The Confession
- Civil War: The InitiativeFifty State InitiativeThe Fifty State Initiative, often referred to as simply The Initiative, is a fictional governmental plan that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics, in particular those related to The Avengers...
- Civil War: The Return
- Civil War: War Crimes
- Fallen Son: The Death of Captain AmericaFallen Son: The Death of Captain AmericaFallen Son: The Death of Captain America is a comic book limited series dealing with various superheroes' reactions to death of Captain America in the Marvel comics universe after the Civil War....
- Ghost RiderGhost Rider (comics)Ghost Rider is the name of several fictional supernatural antiheroes appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Marvel had previously used the name for a Western character whose name was later changed to Night Rider and subsequently to Phantom Rider.The first supernatural Ghost Rider is...
#8-11 - Iron Man / Captain America: Casualties of War
- Marvel Spotlight: Civil War Aftermath
- Marvel Spotlight: Captain America Remembered
- Winter Soldier: Winter Kills
Related but not listed
- The 2006 EternalsEternals (comics)The Eternals are a fictional race of superhumans in the Marvel Comics universe. They are described as an offshoot of the evolutionary process that created sentient life on Earth. The original instigators of this process, the alien Celestials, intended the Eternals to be the defenders of Earth which...
relaunch has the Civil War play a fairly present background in the setting with SpriteSprite (Eternal)Sprite is a fictional character appearing in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. Although physically a child, Sprite is an Eternal, a member of an ancient and extremely powerful race. He was created by Jack Kirby and first appeared in The Eternals vol. 1 #9.-Fictional character...
appearing in pro-registration PSAsPublic service announcementA public service announcement or public service ad is a type of advertisement featured on television, radio, print or other media...
. In issue #3, Iron Man reminds SersiSersiSersi is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superheroine and an Eternal.-Publication history:Sersi was created by Jack Kirby and first appeared in The Eternals #3 . Although the comic book was published by Marvel Comics, the Eternals were not treated as part of the Marvel universe, but as a...
to register. In issue #6, Iron Man and Hank Pym try to get the Eternals to register again, but they refuse. In the end, ZurasZurasZuras is a fictional character appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. He is a member of the Eternals.-Fictional character biography:Zuras was born in Titanos, first city of the Eternals, and is the son of the Eternals Kronos and Daina, and brother of A'Lars...
explains that the Eternals have no desire to meddle with humanity, and will stay out of their affairs, which Iron Man concedes as a fair compromise. - Daredevil #87 leads into Civil War: Choosing Sides (one-shot).
- New X-MenNew X-MenNew X-Men was a superhero comic book series published by Marvel Comics within the X-Men franchise. After the end of Grant Morrison's run on X-Men , titled New X-Men, the title was used for a new series, New X-Men: Academy X, serving as a continuation of the second volume of New Mutants...
#28 and She-Hulk #9 are indirectly, but strongly involved. - In Black Panther #19-20 "World Tour" Black Panther meets with Doctor DoomDoctor DoomVictor von Doom is a fictional character who appears in Marvel Comics publications . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #5 wearing his trademark metal mask and green cloak...
, then the InhumansInhumansThe Inhumans are a fictional race of superhumans, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. This race appears in various comic book series published by Marvel Comics and exists in that company's shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe....
, to discuss the Civil War (these are not listed as official tie-ins due to a marketing error). - Marvel Comics PresentsMarvel Comics PresentsMarvel Comics Presents was an American comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics originally from 1988 to 1995; it returned for a second volume in 2007-2008.-Volume 1:The first volume was released on a biweekly basis and lasted for 175 issues...
(vol. 2) #12 involves a patsy attempt to get Man-ThingMan-ThingThe Man-Thing is a fictional character, a monster in publications from Marvel Comics. Created by writers Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, and Gerry Conway and artist Gray Morrow, the character first appeared in Savage Tales #1 , and went on to be featured in various titles and in his own series, including...
to register with the government. The story was published late (October 2008 cover date), during Secret InvasionSecret Invasion"Secret Invasion" is a comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self-titled eight issue limited series and several tie-in books published by Marvel Comics from April through December 2008....
and the same month as Marvel Zombies 3Marvel Zombies 3Marvel Zombies 3 is a four-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics beginning in October 2008. It is part of the Marvel Zombies series. The series is written by Fred Van Lente, penciled by Kev Walker, with covers by Greg Land.-Plot:...
, in which Man-Thing also appeared. - The cover of Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E.NextwaveNextwave is a comic book series by Warren Ellis and Stuart Immonen, published by Marvel Comics between 2006 and 2007.-Concept:The series was written exclusively in two-issue story arcs, a choice deliberately bucking the trend in modern American comics toward decompression...
#11 features a Civil War parodyParodyA parody , in current usage, is an imitative work created to mock, comment on, or trivialise an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation...
cover including a plaidPlaid (pattern)For other meanings, see plaid.A plaid is a pattern consisting of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors in woven cloth.Common examples of plaid patterns include:*Tartan, the pattern most commonly associated with plaid....
background, the words "Not part of a Marvel Comics event," and Aaron StackMachine ManMachine Man is a fictional character, an android superhero in the Marvel Comics Universe. The character was created by Jack Kirby for 2001: A Space Odyssey #8 , a comic written and drawn by Kirby featuring concepts based on the eponymous Stanley Kubrick film and Arthur C. Clarke novel...
holding up a card reading "Mark Millar licks goatGoatThe domestic goat is a subspecies of goat domesticated from the wild goat of southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the Bovidae family and is closely related to the sheep as both are in the goat-antelope subfamily Caprinae. There are over three hundred distinct breeds of...
s." - Spider-Man and Power PackPower PackPower Pack is a fictional team of comic book superheroes consisting of four young siblings who appear in books published by Marvel Comics. They were created by writer Louise Simonson and artist June Brigman and first appeared in their own series in 1984. The series lasted 62 issues...
#3 (March 2007) includes a parody entitled "Civil Wards," written by Marc SumerakMarc SumerakMarc Sumerak is a freelance comic book writer from Cleveland, Ohio.Mr. Sumerak is currently best known for his work on Marvel Comics' all-ages Power Pack series , as well as the Eisner Award & Harvey Award nominated Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius...
and illustrated by Chris GiarrussoChris GiarrussoChris Giarrusso is a graphic novel author/illustrator best known for the all-ages series G-Man at Image Comics and Mini Marvels at Marvel Comics.-Career:...
. - The final issue of Robert KirkmanRobert KirkmanRobert Kirkman is an American comic book writer best known for his work on The Walking Dead and Invincible for Image Comics, and Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies for Marvel Comics. He has also collaborated with Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt...
's Marvel Team-UpMarvel Team-UpMarvel Team-Up is the name of several American comic book series published by Marvel Comics. The series featured two or more Marvel characters in one story...
opens with Peter Parker getting ready to travel to WashingtonWashington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
with Iron Man. - The third issue of the 2006 Union JackUnion Jack (Joseph Chapman)Union Jack is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe and the third person to take on the role of Union Jack...
miniseries also mentions Tony Stark and Peter Parker's trip to Washington. - Incredible Hulk #100 includes a 12-page backup story dealing with Mr. Fantastic's involvement with the Thor cloneRagnarok (comics)Ragnarok is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in Civil War #3 , and was created by Mark Millar and Steve Mcniven.-Fictional character biography:...
, and the repercussions of the Illuminati having exiled the Hulk into space. - In AnnihilationAnnihilation (comics)"Annihilation" was a 2006 crossover storyline published by Marvel Comics, highlighting several outer space-related characters in the Marvel Universe. The central miniseries was written by Keith Giffen, with editor Andy Schmidt.-Publication History:...
#4, the former Earth hero NovaNova (comics)Nova is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Upon becoming a member of the galaxy's Nova Corps , the youth gained enhanced strength, flight, injury resistance, and a specialized uniform with life support.In May 2011, Nova placed 98th on IGN's Top 100 Comic...
is aware of the Civil War and is disappointed with the actions the heroes have taken, as they are not united against the threat of AnnihilusAnnihilusAnnihilus is a fictional character in Marvel Comics' Marvel Universe. In 2009, Annihilus was ranked as IGN's 94th Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time.-Publication history:...
. - In Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6-10, Spider-Man is seen wearing the new suit he got in The Road to Civil War.
- In Sensational Spider-Man #26-27, Spider-Man is seen wearing the new suit he got in The Road to Civil War.
- In Sensational Spider-Man #28-34, Spider-Man deals with the aftermath of revealing his identity.
- Captain America (5th ed.) #25 is subtitled Civil War Epilogue.
- Punisher: War Journal (2nd ed.) #2 and #3 are direct Civil War tie ins (prior to Civil War #6).
- Moon Knight (5th ed.) #8 and #9 are direct Civil War tie ins.
- Civil War: Front LineCivil War: Front LineCivil War: Front Line is an 11-issue, limited series tie-in to Marvel Comics's Civil War event which started in August 2006.Part of the story is told from the perspective of two reporters embedded in the opposite camps of the war...
#9-11 are direct Civil War tie ins.
Collected editions
| Title | Material collected | ISBN |
|---|---|---|
| Civil War: Road to Civil War | Amazing Spider-Man #529-531; Fantastic Four #536-537; New Avengers: Illuminati | |
| Civil War | Civil War #1-7 | |
| Civil War: Black Panther | Black Panther #19-25 | |
| Civil War: Captain America | Captain America #22-24; Winter Soldier: Winter Kills | |
| Civil War Companion | Civil War Files; Civil War: Battle Damage Report; Marvel Spotlight: Mark Millar/Steve McNiven; Marvel Spotlight: Civil War Aftermath; Daily Bugle: Civil War Special Edition | |
| Civil War: Fantastic Four | Fantastic Four #538-543 | |
| Civil War: Frontline, Vol. 1 | Civil War: Frontline #1-6 | |
| Civil War: Frontline, Vol. 2 | Civil War: Frontline #7-11 | |
| Civil War: Heroes for Hire | Heroes for Hire #1-5 | |
| Civil War: Iron Man | Iron Man #13-14; Casualties of War; The Confession | |
| Civil War: Marvel Universe | Choosing Sides; The Return; The Initiative; She-Hulk #8 | |
| Civil War: Ms. Marvel | Ms. Marvel #6-10; Ms. Marvel Special | |
| Civil War: New Avengers | New Avengers #21-25 | |
| Civil War: Peter Parker, Spider-Man | Sensational Spider-Man #28-34 | |
| Civil War: Punisher War Journal | Punisher War Journal #1-4 | |
| Civil War: The Amazing Spider-Man | The Amazing Spider-Man #532-538 | |
| Civil War: Thunderbolts | Thunderbolts #101-105 | |
| Civil War: War Crimes | Civil War: War Crimes; Underworld #1-5 | |
| Civil War: Wolverine | Wolverine #42-48 | |
| Civil War: X-Men | Civil War: X-Men #1-4 | |
| Civil War: X-Men Universe | X-Factor #8-9; Cable & Deadpool #30-32 | |
| Civil War: Young Avengers & Runaways | Civil War: Young Avengers & Runaways #1-4 | |
| Civil War: Script Book | Scripts to Civil War #1-7 |
Television
In The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest HeroesThe Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes
The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes is an American animated television series by Marvel Animation in cooperation with Film Roman based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. The show debuted on Disney XD in Fall 2010 starting with a 20 part micro-series. A second season has been...
episode "The Man Who Stole Tomorrow" the Negative Zone prison "42" makes an appearance although only to incarcerate supervillains. Like in the comics it was designated 42 because it was Tony Stark's 42nd idea for improving the world. Later in "Hail HYDRA", Maria Hill states that she will talk to the president about registering with S.H.I.E.L.D.
Video games
- In Spider-Man: Web of ShadowsSpider-Man: Web of ShadowsSpider-Man: Web of Shadows is a video game title encompassing three versions: a full-3D action game for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360; a 2.5D sidescrolling beat em up action game for the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 2 , and a 2.5D side-scrolling brawler/platformer for...
, the game makes a tribute to Civil War by showing a huge billboardBillboardBillboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
displaying a Daily Bugle article talking about the Superhuman Registration Act and whether it will pass. - The video game Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 features the Secret War first, and then the Civil War storyline. Like the comics, Nitro invokes the Civil War by blowing up a neighborhood in Stamford, Connecticut. After the accident, the player chooses sides in the war. What makes this different from the comics is that Iron Man loses control of the nanite-controlled villains, the villains combining into a nanite-based hive mind known as 'the Fold', forcing Nick Fury has to unite both sides to stop the Fold before everyone in the world is infected by the nanites. Because of the incident with the nanite-controlled villains, the Superhero Registration Act was temporarily suspended. After the Fold is defeated, there are two endings to this game depending on the side the players take. If the player completes the game on the Pro-Registration side, the Superhero Registration Act gets amended so that superheroes can volunteer for the program and not have to reveal their secret identities. If the player completes the game on the Anti-Registration side, the Superhuman Registration Act is repealed.
- In the crossover fighting game, Marvel vs. Capcom 3: The Fate of Two Worlds, if Captain America defeats Iron Man as his last opponent he says "And that was for Civil War!" and if Iron Man beats Captain America as his last opponent he says "Like Civil War all over again". There is also a trophy/achievement called "Whose Side Are You On?" described as "Bring about an end to the Civil War in an online match". This is awarded for having an online battle involving Captain America and Iron Man.
See also
- Civil War: Front LineCivil War: Front LineCivil War: Front Line is an 11-issue, limited series tie-in to Marvel Comics's Civil War event which started in August 2006.Part of the story is told from the perspective of two reporters embedded in the opposite camps of the war...
- Civil War: X-MenCivil War: X-MenCivil War: X-Men is a four-issue comic book mini-series, published in 2006 by Marvel Comics.Though published as part of the wider Civil War event, its plot is a continuation of the earlier X-Men: The 198 mini-series.-Plot:...
- Civil War: Young Avengers/RunawaysCivil War: Young Avengers/RunawaysCivil War: Young Avengers/Runaways is a comic book mini-series tie-in to Marvel Comics' Civil War crossover event. The series serves as a team-up between the characters from Young Avengers and Runaways. The series was written by Zeb Wells with art by Stefano Caselli...
- Avengers: The InitiativeAvengers: The InitiativeAvengers: The Initiative was a comic book series from Marvel Comics. Written by Dan Slott and Christos Gage with artwork initially by Stefano Caselli, Steve Uy and Harvey Tolibao, the series dealt with the aftermath of Marvel's Civil War crossover Avengers: The Initiative was a comic book series...
- Civil War: The InitiativeCivil War: The Initiative"Civil War: The Initiative" is the name of a comics crossover storyline as well as a one-shot comic book starting this event, published by Marvel Comics...
- The Mighty Avengers