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Civil War: A Marvel Comics Event
Civil War: The Road to Civil War
Collects Fantastic Four (1997) #536-537, New Avengers: Illuminati One-Shot, Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #529-531. Ripped from the pages of New Avengers, comes an explosive hidden story of Marvel's secret past, the secret history of Marvel's most secret team - how they came together and how they are ripped apart. Plus: Spidey's got a new lease on life, new powers and a new costume, courtesy of his new best friend Tony Stark. So what could possibly go wrong? With clouds quickly building on the horizon, the bonds that Spider-Man now forges may very well determine his capacity to withstand a coming storm. The Marvel Universe is about to split down the middle, and the line is drawn here! You will be asked: whose side are you on?
149 pages, ebook
First published February 21, 2007
99 people are currently reading
2760 people want to read
About the author
J. Michael Straczynski
1,378 books1,285 followersJoseph Michael Straczynski is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is best known as the creator of the science fiction television series Babylon 5 (1993–1998) and its spinoff Crusade (1999), as well as the series Jeremiah (2002–2004) and Sense8 (2015–2018). He is the executor of the estate of Harlan Ellison.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
May 2, 2016
Apparently the roads to both Hell and Marvel’s Civil War are paved with good intentions…
This collection pulls issues from several comics to tell essentially three stories that lay the groundwork for the upcoming conflict. The first shows a previously unknown piece of Marvel history in which the Kree/Skrull War that nearly destroyed Earth so rattled Tony Stark that he gathered a small group of influential figures to convince them that the superheros and mutants need to organize and join forces to prevent those kinds of events. When that idea doesn’t fly they instead form a cabal to share information and address problems like the Hulk’s rampages, and just to make this a dream come true for those who love conspiracy theories this group is known as the Illuminati.
The second story features the Fantastic Four battling Doctor Doom who thinks he can take Mjolnir after Thor has died. (Or at least died as much as anyone ever does in a comic book.) The final piece involves Stark recruiting Peter Parker to work as his aide when Tony has to testify in front of congress about the idea of superhero registration, and Tony provides him with a souped-up Spidey suit as part of the deal.
Because this is a prelude to Civil War there’s not a lot of resolution in this, but it does provide some solid build-up for what comes next. The stuff with the Illuminati does a lot to explain Tony’s fears and concerns that drive him to his conclusions, and the issues with Spider-Man, who’d prove a pivotal figure in the story later, really establishes the idea that Tony is willing to pull some seriously shady stuff when he’s convinced he’s right and the stakes are this high. The FF story is OK as a punch-em-up with Doom is at his bombastic best, but that piece seems a bit thin.
Overall, it makes for a decent prelude to Civil War, but it feels a bit padded.
This collection pulls issues from several comics to tell essentially three stories that lay the groundwork for the upcoming conflict. The first shows a previously unknown piece of Marvel history in which the Kree/Skrull War that nearly destroyed Earth so rattled Tony Stark that he gathered a small group of influential figures to convince them that the superheros and mutants need to organize and join forces to prevent those kinds of events. When that idea doesn’t fly they instead form a cabal to share information and address problems like the Hulk’s rampages, and just to make this a dream come true for those who love conspiracy theories this group is known as the Illuminati.
The second story features the Fantastic Four battling Doctor Doom who thinks he can take Mjolnir after Thor has died. (Or at least died as much as anyone ever does in a comic book.) The final piece involves Stark recruiting Peter Parker to work as his aide when Tony has to testify in front of congress about the idea of superhero registration, and Tony provides him with a souped-up Spidey suit as part of the deal.
Because this is a prelude to Civil War there’s not a lot of resolution in this, but it does provide some solid build-up for what comes next. The stuff with the Illuminati does a lot to explain Tony’s fears and concerns that drive him to his conclusions, and the issues with Spider-Man, who’d prove a pivotal figure in the story later, really establishes the idea that Tony is willing to pull some seriously shady stuff when he’s convinced he’s right and the stakes are this high. The FF story is OK as a punch-em-up with Doom is at his bombastic best, but that piece seems a bit thin.
Overall, it makes for a decent prelude to Civil War, but it feels a bit padded.
January 14, 2010
A little back story on some things that happened before the Civil War started. You also get a glimpse of what happened prior to the Planet Hulk story, if anyone is interested. Hmmm. All in all, you could skip it and not be out of the loop. However, it does paint Tony Stark in a questionable light toward the end, so maybe that alone would be worth reading this one.
December 26, 2015
The new Captain America movie looks awesome and since all I read these days are comic books and graphic novels... yeah. why not travel down the Civil War story arc!?
I promise I'll try to read books without pictures next year. Thanks for indulging me these last few weeks. I don't think I've lost any friends along the way...
And Merry Christmas you guys. Hope it was awesome.
Anyone seeing Star Wars for a second time this weekend?
Time to go dubsmash....!! KAPOW!
I promise I'll try to read books without pictures next year. Thanks for indulging me these last few weeks. I don't think I've lost any friends along the way...
And Merry Christmas you guys. Hope it was awesome.
Anyone seeing Star Wars for a second time this weekend?
Time to go dubsmash....!! KAPOW!
March 13, 2012
The idea of this trade is to lay out the groundwork for the events of Civil War. It does this through three separate storylines. The first is the single issue Illuminati, which has the strongest writing in the collection. The idea is that some of the most influential voices in Marvel's superhero communities have been secretly meeting for years. The second storyline is a two-issue Fantastic Four thread that honestly didn't do much for me. Not a FF fan. Finally, there's a three-issue Spider-Man story that does the best job of laying the groundwork for Civil War. For those who haven't been reading Marvel for awhile *raises hand* it'll also get you familiar with the idea of a Spider-Man who is very much under Tony Stark's thumb. Not really required for understanding Civil War, but certainly helpful. The FF issues aside, the writing is pretty solid.
August 25, 2016
Lo mejor el especial de los illuminati. Los números de spiderman con iron man como invitado son bastante recomendables, sirven para dar trasfondo político y moral al evento y en conjunto explican el posicionamiento de Iron Man, los números de los cuatro fantásticos me parecen prescindibles, corrientuchos y muy predecibles, huelen a relleno que tiran para atrás.
November 2, 2023
Out of all the Omnibus I own I'm still surprised no Civil War one.
Anyway, let's talk about the road to it. Peter goes with Tony to DC to try to convince them that policing superheroes and them giving up their identities is a bad idea. Even Tony is on the side of bad idea, and even kind of cheats the system of what to do. But of course that's before a school bombing. Reed and Sue disagree as well and a marriage leads to strain on the entire family.
A solid build up but a bit boring. Obviously this would be Marvel's biggest even maybe ever and they wanted to extend it as long as possible. It's a solid set up but feels a bit to predictable. But least unlike Miller's main run, characters actually act in character, that's a plus.
Anyway, let's talk about the road to it. Peter goes with Tony to DC to try to convince them that policing superheroes and them giving up their identities is a bad idea. Even Tony is on the side of bad idea, and even kind of cheats the system of what to do. But of course that's before a school bombing. Reed and Sue disagree as well and a marriage leads to strain on the entire family.
A solid build up but a bit boring. Obviously this would be Marvel's biggest even maybe ever and they wanted to extend it as long as possible. It's a solid set up but feels a bit to predictable. But least unlike Miller's main run, characters actually act in character, that's a plus.
January 31, 2021
En este prólogo a la Guerra Civil Superheroica de la Marvel tenemos un pequeño arco de tres números de la cabecera principal de Spiderman, un número especial de Los Nuevos Vengadores y otros tantos de los 4 Fantasticos que directamente me he saltado porque me la sud...
Realmente esto sería una relectura, puesto que ya me las leí hace años. En las historias de El Asombroso Spiderman #529-531 de J. Michael Straczynski tenemos a Tony Stark diseñando el famoso traje de la Civil War de el Hombre Araña, ese que tiene como brazos mecánicos de patas traseras. Pero nada es gratis, la intención de Tony (que ya preveía la Guerra Civil) es ganarse la confianza de Peter Parker para que le acompañe a Washington a intentar que el desconocido para todos todavía Acta de Registro de Superhumanos no se apruebe y se lleve a votación. En esto Stark no tiene plena confianza, pues ya es consciente de lo inminente, y aun así asiste por si acaso con un intento de suerte y de debate, a que los políticos y gobernantes se les quiten las ganas de sacarlo adelante. Y Stark es capaz de intentarlo, en lo legal y fuera de ella, quien lo lea lo entenderá. Aun así no deja de ser un aperitivo para lo que viene, y observamos lo inocente que es Peter Parker sobre el asunto, ay Pete, lo que te tocara sufrir. Justo al final coincide en el tiempo con el desastre de Stamford que nos narra el principio de Civil War de Mark Millar. En el aspecto grafico el primer numero cumple con los buenos dibujos de Ron Garney, en cambio los dos siguientes tiene una caída pronunciada con los de Tyler Kirkham.
La historia especial de los Illuminati de Los Nuevos Vengadores diría que es la mejor, viviendo de Brian Michael Bendis que menos. ¿Acaso es extraño? Tener en una misma sala a Charles Xavier, Iron Man, Namor, Rayo Negro, Doctor Extraño y a Reed Richards no es moco de pavo. Es un número que salta constantemente en el tiempo, para que observemos como Tony Stark en su desgracia es un visionario y en un ejercicio de retrocontinuidad, Bendis nos narra como este grupito supersecreto compuesto por los líderes y mandamases de las principales facciones de los más poderosos de la Marvel (mutantes, Vengadores, atlantes, inhumanos, el Hechicero Supremo y el representante de los Cuatro Fantásticos) conspiran y controlan en las sombras para que todo vaya según lo planeado. Pero no todo sale como debería, y ya vemos que el grupo no llega a funcionar del todo las pocas veces que se han reunido por diferencias ideológicas. Con la primera reunión propuesta por Tony Stark en Wakanda, T'Challa (que debería ser participante) les expulsa de su reino tan pronto como se entera de sus intenciones y les advierte que llegara un día en el que no estarán de acuerdo y se enfrentaran. Bueno, digamos, que no le faltaba razón, y vemos como más adelante, años después, algún integrante de la reunión se enfrentara a otro por sus diferencias.
Es una historia no de superhéroes, si no de como por mucho que queramos evitar lo inevitable, lo único que conseguimos es separarnos más, puesto que es imposible controlar lo que otros piensen o sientan acuerdo con tus decisiones. Y es una muestra más de la tragedia que recorre a Iron Man, por prever algo años atrás y ver ante sus ojos que aunque lo intente no se puede evitar y en su interior sabe que cuando decida mover ficha, se enfrentara a muchos de sus amigos y que será odiado por otros, pero que al final habrá merecido la pena, ¿lo hará? Eso tendréis que descubrirlo vosotros leyendo Civil War. Esta historia merece ser leída si o si como prólogo a la Civil War, y normalmente la suelen colocar siempre en los tomos recopilatorios y eso me parece bien, al igual que considero que la Civil War acaba con el famoso número del tiroteo al Capitan America y no con el número 7 de Civil War.
También mencionar que en un momento Iron man menciona que nunca ha matado a nadie, y dije ein… ¿seguro? No se Rick, me parece falso.
Sobre el aspecto grafico en esta segunda historia tenemos al grande de Alex Maleev, que siempre es un gusto disfrutar de sus particulares dibujos. Sobre todo porque es un autor que cumple más con narraciones que tiran hacia ambientes y conversaciones a meramente acción, aunque cumpla igualmente con los pequeños momentos de acción.
Realmente esto sería una relectura, puesto que ya me las leí hace años. En las historias de El Asombroso Spiderman #529-531 de J. Michael Straczynski tenemos a Tony Stark diseñando el famoso traje de la Civil War de el Hombre Araña, ese que tiene como brazos mecánicos de patas traseras. Pero nada es gratis, la intención de Tony (que ya preveía la Guerra Civil) es ganarse la confianza de Peter Parker para que le acompañe a Washington a intentar que el desconocido para todos todavía Acta de Registro de Superhumanos no se apruebe y se lleve a votación. En esto Stark no tiene plena confianza, pues ya es consciente de lo inminente, y aun así asiste por si acaso con un intento de suerte y de debate, a que los políticos y gobernantes se les quiten las ganas de sacarlo adelante. Y Stark es capaz de intentarlo, en lo legal y fuera de ella, quien lo lea lo entenderá. Aun así no deja de ser un aperitivo para lo que viene, y observamos lo inocente que es Peter Parker sobre el asunto, ay Pete, lo que te tocara sufrir. Justo al final coincide en el tiempo con el desastre de Stamford que nos narra el principio de Civil War de Mark Millar. En el aspecto grafico el primer numero cumple con los buenos dibujos de Ron Garney, en cambio los dos siguientes tiene una caída pronunciada con los de Tyler Kirkham.
La historia especial de los Illuminati de Los Nuevos Vengadores diría que es la mejor, viviendo de Brian Michael Bendis que menos. ¿Acaso es extraño? Tener en una misma sala a Charles Xavier, Iron Man, Namor, Rayo Negro, Doctor Extraño y a Reed Richards no es moco de pavo. Es un número que salta constantemente en el tiempo, para que observemos como Tony Stark en su desgracia es un visionario y en un ejercicio de retrocontinuidad, Bendis nos narra como este grupito supersecreto compuesto por los líderes y mandamases de las principales facciones de los más poderosos de la Marvel (mutantes, Vengadores, atlantes, inhumanos, el Hechicero Supremo y el representante de los Cuatro Fantásticos) conspiran y controlan en las sombras para que todo vaya según lo planeado. Pero no todo sale como debería, y ya vemos que el grupo no llega a funcionar del todo las pocas veces que se han reunido por diferencias ideológicas. Con la primera reunión propuesta por Tony Stark en Wakanda, T'Challa (que debería ser participante) les expulsa de su reino tan pronto como se entera de sus intenciones y les advierte que llegara un día en el que no estarán de acuerdo y se enfrentaran. Bueno, digamos, que no le faltaba razón, y vemos como más adelante, años después, algún integrante de la reunión se enfrentara a otro por sus diferencias.
Es una historia no de superhéroes, si no de como por mucho que queramos evitar lo inevitable, lo único que conseguimos es separarnos más, puesto que es imposible controlar lo que otros piensen o sientan acuerdo con tus decisiones. Y es una muestra más de la tragedia que recorre a Iron Man, por prever algo años atrás y ver ante sus ojos que aunque lo intente no se puede evitar y en su interior sabe que cuando decida mover ficha, se enfrentara a muchos de sus amigos y que será odiado por otros, pero que al final habrá merecido la pena, ¿lo hará? Eso tendréis que descubrirlo vosotros leyendo Civil War. Esta historia merece ser leída si o si como prólogo a la Civil War, y normalmente la suelen colocar siempre en los tomos recopilatorios y eso me parece bien, al igual que considero que la Civil War acaba con el famoso número del tiroteo al Capitan America y no con el número 7 de Civil War.
También mencionar que en un momento Iron man menciona que nunca ha matado a nadie, y dije ein… ¿seguro? No se Rick, me parece falso.
Sobre el aspecto grafico en esta segunda historia tenemos al grande de Alex Maleev, que siempre es un gusto disfrutar de sus particulares dibujos. Sobre todo porque es un autor que cumple más con narraciones que tiran hacia ambientes y conversaciones a meramente acción, aunque cumpla igualmente con los pequeños momentos de acción.
May 25, 2016
I guess I took something away from this...?
New Avengers: Illuminati:
This artwork was really unappealing and this all-male group of superheroes including Iron Man, Black Bolt, Mr. Fantastic, Namor, Dr. Strange, Black Panther, and Professor Xavier basically tried to form a superhero version of the UN and that was voted down and they fought because none of them can get along.
Fantastic Four #536-537:
So Thor's hammer has landed on Earth after Ragnarok and the FF are called there when Doom shows up with his Doombots and tries to pick up Thor's hammer . Not much to see here, but at least the art's better and there are some jokes.
Amazing Spider-Man #529-531:
Tony is still a little skeezy in this. You get to see how Tony is manipulating Peter into cahoots with him for the start of Civil War and SHRA enforcement, but you can also see Peter forming doubts about Tony's character and intentions. Artwork was alright and Peter's a good character, so that was a redeeming quality. This ends with the Stamford disaster.
Overall, this was not exactly a valuable comic in the Civil War story. I would not really recommend this to anyone unfortunately. This wasn't enjoyable, but I'm glad that I got a little background on the atmosphere prior to Civil War events.
New Avengers: Illuminati:
This artwork was really unappealing and this all-male group of superheroes including Iron Man, Black Bolt, Mr. Fantastic, Namor, Dr. Strange, Black Panther, and Professor Xavier basically tried to form a superhero version of the UN and that was voted down and they fought because none of them can get along.
Fantastic Four #536-537:
So Thor's hammer has landed on Earth after Ragnarok and the FF are called there when Doom shows up with his Doombots and tries to pick up Thor's hammer . Not much to see here, but at least the art's better and there are some jokes.
Amazing Spider-Man #529-531:
Tony is still a little skeezy in this. You get to see how Tony is manipulating Peter into cahoots with him for the start of Civil War and SHRA enforcement, but you can also see Peter forming doubts about Tony's character and intentions. Artwork was alright and Peter's a good character, so that was a redeeming quality. This ends with the Stamford disaster.
Overall, this was not exactly a valuable comic in the Civil War story. I would not really recommend this to anyone unfortunately. This wasn't enjoyable, but I'm glad that I got a little background on the atmosphere prior to Civil War events.
March 11, 2025
I have always been a huge comic book fan, from back in the day, and for the better part of the last ten years, gotten away from it. But after watching the MCU Avengers and solo films, it has made me more interested in reading them again. I picked up this book and found it a delight. It really lends to the Marvel universe and I will continue with the other volumes.
This book collects the following issues:
New Avengers: Illuminati (2006) (Brian Michael Bendis) - Years ago, in a secret meeting with Dr. Strange, Charles Xavier, Reed Richards, Black Bolt, Namor and Black Panther, Iron Man proposes that the Earth's superheroes join together officially in order to make the world safer from any future alien invasions. Black Panther rejects the idea. Iron Man (Stark) and the others (the "Illuminati") continue to meet secretly over the years to deal with various issues. For instance, they decide to send the Hulk off into space. This laid the groundwork for Planet Hulk. More recently, Stark catches wind of a proposed Superhero Registration Act and he predicts it will pass.
Fantastic Four #536-537 (J. Michael Straczynski) Reed avoids telling Sue what happened at his latest meeting with "the boys." Doom, escaped from Hell, is after Thor's hammer.
Amazing Spider-Man #529-531 (Straczynski) Spider-Man gets a new red and yellow (of course!) suit from his buddy Tony Stark. Also comes with 3 extra arms. (Why 3? I guess he didn't want to look like Doc Ock.) Tony and Peter go to Washington to talk to Congress about the proposed Superhero Registration Act. Tony is apparently against it. Apparently. Wink wink.
To fully appreciate the Civil War story, I consider this prequel to be mandatory reading. I'd give it 5 stars if the art was better.
This book collects the following issues:
New Avengers: Illuminati (2006) (Brian Michael Bendis) - Years ago, in a secret meeting with Dr. Strange, Charles Xavier, Reed Richards, Black Bolt, Namor and Black Panther, Iron Man proposes that the Earth's superheroes join together officially in order to make the world safer from any future alien invasions. Black Panther rejects the idea. Iron Man (Stark) and the others (the "Illuminati") continue to meet secretly over the years to deal with various issues. For instance, they decide to send the Hulk off into space. This laid the groundwork for Planet Hulk. More recently, Stark catches wind of a proposed Superhero Registration Act and he predicts it will pass.
Fantastic Four #536-537 (J. Michael Straczynski) Reed avoids telling Sue what happened at his latest meeting with "the boys." Doom, escaped from Hell, is after Thor's hammer.
Amazing Spider-Man #529-531 (Straczynski) Spider-Man gets a new red and yellow (of course!) suit from his buddy Tony Stark. Also comes with 3 extra arms. (Why 3? I guess he didn't want to look like Doc Ock.) Tony and Peter go to Washington to talk to Congress about the proposed Superhero Registration Act. Tony is apparently against it. Apparently. Wink wink.
To fully appreciate the Civil War story, I consider this prequel to be mandatory reading. I'd give it 5 stars if the art was better.
December 18, 2020
Such a great book and its basically peter being asked by Tony to be his well Assistant and they go to senate to testify regarding the Superhuman Registration Act and there is some arguments that are had about the responsibility and accountability of superheroes and all, which was all fascinating until they are attacked by Titanium Man and Pete with his Iron suit saves the day then he as his alter ego Spidey has some interesting talks about the consequences of the act with Senators but if he wants to go it on record he has to register which he won't and it was epicly done and then comes the shocker when we later finds it was Tony who hired Titanium man because he is pro-registration and then comes the news of the blast..and well CIVIL WAR NEXT! Epic volume, epic art, great talks and leading into a big storyline!
March 9, 2025
The Road to Civil War collects New Avengers: Illuminati One-Shot, Amazing Spider-Man
(1999) #529-531, Fantastic Four (1997) #536-537.
This is one of those comics collections that serves a functional purpose rather than an aesthetic purpose. It’s an odd mix. We have the Avengers, The Fantastic Four, The Immortals, and Black Panther having a long-range planning committee, the Fantastic Four fighting against a legion Doombots and Dr. Doom returns from Hell to get Thor’s hammer, and Tony Stark and Peter Parker going to a Senate Hearing. The art is a mixed bag and so are the stories.
But, again, this is a functional collection. It attempts to collect some issues from across the Marvel world to setup the coming Civil War. It’s not great, but it does its job.
(1999) #529-531, Fantastic Four (1997) #536-537.
This is one of those comics collections that serves a functional purpose rather than an aesthetic purpose. It’s an odd mix. We have the Avengers, The Fantastic Four, The Immortals, and Black Panther having a long-range planning committee, the Fantastic Four fighting against a legion Doombots and Dr. Doom returns from Hell to get Thor’s hammer, and Tony Stark and Peter Parker going to a Senate Hearing. The art is a mixed bag and so are the stories.
But, again, this is a functional collection. It attempts to collect some issues from across the Marvel world to setup the coming Civil War. It’s not great, but it does its job.
August 6, 2019
Me acaba de explicar (y de preguntarme) muchas cosas. Hilos que surgen de la historia que, imagino, serán explicados en otros números. Una trama que se complica y que nos muestra las próximas consecuencias. Nos abre el apetito de saber y leer mucho más. Pensaba que por el dibujo no me iba a gustar tanto, pero me ha absorbido de tal manera que lo único en lo que pensaba era en ir buscando las conexiones con lo ya leído y conocido. Hace que queramos seguir leyendo para saber (o comprobar) en qué queda este camino hacia la Civil War.
November 8, 2020
The comics collected here were good, and I could just about see how they tied the story together, but it felt like it was taking some very big & unexplained leaps and just presuming we'd keep up.
Good for existing Marvel fans, probably, but for me (who's trying to learn more about the Marvel universe than just what's in the movies) it's a little lacking. Don't get me wrong; still very good... just not what I'd hoped.
Good for existing Marvel fans, probably, but for me (who's trying to learn more about the Marvel universe than just what's in the movies) it's a little lacking. Don't get me wrong; still very good... just not what I'd hoped.
March 12, 2018
3,75
Il n'y a que les issues sur les 4 Fantastiques qui m'ont moins convaincue, le Illuminati et les Spider-Man étaient très bons. D'ailleurs ça faisait longtemps que je n'avais pas lu de Spider-Man, ça me manquait.
Il n'y a que les issues sur les 4 Fantastiques qui m'ont moins convaincue, le Illuminati et les Spider-Man étaient très bons. D'ailleurs ça faisait longtemps que je n'avais pas lu de Spider-Man, ça me manquait.
April 7, 2014
This worked well as a quick primer of the major events that came before Civil War. It reminds us that Ragnarok has happened, that Spider-Man is under Stark's thumb, that Scarlet Witch and the House of M are still sitting very high in the nation's collective consciousness, that the mutants are still struggling with the fallout of M Day and the 198, and that there is a high level of fear towards all superheroes brewing in the American government.
Especially, The New Avengers Illuminati, is an important read. It explores the tenuous bonds between Marvel's core heroes that lead the other heroes. The secret history of this group is going to be integral to the Civil War story and most of that history is recapped in this volume.
You could probably make it though the main Civil War story without needing to read this collection, but if you are looking to supplement the Civil War story, this is absolutely your first stop. In fact, I would highly recommend reading this before you even attempt Civil War, just to add depth and meaning to the whole experience.
3.5/5
Especially, The New Avengers Illuminati, is an important read. It explores the tenuous bonds between Marvel's core heroes that lead the other heroes. The secret history of this group is going to be integral to the Civil War story and most of that history is recapped in this volume.
You could probably make it though the main Civil War story without needing to read this collection, but if you are looking to supplement the Civil War story, this is absolutely your first stop. In fact, I would highly recommend reading this before you even attempt Civil War, just to add depth and meaning to the whole experience.
3.5/5
August 23, 2007
My library got a LOT of Marvel's Civil War books, so I thought I'd start it off right.
Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev's New Avengers: Illuminati is a good continuity-steeped, talking-heads superhero book. Straczynski and McKone's Fantastic Four story has a nice return for Dr. Doom (he literally comes back from hell), but feels mostly like it's introducing a chess piece in the return of Thor's enchanted hammer. Straczynski and Garney's Spider-Man story tries to show off all the moral complexities in the Civil War books, but is mostly talking heads again. Spider-man also gets his "iron spider" costume; it's hard to explain why they changed such a recognizable costume.
All in all, I'm somewhat disappointed with how Civil War's starting.
Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev's New Avengers: Illuminati is a good continuity-steeped, talking-heads superhero book. Straczynski and McKone's Fantastic Four story has a nice return for Dr. Doom (he literally comes back from hell), but feels mostly like it's introducing a chess piece in the return of Thor's enchanted hammer. Straczynski and Garney's Spider-Man story tries to show off all the moral complexities in the Civil War books, but is mostly talking heads again. Spider-man also gets his "iron spider" costume; it's hard to explain why they changed such a recognizable costume.
All in all, I'm somewhat disappointed with how Civil War's starting.
January 13, 2020
[Re-read after half a decade]
A glimpse into the events that would one day lead to a massive rift between superheroes. Friends and families stood on opposite sides when the line got drawn. Tony Stark does what he thinks is best for humanity without acknowledging repercussions of his own actions.
House of M gets mentioned (in which Scarlett Witch messes with reality) and Hulk's destruction of Vegas. These two become triggering factors to half of the public that is weary of collateral damages induced by Superheroes.
Good start to a promising arc.
A glimpse into the events that would one day lead to a massive rift between superheroes. Friends and families stood on opposite sides when the line got drawn. Tony Stark does what he thinks is best for humanity without acknowledging repercussions of his own actions.
House of M gets mentioned (in which Scarlett Witch messes with reality) and Hulk's destruction of Vegas. These two become triggering factors to half of the public that is weary of collateral damages induced by Superheroes.
Good start to a promising arc.
April 9, 2017
Iron Man and Mister Fantastic are assholes...way more than in the movies. They shoot Hulk into space, manipulate Spider-Man, and keep secrets from everyone "for their own good". I can see no reason why anyone would side with them at all, other than that I really liked it. The act that pushes the government into passing the Superhero Registration Act makes a whole lot more sense and is much more horrifying than the one in the movie also.
December 30, 2014
I loved the beginning of the Civil War series. I forgot how much I loved some of these characters, especially The Thing. I'm interested to see what happens next. I have all of the comic books in the series, and will probably binge read them tonight, before I have to return them to the library tomorrow.
April 28, 2016
3.5 stars.
I wasn't super interested in the Fantastic Four comics, but the first comic and the Spider-Man comics were FANTASTIC. The art wasn't my favorite, but the writing and storyline were great!
Civil War is coming...
I wasn't super interested in the Fantastic Four comics, but the first comic and the Spider-Man comics were FANTASTIC. The art wasn't my favorite, but the writing and storyline were great!
Civil War is coming...
January 29, 2016
The most important part of this book is that Doom is the real MVP (and got trolled by Thor's hammer).
January 6, 2017
So, basically what I've learned from this is that the entire Marvel Universe should listen to T'Challa.
November 7, 2025
Yes it's worth all of the stars.
July 26, 2018
This comic departed from the franchise, offering much needed clarification in between the events of Age of Ultron and Civil War. The legality issues regarding the Accords, the responsibility several wanted to issue superheroes and superhumans. It is something that I think I could attempt to write about in-depth, but the short of it remains I'm more Libertarian, and as much as I believe in accountability - forced accountability can only lead to the loss of our freedoms.
Which is why I really enjoyed how the U.S Civil War was mentioned. Tony is serious about wanting to preserve the option to stay out of the public's limelight, he also doesn't want the Hulk to be forced into isolation. This comic mainly follows him, Tony, during these conflicts, save for members of The Fantastic Four.
The writing was really well done, and the artwork perfectly fitted the scenes and current moods. This one was able to be as serious and honest about what the heroes were facing, while still funny and heartfelt. Peter Parker, a welcome character not only made me laugh, but inspired Tony to act with more caution and self respect.
Civil War: The Road to Civil War isn't necessary to understanding the MCU, but it's definitely something I enjoyed and would read again (Mr. Parker Goes to Washington is the best part).
Which is why I really enjoyed how the U.S Civil War was mentioned. Tony is serious about wanting to preserve the option to stay out of the public's limelight, he also doesn't want the Hulk to be forced into isolation. This comic mainly follows him, Tony, during these conflicts, save for members of The Fantastic Four.
The writing was really well done, and the artwork perfectly fitted the scenes and current moods. This one was able to be as serious and honest about what the heroes were facing, while still funny and heartfelt. Peter Parker, a welcome character not only made me laugh, but inspired Tony to act with more caution and self respect.
Civil War: The Road to Civil War isn't necessary to understanding the MCU, but it's definitely something I enjoyed and would read again (Mr. Parker Goes to Washington is the best part).
August 20, 2024
Fără prea multe momente wow, „The Road to Civil War” construiește și oferă cititorului contextul pe care îl promovează prin titlu. E un volum ce adună numere din diverse serii, dar e numai potrivit pentru a înțelege cum s-a ajuns la Civil War, de ce Tony Stark e și un politician al naibii de priceput, dincolo de geniu al politehnicii :) Și ce caută Peter Parker de partea sa în întreaga afacere. Pentru curioși, un număr care explică ce a stat la originea întâlnirilor Illuminati, dar și un mic spoiler pentru fanii Planeta Hulk. În concluzie, un număr care surprinde momentele în care în senatul american se dezbate ideea de a promova legea privind înregistrarea și demascarea tuturor supereroilor pentru a intra cu toții în legalitate și a fi trași la răspundere pentru faptele lor. Iron Man și Spider-Man de partea autorităților de data aceasta. Ah, și o mică poveste, simpatică de altfel, despre cum Doom evadează din Iad încercând să pună mâna pe ciocanul lui Thor. Încercând, evident.
October 13, 2021
Muy buen cómic. En él aparecen algunos de los sucesos que nos empiezan a conducir hacia la Guerra Civil. Tenemos desde una reunión de los illuminati, hasta la primera vez que vemos la Iron Spider con Spiderman. Además se nos empieza a hablar de Thor, que lleva desaparecido desde desunidos. Es probable que su regreso esté muy cerca. Me encantan estos tomos, creo que hacen mucho más fácil la comprensión de los eventos, ya que siguiendo las líneas regulares puede ser un lio si no las sigues toda. Estos tomos recopilan los números fundamentales de esas series para comprender el evento que te está presentando cada cómic deluxe. Tengo la sensación de que esto solo es un prologo, asique tengo muchas ganas de ver lo que depara esta Guerra Civil.
October 7, 2023
I really liked the art in this book. Was well done throughout even though there were 3 different artists I believe.
The writing was great as well throughout. From what I know of Civil War, I can see how most of this ties into it, but I am curious how the Fantastic Four issues at the end tie into the event. You can also tell from just this book how much of the MCU was inspired from this era of comics (mid to late 2000s).
The writing was great as well throughout. From what I know of Civil War, I can see how most of this ties into it, but I am curious how the Fantastic Four issues at the end tie into the event. You can also tell from just this book how much of the MCU was inspired from this era of comics (mid to late 2000s).
September 28, 2017
Pues sin ser un lector asiduo de novelas gráficas y menos de superhéroes, tengo que reconocer que he redescubrierto el género e intuyo la futura lectura de unos cuantos de estos.
July 15, 2019
A good introduction and background to Civil War - definitely got me excited to read through the next three volumes in the series.
October 12, 2023
3.5 stars
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