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Civil War: Front Line #6-11
Civil War: Front Line, Vol. 2
The lone survivor of the team that caused the Stamford tragedy has been found. But living through one of the worst superhuman disasters in history may be the worst thing that could happen, as this vilified hero is placed under arrest for the deaths of an entire town. Covers #6-#11
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2007
13 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
About the author
Paul Jenkins
1,259 books153 followersPaul Jenkins is a British comic book writer. He has had much success crossing over into the American comic book market. Primarily working for Marvel Comics, he has had a big part shaping the characters of the company over the past decade.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 6, 2016
I think the highlight of this issue was the parallel they did with a historic event to the current event happening with the Superhero legislation bullshit.
Another thing I found good about this was how it shows you the effect of what defying the legislation would do to you. It was terrible. I didn't like it one bit. It felt wrong that just because they had the abilities that they do, they are forced to, in a way, slavery by the government. They aren't free to make their own choices anymore. They have to adhere to certain rules, or else they would get imprisoned which is exactly what happened to Speedball. I hated reading about how unfairly he was treated by those people. Arrrggg... It makes me so angry.
Another thing I found good about this was how it shows you the effect of what defying the legislation would do to you. It was terrible. I didn't like it one bit. It felt wrong that just because they had the abilities that they do, they are forced to, in a way, slavery by the government. They aren't free to make their own choices anymore. They have to adhere to certain rules, or else they would get imprisoned which is exactly what happened to Speedball. I hated reading about how unfairly he was treated by those people. Arrrggg... It makes me so angry.
July 22, 2016
2.5 stars
This was noticeably less fantastic than Civil War: Front Line, Vol. 1.
So most of the plot points introduced in the first one are resolved here despite how anticlimactic almost every one of those points was. The historical flashbacks that I found so endearing in the first one just became monotonous in this sequel. I often found myself just waiting for it to be over. Until this one thing with Robbie Baldwin/Speedball happened.
I always felt bad for Robbie because he was treated like he was the one who killed everyone at Stamford instead of Nitro, who got off relatively easy. So he finally signs the SHRA, gets out of jail, and finds out that his new powers only manifest when he feels pain. He has someone build a new suit for him that has 612 internal spikes, one for each fatality at Stamford, to cause this pain. So he turns into Penance in this scene and I want to read it again and again. Four stars for Penance.
Ahhhh. Yeah, that was the highlight of that. And then Sally Floyd puts not only Captain America in his place, but Iron Man too. And I like that about this Civil War: Front Line series because it's the only Civil War story that offers a civilian perspective. Because let's face it: these heroes are kind of stupid sometimes. And they can occasionally be jackasses. *whispers* Especially you, Tony Stark.
Oh, I forgot to mention that at the end of this, you kind of find out that Tony Stark manufactured Civil War for other economic and political purposes. Go figure, right? That conspiracy was supposed to be a climactic final revelation, but it too fell flat. So, glad this is over but still glad I read it (if for Penance's origin story alone).
This was noticeably less fantastic than Civil War: Front Line, Vol. 1.
So most of the plot points introduced in the first one are resolved here despite how anticlimactic almost every one of those points was. The historical flashbacks that I found so endearing in the first one just became monotonous in this sequel. I often found myself just waiting for it to be over. Until this one thing with Robbie Baldwin/Speedball happened.
I always felt bad for Robbie because he was treated like he was the one who killed everyone at Stamford instead of Nitro, who got off relatively easy. So he finally signs the SHRA, gets out of jail, and finds out that his new powers only manifest when he feels pain. He has someone build a new suit for him that has 612 internal spikes, one for each fatality at Stamford, to cause this pain. So he turns into Penance in this scene and I want to read it again and again. Four stars for Penance.
Ahhhh. Yeah, that was the highlight of that. And then Sally Floyd puts not only Captain America in his place, but Iron Man too. And I like that about this Civil War: Front Line series because it's the only Civil War story that offers a civilian perspective. Because let's face it: these heroes are kind of stupid sometimes. And they can occasionally be jackasses. *whispers* Especially you, Tony Stark.
Oh, I forgot to mention that at the end of this, you kind of find out that Tony Stark manufactured Civil War for other economic and political purposes. Go figure, right? That conspiracy was supposed to be a climactic final revelation, but it too fell flat. So, glad this is over but still glad I read it (if for Penance's origin story alone).
May 1, 2019
Empiezan a quitarse las caretas en todos los sentidos. Comienza la acción. Por fin veremos bien quién son los malos de esta historia.
March 16, 2025
Civil War: Frontline, Vol. 2 picks up where the first volume left off. We follow what happens to Speedball after the Stamford incident and we get the civilian perspective of the Civil War from journalists Ben and Sally.
I found the second volume to be a bit more entertaining than the first one. We witness Speedball transform into a different kind of character (which was the highlight of Frontline, to me). We also find out some deep, dark truths about the origin of the Civil War. So 3.5 out of 5?
I found the second volume to be a bit more entertaining than the first one. We witness Speedball transform into a different kind of character (which was the highlight of Frontline, to me). We also find out some deep, dark truths about the origin of the Civil War. So 3.5 out of 5?
October 6, 2013
Volume 2 of Front Line continues right where the first left off. Ben Urich and Sally Floyd uncover startling revelations about the causes of the Civil War, who's running things, and why, and cover both sides of the conflict. Robbie Baldwin continues his journey from Speedball to incarcerated pariah for his involvement with Stamford, and we watch the transformation he undergoes until we see what he becomes near the end of the book. Wonder Man's involvement with spying for SHIELD takes a turn for the worse, and we follow through with the cops investigating the involvement of Atlanteans.
Also, Norman Osborn is free from prison, and terrorizing people, but says he's not controlling himself..another lie from a raving lunatic, or truth?
I love the different threads weaving together a story that doesn't even need the appearance of Heroes to keep you interested, and keep things compelling. Though Robbie Baldwin is a main character here, it's certainly not as Speedball, it's as the human being behind the costume, and it's a much more interesting tale.
Vol 2 also continues the comparison of Historical conflicts to the Civil War, here it's the Somme, and the English Civil War. I really enjoyed these, and they did a great job of adding even more gravitas to what might otherwise be a bunch of people in spandex punching each other. Jenkins has done a great job over this whole Front Line book, and I mean this in the best way, elevated it so it doesn't really seem like it's a comic book at all.
In the end, both pro Registration (Iron Man and co.) and Anti--Registration (Cap and co.) are treated as equally responsible, and Sally just trashes Cap when she and Ben meet him in prison. I didn't totally care for that part, but I understand it was through the voice of Sally. I happen to think of the 2 I'd hold Iron Man in more contempt, but he sure doesn't get off lightly in his meeting with the reporters. I have a much easier time liking Ben Urich than Sally Floyd though, because she comes of as holier-than-thou about the whole thing, whereas Ben is a lot more realistic and practical while still keeping his journalistic integrity. Sally seems more interested in slagging off Cap both times she meets him, and I'm glad that Jenkins makes the distinction of mentioning, her work becomes an 'opinion piece' after her close-minded session with Cap.
The saddest casualty of this whole book may be Robbie Baldwin though, by the end he's a completely different person, nothing remaining of who he was. I think it's important to show the damage that the War had on people, and Robbie illustrates well the mental damage it causes as well as the physical and emotional.
A great second volume, and a fantastic companion piece for Civil War. I might even suggest reading Front Line to people who don't want to read Civil War, because it gives you the gist of what happens but with more human level stories about the impact on the non-heroes and their lives. A lot more realistic than most of the spandex crowd. I'm quite impressed with Mr. Jenkins.
Also, Norman Osborn is free from prison, and terrorizing people, but says he's not controlling himself..another lie from a raving lunatic, or truth?
I love the different threads weaving together a story that doesn't even need the appearance of Heroes to keep you interested, and keep things compelling. Though Robbie Baldwin is a main character here, it's certainly not as Speedball, it's as the human being behind the costume, and it's a much more interesting tale.
Vol 2 also continues the comparison of Historical conflicts to the Civil War, here it's the Somme, and the English Civil War. I really enjoyed these, and they did a great job of adding even more gravitas to what might otherwise be a bunch of people in spandex punching each other. Jenkins has done a great job over this whole Front Line book, and I mean this in the best way, elevated it so it doesn't really seem like it's a comic book at all.
In the end, both pro Registration (Iron Man and co.) and Anti--Registration (Cap and co.) are treated as equally responsible, and Sally just trashes Cap when she and Ben meet him in prison. I didn't totally care for that part, but I understand it was through the voice of Sally. I happen to think of the 2 I'd hold Iron Man in more contempt, but he sure doesn't get off lightly in his meeting with the reporters. I have a much easier time liking Ben Urich than Sally Floyd though, because she comes of as holier-than-thou about the whole thing, whereas Ben is a lot more realistic and practical while still keeping his journalistic integrity. Sally seems more interested in slagging off Cap both times she meets him, and I'm glad that Jenkins makes the distinction of mentioning, her work becomes an 'opinion piece' after her close-minded session with Cap.
The saddest casualty of this whole book may be Robbie Baldwin though, by the end he's a completely different person, nothing remaining of who he was. I think it's important to show the damage that the War had on people, and Robbie illustrates well the mental damage it causes as well as the physical and emotional.
A great second volume, and a fantastic companion piece for Civil War. I might even suggest reading Front Line to people who don't want to read Civil War, because it gives you the gist of what happens but with more human level stories about the impact on the non-heroes and their lives. A lot more realistic than most of the spandex crowd. I'm quite impressed with Mr. Jenkins.
March 7, 2016
I really enjoyed Front Line Vol. 1 but I think I actually liked Vol. 2 even more. While all the heroes are beating each other up, Front Line makes the Civil War storyline into a political conspiracy thriller. It’s really cool, really well done.
One of my issues with the Civil War event is that many of the stories (including the central one by Millar) don’t exactly reach the most satisfying conclusion. Front Line is the exception. While the other hero tie-ins make way for the central story only to have Millar’s Civil War pull its punches at the end, Front Line sticks to its guns and comes to a satisfying, surprising finale.
I still say that if you decide to read Civil War, you should try to fit Front Line into your reading time. It’s worth it, because it makes all the other stories better, while also telling a cool story of its own.
One of my issues with the Civil War event is that many of the stories (including the central one by Millar) don’t exactly reach the most satisfying conclusion. Front Line is the exception. While the other hero tie-ins make way for the central story only to have Millar’s Civil War pull its punches at the end, Front Line sticks to its guns and comes to a satisfying, surprising finale.
I still say that if you decide to read Civil War, you should try to fit Front Line into your reading time. It’s worth it, because it makes all the other stories better, while also telling a cool story of its own.
May 15, 2009
It seems that a lot of reviewers don't really care for the Front Line series, but I thought it added a necessary depth to the overall Civil War story arc. A look at the Superhero Registration Act from the point of view of two regular human reporters and many great debates about security vs. freedom and whether the two are mutually exclusive.
April 24, 2012
There is nothing more aggravating when reading a story than having to trudge through the middle to get to a good end. This is the way that I feel about the whole Front Line side story of Civil War. The story could have been reeled back by at least 4 issues and I would have felt okay about it. The thing was that (in my opinion) they wanted this story to travel from before the beginning of Civil War to the very End. And doing that make it weak for me. Too much filler to make it enjoyable. I'm giving this only a 3.5 out of 4 stars.
April 5, 2017
Very thought-provoking storylines. After all was said and done, I don't know who was right, if anyone truly was; although I do think too many people went to extremes. I was stunned by the final revelation about Tony Stark's actions. His actions are similar to Ozymandias' in Watchmen. I want to resist the idea that the only way people can come together is to face a common enemy, but perhaps it is an ugly truth of the human condition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2019
I'm reading this event according to the official Marvel Civil War reading recommendation list as seen on their website here:
https://www.marvel.com/comics/discove...
This collection is all about the conspiracies, and it is glorious. We see Ben and Sally uncover the truth about why the Green Goblin went after the Atlantians. We also see further discussion about war profiteering and learn the truth about all the behind-the-scenes aspects that the heroes haven't spent time worrying about. Like the first half of this arc, this collection gives a thorough perspective from the everyday people, which just shows that everyone can make a difference and has a voice. I really liked this one and I'll be glad to find more comics with these characters.
A major heart-breaking aspect of this collection--and the whole arc really--is watching what happens to Speedball. He's considered a traitor and effectively becomes the scapegoat for everything even though Nitro was more of the original villain, but no one understands. I didn't know anything about his character before reading this event, and it was very hard to witness. It gets to several dark places, and it may be very challenging for some readers to get through.
For: fans of superheroes/comics; readers wanting the "human/every-man" perspective; fans of conspiracies and uncovering the truth.
Possible red flags: characters in peril; violence; blood; death; assassination attempt; interrogation; torture/self-harm; language; manipulation; conspiracies.
https://www.marvel.com/comics/discove...
This collection is all about the conspiracies, and it is glorious. We see Ben and Sally uncover the truth about why the Green Goblin went after the Atlantians. We also see further discussion about war profiteering and learn the truth about all the behind-the-scenes aspects that the heroes haven't spent time worrying about. Like the first half of this arc, this collection gives a thorough perspective from the everyday people, which just shows that everyone can make a difference and has a voice. I really liked this one and I'll be glad to find more comics with these characters.
A major heart-breaking aspect of this collection--and the whole arc really--is watching what happens to Speedball. He's considered a traitor and effectively becomes the scapegoat for everything even though Nitro was more of the original villain, but no one understands. I didn't know anything about his character before reading this event, and it was very hard to witness. It gets to several dark places, and it may be very challenging for some readers to get through.
For: fans of superheroes/comics; readers wanting the "human/every-man" perspective; fans of conspiracies and uncovering the truth.
Possible red flags: characters in peril; violence; blood; death; assassination attempt; interrogation; torture/self-harm; language; manipulation; conspiracies.
April 30, 2018
I am going back and reading as many of these Civil War (the first Civil War) graphic novels I can. I don't think in my past readings of this event I had read this one, I found it extremely interesting.
The news reporters lend a much needed none douchebag perspective giving points in favor of registration. This volume also does a great job portraying both Iron Man and Captain America from a different perspective, lost in the main volume.
While reading this, I didn't realize it was Vol 2, which might be why initially I was a little confused. This doesn't do much to explain or track Speedball's progression as a character, giving me just enough to want to know more, but feel like I knew next to nothing.
Well worth a read to follow some threads glossed over in the larger conflicts of the Civil War, I honestly think I enjoyed reading this more then rereading the main book!
The news reporters lend a much needed none douchebag perspective giving points in favor of registration. This volume also does a great job portraying both Iron Man and Captain America from a different perspective, lost in the main volume.
While reading this, I didn't realize it was Vol 2, which might be why initially I was a little confused. This doesn't do much to explain or track Speedball's progression as a character, giving me just enough to want to know more, but feel like I knew next to nothing.
Well worth a read to follow some threads glossed over in the larger conflicts of the Civil War, I honestly think I enjoyed reading this more then rereading the main book!
May 25, 2020
The second half of the Front Line story following reporters during Marvel's Civil War event. I enjoy the way that the story unfolds in that we learn information behind the Civil War. We also get to see a little of the aftermath, which helps in giving context. However, there were still parts that lagged for me, meaning it wasn't my absolute favorite. But there are some great panels included thorughout!
January 22, 2022
This book is self satisfied finger wagging at its lamest and what it implies is “right” and “wrong” is infuriating. The fact that they spend the whole time crowing about journalistic integrity only to applaud and cover up Stark murdering foreign nationals, working with criminals, and orchestrating a war - all so his plan of keeping super cops in every state can work - shows exactly how brain dead post- 9/11 “patriotic” comics were. Good fucking god.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2019
I found this volume somewhat episodic at first and it took me a while to get a sense of the through story. There were bits I didn’t like. For example, A journalist is given the opportunity to interview Captain America for 15 minutes but instead, she tears a strip off him and leaves before her time was up. As we say in Scotland, “Aye, right!”.
April 6, 2020
This picks up right after volume 1 and goes throughout the end of Civil War. There were some points that could have been interesting, but it didn't satisfy me.
May 18, 2017
A surprising ending to this side story and a twist I had not seen coming.
December 9, 2017
Started good then went downhill, but still great overall.
September 2, 2018
Looks like my review got deleted or I forgot to write one. Frontline are usually my favorites of the "events" series. This one was no exception.
August 20, 2019
Best one out of the two volumes. Finally get some answers!
October 8, 2019
Along with the amazing Spider-Man this title is better than the main series itself. Can't believe some of the embedded bits weren't included in the main title.
October 10, 2019
It was alright. Not enough superhero action going on for my taste. Like it gave you a little and then it took it away. Sadness. But it was still enjoyable to read. #teamcap
June 9, 2021
Paul Jenkins tries to provide justification for Captain America and Iron Man turning against one another, and the results are not disappointing.
September 7, 2007
Front Line is the main ancillary miniseries of Civil War. It's weird that the seven-issue miniseries has an 11-issue side series... but whatever.
Paul Jenkins packs 3 overlapping storylines into the series. "Embedded" follows reporters Ben Urich and Sally Floyd (who Jenkins created in Generation M, a previous Marvel crossover) covering Civil War. Speedball, who inadvertently caused the tragedy that led to Civil War, stars in "The Accused." "Sleeper Cell" shows U.S.'s budding war with Namor's Atlantis. And in "War Correspondence," Jenkins ties Civil War to poems, letters, and stories from real life wars.
The Correspondence pieces were the only one I wholly enjoyed. I thought Jenkins wasn't ham-handed in linking fictional and real wars, despite having most panels be split-screens between superheroes and historical war scenes. Because it came at the end of the book, it did feel a bit like it was grasping at being (capital I) Important, using a text section at the end just like Watchmen.
Ramon Bachs' art got progressively worse on "Embedded," and the story dragged, too. I really disliked the conclusion, which made Iron Man look even less sympathetic. Jenkins made him out to be a Machiavellian war profiteer. I thought one of Marvel's goals with Civil War was to make both sides seem right?
"The Accused" wandered a bit, with stories of Speedball in prison and court. I liked seeing Steve Lieber on a high-profile book. Ultimately, Speedball, a not especially compelling character, changes his name to Penance, and remains a character I don't care much about. It's an interesting journey, but I don't see much of a future for him.
Lee Weeks is a great classic superhero artist, but "Sleeper Cell" confused me, and seems to be a launchpad for a future story on a(nother) Atlantean war. I'm surprised Namor didn't mention anything about it in his cameo in the main Civil War book.
Paul Jenkins packs 3 overlapping storylines into the series. "Embedded" follows reporters Ben Urich and Sally Floyd (who Jenkins created in Generation M, a previous Marvel crossover) covering Civil War. Speedball, who inadvertently caused the tragedy that led to Civil War, stars in "The Accused." "Sleeper Cell" shows U.S.'s budding war with Namor's Atlantis. And in "War Correspondence," Jenkins ties Civil War to poems, letters, and stories from real life wars.
The Correspondence pieces were the only one I wholly enjoyed. I thought Jenkins wasn't ham-handed in linking fictional and real wars, despite having most panels be split-screens between superheroes and historical war scenes. Because it came at the end of the book, it did feel a bit like it was grasping at being (capital I) Important, using a text section at the end just like Watchmen.
Ramon Bachs' art got progressively worse on "Embedded," and the story dragged, too. I really disliked the conclusion, which made Iron Man look even less sympathetic. Jenkins made him out to be a Machiavellian war profiteer. I thought one of Marvel's goals with Civil War was to make both sides seem right?
"The Accused" wandered a bit, with stories of Speedball in prison and court. I liked seeing Steve Lieber on a high-profile book. Ultimately, Speedball, a not especially compelling character, changes his name to Penance, and remains a character I don't care much about. It's an interesting journey, but I don't see much of a future for him.
Lee Weeks is a great classic superhero artist, but "Sleeper Cell" confused me, and seems to be a launchpad for a future story on a(nother) Atlantean war. I'm surprised Namor didn't mention anything about it in his cameo in the main Civil War book.
December 30, 2013
A good follow-up to Vol. 1, though not quite as strong. "Sleep Cell" was the less engaging of the stories, appearing quite late into the volume, while "The Accused" remained the most engaging for the enthralling societal questions it raised.
I must admit I was quite confused by Sally. Several comments she made in Vol. 1 gave me the impression she was against the SHRA. After she's told her reaction is "predictable," she does a 180, even skipping out on an interview with Captain America in favour of telling him how wrong he is after hearing his side for all of five minutes. She acts similarly when she and Ben visit Cap after his arrest. The two reporters spend most of the issue digging out the truth, and yet they seem to take it in stride that, in order to end one war and unite all the superheroes, Tony started another one. They confront him about him, letting him know they are aware of his actions, but choose to bury the story for the sake of maintaining harmony. So much for objectivity and journalistic integrity. (So, overall, I guess it's a realistic depiction and commentary on the state of modern journalism.)
I must admit I was quite confused by Sally. Several comments she made in Vol. 1 gave me the impression she was against the SHRA. After she's told her reaction is "predictable," she does a 180, even skipping out on an interview with Captain America in favour of telling him how wrong he is after hearing his side for all of five minutes. She acts similarly when she and Ben visit Cap after his arrest. The two reporters spend most of the issue digging out the truth, and yet they seem to take it in stride that, in order to end one war and unite all the superheroes, Tony started another one. They confront him about him, letting him know they are aware of his actions, but choose to bury the story for the sake of maintaining harmony. So much for objectivity and journalistic integrity. (So, overall, I guess it's a realistic depiction and commentary on the state of modern journalism.)
September 18, 2015
This continues the stories that we saw in the first volume. We get continued coverage of the two reporters covering the Civil War, the evolution of the hero formerly known as Speedball, and the reason behind the explosion of the Atlanteans.
I enjoyed this collection more than the first one. If you are looking for action driven plot this collection is not for you. This collection explores the reasons and motivations of the characters. I believe that I enjoyed this collection more because of the exploration of the Atlantean plot and the reason behind it. This was well done and the reason was a surprise but makes sense. As of the other two stories I was interested throughout as one gets a perspective thru the everyday, ordinary man and we get to see the consequences of one's actions. Another aspect I liked about this collection was they scaled back on the comparison of these events to actual historic events. I understand what they aiming for but I felt like it missed the mark.
I would recommend reading this one after reading Marvel: Civil War as this complete collection tells background information about this historic event in this universe.
I enjoyed this collection more than the first one. If you are looking for action driven plot this collection is not for you. This collection explores the reasons and motivations of the characters. I believe that I enjoyed this collection more because of the exploration of the Atlantean plot and the reason behind it. This was well done and the reason was a surprise but makes sense. As of the other two stories I was interested throughout as one gets a perspective thru the everyday, ordinary man and we get to see the consequences of one's actions. Another aspect I liked about this collection was they scaled back on the comparison of these events to actual historic events. I understand what they aiming for but I felt like it missed the mark.
I would recommend reading this one after reading Marvel: Civil War as this complete collection tells background information about this historic event in this universe.
February 20, 2016
This should be read following the main Civil War storyline and Front Line, Volume 1.
The stories that began in the first volume are wrapped up here. "Embedded" was not quite as strong as it was in the beginning. I still enjoyed it, but the focus definitely shifted and a traitor is revealed on the pro-registration side. The ending was nice for Ben Urich and Sally Floyd. I wasn't impressed with "The Accused" in the first volume of this series, but the progression of Speedball is much better here. It made the character much more likeable for me.
"Sleeper Cell" was lackluster. It tied in well with the other stories, but it just felt unnecessary to the overall event. Both "Sleeper Cell" and "Correspondence" are wrapped up before the other two stories. "Correspondence" didn't add much either, so having these dropped earlier doesn't hurt the book at all. The book helps wrap up the Marvel event and gives some insight on how Iron Man and Captain America got where they are at the end of the main story.
Considering the entire Front Line story as a whole, I would give it 4/5. Neither of the parts can really stand on their own and are much stronger as a whole.
The stories that began in the first volume are wrapped up here. "Embedded" was not quite as strong as it was in the beginning. I still enjoyed it, but the focus definitely shifted and a traitor is revealed on the pro-registration side. The ending was nice for Ben Urich and Sally Floyd. I wasn't impressed with "The Accused" in the first volume of this series, but the progression of Speedball is much better here. It made the character much more likeable for me.
"Sleeper Cell" was lackluster. It tied in well with the other stories, but it just felt unnecessary to the overall event. Both "Sleeper Cell" and "Correspondence" are wrapped up before the other two stories. "Correspondence" didn't add much either, so having these dropped earlier doesn't hurt the book at all. The book helps wrap up the Marvel event and gives some insight on how Iron Man and Captain America got where they are at the end of the main story.
Considering the entire Front Line story as a whole, I would give it 4/5. Neither of the parts can really stand on their own and are much stronger as a whole.
May 15, 2016
So the Front Line plots seem to be all the best of Civil War, as they actually show the normal citizen's dealing with the fallout of the superheros. "Embedded" following the two reporters is easily the best of the best as it weaves every other story in and out.
My one complaint though? Why wasn't any of this actually touched in the actual Civil War story? The two reporters discover secrets that would've affected the overall outcome of this giant, all-over-Marvel plot. The story of Speedball-turned-lame-Penance is pretty central, and yet barely gets discussed outside of the Front Line comics. And the Atlantean sleeper cell plot with Norman Osgood at the center of a secret power play was very interesting, leading to a reveal that lasted basically the entire two volumes . . . but that's it. Just two volumes. It's not mentioned in any other of the Civil War tie-ins despite its huge ramifications.
While these two volumes of Front Line were pretty great, they really just show that Marvel didn't think any of the writing through in regards to every other collection of Civil War.
My one complaint though? Why wasn't any of this actually touched in the actual Civil War story? The two reporters discover secrets that would've affected the overall outcome of this giant, all-over-Marvel plot. The story of Speedball-turned-lame-Penance is pretty central, and yet barely gets discussed outside of the Front Line comics. And the Atlantean sleeper cell plot with Norman Osgood at the center of a secret power play was very interesting, leading to a reveal that lasted basically the entire two volumes . . . but that's it. Just two volumes. It's not mentioned in any other of the Civil War tie-ins despite its huge ramifications.
While these two volumes of Front Line were pretty great, they really just show that Marvel didn't think any of the writing through in regards to every other collection of Civil War.
June 6, 2016
This was an amazing read and a REALLY great edition to the Civil war story. The addition of civilians view of war was needed to flesh it out. The view of how the police department deal with all this helped flush it out even more. And everything about Speedball/Penance was breathtakingly beautiful.
The Speedball/Penance story was my favorite by the way. As a human who has made many mistakes in his life and felt great guilt for them I totally appreciated where the character was coming from. While I've never done anything even close to killing a whole schools worth of children in any conceivable way, I do understand that feeling of wanting to punish yourself for ever because it feels like the only way you can make up for your wrongs.
The thing that dropped this from a 5 to 4 rating for me was the small sections where they compare fairly trivial manners in the comic to scenes from world war 1 where thousands of people were dying. This came off as incredibly insensitive to real people that lost real lives and in REALLY bad taste.
The Speedball/Penance story was my favorite by the way. As a human who has made many mistakes in his life and felt great guilt for them I totally appreciated where the character was coming from. While I've never done anything even close to killing a whole schools worth of children in any conceivable way, I do understand that feeling of wanting to punish yourself for ever because it feels like the only way you can make up for your wrongs.
The thing that dropped this from a 5 to 4 rating for me was the small sections where they compare fairly trivial manners in the comic to scenes from world war 1 where thousands of people were dying. This came off as incredibly insensitive to real people that lost real lives and in REALLY bad taste.
March 19, 2015
This was a letdown after the great start that was Civil War: Front Line, Vol. 1. I thought this would be the catharsis for the Marvel event as we get into the shoes of Speedball, and as we get some analysis of goings on from Ben Urich and Sally Floyd, intrepid reporters.
I could sort of make sense of the Speedball story "The Accused" and how it ended. Clearly, his transformation into Penance will unfold outside of the event in the wider Marvel U. I can't honestly say I liked the end, but I'm willing to see where it goes.
The story with the reporters though was the big letdown for me. I'm not sure if the war with Atlantis ever happened in the wake of the Civil War, but if it did, their actions at the end of this book make absolutely no sense at all.
I'm sad that this earned a big fat Meh from me at the end. Vol 1 really was one of the best books in the event!
I could sort of make sense of the Speedball story "The Accused" and how it ended. Clearly, his transformation into Penance will unfold outside of the event in the wider Marvel U. I can't honestly say I liked the end, but I'm willing to see where it goes.
The story with the reporters though was the big letdown for me. I'm not sure if the war with Atlantis ever happened in the wake of the Civil War, but if it did, their actions at the end of this book make absolutely no sense at all.
I'm sad that this earned a big fat Meh from me at the end. Vol 1 really was one of the best books in the event!
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