Creative Team Information

Title: Civil War #2
Author: Mark Millar
Art: Steve McNiven, Dexter Vines, and Morry Hollowell
Cover Price: $2.99 US, $4.25 Can

Premise

Captain America is gaining support in his group of underground superheroes, who are still bringing in the villains. Meanwhile, Tony Stark, Henry Pym, and Reed Richards are putting their heads together on something big. Finally, Peter Parker makes a decision so significant it's been spoiled on every comic site, and in mainstream media outlets such as the New York Post and Howard Stern.

High Point

The aforementioned Peter Parker moment, which I'll detail in the following spoiler-guarded block (highlight to read): Spider-Man unmasks himself at a press conference, revealing that he is Peter Parker to the entire world.

Low Point

If Cap's team can work this well underground, what's slowing them down when they operate above board? This level of efficiency would have taken care of the Raft breakout in a couple of weeks.

The Scores

This feels original, not just with the division of heroes, but with that final scene that really sets this issue apart. They're not playing lip service to the big changes here, they're actually making them. The shakedown is coming. I give it 5 out of 6.

The artwork is great. McNiven does great work, and the colours really set the tone for the right scenes. We've even got some blurring in the high speed action moments. I've seen the summer events that feel like they're just thrown together to make a buck, but this one fells like everyone involved has a genuine, overwhelming passion for the idea. I give it 6 out of 6.

The story continues to come together. Millar is pulling the pieces together, with excitement in the moment as well as laying the groundwork for big things to come. This really feels like it's building to something. I give it 5 out of 6.

The characterization is the driving force once again. Reed's obsessive behaviour, Tony's public certainty and private uncertainty, as well as Cap's reaction to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent's blabbering all pull things together. The J. Jonah Jameson moments are some of the most priceless ones in the collection. I give it 6 out of 6.

The emotional response is strong. I don't usually go for the big summer events, are rarely pick up crossovers I don't normally collect, but this one's got a very interesting idea behind it, and it's being very well handled. I give it 6 out of 6.

The flow is there, propelling this forward at a very efficient rate, with the scenes tying together nicely. I give it 5 out of 6.

Overall, this is a strong second issue in what looks to be a great series. Marvel readers should be along for the ride. I give it 5 out of 6.

In total, Civil War #2 receives 38 out of 42.