Civil War II #2 Review

Civil War II #2
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: David Marquez
Colorist: Justin Ponsor
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Reviewed by David Hildebrand

Just a heads up, this review will reveal spoilers from the first issue. You have your warning! Civil War II started out with a bang. The first issue contained a huge space battle, the introduction of Ulysses, an Inhuman that can see into the future. There was the huge debate over what is right and wrong when it comes to using Ulysses’s powers to prevent tragedy. The issue ended with the death of War Machine and left She-Hulk in the hospital, on the verge of death herself. This issue takes things a little slower. The story goes more in depth and the tension between the Inhumans, the Avengers and Tony Stark start to reach a boil.

Stark is full of anger after the death of his best friend, and has now taken it upon himself to kidnap Ulysses to study him to see how is powers work.  The Inhumans and the Avengers are not happy with Stark’s actions and seek him out.  They find him and once again the debate begins on who is right and who is wrong.  By this time, I would have thought there would be a more clearer picture on the sides chosen by the heroes.  We don’t get any real clarification in this issue. It is more like the world against Tony Stark.  I have faith that in the end, all of this will pay off.  If you have followed the event so far or even skimmed through other publications, you know that something major is going to happen in issue 3. I am not going to spoil anything here about the end of this issue, but we are left with a tease about what may come.

Bendis continues building a solid story.  I can see where some readers may not be happy that after four issues (including the prologues) we still haven’t hit the actual war.  Ulysses is still a mystery and this does feel more like an Iron Man story at the moment. However, it is concrete writing, I am enjoying the story so far and look forward to what Bendis has in store for us readers next.  Marquez’s art still stands out, he displays his facial skills between Stark and Ulysses. The art shows great detailing in the emotion the characters are feeling. There is an awesome two page splash at the end of the book that is the visual highlight in the book.  Ponsor’s colors are vital to the story. He does an outstanding job in capturing the mood of the story.

Verdict:
Buy It! I’m sticking with Civil War 2 for the moment.  Like I mentioned, I know there will be some crying out “where is the action?” “Where is the divide?” But I think issue 3 will be the heavy hitter. The lines will finally be divided and we already have been warned that a major hero will die.  The story is building up to something that I believe will be great. The visuals are just as wonderful to look at, so just sit back and enjoy the ride!