100 Greatest Superhero Stories Ever
By Steve Lam
Image Courtesy of Marvel Comics
#67. Civil War
Medium
Comic Book
Release Dates
July 2006–January 2007 (Civil War #1–#7 and Various Titles)
Credits
Writer: Mark Millar
Penciller: Steve McNiven
Inker: Dexter Vines
Colorist: Morry Hollowell
The Reason It’s Great
Marvel’s Civil War was a massive year-long event that encompassed multiple issues and titles. The results of Civil War had repercussions throughout the Marvel universe. The inciting incident dealt with the introduction of the Superhero Registration Act—a law that required superpowered beings to only act under official orders.
Support for superhero accountability rose after the New Warriors mishandled the apprehension of a group of supervillains. During the fight, Nitro used his powers and caused an explosion—leading to the death of 600 civilians. When the Superhero Registration Act was introduced, it sharply divided the heroes—with the ones supporting the act being led by Iron Man, and those against it being led by Captain America.
The argument between the two groups was somewhat tame at the beginning. However, it quickly escalated after a public brawl between Iron Man and Captain America. When Civil War was over, the Marvel landscape had changed: many heroes went underground or moved to Canada; Captain America was in prison; a new Avengers team called the Mighty Avengers was formed; and Tony Stark became director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The overall storyline of Civil War was so influential that it became the framework for 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, which was both a box office and critical success. Civil War‘s aftermath would lead to the death of Captain America and the introduction of Bucky Barnes taking over Steve Rogers’s mantle.