Civil War (comics)

Civil War is a Marvel Comics crossover storyline and limited series event that ran from 2006 to 2007. The core seven-issue limited series was written by Mark Millar with art by Steve McNiven. The event impacted virtually all of Marvel's ongoing comic book titles, spawning numerous tie-in issues and mini-series.

The central conflict of Civil War revolves around the Superhuman Registration Act (SRA), a law proposed by the U.S. government requiring all superpowered individuals to register their abilities and identities with the authorities. This registration would effectively force superheroes to reveal their secret identities and become subject to government oversight.

The SRA is sparked by a tragic incident in Stamford, Connecticut, where a battle between a team of inexperienced superheroes (the New Warriors) and a supervillain results in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including many children. Public outcry for accountability and control over the burgeoning superhuman population quickly leads to the passage of the SRA.

The superhero community is deeply divided by the Act. Iron Man (Tony Stark) leads the pro-registration side, arguing that compliance is necessary to prevent further tragedies and maintain public trust. He believes that registered superheroes can be properly trained and held accountable for their actions. Captain America (Steve Rogers) leads the anti-registration faction, arguing that the SRA infringes upon the civil liberties of superheroes and forces them to become government agents, potentially being ordered to act against their own consciences.

This ideological clash leads to a full-scale conflict between the pro- and anti-registration factions, with superheroes on both sides battling each other. The war has significant consequences, including the revelation of secret identities, the imprisonment of dissenting heroes, and a profound impact on the relationships between many iconic characters.

The Civil War event explores complex themes of freedom versus security, individual rights versus collective responsibility, and the ethics of government oversight. It dramatically alters the status quo of the Marvel Universe and has lasting repercussions for many of its characters. The aftermath of the Civil War leads to significant changes in the power dynamics and team allegiances within the superhero community.