Civil War II #0 – A Powerful Prelude to a Superhero
Showdown
Genre
Superhero, Action, Drama, Political Thriller
Main Characters
- Captain
Marvel (Carol Danvers) – A prominent Avenger and military strategist
who believes in proactive defense.
- Iron
Man (Tony Stark) – Billionaire genius with a focus on personal freedom
and reactive justice.
- She-Hulk
(Jennifer Walters) – A skilled attorney and powerful hero with a
strong sense of legal ethics.
- War
Machine (James “Rhodey” Rhodes) – A loyal soldier torn between duty
and personal alliances.
- Ulysses
– A newly emerged Inhuman with the power to foresee future events,
becoming the crux of the conflict.
Writer
Brian Michael Bendis – Known for redefining modern
Marvel storytelling through emotionally grounded characters and epic event
arcs. His previous works include House of M, Secret Invasion, and
New Avengers.
Artist
Olivier Coipel – Renowned for his dynamic line work
and cinematic panel compositions. Coipel captures both large-scale battles and
nuanced emotion with equal skill, enhancing the weight of each character’s
choices.
Editor Details
- Editor-in-Chief:
Axel Alonso
- Assistant
Editors: Christina Harrington, Emily Shaw
- Senior
Editor: Tom Brevoort – A pivotal figure in overseeing major Marvel
crossovers and maintaining continuity across titles.
Publisher and Brand
Marvel Comics – Marvel Universe (Main Continuity)
This issue is a foundational installment in the larger Civil War II
event and adheres to Marvel’s Earth-616 continuity.
Release Year
2016
Brief Plot Summary
Civil War II #0 sets the stage for a major
ideological clash in the Marvel Universe. As new Inhuman Ulysses surfaces with
the power to predict future disasters, heroes are divided on how best to use—or
reject—this knowledge. Captain Marvel sees Ulysses’ abilities as a tool to
prevent future threats, while Iron Man fears the dangers of profiling and
punishing people for crimes they haven’t yet committed. Meanwhile, Jennifer
Walters debates the legal implications of predictive justice, and Rhodey
grapples with his obligations to both the superhero community and the U.S.
government. This prelude reveals the philosophical tensions that will escalate
into full-blown conflict.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
- Introduction
of Ulysses: His arrival as a precognitive Inhuman is the linchpin of
the entire Civil War II saga.
- Seeds
of Division: The ideological lines begin to form among heroes,
foreshadowing alliances and betrayals.
- Foreshadowing
of Major Losses: Subtle cues hint at the tragic events to come,
including major deaths and shifting loyalties.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
- Ulysses
and the Ethics of Pre-Crime: Many fans interpret the storyline as a
parallel to real-world surveillance and minority report-style justice
systems.
- She-Hulk’s
Courtroom Monologue: Readers speculate this scene represents Marvel’s
meta-commentary on moral ambiguity in heroism.
- Captain
Marvel's Evolution: Her decisions in this issue mark a turning point
in her character development—from protector to enforcer.
Review Summary
Civil War II #0 succeeds in building a mature, introspective narrative that balances spectacle with substance. Brian Michael Bendis delivers compelling internal dialogues and lays the groundwork for emotional conflicts that resonate beyond the page. Olivier Coipel’s art is sharp, dramatic, and expressive, lending gravitas to both courtroom debates and superhero confrontations. The issue excels as a prelude, offering thoughtful character development without rushing into the central conflict too quickly. It’s a smart, layered beginning that invites readers to choose a side—long before the first punch is thrown.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
