Civil War II – Choosing Sides #2
Genre
đ Superhero, Action, Drama, Political Thriller
This comic blends classic superhero action with politically charged moral dilemmas. The anthology-style issue deep-dives into individual character perspectives, showcasing internal struggles as the larger conflict of Civil War II escalates.
Main Characters
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Nick Fury Jr. đ¶️ – The strategic S.H.I.E.L.D. operative navigating covert alliances in a fractured world.
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Tom Foster / Goliath đȘ – The nephew of Bill Foster, caught between legacy and loyalty.
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James Rhodes / War Machine đșđž – A pivotal figure whose fate sends tremors throughout the superhuman community.
Writer ✍️
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Declan Shalvey (Nick Fury story)
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Brandon Easton (Goliath story)
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Jeremy Whitley (War Machine tribute)
Artist đš
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Declan Shalvey
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Paul Davidson
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Megan Levens
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The issue features distinct visual styles for each story, giving readers a diverse aesthetic experience—from gritty realism to bold superhero visuals.
Editor Details đ️
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Editor-in-Chief: Axel Alonso
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Assistant Editors: Alanna Smith, Chris Robinson
Their coordination helps maintain tonal consistency across the different narratives while balancing editorial integrity during the controversial Civil War II arc.
Publisher and Brand đą
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Publisher: Marvel Comics
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Brand: Marvel Universe (Mainline continuity)
This issue is part of Marvel’s core Civil War II crossover event and functions as a companion piece offering deeper insight into lesser-highlighted characters.
Release Year đ
2016
Brief Plot Summary đ
In the wake of a shocking tragedy—the death of War Machine—heroes and civilians alike are questioning their beliefs and allegiances. Choosing Sides #2 serves as an anthology showcasing three distinct stories:
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Nick Fury investigates hidden threats in the shadows, operating independently to avoid choosing a side too soon.
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Tom Foster, still grieving the loss of his uncle (Bill Foster), struggles with whether to embrace the Goliath legacy amidst the rising conflict.
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A heartfelt tribute to War Machine highlights the emotional impact of his death on friends and the broader hero community.
Each vignette captures the emotional weight of Civil War II, offering a street-level view of a cosmic-level conflict.
Notable Arcs or Storylines đ
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The Goliath Legacy Conflict: Tom Foster stepping into the shadow of his uncle connects back to events from the original Civil War, grounding the emotional stakes.
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Nick Fury’s Rogue Operations: Fury’s decision to act independently hints at future rifts in S.H.I.E.L.D. and foreshadows his increasing mistrust of the superhuman community.
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War Machine's Legacy: His death becomes a rallying point that divides heroes, setting the stage for upcoming escalations in the main Civil War II arc.
Fan Theories or Interpretations đ§
đź Some fans speculate that Nick Fury’s neutral stance is strategic—not out of indecision, but because he may be assembling a third faction behind the scenes.
đ€ There are theories that Tom Foster’s internal rage might drive him to play a larger, possibly antagonistic role later in the crossover.
đ️ War Machine’s tribute sparked conversations among fans about the systemic vulnerabilities faced by Black superheroes in the Marvel Universe, highlighting social commentary embedded in the storyline.
Review Summary ⭐
Civil War II – Choosing Sides #2 offers powerful storytelling with emotional nuance. The artwork is varied and striking, reflecting each character’s journey—from the grayscale espionage of Nick Fury to the raw power of Goliath’s awakening. The writing shines especially in the War Machine tribute, which balances grief and legacy. While the issue doesn't drive the main plot forward, it enriches the emotional landscape, giving voice to characters often left in the margins of major crossovers.
đ Art: 8.5/10
đ§ Story Quality: 8/10
đŹ Character Depth: 9/10
đ„ This issue is a must-read for fans looking to explore the emotional and philosophical complexities beneath the larger battles of Civil War II.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
