Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Olivier Coipel; Justin Ponsor; & VC’s Clayton Cowles
Cover Art by Olivier Coipel & Justin Ponsor
SUMMARY:
Marvel Comics released this untitled 36-page one-shot for July 2016. In a New York City courtroom, Jen “She-Hulk” Walters articulately conveys her closing argument in defense of Jonathan Powers (formerly the criminal Jester). Having viewed footage of War Machine’s intervention in Latveria, the U.S. President privately offers Col. James Rhodes a stunning promotion. At the Ultimates’ Triskelion headquarters, Col. Carol “Captain Marvel” Danvers confides in Doc Samson. Students at Ohio State University are ominously affected by the Inhumans’ Terrigen Mists.
Aboard a S.H.I.E.L.D. heli-carrier, Director Maria Hill shares disturbing news with She-Hulk. Amidst high-profile media coverage of the mutated college students, an inner-city catastrophe occurs.
Note: Evidently, there’s a staggering nineteen variant covers (images aren’t available here). Credited variant cover artists include Esad Ribic; Kim Jung Gi; & Phil Noto.
REVIEW:
Most notably, the art squad’s visuals are top-caliber. Considering this issue is meant as a glorified teaser, writer Brian Michael Bendis’ script is unsurprisingly disjointed. Still, his assortment of sub-plots are relatively well-played. In particular, his approach to three long-time Avengers who aren’t Spider-Man, Captain America, or Iron Man is a welcome change of pace.
Speaking of which, Bendis’ depiction of the U.S. President’s skeptical view on Tony Stark’s ambitions carries a surprising sense of realism. Civil War II # 0, overall, is a worthy prelude to Marvel’s next mega-epic.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The first page briefly introduces the issue’s pivotal players: Captain Marvel; War Machine; & She-Hulk. There’s a full-page cover reveal for Civil War II # 1. There’s also cover reveals for Invincible Iron Man # 9; All-New Wolverine # 8; Ms. Marvel # 7; and The Ultimates # 7.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
