Marvel Universe

this tradepaperback is a must have if youre really into the civil war storyline. the stories regarding the thunderbolts and the initiative is a must read and the art is gorgeous. didnt like the howard the duck story, though. buy this book!

Marvel Universe kind of picks up on a few characters here and there that don't really have their own book (I don't think they do), like Venom, Iron Fist masquerading as Daredevil, and, believe it or not, Howard the Duck, whose story I love. It isn't necessary for the Civil War arc, but it sure is fun.

Civil War: Marvel Universe collects various issues and one-shots taking place during and after the cataclysmic events of Marvel's Civil War mega event, and features a variety of writing and artist talent as well. Beginning with She-Hulk, who finds herself partnered up with former New Warriors members Justice and Rage, who seek to clear their deceased team mates name's in the wake of the Stamford tragedy. Next up is Choosing Sides, which focuses on various wild cards in the Civil War, including Venom, Ant-Man, Iron Fist, the U.S. Agent, and Howard the Duck (yes, you read that right, Howard the Duck!) and the roles they plan to play. Civil War: The Return focuses on the Sentry and his decision in supporting Tony "Iron Man" Stark in the pro-registration act, as well as detailing the return of Captain Mar-vel (no Shazam needed) to the Marvel universe. Finally, Civil War: The Initiative details the aftermath of the Civil War as Tony Stark begins his plans for organizing and controling every superhero team on the continent as a new team rises from the ashes of Alpha Flight, and the new team of Thunderbolts (featuring Venom and Bullseye) make their debut. The TPB features a variety of writers including Warren Ellis, Brian Michael Bendis, Paul Jenkins, Robert Kirkman, Dan Slott, and Michael Avon Oeming among others; while the artists featured include the great Marc Silvestri, Tom Raney, Leinil Francis Yu, and Scott Kolins among others as well. All in all, though it has a bit of an uneven feel and some plot holes (to be filled by the other Civil War tie-ins), Civil War: Marvel Universe is a great companion piece to Marvel's mega event, and is definitely worth picking up for fanboys and Civil War collectors alike.

I'm a huge fan of the Civil War series and I have to say that the Civil War: Marvel Universe book totally exceeded my expectations. The artwork amazed me and its not one, but many different styles by the very talented artists who brought the illustrations to life. Not only do you hear stories from great characters like She-Hulk, Venom, Iron Fist, Daredevil, Ant-Man, U.S. Agent, Captain Marvel, The Sentry, and the incredibly witty and funny Howard the Duck, but you also get to see the first stories of the Civil War Initiative. I've gotta say, this book got me excited for the Initiative series and I can't wait to read more!