Historical Parallels to Marvel's Civil War

[garin]

The title of the series obviously conjures up historical references for readers, most typically the American Civil War. There have been parallels to this drawn in the books as well, especially in the Amazing Spider-Man issues during the build-up.

It occurs to me, though, that in many ways the situation is more analogous to the Irish Civil War. I'm sure it's a comparison Millar is conscious of, but I wonder how many other people recognised it.

Tony Stark is the Michael Collins figure. He accepts the deal on behalf of everyone, and is perceived by many as a sellout. An idealogical rift forms in what used to be a united front. The side with government backing tries to convince the rest to sign on, to avoid civil war. It doesn't work. Many people's views are too entrenched, and the issue seems too important to compromise on. Civil war breaks out. People who used to fight side by side are now sworn enemies. It's a fight neither side wanted, but neither is willing to back down.

Hopefully the series doesn't end with Stark assassinated.

[RMThompson]

The title of the series obviously conjures up historical references for readers, most typically the American Civil War. There have been parallels to this drawn in the books as well, especially in the Amazing Spider-Man issues during the build-up.

It occurs to me, though, that in many ways the situation is more analogous to the Irish Civil War. I'm sure it's a comparison Millar is conscious of, but I wonder how many other people recognised it.

Tony Stark is the Michael Collins figure. He accepts the deal on behalf of everyone, and is perceived by many as a sellout. An idealogical rift forms in what used to be a united front. The side with government backing tries to convince the rest to sign on, to avoid civil war. It doesn't work. Many people's views are too entrenched, and the issue seems too important to compromise on. Civil war breaks out. People who used to fight side by side are now sworn enemies. It's a fight neither side wanted, but neither is willing to back down.

Hopefully the series doesn't end with Stark assassinated.

I see it different. I see this storyline as two things.

1. Just a really cool way to get Superbeings beating each other up, which always sells books.

2. A commentary on TODAYS politcal world. The nation is more divided right now than in a long time.

[garin]

I see it different. I see this storyline as two things.

1. Just a really cool way to get Superbeings beating each other up, which always sells books.

2. A commentary on TODAYS politcal world. The nation is more divided right now than in a long time.Well, they're not mutually exclusive. I'm not saying the premise is actually modelled after the Irish Civil War, just that there are parallels there.

I think the political allegory is really heavy-handed and actually hurts the event, especially in Frontline. I think the short pieces at the end of each issue would be much better if they just told the historical story and let readers draw their own comparisons, rather than juxtaposing Spidey or whatever in-panel.

[Bobster777]

The title of the series obviously conjures up historical references for readers, most typically the American Civil War. There have been parallels to this drawn in the books as well, especially in the Amazing Spider-Man issues during the build-up.

It occurs to me, though, that in many ways the situation is more analogous to the Irish Civil War. I'm sure it's a comparison Millar is conscious of, but I wonder how many other people recognised it.

Tony Stark is the Michael Collins figure. He accepts the deal on behalf of everyone, and is perceived by many as a sellout. An idealogical rift forms in what used to be a united front. The side with government backing tries to convince the rest to sign on, to avoid civil war. It doesn't work. Many people's views are too entrenched, and the issue seems too important to compromise on. Civil war breaks out. People who used to fight side by side are now sworn enemies. It's a fight neither side wanted, but neither is willing to back down.

Hopefully the series doesn't end with Stark assassinated.
That's definitely possible. Yeah, like you, I don't want Tony to die either.

[lllhouselll]

Kill Tony!!!

[Arilou]

I think it in some ways paralells the rupturing of most socialist parties post-Russian Revolution. We have the majority deciding to remain a part of democratic society and (usually) a minority of hardliners refusing to compromise with the "capitalist oppressors".

[Leebenhouse]

I see it as part Vietnam draft, and part todays America. Stupidly we let the PATRIOT Act go through, cause we're scared and pissed off, which just fries civil liberties. Then later we come around and bitch about it.

The difference is that heroes knew what registration was from the get go, but we didnt necessarily know what was in the PATRIOT Act until too damn late. And the "Stamford Incident" would realistically be only a blip in the MU.

[Bobster777]

I see it as part Vietnam draft, and part todays America. Stupidly we let the PATRIOT Act go through, cause we're scared and pissed off, which just fries civil liberties. Then later we come around and bitch about it.

The difference is that heroes knew what registration was from the get go, but we didnt necessarily know what was in the PATRIOT Act until too damn late. And the "Stamford Incident" would realistically be only a blip in the MU.
Vietnam draft, oh my goodness. I can't believe how you can even make that same parallel. No one is being drafted. If they chose not to be a hero, the don't have to be one. During Vietnam, no one had a choice.

Also, there is nothing wrong with the SHRA. No one should be above accountability, not even heroes.

[Leebenhouse]

Not really, If you're a hero, you have two choices, Dodge the draft, or join SHEILD. And "quitting" is just dodging the draft.

[Bobster777]

Not really, If you're a hero, you have two choices, Dodge the draft, or join SHEILD. And "quitting" is just dodging the draft.
Quitting isn't illegal. Dodging the draft is. You could be put in jail for dodging the draft. Finally, the majority of the American public didn't agree with the draft. However, in this case, the majority of the American public agrees with the SHRA.

[Magneto Rocks]

...I was ABOUT to bring up the Irish Civil War- it is so often forgotten. Yes, there are some definite parallels. So much so that I have accidently said "Pro-Treaty" and "Anti-Treaty" when talking about Marvel's Civil War!

Let's not forget both of them are divided on a new law which the public approve of and which is approved by the resident congress/dail eireainn. Which would make Cap Liam Lynch... an old war hero for their cause when they were united and now militarily leading them....


These are VERY interconnected.