Civil War: Heavy Shoulders

Marvel's Civil War is probably one of the most intense and life changing events the characters in this Universe have ever endured. Honestly, having grown up with the characters of Peter Parker and the Richards family, I too almost feel the heavy burden the war is having on their lives.

The story is great, intense, powerful, I can't say how much I am loving it. My problem has nothing to do with the writing, or the story itself, other than the fact that I am feeling completely and utterly drained. Since this summer the build up and "holy shit" moments have just been crammed down our throats, and as enjoyable and wild the ride has been, I am feeling like Spiderman at the end of Civil War # 5. Broken, battered, clinging on for dear life.

This rollercoaster is about to end, and a new era for our superheroes will arise, but I really wanted to focus on Fantastic Four #540.

This comic really exemplified all the feelings I have been having. Although the story was a bit "meh," the thought and feeling behind it was what really hit me.

The Thing goes to Paris, France (after being beaten and abused financially and mentally by the US Government for leaving), and runs into a bunch of superheroes who need his help to fight the bootleg Mole Man.

The Thing is shocked there are no conspiracies, or secret agencies listening in, and other bullshit, he is just there having a normal superhero fight and remembers the "good old days."

Now, I am not one to reminisce about the Golden Age, because honestly, I am happier with modern comics than I have been almost ever, so the new stories and darker plots don't bother me, but every now and then it is nice to see something fun and exciting that doesn't lead into a government investigatory panel and SHIELD agents ripping through your front door accusing you of a crime when you just wanted to help people.

I really felt the Thing's disgust with the whole war. After reading something like 8 Civil War tie ins in a row last week, I felt completely drained and mentally exhausted to the point where I didn't even want to attempt the 50 something other comics I had to read in my stack.

Instead I read Y The Last Man vols. 3 and 4, and all was right with the world. I was then able to go back to my giant stack with a much better state of mind.

The moral of the story? It is nice to read a HUGE event like Civil War, and it really makes you feel the characters struggle and strife. The roller coaster has been one hell of a ride, but after a while, it is nice to not have to worry about all of that stuff, and just have a little meaningless fun.