Civil War

Published in 2006 and written by Mark Millar with art by Steve McNiven, 'Civil War' was a major crossover event in the Marvel Comics universe. The storyline was primarily contained within a seven-issue limited series but extended across numerous tie-in issues and series. The central plot revolves around the introduction of the Superhuman Registration Act following a tragic incident in Stamford, Connecticut, where a battle between superheroes and villains resulted in significant civilian casualties. This act required all superpowered individuals to register with the government, revealing their identities and becoming official law enforcers. The superhero community was split, with Iron Man leading the pro-registration side and Captain America opposing it, believing it infringed on civil liberties. Key characters included Spider-Man, who initially sided with Iron Man, and the X-Men, who remained largely neutral. The conflict led to significant battles, alliances, and betrayals, culminating in Captain America's surrender to prevent further destruction. The storyline had lasting impacts on the Marvel Universe, including the death of Captain America (Steve Rogers) shortly thereafter. The event was critically acclaimed for its exploration of themes like freedom versus security and had a significant cultural impact, influencing adaptations in other media, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The event involved numerous series and tie-ins, making it one of Marvel's most expansive crossovers.