Captain Marvel continues to be one of the most controversial superheroes in the Marvel Universe as she starts yet ANOTHER Civil War conflict.
Warning: contains spoilers for Spider-Gwen: Gwenverse #4!
Marvel’s Captain Marvel proves to be one of the more controversial heroes in comics by kicking off yet another Civil War conflict, not even ten years after the previous Civil War II. Carol Danvers has built up a reputation as a headstrong, stubborn character who uses her might to strongarm others into agreeing with her beliefs – at least, that’s what occurred in Civil War II. Now a Captain Marvel variant is once again the cause of a superhero schism – but in Spider-Man: Gwenverse #4, it’s not entirely her fault.
The original Civil War event began after an otherwise-routine battle between the New Warriors and villain Nitro ended in an explosive disaster with many civilians killed; the United States government quickly created the Superhuman Registration Act in response. This act forced those with superhuman powers who act as vigilantes to register their identities with the government and submit themselves for evaluation and training. Iron Man sided with the SRA, but Captain America fought against it, believing the Act was unconstitutional; thus, battle lines were drawn and the first Civil War began (with Carol Danvers on the pro-registration side).
In Spider-Gwen: Gwenverse #4, written by Tim Seeley with art by Jodi Nishijima, the many Gwen Stacy variants encounter their seventh version: Captain Marvel, otherwise known as Gwen Jones. A horrific encounter with the Gwen Stacy variant of Nighthawk (Marvel’s Batman) results in a massive power overload; Captain Marvel can no longer control her Nega-Bands and takes to the skies to avoid civilian casualties. Unfortunately, she’s too late; the blast destroys large portions of New York City and Gwen Stacy (the Ghost Spider) sees the fallout through the timestream: “A citizenry who blames their beloved hero for the attack… the government passes the Marvel Laws to prevent more super-powered heroes.”
The fallout caused by Captain Marvel is arguably even worse than the original Civil War event; the government introduces Sentinels to supplant their overworked police force. But much like the fight with the New Warriors, this wasn’t entirely Captain Marvel’s fault. It was a combination of the Supreme Intelligence and a Nighthawk under the influence of the Green Goblin. Unfortunately, this world – much like the 616 universe – has most likely been turned against Captain Marvel thanks to her previous actions. Even though this is an alternate universe, Captain Marvel still causes tremendous trouble for the civilians and superheroes living within. It appears her reputation is the most dangerous thing about her, for good or for ill.
This Captain Marvel sacrificed herself to save countless lives – but she’ll be remembered as a villain and a catalyst for a civil war instead.
