Synopsis & Review by RachelGrey:
Synopsis: Peter Parker and Tony Stark prepare to leave for Washington when Peter asks about a meeting Tony had the night before. Tony dodges the question but remembers a meeting with the Illuminati (From the Illuminati One-Shot). Tony then tells Peter he’s made Version 2.0 of his new costume. Peter is astounded, but Tony reminds him art is never finished. On the plane, Tony informs Peter about the purpose of the meeting: The Superhuman Registration Act. Tony tells him all people with powers will have to register with the government, much to Peter’s horror. Tony tells him he’s on his way there to try to persuade them out of it. Later, the two arrive at their hotel and Peter looks at his “new” new costume. The costume is now a liquid metal nano-fiber, meaning is can simply disappear when necessary so it can be worn under clothing. It also responds to Peter’s thoughts. The nano-fiber can also take the form of any of Peter’s other costumes and can act as camouflage as well. Tony then tells his latest addition: three mechanical spider-legs. As Peter fumbles with controlling this part of his costume, Tony explains they respond with a thought, have cameras, and have some degree of fighting abilities. With that, the two leave for the meeting. However, they are unaware they are being hunted…by the Titanium Man!

In the meeting, Tony argues with some of the Senators over Superhumans registering. The Senators argue that Superhumans have caused over two hundred billion dollars since 1946 (WWII and Captain America, Namor, The original Human Torch, etc.) Tony counters that Superhumans have saved the world from utter destruction forty seven times, which should far outweigh two hundred billion. The Senator say Superhumans make mistakes just like everyone else and should be held accountable. Doctors, police, and even taxi drivers have to register in case of an accident. Why should Superhumans be exempt? Tony admits he has no answer to that. Peter then raises his hand and is granted permission to speak. He explains the “good guys” have families and friends and they could be harmed if the registration information if given out. The Senators remind him that police, judges, and elected officials face the same problem, yet they register. Peter then says not all these Superheroes aspired to be heroes. Some of them were created by accident, but they’re trying to do the right thing and use the masks because the system would not allow them to act openly. The Senators then ask wouldn’t it be easier if they did register, as it would allow them to operate in a system openly. They ask if it wouldn’t be better if the police could be counted as allies and not “enemies”. Peter has no answer and the Senators say he has given them a compelling case in favor of the registration. With that, the meeting recesses for ten minutes. Peter apologizes to Tony, who tells him that he spoke the truth, but that not necessarily right in the world of politics and law. Peter calls and talks to MJ for a bit before going back into the meeting…as the Titanium Man lurks close by.

Four Hours, Fifteen Minutes Later: Tony tells the Senators that masked heroes have worked for sixty years and change could be dangerous. He cites Prohibition and the draft, which turned citizens into law-breakers overnight. With that, the meeting recesses until tomorrow. Tony and Peter leave and wade through reporters who didn’t know Stark was supposed to be there when Peter’s Spider-Sense goes off. Peter saves Tony’s life as a bullet narrowly misses him. The two look up to see The Titanium Man, who is after Stark. Peter tells Tony to leave and distracts the Titanium Man long enough for him to get into costume. The two fight, with some interference from the police. Having lost Stark, Titanium Man jets off. However, Spider-Man webs onto him and flies off with him, telling him this battle isn’t over.

Review: This was a very good issue. With the main introductions to the costume out of the way, the plot can move on the Civil War issues. Both Pro and Anti sides get strong arguments to back their side. Spider-Man has been the consistent place to hear good Pro-side arguments. The use of Titanium Man is kind of fun. I’m not an Iron Man fan so his villains don’t really interest me, let alone excite me. Supposedly this is Spider-Man’s first time battling him. Still not excited. The real meat of this issue are the Civil War discussions, which deliver, albeit in a very wordy way, which could bore some readers.

Version 2.0 of the costume. Wow…lol. I see Tony’s point and the art reference is a good reason, but it still seems odd. The arms are my least favorite part of the new costume. Yes, they’re too Doctor Octopus. But really, its just looks awkward…and why three? They should have just gone with four so he had a total of eight appendages and ignored the Doc Oct references that would have been more common. A lot of the other abilities remind me of the symbiote costume and Venom’s abilities: camouflage, the liquid make up of the costume, and the ability to hide under clothes (Yes, the symbiote turned into clothes, but it's close). They even show the old symbiote costume! I guess JMS read some Venom related comics…or he’s just as excited as everyone else about Spider-Man 3 J.

Tyler Kirkham has the art duties in this issue and he delivers on a high level. The faces are realistic, but still just cartoon-like enough that is befitting for a Spider-Man comic. I have no real problems with that art. I wish he was the regular. This issue is just a step up form the last. There’s more substance and a dialogue that makes you think. That in itself is something that makes Civil War so good. It’s not just an alternate reality that needs to be changed back or a murder mystery or stopping a villain from bringing back their old world. There are concepts and thoughts that can be applied to the real world in some ways and things people can really put their thoughts and opinions into. It really lets people get into the comic. This issue shows just that and I’m looking forward to the next one.