Civil War II: Kingpin #2 Review and *SPOILERS* - Marvel Monday

It’s Not Your City

Written By: Matthew Rosenberg
Art By: Richardo Lopez Ortiz, Mat Lopes, Antonio Fabela
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 3, 2016
Publisher: Marvel

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

When it comes to these massive events that pit hero against hero, I always have thought that one of the most interesting stories that we got are about the villains. It happened with the original Civil War and it continued through the half a dozen events that followed that had similar themes. That said, this Kingpin series that we have been getting has put a bit of a twist on things. The criminal world is under attack, especially with the new Inhuman Ulysses around but yet, Kingpin has found a way to get around things by having a new Inhuman work for him. Normally villains have been allowed to run free when the heroes fight, but now the criminals are scared. How has Kingpin continued in this new event? Let’s find out.

The issue begins with two men meeting in a diner. The two exchange information and it becomes clear very quickly that these men are cops and one of them is undercover and the other is his handler. After their talk, the handler leaves and the actual criminals join him. Next thing you know, the undercover cop and his mark are meeting with Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin. Wilson is still trying to bring most of the crime bosses under his power and he is aware that one of the men at this meeting is an undercover cop. He even knows which one. His men point their guns at our undercover cop and Fisk presses a button. And out roles the handler who is tied up and on a meat hook. The undercover cop denies knowing him but Fisk pushes another button and a woman and child role out, also tied up and on meat hooks. These two are the undercover cop’s family. The cop admits everything and Fisk tells him that he works for him now. Then he turns to Janus and tells him to shoot the handler. Janus is hesitant but eventually pulls the trigger.

Fisk then comforts Janus as he washes the blood on his hands. He tells Janus that what they are doing will end up saving lives as they stop a power vacuum from forming and thus, keeps people from dying. However, it’s not so surprising that there are those that will oppose Fisk. So, Fisk ends up beating those into submission and recruiting many to his organization. However, in one of these moments, Fisk is being found out by Spider-Man. In order to keep Janus’ identity a secret, Fisk flees the area but unfortunately, Janus collapses in the escape.

Fisk is able to carry Janus to a doctor and they are able to stabilize him. However, Janus is not quite the same after he comes to. He is in recover but Fisk continues to teach him about the business. However, when the time comes for Janus to rejoin him on the front lines, Janus hesitates and tells Fisk to go on without him. However, as Fisk is leaving he turns back to see his mansion erupt in flames and this is where the issue leaves us.

There is one thing about this issue that really impresses me and that is the dialogue. I honestly think that there are lines of dialogue that would fit in any amazing mob film. Some would feel right at home in Goodefellas or The Godfather. It is that damned impressive. The art fits the book and the tone but ultimately I think it is a little lackluster. Overall, I’m really enjoying this series and I’m interested to see where this goes.

Bits and Pieces:

Rosenberg gives us an amazing story and incredible dialogue as he leads us through the Marvel Universe’s villains. That said, not a whole lot seems to be happening yet and this series is half over. The art fits the tone of the book but overall I’m not a huge fan.

7.5/10