Civil War II Kingpin: The Best Way A Villain Wins A War

Welcome to Diamond in the Rough, a segment highlighting a nice piece in an otherwise terrible series or event. Today we will be starting with one of the most reviled comic book events in recent history, Civil War II. Much like the original Civil War, Marvel thought it was a good idea to do a critical failure again. Not to mention to rake in the Captain America: Civil War movie trends. But among this horrible mess, there was one tie-in series that really stood out and didn’t end up wrecking characters. The funny part was it didn’t involve any heroes but a villain. In this case it’s the street level Kingpin.

Meet The Kingpin

Many people know Wilson Fisk as the Spider-Man villain turned nemesis of Daredevil. But people don’t necessarily remember what makes the Kingpin of Crime so formidable. In public Wilson Fisk is a socialite who helps his community by donating his money to humanitarian efforts. He is also one of the most flourishing businessmen in New York. But in his secret life as the Kingpin he is one of the most ruthless villains in history.

Unlike many run-of-the-mill supervillains, Kingpin’s unique physiology with way more muscle than the average man is only the surface of his fearsome power. Kingpin’s real strength is getting people under his thumb. Fisk is charming and can point out flaws to get people what they want and what he wants from them. He even has a network where he was able to ruin Daredevil’s professional life as Matt Murdock.

The Cover of Civil War II Kingpin

Civil War II revolves around an Inhuman named Ulysses with the ability to predict possible futures. Captain Marvel recruits him to set up a crime prevention system. Most of the villains’ activities are under threat because of it. Fisk however manages to avoid this by finding another Inhuman who is able to hide his activities even from Ulysses with his crime empire flourishing.

Potential Pitfall

However, the idea of Kingpin, a self-made man relying on an external factor is a rather gray area for fans. But I think the creative team knew this with how villains try to get in the way of Kingpin’s activities and Fisk has nothing to fall back on. This on the fence style of operations is a very suspenseful feeling that keeps readers in. Kingpin’s activities get so much attention that he even grapples with the Punisher… and lives. Kingpin eventually finds the traitor in his operation and ultimately disposes his Inhuman ally. The Inhuman is replaced with more stable misdirections.

Civil War II Kingpin Absolute Results

This one side event cements Wilson Fisk as not only the most successful street level villain; but one who can get himself out of his own messes and come back even stronger (unlike the heroes in Civil War II). While the artwork is a bit weak and the initial two issues are a little shaky; the overall story separates itself from a terrible event. Add this to Vincent D’Onofrio’s portrayal of the character, and you get someone with a legacy that will continue for years to come. The character’s appearances in later comics continue to show Fisk as the opportunist who can turn the world on its head if he ever could.

While still held back by some of the artwork; the story, contrast, and influence help develop this character into something that will remain in the Marvel pages for years to come. All in all this series gets an 8.5/10.

Thanks for coming; remember to like, share, comment, and remember to look between the panels.