Marvel's Civil War is undoubtedly one of its most iconic events. The idea of two groups of heroes clashing for purely ideological reasons is so rich with storytelling potential that Civil War received both a cinematic adaptation with Squadron Supreme.
Originally debuting in 1969 as the Squadron Sinister, the Squadron Supreme began as Marvel's way of pitting the Avengers against the Justice League without having to ask DC for permission. The Squadron's hip has changed throughout their history but typically consists of analogs to DC's most well-known heroes. Team leader Hyperion is based on Superman, his second in command Power Princess is a pastiche of Wonder Woman, and their voice of dissent Nighthawk evokes Batman. Other include the Flash-like Whizzer, A more colorful Green Lantern named Doctor Spectrum, and a blonde Zatanna who goes by Arcana. Though the team made numerous appearances in the mainstream Marvel Universe, the Squadron Supreme are best known for their self-titled series which takes place on their own earth.
Published in 1985, Squadron Supreme features the titular team attempting to rebuild their world after a series of catastrophes plunged it into anarchy. To accomplish this, the Squadron takes complete control over all government, brainwashes criminals, and attempts to cure death. The only Squadron member who objects is the team's version of Batman, Nighthawk. He gathers a group of former heroes and villains to end the Squadron's Utopia Project. When the Squadron and Nighthawk's Redeemers inevitably clash at the series' end, heroes on both sides suffer life-changing injuries or death.
Though many of these concepts have been explored in modern comics, the idea of two groups of heroes fighting over differing ideologies was entirely novel at the time. The Squadron and the Redeemers weren't being manipulated by outside forces or a larger villain, they fought because they had incompatible visions for how to wield their power. Neither side of the conflict is entirely evil. Both commit horrible mistakes but ultimately have good intentions. The comic undeniably sides with Nighthawk's Redeemers, but readers are still invited to sympathize with the Squadron and question whether their Utopia project was right or not.
The 1985 Squadron Supreme series had a large influence on the type of stories told by comics. Marvel's two Civil War events take clear inspiration by asking readers to pick sides between their favorite heroes. Elements of Squadron Supreme can even be seen in DC. Identity Crisis centers on a plotline about brainwashing supervillains that inevitably leads a group of heroes to brainwash another hero.
Instead of just using their parody of the Justice League to make fun of the competition, Marvel used their version of the Justice League to comment on superheroes. Squadron Supreme's writer, Mark Grunewald, was a lifelong fan of DC's premier team and that love shows throughout the series. Grunewald was so proud of his work on the book that he stated in his will that he wanted his ashes mixed into the ink of Squadron Supreme's first trade paperback. Rumors have been floating around that the Squadron Supreme may make an appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If they do, comic fans can only hope that Disney treats the team with the same complexity and empathy that they received in 1985's Squadron Supreme.
