Civil War II was shallow, trite garbage and Brian Michael Bendis is a hugely overrated comics writer, but Marvel events basically force you to follow them if you want to follow my faves. This featured authors and artists I liked, as well as a few characters I adore.

Most of the stories are pointless, some connected to Civil War II, some really not. As cute as it is to see the Power Pack, what exactly was the point of their story???

Also Alpha Flight meeting Justin Trudeau? Tony Stark sparring with him and wanting a hug? Simmer down on the cringe factor, Marvel.

The War Machine short with America, Misty, Storm, and Monica reflecting on what Rhodey meant to them and how they want to continue forward in his name. Marguerite Sauvage's art is gorgeous and evocative. I'm a big fan of her work and I think that this story is the stand out of the collection.

The reason I borrowed from the library was for the Kate Bishop short, written by Ming Doyle with art by Stephen Byrne. It reunited Kate with some of her closest friends, the other Young Avengers America, Billy, Teddy, and David as she struggles with the reality of her mentor killing the Hulk. It was sweet and poignant. David Alleyne is hugely underappreciated. A cute, Black, bisexual mutant genius and he's not part of a current team? Give my boy some love! Also I loved the Jamie McKelvie/Matt Wilson alternative cover.

The Jessica Jones short was fun and though I'm not familiar with the White Fox, Sana Takeda's art was gorgeous as per usual. I also liked the little showdown between Misty Knight and Colleen Wing.

Overall, it was probably better than Civil War II solely because characters ignored in the event issues got to have their voices heard. ( )