Tony's heel turn was utterly unconvincing. Here is a man who spent years battling the government and other corporations for control of his armor and identity. Why on EARTH would this same person suddenly do a 180 and agree with everything he had been against for so long? It is non-sensical plot device writing.
The SHRA was also riddled with plot device writing. It would be one thing if it were a natural progression that spun out of years of stories. Instead, they bring back Marvel's failed abortion attempt at the Teen Titans and force them into an absolutely stupid situation that serves as the platform for a series of bad events and anti-super hero legislation. What is even more disapponting is that Marvel has already done stories about power registration. Mutant Registration Act anyone?
Political commentary isn't a bad thing, but it is annoying when a writer tries to beat you over the head with it. While Watchmen did it brilliantly, and X-Men approached it organically, Civil War just forces political commentary on you in a non-artistic fashion. They use plain allegories for the Patriot Act and Guntonimo Bay and do so poorly.
Am I a Spider-Man fan? Yes I am. But my disappointment with Marvel is not limited to Spider-Man.
In all fairness, Spider-Man is a bigger part of the 616 than you would think. At times, Spider-Man was more at the center of Civil War, than Iron Man and Captain America. Brand New Day was only able to be written, because of the consequences of Peter's choices (see: forced editorial BS) during Civil War. And yes Dark Reign is steaming pile because it places Norman Osborn at the forefront of all-things-evil in the 616. It is just poor writing. Are the current Marvel writers so uninspired that they have to blame Norman Osborn for everything? It isn't something new either. Marvel has been doing it for years, ever since he "died" after Gwen Stacy's death. Here is the short list;
Norman was responsible for the creation of Ben Reily. Norman Osborn was responsible for Aunt May's death (until they retconned it to be a surgically altered actress). Norman Osborn caused Mary Jane to have a still-birth.
Norman Osborn had consentual sex with Gwen Stacy and impregnated her, which is why (after yet another retcon) he dropped her from a bridge.
Norman Osborn became a government official in charge of hunting down super heroes. Norman Osborn is now Iron Man.Norman Osborn is the most prominent superhero in the public eye of the 616.
The list goes on and freaking on. Much like his recently resurrected son, this ***hole should have stayed six feet under. Why is it that he must be responsible for all things wrong in Spider-Man's life, and now he is responsible for the woes of all of the heroes of the 616? Norman Osborn isn't that important. It would be like having a series of retcons that make The Joker responsible for Brother Eye, the birth of Damian Wayne and being in charge of hunting down the Justice League.
Lastly, there are other horrific things going on in the 616. But this is a thread about the steaming pile known as Infinite Crisis. I don't want to turn this into an "I hate Marvel thread," not only because I don't hate Marvel, but also because I do not want to be responsible for derailing a thread and going off topic. But, I will leave you with this; Red Hulk.
Jeph Loeb has had a spotty status with comic fans. Some people absolutely hate his writing, but in general, people loved his work with Batman (Hush, Long Halloween, Dark Victory) and some of his work with Superman (For All Seasons). One would think that witch such an impressive legacy, that this man would arrive at Marvel and bring good tithings. Instead, he gives us the worst take on The Incredible Hulk, EVER.
Hulk is arguably one of the most powerful beings in the 616, only to be challenged by cosmic level entities (and even then, some still fall to the Hulk). Red Hulk, who has similar powers, is lacking one crucial power of the original Jade Giant: Red Hulk does not get stronger when he gets angrier. Why then, is he able to defeat the likes of THOR????
As if carrying a gun wasn't disappointing enough, this new version of Hulk can defy all kinds of canon. In fact, that is his chief power. Red Hulk can ignore any canon or legacy in order to fulfill plot device writing. Mjolnir; A magical weapon that is enchanted so that only the WORTHY may lift it. This poses no problem for Red Hulk, who circumvents an ENCHANTMENT, with poorly implemented physics ("me in space, so me can lift anything!"). As if GRAVITY or MASS have anything to do with an ENCHANTMENT about worthiness.
But what about cosmic-level, nigh omnipotent beings like Uatu the Watcher? Surely a being that is extra-dimensional and carries around an entire reality in their pocket, should be able to best this beast? Right? RIGHT?? Oh silly me. Fighting a god-like entity only requires a good left hook. Perhaps he learned that technique from Superboy Prime and the reality altering retcon punch?
I just can't take Marvel seriously right now. As gross as Infinite Crisis was, at least it was one event. For Marvel, it is a weekly occurence across their entire line of books. But, to each his own. I do disagree with you, but I respect your decision to continue enjoying Marvel properties. Everyone likes what they like, and in this case, I simply don't like what Marvel is doing. But if it is working out for you, then more power to you sir (or ma'am).