I finished reading Civil War: War Crimes trade paper back (TPB) last night. The TPB collects Underworld #1-5 as well as the Civil War: War Crimes one-shot. The story featured throughout focuses on the activities of criminal underworld as the Civil War rages throughout the Marvel Universe. If you aren't up to speed on the Marvel Civil War, check out an overview of the main Marvel Civil War story as well as the Marvel Civil War: Front Line series.

The reader is introduced to Jackie Dio, fresh from prison, and with a few scores to settle. The majority of the book follows Jackie's transformation into 'Underworld'. You could almost describe him as an evil version of the Punisher. Jackie has no 'super powers' but a lot of his enemies do. To this end, Jackie ends up making the acquaintance of a guy called "The Mechanic", who decks him out with the latest weaponry. Jackies revenge kick leads him straight to another shadowy customer known as "The Consultant". There are a couple of big twists toward the end, so I can't really say any more without giving too much away.

The War Crimes story follows Wilson Fisk, the ex-Kingpin of Crime, as he attempts to deal his way out of prison. This story ties in nicely with the major Civil War story line, as Fisk makes a deal with Iron Man that involves Fisk using his underworld connections to track down Captain America and his anti-Registration act buddies.

The 'Underworld' story arc basically acts as a prequel to War Crimes, with Jackie Dio popping up to play a pivotal role in the War Crimes one-shot.

All in all, the TPB was a solid read, with some watered down hints of noir-ish Sin City style story telling. I wouldn't describe it as an essential read in the Civil War series as there isn't a great deal happening in War Crimes that impacts heavily upon the main story, but it is an interesting tie in none the less. I'd probably rate it at around the 3.5/5 mark.