Ollie Queen AKA Green Arrow has recently been cured of his werewolf disease and he’s back in Seattle. All is well right? Considering we’re facing a rebirth this month I think not, but is it good?
Green Arrow Rebirth #1 (DC Comics)
So what’s this book about? DC Comics’ summary reads:
Together again for the first time, the Emerald Archer meets Black Canary. Questioning everything Green Arrow believes in, Dinah Lance throws the hero’s world upside down, forcing him to question what he cares about more: his morals or his money?
Why does this book matter?
Without question writer Benjamin Percy has instilled a horror tone to this series which has helped it feel both very unique and interesting. As far as the artist, give Otto Schmidt a Google and tell me you are not impressed. There’s a cartoon sexiness similar to Tim Sale going on here, but bring that to a darker gritty Green Arrow comic? Sign me up.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Schmidt’s style has a western type feel in its loose thin linework that is incredibly infectious and interesting to look at. Right off the bat the story introduces a homeless mother and son who are victims of an assailant that gives the reader a sense that there’s lawlessness running rampant in Seattle. Schmidt delivers throughout the issue, from this scene to the action sequences, dark and brooding settings later in the issue and finally the threat Ollie must face. The bad guys – some kind of mole people – are quite freaky and a bit unnerving to look at, which helps sell their threat level. Schmidt manages to make Ollie feel heroic, caring and genuine all at once too. From top to bottom the book has a very unique look and feel that’s quite nice.
Really like the layout of the action scenes.
Percy does well to introduce a new direction for the character too. By introducing Black Canary into his life we get an “outsider looking in” dynamic and a character constantly questioning Ollie’s money and intentions. Percy tests Ollie via Canary throughout a first issue that creates a tension between the characters that is moving towards a romantic one. It’s clear right off the bat she kind of hates Ollie, but maybe that’s because she kind of has the hots for him too? Either way it’s an interesting dynamic I’ll be coming back next month to see develop.
The villain introduced is right in line with the horror tone the series has had for awhile too. It’s quite a creepy organization visually and what they’re up to is equally creepy; there are definitely some Slenderman vibes going on here. Once again it’s a group of villains who abuse the weak and it suits Ollie to be going up against them.
It can’t be perfect can it?
Though this is a Rebirth title I’m not sure Ollie is that much different than what he was last we saw him. Sure he’s been powered down by being cured of the werewolf disease, but he’s pretty much the same old Ollie. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but here’s to hoping Black Canary can change him a bit!
Look who showed up.
Is It Good?
Green Arrow introduces a wickedly creepy villain, a new underground group to haunt Seattle, and a new love interest for Ollie too. As far as Rebirth titles go this is on the right track. Green Arrow brings readers deeper into the creepy underbelly of DC Comics.
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