Review: "Green Arrow" #12

While never considerably exceeding expectations or delivering that one special moment, Green Arrow is probably the most consistent of all the "Rebirth" comics. #12 is no exception here, as Oliver Queen needs to cope with the media attention that his reemergence necessarily entailed, while also plotting to antagonise two of his nemeses.  

It is especially Benjamin Percy's love for the character Oliver Queen, thoroughly felt in his playful characterizations, that give Green Arrow this special spark. And even though Percy's take on Queen and his environment are often a bit too superficial (ham monologues included), his insistence on bold and controversial political issues make the comic relevant and challenging at the same time. Combine all that with Otto Schmidt's edgy art and bright and distinct color palette, and you have comic that is satisfying on almost every level.

8/10

Quickfire Combo-Reviews: "Batman" #3 / "Green Arrow" #2 & #3

"Batman" #3: We finally get some backstory on Gotham and Gotham Girl, and surprisingly, it's quite compelling. Bellaire's color palette is simply amazing here again, bathing Gotham in an amazing red, yellow and brown. One of DC's quintessential "Rebirth" series.

9/10

"Green Arrow" #2: The implosion of Oliver Queen's world is superbly staged by Percy, even though it doesn't have the emotional depth he might have aimed (sorry!) for. The series continues to impress and entertain, and even introduces a compelling new villainous organisation with the "Ninth Circle".


8/10

"Green Arrow" #3: Juan Ferreyra takes over the art department from Otto Schmidt, and instantly changes the comic's dynamic with his clear-cut and sinewy approach. Finally, we also get some more information on the "Ninth Circle", rounding off a thoroughly appealing experience.

9/10

Review: "Green Arrow" #1

While I'm generally more than suspicious towards stories that relentlessly keep throwing twists and turns at you, there's something about Green Arrow #1 that makes the whole thing work without ever being pretentious or sensationalist. And that "something" is probably writer Benjamin Percy's ability to keep control of what he's actually telling, grounding "The Death and Life of Oliver Queen" in what has already been established in the series "Rebirth" issue.

The chemistry between the main characters, however, still leaves something to be desired, as conflicts re-emerge without progressing any further towards a solution or change. As a consequence, some of the more comedic elements in Green Arrow #1 also don't always manage to hit the mark (I'm so sorry!!!).

Otto Schmidt's pencils and coloring, while not necessarily outstanding, are still more than solid, as he is able to give the comic's villains a distinct and scary look, while also excelling in the general conceptualisation of Black Canary and her superpower.

With still some room to improve, Green Arrow #1 promises an action-packed story line that will hopefully continue to impress in future issues.

8/10

Further Links:

Green Arrow: Rebirth #1

Review: "Green Arrow: Rebirth" #1

Green Arrow: Rebirth, featuring the titular hero and Black Canary as they go into Seattle's underground to rescue missing homeless, is a thoroughly engaging and heartfelt story. Oliver Queen's conflict between his own privilege and the quest for social justice is genuinely depicted, while writer Benjamin Percy makes him and Black Canary click right from the outset. And it's not often one has to praise a comic for its lettering, but Nate Piekos does a hell of a job here, perfectly mirroring the mood and action in the comic's story. 

Even though artist Otto Schmidt's interpretation of the homeless is a bit too dickensesque, Green Arrow's bon mots don't always find their targets (sorry for that) and the finale is slightly underwhelming, Green Arrow: Rebirth is a strong first entry in what could be one of summer's best series.                                         

                   8/10