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Review: Green Arrow #2

By Philip Schweier
July 6, 2016 - 11:49

Green Arrow #2 continues the evolution of Oliver Queen and his alter ego, Green Arrow, distilling many of the various incarnations over the decades into a solid, more substantial character.

Last issue left us with Shado and her daughter Emi standing over the skewered form of Oliver Queen. Chapter 2 picks up a short time later as they dispose of his soon-to-be-remains in Puget Sound. Black Canary seems convinced there is more to the story than meets the eye, and proceeds to investigate.

Naturally, reports of his death are greatly exaggerated, otherwise there would be no Green Arrow #3. After a period of recovery, Oliver must now piece together not only the fragments of his life, but that of Seattle’s star vigilante, Green Arrow.

Meanwhile, on a separate tangent, the title takes a step closer to CW’s Arrow TV show by introducing John Diggle. Bodyguard, mercenary, and who knows what else he may be to Oliver Queen, they clearly have a history. To what degree it parallels the television series remains to be seen.

Schmidt’s art and coloring are well-suited to play off one another’s strengths. He keeps his rendering simple and streamlined, allowing color to convey what line cannot. It makes me wish more artists colored their own work. I think under the right hands, it can be extremely effective.

I will not comment on Percy’s writing, simply because it seems unfair to critique a portion of a larger story. I’d rather see the story as a whole before forming an opinion. But I will say I look forward to seeing where the narrative will lead.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12