Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Review: Green Arrow #5

By Philip Schweier
August 17, 2016 - 10:48

Finally, a conclusion to one of the first Rebirth story arcs. Team Arrow’s inaugural encounter with the 9th Circle becomes explosive, as loyalties are tested, sacrifices are made, and lies become truths. It’s satisfying, but I can’t help but wonder why, once again, it feels like a segment, rather than an actual episode. For me, this series has been akin to watching portions of a TV show doled out between commercials.

BUT, compared to most of the other Rebirth titles I’ve read, it’s perhaps had it the most going for it in terms of storytelling: strong characters, good timing, and plenty of action. I haven’t spent a ridiculous amount of time scratching my head, wondering where the story is headed.

Ferreyra’s art is masterful and painterly, and as I said before, it somewhat reminds me of the painted work I saw in Heavy Metal and Epic back in the 1980s. I don’t mean that in a bad way. It shows how far comic books have evolved in terms of illustration. It just makes the artwork – for all its strength – a little dated.

It comes as no surprise to me that DC Comics would want to re-align the Green Arrow comic book more solely with its successful Arrow TV show. We’ve been given Diggle, and seen Oliver Queen as a young man with an altruistic heart. But the whys and wherefores of substituting Oliver’s younger sister – Thea on the show, Emi in the comic book – are lost on me. Probably has something to do with creative rights, but that’s a guess. I just find it a little silly that DC tried so hard, and then stopped so very close to achieving its goal.

It remains to be seen where Green Arrow goes from here. The book seems to have circled back around to a bit of a starting point, which I had rather it had not done. But I’m hoping to be pleasantly surprised. I was extremely skeptical of Green Arrow when I started reading it. Now I am glad I did.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12