Green Arrow has less than two seconds to save his wife, fellow heroine Black Canary from the blade of a mad man. As Green Arrow studies his options, a flashback of his entire life, and how few seconds changed everything for him several times reappears in his mind. Will he be able to shoot the arrow in time?
It’s a new storyline and a new creative team for Green Arrow and Black Canary. This issue helps Kreisberg set the tone of the stories he wants to tell and shows his grasp of the characters he’s working on. Although the set up is that of a damsel in distress, with Black Canary held hostage by a common thug she should be able to subdue if she really tried, Kreisberg allowed the heroine to save herself, thanks to Green Arrow’s help. It’s a fine game of balance as it would be detrimental to both characters if one was clearly more skilled than the other. In his run Judd Winick made Black Canary the better at everything and only brought Green Arrow as character relief and motivation. Kreisberg doesn’t do that, just yet. It’s a good move. My one complaint is the set up for the future opponent of the couple. It’s not quite clear what happened.
Norton is not a bad artist, but his work is not memorable either. It’s solid and well crafted but without the extra oomph that creates a star artist. I think his greater weakness was having Rubinstein ink his work. While I’m glad to see old pros get work, his inking totally overpowers Norton’s work.
Blood and Water
Vampire stories are all the rage these days. Most are silly teenage romances, but every once in a while a vampire tale comes along that doesn’t, um…suck.
Secret Six # 15
Deadshot tries to come to terms with his homicidal impulses.
Blackest Night #4 (of 8)
Barry Allen does his best to rally the heroes, but will they be able to stand against the arrival of Nekron?
Superman: World of New Krypton #9
Jemm storms New Krypton’s High Council Chamber demanding an audience, Kal-El and Zod meet, and the first murder on New Krypton is committed.
Madame Xanadu #16
The return of series artist Amy Reeder Hadley also marks the start of a new, creepy, and great Matt Wagner story.
Superman #693
General Lane makes Mon-El an offer he has to refuse, but an unlikely ally might just save Mon-El’s life.
The Brave and the Bold # 28
The Flash travels back in time to World War II where he joins forces with the fabled Blackhawks.
Northlanders #21
A settlement along The Volga River in Russia deals with the onslaught of a plague in the start of a new story arc.
Superman: Secret Origin #2 (of 6)
Young Clark Kent experiences a bit of a super identity crisis, but manages to get by with some help from his parents and some new friends…Long Live The Legion!
Superman/Batman #65
The Scarecrow takes Superman, The Batman, The Joker, and Lex Luthor on a fear gas induced Halloween nightmare ride.
Azrael #1
The new Azrael’s ongoing series debuts with the death of a major character…
Supergirl #46
The Metropolis Three finally capture Reactron, Thara and Kara make up, and some more light is shed on Lana’s mysterious condition…
Blackest Night: Superman #3 (of 3)
Superman, Superboy, Alura, and Supergirl kick some Black Lantern butt, and Ma Kent holds her own…with some help from Krypto.
