After the excellent Green Arrow: Rebirth #1, creative duo Benjamin Percy and Otto Schmidt are back again to continue the story that was setup in the one-shot. The villainous human trafficking group known only as The Underground Men are kidnapping Seattle’s homeless population and selling them off to the highest bidder; all while wearing creepy, Court of Owls–esque attire. Given that this issue marks new numbering for the battling bowman, Green Arrow #1 is a great place for new readers to jump in.
DC Chief Creative Officer and writer extraordinaire Geoff Johns has said that the goal of Rebirth was partially to restore the legacy to some of the characters that lost parts of their history at the beginning of The New 52. No book assures readers of that mission statement like Green Arrow. Not only is the beard back, but so is Black Canary, who, previous to Rebirth, has been finding success as a punk-rock star in her own solo series. Percy, who was writing Green Arrow pre-rebirth, seems to have benefited greatly from the relaunch, both critically and commercially. It’s great to see the character being a hit not only on the small screen on CW’s Arrow but on store shelves as well. Percy really delivered on the one-shot, so it should be interesting to see how he continues his run on the emerald archer. On the art side of the equation, Schmidt’s use of color shadowing is incredibly impressive and gives the comic an eerie look; which is fitting considering the mysterious group the duo is up against. But it may not be a duo for long, as Emiko Queen (Half sister to Oliver and daughter to Shado) seems to be joining the fray.
We got a hint of their teaming up in a panel of rebirth, and, thanks to Percy’s sharp writing and Schmidt’s cartoonish yet gritty style, the reunion has hit all the right notes so far. The destined couple’s dynamic has been both enjoyable and nostalgic. There’s an obvious spark between them. At the same time, they are not quite sure they trust each other. Black Canary questions billionaire Oliver Queen’s self proclaimed title as a hero for the poor. On the other side of the coin, Green Arrow isn’t sure of Dinah’s reasons for arriving in Seattle.
It doesn’t seem like they have much of a choice, as it seems like both of their worlds are about to be rocked when chapter 1 of The Death and Life of Oliver Queen releases at all good comic book stores and digitally on June 15th.
Check out a sneak preview and variant cover by the great Neal Adams courtesy of Comic Vine.
For the latest information on DC Rebirth check out the DC Comics Rebirth Guide. Read other DC Rebirth previews.
Will You Be Reading Green Arrow #1?
Are you excited to read this new era of Green Arrow? Will it be the first time you’ve read these characters? Let me know in the comments below or via the How to Love Comics Facebook or Twitter.
I liked this. Green Arrow is the anti-Batman.