Green Arrow #16 Review

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Benjamin Percy, Black Canary, comcis, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Dinah Lance, Emerald Outlaw, Emerald Outlaw Part 5, Emi Queen, Green Arrow, Green Arrow #16, Green Arrow #16 Review, Green Arrow Rebirth, Oliver Queen, Otto Schmidt, Red Arrow, Seattle, The Dark Archer

Green Arrow #16

The Emerald Archer goes on the offensive in Green Arrow #16, but the odds are stacked against him after being framed by the Dark Archer Malcolm Merlyn for a recent wave of murders in Seattle, hounded by a rogue team of corrupt cops called The Vice Squad, and vilified by a detestable mayoral candidate. Things don’t look good for Green Arrow and Co, but all that could soon change with the return of an old ally….Emiko Queen!

Emerald Outlaw Part 5 sees Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Chief Westberg setting out to deal with Sergeant Notting and The Vice Squad once and for all! First though, writer Benjamin Percy brings us the long awaited reunion between Green Arrow and his sister, Emi – AKA Red Arrow. Her tangle with her mother and the Yakuza bosses has made Emi tougher than ever, she’s back and – hugging aside – on her terms! From here Green Arrow #16 races along at a furious pace, as Benjamin Percy sets the scene for the showdown between the Emerald Archer, his allies, and The Vice Squad in a hanger outside Seattle, where the moral arguments of this arc become polarized like never before as the fists, bullets and arrows start flying left right and centre.

This is a mighty fine looking issue of Green Arrow, the terrific art and colors by Otto Schmidt are true spectacle to behold, and every page is crammed with action, speed, and motion as the face-off in the hanger unfolds towards its explosive and poignantly honourable conclusion. The initial reunion between Oliver and Emi is also nicely portrayed, and the running joke of everyone getting used to calling Emi by the moniker of Red Arrow is great fun. I also really like how Otto Schmidt’s chameleon-like use of color pitches the mood of each scene, perfectly matching them with the beats of the storyline, with vivid tones for the more emotional moments, while cool dark shades heighten the menace and danger of the fight in the hanger.

However, it is the multifaceted aftermath of this battle where story and art fuse beautifully as one, with media reports, a word in a mayoral candidates ear, and a tender repairing of bonds to make a family whole again that provides some of the most moving and heart-warming moments we’ve seen in this series so far, and it reaffirms my view that Green Arrow is one of the strongest titles to emerge from DC Comics Rebirth.

Green Arrow #16 is the kind of issue that makes us love these characters so much. Benjamin Percy and Otto Schmidt have delivered another remarkable issue with Green Arrow #16, the jaw-dropping and emotionally charged ending of this penultimate issue of Emerald Outlaw raises the stakes to a whole new, and entirely unexpected level, and it sets everything up for a momentous action-packed finale for this brilliant story arc.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Benjamin Percy Art and Color: Otto Schmidt

Letters: Nate Piekos of BLAMBOT

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Green Arrow #5 Review

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Arrow, Benjamin Percy, Black Canary, comcis, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Diggle, Dinah Lance, Green Arroe #5 review, Green Arrow, Green Arrow #5, Green Arrow Rebirth, Juan Ferreyra, Oliver Queen, Otto Schmidt, Seattle, The Underground Men

Green Arrow #5

Review by Paul Bowler

Oliver and Diggle break into the Inferno, the gargantuan battleship bank of The Ninth Circle in Green Arrow #5 to rescue Black Canary from Dante – the leader of the secret society that has ruthlessly destroyed Oliver Queen’s life and reputation. Now, as the Emerald Archer uncovers the full extent of what his company has been secretly funding, desperate times will call for desperate measures as Green Arrow and Black Canary take on their former ally Shado and the forces of the Ninth Circle in the depths of the Inferno…

Green Arrow #5 throws Oliver Queen and Digle into the belly of the beast that is the floating fortress called the Inferno, as writer Benjamin Percy drives the intense narrative of this arc forwards at a break neck pace to deliver one of the most thrilling issue yet of DC Comics new Green Arrow Rebirth series.

From their stealth infiltration of the Inferno amidst raging seas while Dinah endures being Dante‘s captive, Oliver and Diggle quickly decide on their next move. The banter between Ollie and Diggle is especially well written, Percy excels at making scenes like this come alive on the page, and I like how Diggle acts of the voice of reason here. The issue quickly unfolds with a series of interconnected scenes as Oliver makes his way through the Inferno, eavesdropping on a clandestine meeting headed by his CEO, and one time friend, Cyrus Broderick, which gives us a shocking insight into exactly what Queen Industries has been involved with. Its powerful stuff, packed with revelations that drag the vile people trafficking activities of the Underground Men and the insidious global machinations of the Ninth Circle into the cold light of day for Oliver.

The standout scene in the whole issue for me was the reunion between Oliver and Dinah. As ever, the characterization here is spot on, I love how Percy makes Black Canary sassy, vulnerable, and kick ass all at the same time. It’s also great how the Rebirth Green Arrow works on so many levels, there’s always lots of key moments for long term fans to pick up on, but not enough to bewilder or spoil the fun for new readers. There is also one big game changing plot twist that will makes you see this arc in completely unexpected new light, and serves to enlighten Oliver about how much the people he cares about believe in him.

Juan Ferreyra brings all the distinct qualities of his interior artwork and colors to the fore in Green Arrow #5 with some beautifully eye catching page layouts that effortlessly immerse you in the story. With sumptuous attention to detail lavished throughout, Ferreyra’s art complements the pace of Benjamin Percy’s story perfectly. The opening scenes on rough seas as Green Arrow and Diggle board the Inferno are stunning, and then we have the dark moody interiors, the layers of Shado’s and Emi’s treachery are peeled away as Black Canary waits her fate, the cavernous opulence of the vault, and a spectacular face-off between Green Arrow, Diggle, and Black Canary against Shado and the Ninth Circle in a blood boiling chamber of horrors.

Green Arrow #5 is another hugely impressive issue from Benjamin Percy and Juan Ferreyra. The frenetic pace, strong characterization and wonderful artwork make this one of the best DC Rebirth titles around at the moment in my book. The Emerald Archer’s adventures have been elevated to a whole new level of greatness by Benjamin Percy, Otto Schmidt, Juan Ferreyra, and Nate Piekos of BLAMBOT’s work on this series, and with Green Arrow #5’s action-packed closing moments and cliff-hanger to die for ending, it looks like we are going to be in for one hell of a ride!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Benjamin Percy / Art and Color: Juan Ferreyra

Lettering: Nate Piekos of BLAMBOT / Cover: Juan Ferreyra

Variant Cover: Neal Adams and Bill Sienkiewicz with Jeromy Cox

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Green Arrow #3 Review

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Benjamin Percy, Black Canary, comcis, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Diggle, Dinah Lance, Green Arrow, Green Arrow #1, Green Arrow #3, Green Arrow #3 review, Green Arrow Rebirth, Juan Ferreyra, Oliver Queen, Otto Schmidt, Seattle, The Underground Men

Green Arrow #3

Review by Paul Bowler

Oliver Queen’s life has been torn apart. Betrayed by those closest to him, he was left for dead, vilified by the media, and lost everything. Now in Green Arrow #3 the Emerald Archer’s enemies are closing in. Green Arrow has become an outlaw in his own city. Breaking into Queen Industries to investigate those responsible for his downfall, Green Arrow must confront his former ally – the assassin Shado – who has been sent to stop him uncovering the truth…

Green Arrow #3 finds Oliver Queen going on the offensive against the mysterious cabal that has engineered his fall from grace. From the opening moments, writer Benjamin Percy throws us – and Oliver Queen – right into the thick of the action, as Green Arrow brakes into Queen Industries in search of answers. I really like the way Green Arrow takes out the guards and swiftly bypasses the buildings advanced security, but this all proves to be just an appetiser for the intense excitement, action, and revelations which soon follow.

Benjamin Percy maintains the frenetic pace of the previous issue. The narrative feels much more measured and assured in this issue, cleverly unfolding on several fronts, we learn more about the mysterious cabal known as the Ninth Circle, with James Diggle – a brilliant surprise addition to the series last issue – conducting his own investigation in Italy, while Green Arrow discovers the full extent of the betrayal and corruption lurking right at the heart of Queen Industries, and Black Canary looks into the shipping containers the Underground Men used for their people trafficking operation.

Having hit the ground running with DC’s Rebirth, Benjamin Percy’s gripping new Green Arrow storyline has quickly gathered momentum, and completely reenergized the character of Oliver Queen / Green Arrow. It’s also been fascinating to see how Oliver has clawed himself back from the brink after his life was so spectacularly and publicly ruined. We gain more insight into Black Canary and James Diggle in Green Arrow #3, as each in turn presents us with very refreshing, and contrasting viewpoints on Oliver’s character, together with the current situation, and their faith in him never wavers for a moment – even though they believe he’s dead.

Another key factor that has made Green Arrow standout from the crowd during DC’s Rebirth event has been the work of artists Otto Schmidt and Juan Ferreyra and letterer Nate Piekos on this title. Green Arrow #3 is Juan Ferreyra’s first issue on the series’ interior art, his artwork is stylishly dynamic, the intricately structured panels are layered with subtle details that catch the eye and makes the action flow seamlessly across the page, and the rich use of color brings added texture and definition to every scene. Green Arrow’s moonlit transit from the Space Needle to gain access to Queen Industries is a joy to behold, a fiery confrontation with the forces of the Ninth Circle finally allows Green Arrow to strike back at his enemies, the intriguing interlude on The Inferno as honcho Dante plots and schemes with Emiko Queen, and the high-speed face-off with Shado – were we finally learn the reasons for her betrayal – are just some of the many highlights in this issue. Nate Piekos letters skilfully accentuates the tone and pace of the narrative, and the cover by Juan Ferreyra, needless to say, is absolutely stunning.

The is perhaps the most satisfying issue of this new Green Arrow series so far, the story, the art, everything meshes together here perfectly as the creative team really hits their stride, and the issue builds to a thrilling double edged cliff-hanger that spells terrible danger for Oliver Queen and one of his closest allies. With its exciting story be Benjamin Percy and great artwork by Juan Ferreyra, Green Arrow #3 is one of those comics you want to read again right away as soon as you‘ve finished it. This is the Emerald Archer at his very best!

Publisher: DC Comics / Writer: Benjamin Percy / Art and Color: Juan Ferreyra

Lettering: Nate Piekos of BLAMBOT / Cover: Juan Ferreyra

Variant Cover: Neal Adams and Sandra Hope and Dave McCaig

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Green Arrow #1 Review

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Benjamin Percy, Black Canary, comcis, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Dinah Lance, Green Arrow, Green Arrow #1, Green Arrow #1 review, Green Arrow Rebirth, Green Arrow Rebirth #1, Oliver Queen, Otto Schmidt, Seattle, The Underground Men

Green Arrow #1

Review by Paul Bowler

The standout title from DC’s Rebirth event continues with Green Arrow #1, written by Benjamin Percy, featuring art and colors by Otto Schmidt, an exciting new era for the Emerald Archer begins. Together again following the events of the impressive Rebirth issue, Green Arrow and Black Canary have teamed-up once more to face a sinister new threat in Seattle that will challenge Oliver Queen like never before!

Benjamin Percy and Otto Schmidt have certainly pulled out all the stops for Green Arrow #1, continuing directly from the events of Green Arrow Rebirth #1, where Green Arrow and Black Canary uncovered a secret cabal that had been preying on Seattle’s homeless and selling women and children on the black market to the highest bidder. Green Arrow #1 opens on the fog strewn Seattle Docks where the mysterious Undergound Men are about to transport a consignment of victims in a shipping container. Green Arrow is ready to confront them, and determined to find out who is behind the human trafficking organization.

The Underground Men have brought backup, but Green Arrow has reinforcements of his own, with Henry providing vital intel, while Black Canary and Oliver’s sister, Emi, fight alongside Green Arrow to deal with the Underground Men. This exciting, fast-paced opening is peppered with wisecracking banter and tautly orchestrated action. It actually sets the tone for the rest of the issue, exposition drives the plot at a break neck speed, characters and back stories are quickly introduced and mapped out, romance blossoms, and an unexpected connection to Queen Industries leads Oliver to make some surprising discoveries of his own…

While some might balk at the rapid pace with which Benjamin Percy builds up the house of cards in Oliver’s life, were, no matter how good Ollie’s intentions, Black Canary is quick to point out that chucking money at problems isn’t always quite the solution that he believes it to be, while also moving Oliver’s and Dinah’s relationship on significantly from the Rebirth issue, I actually found it refreshing to read a comic book that hit’s the ground running and just gets on with it for a change. Sure, there are huge narrative leaps, and some of the dialogue seems a little clunky in paces, but it’s done with such style and finesse that the positives more than outweigh any of the negatives.

The art and colors by Otto Schmidt dazzle with the slick, cartoony style that makes this book so dynamic. The fogy scenes at the docks are dominated by some pretty fast and furious action, which in turn highlights Green Arrow’s and his allies fighting skills to the max, with Black Canary unashamedly getting all the best lines and a show stopping fangirl moment against the Underground Men. The next step in Oliver’s and Dinah’s flourishing relationship is also beautifully illustrated by Schmidt, from here the bond between all of the characters is explored in the most heartfelt way, before Oliver’s visit to Queen Industries leads to a far darker turn of events…

I have to admit, its been a long while since I’ve read a Green Arrow comic regularly. I really enjoyed Green Arrow Rebirth #1 though, and I’m pleased to say that Green Arrow #1 also impressed me just as much, if not even more, than Green Arrow Rebirth #1 did. Benjamin Percy’s and Otto Schmidt’s take on the character and his supporting cast is brilliant, they’ve totally nailed it, successfully reaffirming the characters legacy and infusing culturally relevant issues into the mix to make Oliver question his own stance and role in the grand scheme of things. Then of course we have the sizzling chemistry between Green Arrow and Black Canary, together again at last in the DCU. Oh yeah, THIS is the Green Arrow comic that I’ve been waiting for!

Green Arrow #1 gets the series off to a great start, this issue moves at a cracking pace, bursting with action, and emotion, it all builds to a jaw dropping cliff-hanger that will blow you away! Benjamin Percy and Otto Schmidt have crafted something very special indeed here, I’m overjoyed to see the Emerald Archer’s adventures being handled by such a terrific creative team, and can’t wait to see what else they have in store for Green Arrow in the months ahead!

Publisher: DC Comics / Writer: Benjamin Percy / Art and Color: Otto Schmidt

Lettering: Nate Piekos of BLAMBOT / Cover: Juan Ferreyra

Variant Cover: Neal Adams and Kevin Nowlan with Dave McCaig

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Invincible Iron Man #8 Review

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Brian Michael Bendis, Colonel Rhodes, comcis, Frank Martin, Invincible Iron Man, Invincible Iron Man #7, Invincible Iron Man #7 review, Iron Man, Japan, Marvel Comcis, Mary Jane Watson, Mike Deodato, Spider-Man, The War Machines Part 3, Tony Stark, VC’s Clayton Cowles, War Machine

Invincible Iron Man #8

Review by Paul Bowler

The search is on in Invincible Iron Man #8: The War Machines Part 3, with Rhodey still missing in Japan after searching for the biohack ninjas that were tracking Madame Masque. Fortunately Tony’s new assistant / life coach Mary Jane Watson just happens to have Peter Parker’s emergency phone number, enabling Stark to call on Parker’s wall crawling bodyguard for assistance. Iron Man and Spider-Man must team-up to rescue War Machine, and somehow find a way to stop a deadly new menace to the Marvel Universe!

Its repulsor rays to maximum power and web-spinning action all the way as Brian Michael Bendis brings two of Marvel’s most iconic characters together in Invincible Iron Man #8, as Iron Man and Spider-Man join forces in Tokyo to find Rhodey. Following a quick flight across the Pacific, Iron Man soon encounters Spider-Man, and together they discover a clue that might lead them to War Machine. Bendis crafts some really fun moments between Iron Man and Spider-Man in this issue. The banter between them is priceless at times, with Tony being all serious – at least initially – in the face of Spidey’s wisecracks, but is not long before the jokes and flip remarks eventually send them on a path to becoming an even funnier superhero double act as they confront Rhodey’s captors.

Tony’s shape-changing Iron Man suits AI, Friday, is also beautifully written by Bendis in this issue, and it feel like she’s really evolving into a major character in her own right now. Friday gets some great lines of dialogue, especially once Iron Man and Spidey team up in Tokyo, and in a brief flashback the AI has an interesting scene with a less than impressed Mary Jane Watson that ends on an especially poignant note.

Having been stripped of his War Machine armor, Rhodey is now a prisoner of Tomoe and her biohack ninjas. Although we don’t learn much more about Tomoe over the course of this issue of Invincible Iron Man, it’s clear that her armor seems able to attract and assimilate all forms of technology, and it also mimics similar shape-shifting aspects of Tony’s armor. However, as Tomoe and the ninjas soon discover, Colonel Rhodes is not someone to be underestimated – even if he has to fight for his life wearing only his underwear!

This is another fabulous looking issue from artist Mike Deodato and colorist Frank Martin. Set against the gleaming Tokyo Skyline and the industrial gloom of Tomoe’s shadowy lair, Mike Deodato has clearly had a blast drawing this exciting team-up between Iron Man and Spider-Man. The level of detail bestowed on the Iron Man armor is astounding, Deodato also draws a great Spider-Man as well, and I love the scene where Spidey’s mask is reflected in Iron Man’s faceplate – you can just imagine the look on Tony’s face underneath. Rhodey’s fight against the ninjas also proves to be a big highlight of the issue as well. Frank Martin lavishes every page with a sumptuous palette of colors, blending vivid tones and inky shadows to bring added intensity and atmosphere to each scene. Deodato and Martin’s work is perfectly in key with the beats of Bendis’ script, balancing the humour and drama perfectly, there is some terrific moments of characterization, and the electrifying face-off between Iron Man, Spider-Man, Rhodey, and Tomoe is brilliant!

Facing jetlag, embarrassing boxers, and a technology that even Friday is unable to counteract, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Rhodey must risk life and limb as they battle Tomoe and the lethal biohack ninjas that are out for their blood. Invincible Iron Man #8, with its exciting action-packed story by Brian Michael Bendis and excellent art by Mike Deodato, is another hugely impressive issue in The War Machines storyarc, and its thrilling cliff-hanger ending is guaranteed to leave you on the edge of your seat until the next issue.

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Art: Mike Deodato

Color Artist: Frank Martin / VC’s Clayton Cowles: Letterer & Production

Cover Artists Mike Deodato & Frank Martin

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