*This article contains spoilers for Green Arrow #2 (2023)*
Green Arrow (2023) has been combining elements from classic Green Arrow stories, while also introducing new elements that make this character interesting. Though Oliver Queen is in unfamiliar territory, he’s still dealing with his unfortunate condition—he is once again trapped on an island…
Last issue, Arsenal reunited with his long dead daughter, only to lose her again to a sudden teleportation beam. And he is not just angry. He is pissed. And so is Black Canary. Together, they are armed and ready to find their archers.
Oliver Queen is surviving along with Lian. For whatever reason, when she was teleported, Lian was drawn to her Uncle Ollie. Though she is not the best shot, Lian can still land a hit every now and again. She has been Ollie’s backup at times, while random creatures hunt the Justice Leaguer. Oliver tends to make enemies everywhere he goes.
As Lian and Ollie eat Ollie’s world famous “chili”, which is probably made with precocious plants and things no human has ever tasted before, Ollie tells Lian it is dangerous for their family to be together—the archers are doomed to suffer. And Ollie is right—he died before, afterall. Arsenal got addicted to drugs, then got his arm cut off. Connor Hawke was lost to time. Speedy contracted HIV. Lian died. The Arrow family has never and can never have a happy ending. It’s just the way the world works (and how the editors work). The two continue their heart-to-heart before being teleported away again!
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Black Canary break into A.R.G.U.S. looking for Amanda Waller, knowing she must have a hand in whatever is happening—which makes sense since a Waller-lead event is coming soon. In fact, in every DC title the foundations are being set for Amanda Waller to take on the DC Universe.
It is at A.R.G.U.S. that Arsenal and Canary meet Count Vertigo, who claims to know why everything is happening to the Arrow family. How? He does not get a chance to answer because a barrage of bullets fly toward Arsenal and Canary—the two barely get out of the way. Who is shooting? None other than Peacemaker and Peacewrecker!
Overall, this series has been a straight forward read. Green Arrow is still Green Arrow, but more of a family man. And writer Joshua Williamson is clearly having fun writing this title, playing around with the constant problems Green Arrow gets himself into, while also making them feel new and real. It is a solid Dawn of DC title so far!
Rating: 4/5 Stars. Fast issue, but felt real. The conversation between Oliver Queen and Lian felt so real and heartfelt. Ollie remembering his son was priceless. Overall a great story!
Suggested reading: Green Lantern #85 (1971), the classic “Snowbirds don’t fly”, with the cover of Roy Harper shooting up. Since this is an Arsenal story, this event will likely show up.
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