ABSOLUTE GREEN ARROW #1 (DC COMICS)
Oliver Queen is dead. Long Live the Green Arrow!
In “Absolute Evil”, Oliver Queen was murdered on orders from Hector Hammond via Jubal Slade. Carter Hall did the dirty work and brought Queen’s dead body back Hammond and other notable ADC characters of power.
Now, a new Emerald Archer has resumed Queen’s mission with absolute prejudice. Dinah Lance has been hired as security to thwart this vigilante, but does she want to?
ABSOLUTE GREEN ARROW #1 by Pornsak Pichetshote, Rafael Albuquerque, Marcelo Maiolo & Jeff Powell (DC COMICS) brings real horror into the Absolute Universe!
Let’s take a closer look at this intense debut!
ABSOLUTE GREEN ARROW #1 by Pornsak Pichetshote, Rafael Albuquerque, Marcelo Maiolo & Jeff Powell (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Pichetshote pens a superb mystery that never lets the readers escape its’ grasp. The opening pages show Slade celebrating another win. This is quickly dashed as someone is killing off his security. Watching the disgusting billionaire squirm to the imposing archer is a crowd pleaser moment. This leads to a polarizing reaction on social media. The writing mixes in traditional media with current trends. It serves as a great pivoting spot for Dinah Lance to take over the spotlight.
Dinah’s time as a bodyguard has been very unsteady. It shows her character as conflicted on her next moves. Her talk with Dr. Green is powerful as it peels back layers of her gruff persona. This leads her to a new opportunity with Malcom Merlyn. Their dialogue is cold in presentation. Its’ lightened slightly when flashbacks start forming. This doesn’t last long as Slade’s final fate is revealed. The writing holds nothing back in explanation. It carries this toughness with Merlyn manipulating Lance into protecting a new client.
Readers watch as Lance’s new assignment comes into focus with a deep wound inflicted on her personally. This leads into a violent third act. There is no shortage of brutality shown here. This leads into a quieter epilogue with more questions than answers. An intense read that never lets up till the final page.
MORE FROM THE ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE!
Albuquerque & Maioloopen with the terrifying hunt of Jubal Slade. Panels slowly build up terror until a full page shows GA finding his target. Slade’s eyes knowing he is a dead man makes a powerful statement. This eases into the social reactions. Using the smart phone looks for a full page was very creative. It breaks up points enough to easily transition to Lance. Readers watch as her latest assignment doesn’t go as planned.
The therapy appointment conveys deep harbored feelings. Dinah’s pain is written on her face. It is a tremendous piece to the overall puzzle. Once events move to flashbacks, Maiolo’s coloring gives these pages a fresh look into Dinah’s personal moments. It brings readers up to speed enough before the dark overtones of Merlyn take hold. Slade’s dead visual is not one for the squeamish. The art mixes in more personal moments before the action commences once again.
Readers watch as the carnage comes fast. Panels jump quickly with each stroke. GA’s debut here is given a proper full page image. A half page shows his brutality as the body count rises. Once this attack wraps, the epilogue sets up more intrigue as a frightening discovery is found. Expect many reactions to this panel and issue as a whole.
FINAL POINT: 10
The Absolute Universe has a new danger hunting in it streets. Pichetshote crafts a stunning horror tale behind personal scars. Albuquerque & Maiolo deliver on a brutal and aggressive approach to handling evil. A perfect addition into the dark vision of the DCU! Highest possible recommendation.
Let me know your thoughts on ABSOLUTE GREEN ARROW #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
