DC Comics reviews for the week of 12/7/16 – Batman, Superman, Green Arrow

Green Arrow #12

For a lot of comic book characters, divisive issues like police brutality and a blowhard billionaire running for public office could prove off-putting for readers who just want some escapist entertainment. For Green Arrow, those hot button topical issues signal a stronger link to the character’s glory days.

There’s something appropriately fitting about a character known for going after political fat cats now targeting the bad apple police officers abusing their power. Writer Benjamin Percy doesn’t have to hold back any political leanings with Green Arrow, who would embody the derisive Internet sneering label of SJW. This issue read like what Neal Adams and Denny O’Neil’s acclaimed run would look like if it came out in 2016 and not 1970.

It’s a testament to how fully Percy gets the tone of a great Green Arrow comic, not just Green Arrow, that this potentially risky approach works.

That’s why Percy can have a very thinly veiled Donald Trump figure prattle on before being confronted by Oliver Queen. And why Black Canary and Green Arrow investigating a drug house feels exactly like what these street level vigilantes would be doing.

Beyond that strong setup, Percy is weaving what could the next great Green Arrow storyline, Emerald Outlaw. In this opening chapter, Green Arrow is framed for a series of violent acts just as he’s become a beacon of hope to Seattle.

Otto Schmidt’s art and colors is just as lively and dynamic as ever making for a vibrant visual presentation. In its first year, Green Arrow has been one of DC’s best reads. If the kickoff to Emerald Outlaw is any indication, Year 2 is going to be just as exciting.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10