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Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: J.T. Krul
Artists: Diogenes Neves, Vincente Cifuentes , Ulises Arreola
Covers: Mauro Cascioli and Ethan Van Sciver

**Spoilers**

“Man of the People”: Here we have issue #1 of a new Green Arrow series, and it ties in to Brightest Day. It’s been six months since the destruction of Star City by Prometheus. Ollie has been exiled by Star City’s government officials to the mysterious star shaped forest that has sprung up in the middle of the city. However, this mysterious forest isn’t impervious to the crime Star City is plagued with these days.

As the story begins, a young woman is chased into the forest by some thugs looking to have their way with the fair damsel. Just as these wayward souls catch up to the girl, Robin Hood swings in and dispatches these ruffians with nothing but his gallantry and righteousness! Well, it wasn’t exactly like that. It was more like Green Arrow with his arrows and swift kicks to the face. But, I will say that the Robin Hood references were seen throughout this issue, especially when Ollie flat out steals from the rich and gives to the poor in the form of him taking food from a banquet begin held by the city’s officials and giving it to the people still suffering after Star City’s destruction.

Elsewhere in the city, we are introduced to the new owner of Queen Industries, Isabel Rochev. Who this woman is, is yet to be seen, literally. At her introduction in the story we see her wearing a giant red dress and a flowing black mask with gigantic goggles. All we really know is that she is taking Queen Industries back to its original purpose, defense.

I’ll also mention that we have a death in this issue. All I’ll say about it is that it is someone Ollie and most of the citizens of Star City really won’t miss.

Overall, this was a good first issue and a good way to start off the new series. Krul did a great job writing this issue. He did an excellent job of conveying how Ollie has really changed following the destruction of Star City and the death of his granddaughter. After Ollie saves the young woman, they have a conversation in which she asks him why he still wears the mask when everyone knows he’s Oliver Queen. He responds that this is who he really is and it’s all he has left. It really gives you good insight into just how lonely and isolated Ollie is feeling right now.

I also have to give credit to Neves. He does an excellent job of backing up Krul’s writing with his artwork. His action scenes are pretty detailed and he does a great job of drawing people’s emotions. It really compliments the writing.

I’ll definitely continue to read this new series. Ollie’s in a dark place right now and I’m looking forward to seeing where he goes. At the end of the issue we are given a glimpse at what Ollie has in store for him. It ended by saying that Ollie will be needing help, and showing Ollie with four silhouettes behind him and asking, “Who will be his merry men?” Who indeed?

Jordan West
jordan@comicattack.net