Green Arrow #31
Publisher: DC
Story: Jeff Lemire
Pencils: Andrea Sorrentino
Inks: Andrea Sorrentino
Colors: Marcelo Maiolo
Letters: Rob Leigh
The Green Arrow creative team of Lemire, Sorrentino, and Maiolo wrap up the Outsiders War with this issue, and continue to knock it out of the park. Green Arrow is one of those titles from DC that’s been somehow sneaking under the radar, and undeservedly so, as it’s among the best of their current staple of monthly issues, as I mentioned in my review of Issue #30 last month.
For proof, one need look no further than the full-page spread on pages 2-3, shortly after Oliver Queen grabs the totem arrow of the Arrow Clan and seemingly is flooded with memories of pretty much Lemire’s and Sorrentino’s entire run on the series going all the way back to issue #17. This spread is chock-full of small images of scores and scores of scenes from the past, all with the unique composition of Sorrentino and limited color palette of Maiolo. It’s so well done that you’ll bemoan the fact that the issue’s title and the creative credits were crammed onto this page, as they mar the layout of this near-perfect spread.
After this, we move on at break-neck speed toward the ending of the Outsiders War, including another cameo by Katana, fighting against the Fist Clan, and of course Emiko, Shado, Oliver’s dad, and Komodo are all involved in the big finale that brings the arc to a close. Not only do we get all that, and a satisfying ending, but the creative team takes us back to Seattle to see what Naomi, Fyff, and Diggle are up to, to help set up the conflict for the next arc of the series.
The Outsiders War was a truly spectacular arc in what has been a truly spectacular series since the new creative team took over. The finale in issue #31 helps to wrap it up in a very strong way that pays off the six-issue arc, but also manages to provide just enough of a tease of the upcoming arc to keep the reader interested and wanting to understand what happens to Ollie in the aftermath of the war, and also what will happen as he gets back to his home town to team back up with his allies. And all of these powerful, engaging plots are delivered perfectly by the stunning visuals (both art and coloring), creating a truly unique and enjoyable reading experience.
Martin Thomas
@comicattack.net
