Writer Jeff Lemire jumped on GREEN ARROW with issue #17 (along with artist Andrea Sorrentino and colorist Marcelo Maiolo) and since then, the book has become something truly special. Creating a whole new mythos for Oliver while also hitting us with gorgeous visuals, the Emerald Archer's book has been a real joy to read each and every month. We're now three issues into the series' first big arc, The Outsiders War, and we had the opportunity to chat with Lemire about the story and what else we can expect to see from the book.
*This interview does contain spoilers, so bookmark this page if you're not current*
COMIC VINE: First and foremost, what's it like being able to do so much world-building for Oliver?
JEFF LEMIRE: It's very rewarding. I love building huge mythologies around characters. And the New 52 version of GA was almost a clean slate where I could come in and start adding. Building out from his character and filling his world with interesting mysteries, villains and supporting cast. Now, I feel with the Outsider War all of that is in place and we can go crazy with a huge bombastic story.
CV: The Outsiders War has been building up since #17 and definitely had an explosive start. Can you talk a little bit about what the story means for Oliver and his growing supporting cast?
JL: This is the breaking point. This is where Oliver finally confront all the baggage of the past, family and legacy and face it down. Here is where he will either rise up and become something better, or fail and be crushed.
And on top of that we get a massive sprawling battle between the weapon clans and this diverse cast of characters.
CV: What helps Green Arrow stand apart from other superhero comics at DC?
JL: He is very grounded in reality. He has no powers. He is essentially a normal man caught up in extraordinary circumstances. But it's also his sense of history and legacy that makes him unique. His connection to the Outsiders.
CV: Is there any kind of collaboration with the team behind Arrow? Anything to make sure the comic will lure in fans of the show or vice versa?
JL: I feel we're making a series that compliments the TV show very well in terms of tone and mood. I think fans who enjoy the show can find a similar sort of world building, mystery and action here. And now we are also adding the character of DIGGLE to the comic book He is a great character form the TV show played by David Ramsey and as soon as I saw the show I knew we needed to include him, because he really grounds Oliver Queen and they have great chemistry together.
CV: Can we expect to see Diggle play a bigger role in the future?
JL: Very much so. We will see glimpses of him during The Outsiders War, and then the next storyline, GREEN ARROW BROKEN, will be very much an Ollie and Diggle story.
CV: Many were thrilled to see the return of Richard Dragon. Can you perhaps tease what fans can expect to see from the character and do you have plans to reintroduce any of Oliver's other classic characters? Fingers are crossed for Drakon or Brick!
JL: In the next arc Dragon will be assembling an all new rogues gallery for Ollie and Diggle to face. And one of the characters you mentioned will be part of that.
CV: What has it been like collaborating with Andrea Sorrentino?
JL: He is a genius. He takes my simple scripts and brings them to life with his dynamic spreads and inventive storytelling. This book is a true collaboration. And colorist Marcelo Maiolo is also a huge part of that.
CV: If you had to pick, what is your favorite image from the series so far?
JL: The last page of issue 27. The reveal of Ollie's Dad. Love that!
CV: Many of us would obviously love to see you and Sorrentino stay with the book for countless more stories, but how many arcs do you currently have planned?
JL: I'm onto the next arc post-Outsiders now. I also hope to stay on the book for an extended run!
CV: Katana aside, can we expect any more big cameos in The Outsiders War and beyond?
JL: Butcher, Onyx, Diggle, Richard Dragon, Magus and many more!
CV: If you had to promote The Outsiders War in 5 words or less, what would you say?
JL: Biggest Green Arrow story ever!
GREEN ARROW #28 is currently on sale.