Green Arrow #19
WARNING THERE BE SPOILERS!!!
Oliver Queen is facing his biggest threat to date and Komodo is about to reveal a huge secret. When Lemire and Sorrentino took over, many GA fans were overjoyed that such talented people were going to tell the tales of the Emerald Archer, but can they keep up the momentum that has been set up. Can Oliver Queen handle the truth about his father, and what else is hidden about the Island? Oliver will have to face the truth, but on to the review.
THE GOOD
Last issue, I was concerned that Lemire and Sorrentino would have to do a lot to keep up the momentum that they had started. Boy, was this issue breathtaking in all departments. The new revelation that Komodo told Ollie was not too surprising, but to see Ollie in a dire state of events throughout the entire issue is very commendable. I find that it would be very difficult to have an issue that is so high paced, and yet revealing, and developing the story all at the same time. Every issue begins with Ollie in the Black Mesa, due to the Magus. Every new issue adds a little more to the puzzle, and things are getting a bit more clearer. Back to the present state of things with Ollie against Komodo. We see that Ollie is physically and mentally drained at this point, and even uses the wrong type of arrow at certain circumstances. I am not sure that Ollie's father taught him archery in the past continuity, but whether this is new, or old, it works perfectly for the story. I was worried about Fyffe's presence, and he really was low key until he was actually needed which kept the pace incredibly high throughout. Emiko was also a nice addition to the action, as we see that Komodo's daughter is also a dangerous threat. It also begs the question of how significant archery was to the two families, as Oliver's father was friends with Komodo, and was also betrayed by him. There are still answers needed as to the true purpose of Ollie's stay on the Island, and how everything will tie together, but I am certain that Lemire will pull through.
The artwork in this issue is hands down the best out of the three issues Sorrentino has down for this series. I literally only have one problem and that only has to do with transitions, but nonetheless a fantastic piece of work.
BEST STORY MOMENT: It really is hard to choose, because I think the issue as a whole flows so perfectly it is too difficult to pick out one specific moment. That right there is a good sign for the future of this book. If anything, I really think that the beginning of the issue really begs the question as to the significance of the Magus, and why Ollie was on the Island. Lemire is doing a brilliant job at keeping us guessing.
BEST ART MOMENT: Like I said above, it really is hard to pick a certain moment, but there are definitely some pages that stood out. The scene where Ollie and Komodo are falling, and Ollie uses an arrow that dispenses that goop to soften the fall; straight gorgeous. Emiko's appearance, and Komodo shooting the pilot in the head was amazing. Last but not least is the two arrows hitting each other to cause that explosion. Sorrentino, fine work.
THE BAD
This is one of those issues where I am so impressed by everything, that it is so hard to find something that was bad or that I didn't care for. Story-wise, I really think that Lemire made the right call to make this issue a huge battle for Green Arrow. I am curious as to how Ollie will get to the Black Mesa, but I think that will all tie up nicely in the climax of this arc.
I said that there was an instance where I didn't like a transition by Sorrentino, and that would be right when Ollie is falling in the beginning. It is set up to be a huge moment, but really just ends with Ollie saying,"Oh wait, I am ok!". That really was the only bummer of the issue, but it didn't conflict with the rest of the issue.
WORST STORY MOMENT: Ollie falling, and miraculously grabbing a ledge, while making us think he was going to die was a bit a buzz kill.
WORST ART MOMENT: There was that instance where the transition wasn't done the best, story and art wise. It was anti-climactic on both ends.
OVERALL
I had some concerns last issue, and I really think that this issue puts them at ease. I really want to like this book, and add some diversity to my Bat-collection, and I am glad I picked this up. To have Lemire on this title, accompanied by Andrea's talent it really is a beauty to behold. This is my favorite issue by them, and I couldn't recommend this any higher. The mystery continues next month, and I am hoping to be amazed once again.
STORY: 5/5
ART: 5/5
SCORE: 5/5
