Return of the Emerald Archer's good stories
Following directly on from the slightly unexciting previous issue this story starts with another character introduction and a fast paced elegant fight scene. The issue focuses, in part, on the Star City Forest and the White Lantern tree whilst still telling a story about Ollie himself.
The Good: Once again the art is fantastic and whilst you have some very intricately detailed panels, the action depicted in the imagery is always clear and easily understood. The fight scene at the beginning is particular testament to this clarity of action. The final page is also a really lovely piece of art and, as ever, the cover is stunning.
This issue's plot was also well crafted, intensely enjoyable and, coupled with the art, the action packed issue had me riveted page after page. The introduction of the assassin from the earlier issues and the ensuing fight scene made the story feel as much about Ollie's adventures as the protector of the people of Star City as about the continuing revelations surrounding the Forest. It was nice to see a new villain for Ollie to interact with and made the story feel grounded and localised to Green Arrow's world.
I must admit to feeling a little foolish writing this review now however as I thought the result of soaking an already dead body in the pools of the forest was actually quite unexpected and really added to the enjoyment of the issue. I realise now that is was only a surprise because I hadn't read the sub-title on the cover. Still the sequence was enjoyable and divulged more information about the forest itself.
The issue also ends really well and gives a sense of both closure and beginning. I feel that with this issue we wrap up (for the time being at least) the heavy focus on establishing Ollie's new outlook and approach to his work as Green Arrow and the powers and attributes of the Star City forest in order to move onto a “proper” story arch about The Queen, Star City and Queen Industries (and perhaps Nix also).
The Bad: I wasn't overly fond of Galahad's involvement in this issue. He seems involved as nothing more than someone for Ollie to talk to whilst fighting. The dialog was good and served its purpose well but I don't feel we know enough about the character for him to keep appearing and dispensing knowledge about the forest and its powers. An issue that focuses more heavily on Galahad, what he can do and where he came from would really help me to relate to the character and appreciate him as an ally to Green Arrow. Still, this was only a minor gripe and didn’t sully my enjoyment of the issue or the story as a whole.
The Verdict: 4.5/5
After the fair-but-not-great issue of last month this issue really picks up and tells a fantastic story through a mixture of gorgeous art and great writing. With only very minor gripes that come with the introduction of so many new characters (the Queen. Nix, Galahad and Mary) this issue had me enthralled on every page. The issue offers up more about the forest and what its powers are but also contains some superb action sequences to keep the pacing and adventure of the plot tense. It feels both like the end of the introduction and the beginning of the future of Green Arrow leaving you eager for more yet satisfied you know enough about the lead character and his new home.
A really brilliant issue that is not to be missed. 4.5/5
