By Matt Johnson
The first story is written by show creators Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg, perplexingly their story is the weakest. The plot is purely a very quick catch-up of Oliver’s backstory.
Arrow has been quite a success for the CW. It’s been bringing in a respectably sized audience over in the US while doing well oversees too. As the show is an adaptation of the DC character Green Arrow, it wasn’t too surprising to hear that it was getting a comic book tie-in.
Mike Grell provides the art, which is a respectable nod to the man who modernised Green Arrow back in the late eighties.
Arrow issue 1 collects the first three chapters of the previously digital only releases. Each chapter is handled by a different creative team, which gives the issue a very disjointed feel. That wouldn’t be too much of a concern if each story had a sense of consistency but all three are radically different. The first story is written by show creators Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg, perplexingly their story is the weakest. The plot is purely a very quick catch-up of Oliver’s backstory, anyone who has seen the pilot episode will already know everything it has to say. Mike Grell provides the art, which is a respectable nod to the man who modernised Green Arrow back in the late eighties. Unfortunately though this is far from his best work. Character faces differ from shot to shot and the colour work also alternates haphazardly. It’s a bad start to the issue that feels both pointless and rushed.
Thankfully the middle tale is much stronger. Writer Ben Sokolowski keeps things simple with a story that mimics a typical episode.
Thankfully the middle tale is much stronger. Writer Ben Sokolowski keeps things simple with a story that mimics a typical episode. Unlike the first chapter this is a new take on a familiar formula: Oliver goes to confront a corrupt businessman, then some violence happens. It fits the format well and comes across as a nice compact tale that hits upon what would be the highlights were it made for TV. Meanwhile Sergio Sandoval is responsible for the issue’s art, he has a clean solid style that matches the tone. There’s nothing daring about it but it gets the job done well.
Finally the last chapter is an origin tale of Triad mercenary China White, a recurring rival of Oliver’s.
Finally the last chapter is an origin tale of Triad mercenary China White, a recurring rival of Oliver’s. Beth Schwartz tells a story that’s quite stereotypical but remains enjoyable despite the predictability. Jorge Jimenez’s art has a vaguely manga inspired look to it with lots of action lines and some dynamic backgrounds. His rendition of China White is full of life though, he captures her range emotions well but some of the side characters are represented noticeably weaker. As was the case with the first chapter, the limited amount of pages detracts from the quality. A couple of the scenes rapidly whiz by and definitely could have benefited from some more space to play out. That said both Schwartz and Jimenez have still produced an admirable piece of work in the limited room they had.
Jorge Jimenez’s art has a vaguely manga inspired look to it with lots of action lines and some dynamic backgrounds.
Altogether the whole issue is an uneven package. There are some problems present, but enough entertainment within to balance them out. If you’re enjoying the TV series then chances are you’ll enjoy Arrow 1. It’s not terribly deep, but it serves as a nice companion to the show. However, if you’ve already stopped watching Arrow, or never started, there’s little reason to read this as it depends almost purely on pre-established context. Any appreciation of this issue is purely driven by how much desire you have to see more of Arrow. Fans will be able to overlook the flaws while everyone else should pass.
For more comic views follow Matt on Twitter at @PanelsAndPixels and check out his website http://www.panelsandpixels.com/
Posted on April 1st, 2013
Category: POWER PANELS, REVIEWS
Tags: Andrew Kreisberg, Arrow, Ben Sokolowski, Beth Schwartz, Comic Review, DC Comics, Green Arrow, Jorge Jimenez, Marc Guggenheim, Matt Johnson, Oliver Queen, Power Panels, Sergio Sandoval
The title that has induced the most geek rage in me, ever since the re-boot in fact, was Green Arrow.
One of the advantages of my laptop sadly being out of commission for the past few weeks is that it has given me a chance to look back on DC’s #0 month as a whole.
Like most DC fans, I was looking forward to an easy entry into titles not previously read, as well as reading up on the back stories of my regular pull list. I was also hoping it would breathe new life into titles I’ve cancelled over the last twelve months.
Whilst it is safe to say the reception has been mixed, I would say it has been for a variety of reasons, with no single factor to blame for its possible failure. Undoubtedly, some titles were plain not very good, however that had to be expected when we were dealing with over 50 titles. Even the most die-hard of DC fans must have thought that! My first problem though, after reading over 20 issues, was whether all titles actually required a #0 origin tale in the first place?
My first problem though, after reading over 20 issues, was whether all titles actually required a #0 origin tale in the first place?
Personally, it got to the point where many titles merged into one and became very predictable as they followed a standard storyline. Two generic plot templates emerged with the main character either experiencing a tragic event in their early years or being responsible for such an event through reckless behaviour. Through these events, their new persona is used for either vengeance or a form of redemption.
I have no problem in DC using this as an excuse to pull in new readers, using the #0 issue as an accessible entry way into a title, however was there honestly a need for four Batman #0’s (Batman, Detective, Batman & Robin, Dark Knight)? Granted, they concentrated on different aspects of Bruce’s early days and they were all personal high-points for Zero month, but still unnecessary. Additionally, a number of titles had concluded their arc with #12 anyway so the next issue could well be seen as a potential jumping on point for new readers.
Was there honestly a need for four Batman #0’s (Batman, Detective, Batman & Robin, Dark Knight)?
The titles that would likely benefit the most from Zero month would be those that started back in September 2011 where the sales figures have been steadily falling. Two titles where the #0 issue has been detrimental would be World’s Finest and Earth 2. After only four issues released prior to this September, both titles were still finding their way, introducing new characters, and building a solid fan base. I think it was bad timing here for both titles to go on a two month break before their stories could resume. Staying with World’s Finest, one criticism of its #0 issue would be in the art department. For a comic that deals with the sudden loss of a parent, there was far too much of a cartoony feel which was completely out of context with what was actually going on.
Two titles where the #0 issue has been detrimental would be World’s Finest and Earth 2.
The title that has induced the most geek rage in me, ever since the re-boot in fact, was Green Arrow. As mentioned earlier, it is the feature of some titles for the main character to be on a quest of redemption for their past ill activities, however in my two years of reading comics, I’ve never seen such an unlikeable character as this interpretation of Oliver Queen as he shows no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
When comparing him to the Oli Queen from Identity Crisis, an ageing cynical man looking to reconnect with his wife and children, it’s almost painful to read this re-booted version and it is a title that was quickly removed from my monthly list. It seems to be a homage to the Queen seen in Smallville which doesn’t sound like a bad idea on paper, however the transition to the comic book has just not worked. The #0 issue, showing him to be a rich playboy at fault for a large explosion and the possible death of a friend, was a bad choice as that’s not the kind of act someone can hope to come back from.
In my two years of reading comics, I’ve never seen such an unlikeable character as this interpretation of Oliver Queen as he shows no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Aside from the Batman titles, I found Batgirl, Swamp Thing, and Talon to be good reads but not enough to get the next issue although, with the Joker storyline featuring heavily in Batgirl over the next few months, I may quickly reverse that decision.
Perhaps the most striking point is my favourite #0 issue turned out to be Green Lantern: New Guardians and that wasn’t an origin issue, instead more of a reforming of the team prior to the Rise of the Third Army story.
Perhaps the most striking point is my favourite #0 issue turned out to be Green Lantern: New Guardians and that wasn’t an origin issue!
On a side note, I have, over the past couple of months and done the unthinkable in reading a few Marvel titles in Avengers vs. X-Men, Gambit, and Hawkeye. As reluctant as I was, I have noted a considerable improvement in terms of character and general dialogue. From these early issues, it appears Marvel are more comfortable with their creations, developing characters without betraying their origins. This is compared where many DC titles just seem too forced in putting across their point and not giving their storylines enough time to flourish. As an example, poor old Superman has had a rough time since the reboot as he continues to find a worthwhile arc.
In conclusion, the effect of Zero month has been for me to take up some Marvel titles as well as some upcoming Image comics that are released in November so, personally, I suppose it hasn’t worked. I hope that DC looks to Batman’s Court of Owl’s storyline and see, when given plenty of time to develop, a title is more likely to succeed and I hope that happens over the next 12 months.
Follow Stuart on twitter @Martel_79 or check out his website theonlywayisgeek.blogspot.co.uk/
Posted on November 3rd, 2012
Category: REVIEWS, THE ONLY WAY IS GEEK
Tags: #0 month, Aquaman, Arrow, Batman, Batman: The Dark Knight, DC Comics, DC Zero Month Review, earth 2, Green Arrow, Green Lantern New Guardians, Oliver Queen, Stuart Ingram, The Only Way Is Geek, Worlds Finest
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