Green Arrow #18 Review

As I mentioned in the review of #17; I only really got into this due to the fact that Lemire was jumping onto this book. I enjoyed #17 massively so was rather excited to read #18. I knew I would not be let down going into this after getting a taste of the new direction of this series from the last issue, and now I am just even more excited for #19 to come out. It looks like this is fast becoming one of DC's best series.

It becomes apparent very quickly in this issue just how much trouble Oliver is in. He is being framed with the murder of someone who worked for his company; so he is now on the run attempting to find the guy who put him in this situation. This is when we get introduced to Mr Lacroix who owns Stellmoor. I am unaware as to whether this character has appeared in this title before or not; but I can safely say that he had a big affect on me in this issue. He comes across as pretty creepy throughout, and his relationship with his daughter looks like it will be something to keep an eye on too. It is pretty creepy; which as we know is what Lemire does best.

What was great about this issue is the fact that gave us answers to many plot points that had formed from #17. This is a story line that is full of mystery; so giving us readers some answers in this issue was very wise. It could have been far too easy for this story line to become over complicated by a lack of answers. This is something I am sure Lemire knew, so even though there are some questions coming out of this issue; I feel sufficiently satisfied with what I learned from this issue at the same time.
We are left wondering if it was always Olivers' destiny to be stuck on the island for a year of his life. The revelation in this issue is huge, and although it feel very much like the TV show "Lost",I really cant wait to see how this is going to develop in the future.
A question that this issue leaves us asking is: "Who the hell is Magus?". He seems to have a massive hold on Lacroix, and he seems to have a pretty good understanding of who Emerson and Olivers' father were. He is ordering Oliver to go to a certain place, and judging by the fast forwards that have been presented to us, it looks like he finally does end up doing so. I wonder what this guy knows? I cant wait for it all to come out at some point.

This issue was great. I was excited to read it; while at the same time also hoping that Lemire could keep me interested as this is a series I really want to get into. Lemire certainly succeeded here, and I really think that this series has an amazing future ahead of it. The set up that Llemire is doing here is just amazing. He has shook things up a bit by the potential death of a pretty important character which I am sure some people will not be fond of; but on the other hand, he is building something here that I am sure new and old readers of the series alike will be very excited about.

Rating: 8.8 / 10

Green Arrow #17 Review

I have decided to jump onto this series due to the new creative team that took over with this issue. I am a massive Jeff Lemire fan, so I could not resist checking this out. However, it is not my first rodeo with Green Arrow in the New 52, as I have the first volume TPB on my shelf. I found it to be wholly disappointing  and decided not to continue reading that version of the hooded vigilante. So, can this new creative team pique my interested in this series, or will I once again be ignoring it?

So, I have no clue what is going on in the world of Green Arrow due to not reading an issue since #6. However, this was not a problem as this book did a fantastic job at recapping what has passed without throwing it in your face. After the first few pages I felt I was up to date with what Oliver has been up too, as well as what will be facing him in his future. The fact that this was pulled off so successfully just goes to show how awesome Jeff Lemire is at his job. I really get the impression that he could write anything; but I may just be being slightly biased.

The action in this book was something that I was very impressed with. The art is fantastic, and it does a great job at highlighting important moments in scenes with the use of square boxes that get you a little closer to the action. I went into this issue excited due to the fact that Lemire was the writer, so was not expecting to be so blown away by the art; I have now come out at the end of it as a big Sorrentino fan.

I was also quite shocked at a certain moment in this issue that gave the impression that some major characters may be in some serious trouble. I have only read volume 1 of this series, but these were characters that I liked. I was originally happy that they were still featured in this series, and now it looks like they may not be? It could just be a trick, we will have to see.

This book gave us new readers may answers as to what has happened in the past, however it also gave us many questions for what will happen to Oliver in the future. I left this issue with so many questions, which is a very good thing by the way. I am really curious as to what will happen to Oliver, as well as what was supposed to be his destiny. Lemire has a game plan here, and I really can't wait for it to all unfold. So, it looks like I will be in this for the long run then.

Rating: 8.5 / 10