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

Animal Man #16 Review

Jeff Lemire has really been writing some quality comic books during this Animal Man run of his. The Rotworld story arc has been going on for what seems like forever, which is not a bad thing, but we are now coming near the end. This is what I guess is the penultimate issue for Rotworld in Animal Man, and it really is full steam ahead for the finale next month.

I mentioned in a previous review that I wished it would take them a while to get to Arcane's base, but in reality it was just a turn of the page. You would think that this would annoy me but it did not at all due to what had come before that in this issue.
We had a beautifully looking battle in Metropolis which I think was pretty much filler in this issue, but if you read AM, then you know that even the filler is way above average when Lemire is on form. We also learned more about the scale that Rotworld was on, as well as just how powerful it is. Of course we knew it was powerful, but when the Guardians cant even stop it, you know you are really in trouble.

The highlight of this issue had to be the other plot in this book; which is of course was Maxine before Rotworld had started. I was really enjoying how she had to grow up and take responsibility for who she was destined to be in previous issues, but with this issue the rug really was pulled right from under our feet. Something happened here that I was really not expecting, but it also makes sense considering the effect that Rotworld has had on Earth. In fact, thinking about it, I am surprised that I never saw something like this coming. I am just hoping that Lemire can somehow make everything better, but with the tone of this book something tells me that I may be wishing for something that will not happen. Happy endings are never guaranteed with Animal Man.

This issue was mainly build up for the final battle next issue; which happens to include some familiar faces on the opposition side. However, that is not to say that this was a bad issue, in fact it was a very good issue. Some plot points came together which helped to make sense of what has happened on the planet.
Rotworld has been such an epic event, that may have gone on just slightly too long, but with the end in sight now I am just very pumped to see how this will all end.

Rating: 8.3 / 10

Yes 8.3. I think I am going to break out into these type of ratings from now on.

Animal Man #15 Review

What a fascinating arc this is turning out to be. When Rotworld first started I was not too happy due to having not read any of Swamp Thing in the New 52, so not being too familiar with one of the main characters involved. However, I have come to realize that that makes no difference at all. I still do not read any Swamp Thing and I am really enjoying this story arc from one perspective.

This issue had lots in it. We first saw a big battle against the Gorillas led by Grodd. I really enjoyed Frankenstein's appearance during all of this. I have read none of Lemire's work on the character, but really loved his role in this issue. He seems like a great character, and a great choice to involve in this arc.
My favorite part of the book had to be the chilling dream that Buddy had about his family. Seeing Cliff in the state he was in was chilling to say the least. It is these horror aspects of the series that make it so different to any old Animal Man books, and also so successful. One full page spread during a flashback involving Little Wing also showed off the horror aspects nicely.
There were also some nice character moments during the groups travel to Metropolis after they had defeated the gorilla army. They really feel like a tight knit group who are all trying to achieve the same goal.
What was the most shocking part of this issue was what they found when they finally reached Metropolis. They went there expecting to find Superman held captive, but they ended up finding another member of the Justice League. The shock was helped seeing as the reveal was shown as a last page full spread. It was a true holy hell moment.

I am very excited for the next issue, and I really cant get enough of the current team dynamic. I do not think that this will last long however, but I am having fun just going along on this journey with Buddy Baker and the rest of the gang. It still has that Stephen King feel to this current arc, and I can see some more twists and turns occurring that would make the master of suspense proud to have as his own.


Rating: 9 / 10