GREEN ARROW #7
"Quiver, Chapter Seven: Hard Traveling Heroes"
Recommended (7/10)
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DC Comics
Writer: Kevin Smith
Pencils: Phil Hester
Inks: Ande Parks
Colors: Guy Major
Letters: Sean Konot
Editor: Bob Schreck
Price: $2.50 US/$4.25 CAN |
Plot-wise, this was perhaps the least compelling issue of the series thus far. Fortunately, what it lacks in that department, it more than makes up for in personality. Green Arrow has been a satisfying read for those of us familiar with the DC Universe, and while Smith provides plenty of exposition for new readers, I suspect they still might feel a little bit out of the loop.
It appeared as though the resurrected Green Arrow was burned alive by the Demon's hellfire, but an old friend, wearing new clothes, intervenes at the last second. Hal Jordan must explain to Ollie that he is now the Spectre, and he tries to explain why Etrigan was after him, why he has a gap in his memory and how the afterlife works. It's all a bit much for Oliver, so even more familiar faces are brought in to set his mind at ease.
It's my opinion that continuity concerns shouldn't get in the way of a good story. However, if continuity is an integral part of the story -- as is the case with Smith's Green Arrow -- I would have preferred it if closer attention were paid to what's come before in the DC Universe. Smith's interpretation of Hal Jordan as the Spectre doesn't really jibe with what we've seen elsewhere. Here, he's shown to be full of anger and wrath, whereas his quest for redemption is what's been emphasized in the new Spectre series and in other stories.
I'm pleased that Green Arrow has really put Phil Hester on the map. I've enjoyed his work in the past, and he deserves the higher profile that this series has granted him. His cartoony style is surprisingly effective at conveying the darker, more mature atmosphere of this new chapter in the life (afterlife?) of Oliver Queen. Major's colors reinforce that tone. There's a nice mix of shadow and bright color in the book.
Despite how it telegraphed the ending, Smith's dialogue stands out as the greatest strength of this book. These characters are immersed in outrageous circumstances -- resurrection, magic, super-powers -- yet they sound and behave in a believable fashion. I'm surprised this story has developed into more of a supernatural tale, but the title character's attitude acts as an earthy anchor.
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