Written by Tanner Stein
DC’s Absolute Universe dives into the horror genre with Absolute Green Arrow #1. With writer Pornsak Pichetshote and artists Rafael Albuquerque behind the wheel, Absolute Green Arrow #1 cements itself as an instant classic in the Green Arrow mythos.
The issue takes place following the events of Absolute Evil #1, where Oliver Queen is killed after he plans to go after his business partner, Jubal Slade. Absolute Green Arrow #1 opens with Jubal attacked and killed by Green Arrow, immediately showing off why it’s labeled in the horror genre.
Since Queen is dead, it is a mystery who has taken up the Green Arrow mantle in this universe. Following the perspective of Dinah Lance, a security guard who formerly worked as an MMA fighter under the name Black Canary, we learn some backstory on Oliver as well as Jubal. Acting as business partners, Oliver and Jubal created GreenArrows Trading, a stock app that could democratize trading. This app made the two rich, but after their assassinations, other billionaires are worried they might be next. These include Resse Tyler and Hector Hammond, whom Dinah is forced to help protect.
Dinah, acting as the story’s point of view, helps to sell the horror aspects of this version of Green Arrow. Just like her, readers aren’t sure who could be under the mask. Familiar faces are on the suspect list, including Roy Harper, Mia Dearden, and Tom Hallaway. It maintains a sense of mystery to the story, allowing readers to theorize who could be the one behind the Green Arrow mantle.
Albuquerque’s art, throughout the issue, is a highlight, demonstrating why he was a perfect choice for this title. With previous works such as American Vampire, it is clear that he knows how to use color to enhance a story. The issue is filled with cooler tones to set each scene, but when Green Arrow arrives, everything changes. Albuquerque uses gruesome designs with bright reds and greens, displaying the toxin and destruction that Green Arrow leaves behind. In contrast to the calmer, washed-out look of the rest of the issue, Albuquerque allows the action to be explosive, commanding each scene in which Green Arrow appears.
Amongst the exposition and action, Pichetshote sprinkles in some truly heartwarming character moments for Dinah, giving readers more reasons to root for her. We see her backstory with Oliver Queen, giving us a small dose of one of DC’s most infamous relationships. Pichetshtote also dives into her personal life. Dinah knows protecting these billionaires goes against her moral compass, but it’s the only way to help support her family.
With DC’s Absolute line continuing its dominance in the comic book scene, Absolute Green Arrow #1 makes itself an instant staple in this universe while setting up for a story filled with eerie mystery, gruesome horror, and an incredible new take on the hero Green Arrow.
Absolute Green Arrow #1 is now available at your favorite comic book retailer.
