On the run for his life, Oliver Queen has a target on his back. Can even Green Arrow’s skills get him out of Citizen’s trap? Your Major Spoilers review of Green Arrow #44 awaits!
GREEN ARROW #44
Writer: Julie Benson & Shawna Benson
Artist: Javier Fernandez
Colorist: John Kalisz
Letterer: Deron Bennett
Editor: Jamie S. Rich
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: September 5, 2018
Previously in Green Arrow: Social justice vigilante Citizen calls out Oliver Queen as one of his next marks, so now Ollie’s fighting a two-front battle in both his private and crime-fighting lives. Green Arrow must protect the others whom Citizen has named in his scheme to eradicate corruption from Seattle.
SOCIAL MEDIA EXECUTIONS
We open in the middle of a chase sequence as Oliver Queen (piloting the actual Mustang from ‘Bullitt’, no less) is on the run from gangs of idiots, all driven by his being targeted by a social media vigilante called Citizen. After beheading Jubal Slade (the corrupt fatcat politician whose activities kicked off the original Hard-Travelin’ Heroes arc back in 1968) Citizen has targeted Oliver and several others who committed terrible acts and were unpunished. Unfortunately for Ollie, his crime (an accidental murder with an automobile in his youth) is actually legitimate, an accident that his father covered up to protect the younger Queen, who was drunk driving. With a little help from Black Canary, he tracks down Citizen’s broadcast, only to find that one of the other targeted victims is about to be drawn and quartered by her own horses, in keeping with her crimes. Green Arrow manages to pull off the save, going back into hiding with Black Canary, only to be interrupted…
…by Superman!
“THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION IS NOW ADJOURNED.”
I don’t hate this issue’s premise, but there are a few moments that ring really stilted for me, especially a confrontation where Citizen and GA accuse one another of being the bigger social justice warrior. That loaded phrase pushes the plot from interesting into “trying too hard” for me, especially when it comes to Citizen’s followers being split in guilt about his lethal methods and reveling in the idea of murdering people whom they think are guilty, making a point about the use of social media to punish people with a very heavy hand. The art in this issue is really good when it comes to the automobiles and motorcycles, and especially the details backgrounds, but the figure work is a little bit stiff and sketchy. When the last page is a full-page shot of a hovering Superman designed to make us feel like things are out of control, but instead makes me wish for more distinct inks.
BOTTOM LINE: A HEAVY-HANDED MESSAGE, BUT FINE ART
It’s been a while since I checked in with Green Arrow, and I was sad to find that his assistant was killed, as I liked her, but overall the new status quo of Oliver Queen has potential. Green Arrow #44 isn’t at all subtle, but the premise seems solid and Citizen’s look is cool (albeit reminiscent of Batman foe Anarky), with art that is above average, earning 3 out of 5 stars overall. Also, the new Black Canary costume is amazing…
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