REVIEW: ‘Green Arrow’ Issue #16

Green Arrow #16 is published by DC Comics. Written by Joshua Williamson, art by Amancay Nahuelpan and Sean Izaakse, colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr and letters by Troy Peteri. This is part of the Absolute Power event. Green Arrow breaks ranks to protect his family from Bright.

This issue is fascinating as it doesn’t entirely change the sides of the war unfolding. Green Arrow is still part of Waller’s army against the Metahumans, but protecting his family is necessary. This isn’t a rebellion; it’s putting Bright in his place. The first half of the comic brings that conflict to a conclusion. The pacing of the fight is intense and ruthless. The issue’s cast tightens for that conflict, with only the two Green Arrows taking it to the terrifying villain.

As that happens, a flashback reveals the villain’s origin, connecting him to the multiverse and the event as a whole. After the battle, the issue continues for a long time, with multiple surprises and reveals. Just when it seems like everything is rosy, the other shoe falls. Twice. The chapter ends after establishing a real hatred for the title character, leaving readers’ heads spinning.

The cast is pushed to the back burner for much of Green Arrow #16 to allow Oliver Queen back in. His love and confidence in his family are evident in the first half of the issue. He believes in his son, and has only joined the fight to provide backup instead of taking over.

Bright is a malicious, terrifying character. The revelations about his origin are interesting, but it’s hard to feel sympathy for a character after witnessing his threats and violence. The defiance of the rest of Team Arrow returns by the end of the issue. Whilst they were willing to follow Ollie in the heat of battle, outside of it, the various rebels within the group started to rise. Green Arrow is far from forgiven.

The art is exceptional. The fight between the Green Arrows and Bright is vicious and visceral. It’s fast and frantic, with blood spilt and arrows fired. Bright is a terrific design, encased in a metallic suit of armour with hideous teeth poking through.

There is also the opportunity to see how the two Green Arrow costumes differ. Conner looks more like a vigilante, while Queen’s uniform is more military in design. One is a superhero, whilst the other has become a secret agent. The fight between Ollie, Conner, and Bright is an excellent reminder that Conner is a martial artist, one of the best on the planet, and not just an archer. This is what makes the battle so interesting.

The colors are fascinating, utilising both intense brightness and overbearing darkness. Bright’s powers mean that he emits a blinding flash of pure white light, removing the color from the rest of the page. By the end of the book, sadness and darkness become important due to what has occurred in other tie-ins. Between those two extremes, the plethora of reds and greens cover the heroes with Team Arrow. The lettering has a grungey font that is very different from what may be seen in other DC Comics.

Green Arrow #16 is not ready to make things right. The issue reunites the heroes for a moment, but that does not mean they are all friends again. Even among his family, they can’t test Green Arrow’s resolve. Each time you think a hero can make a difference in this issue, there is a resolve within Williamson’s storytelling that is willing to inflict more pain. Absolute Power isn’t over yet, so the reader cannot get their hopes up either. Oliver Queen’s involvement in the Absolute Power event hasn’t changed, but he has been allowed to settle a personal grudge.

Green Arrow #16 is available where comics are sold.