Green Arrow #6 is written by Joshua Williamson and published by DC Comics. Artwork is by Sean Izaakse, Phil Hester and Trevor Hairsine, colours are by Romulo Fajardo Jr. and letters by Troy Peteri. Main cover art (left) is by Hester, Parks and Alex Sinclair.
Green Arrow #6 is available now, in print and on digital, where all good comic books are sold.
Synopsis
Ever since Dark Crisis, Oliver Queen has been lost in time and space, separated from his loved ones. And now he knows why and is pissed off. Does he choose revenge or to finally be reunited with his family?!
Review
This is it. This is the issue which has me fully sold and bought in to Williamson’s concept for Oliver Queen and Team Arrow. With this issue Green Arrow has not only hit its stride, it has solidified its place in the Dawn of DC arc and proven the emotional adaptability of a book which typically leans in to a more straight up action-adventure feel.
Issue #6 is the culmination of the series to-date. Titling this issue “Homecoming” is a huge sign post of where the story is headed. But there’s plenty to do before we get there. Last month the book opened up artistic duties to include the legendary Phil Hester, the fan-favourite Green Arrow artist. Hester returns this month to continue evoking that sense of a classic Arrow tale for the ages. He’s joined by DCeased artist Trevor Hairsine and, of course, by series artist Sean Izaakse.
The book opens in the present as the rest of Team Arrow going their separate ways. It’s part of an important book end which signals Green Arrow‘s connection to wider story aspects which DC is currently building. Whilst Amanda Waller has been on the fringe of the story throughout this run, here she’s becoming a more central focus. Hopefully this is a sign that Oliver Queen is a major player in the direction of Dawn of DC. Further evidence that Green Arrow has become more of a priority after years in the wilderness.
The bulk of issue #6 wraps up Ollie’s universal-cum-multiversal-cum-time-travel storyline. These moments are really where I needed Williamson to grab me. Whilst I’ve enjoyed seeing a grander scale adventure for the character it has felt meandering at times. That feels like a harsh criticism. But the nature of the storyline, circling Oliver returning to Dinah and his family, only has so much mileage. So I’m glad that Williamson has brought it to such a dramatic conclusion. Particularly with the reveal of who has been pulling the strings. Given how much is covered and also setup in this issue nothing feels overlooked. The pacing is impeccable, especially as the action shifts to Lian Yu.
Yes, finally Oliver and Dinah are reunited. It’s a beautiful moment which Izaakse draws the hell out of. I felt every heartbeat as Ollie and Dinah see each other and embrace. The elation in the moment is truly palpable thanks to the cohesion between script and art. All of which leads us in to Trevor Hairsine’s grittier portion of the story. A cool cliffhanger which I don’t want to spoil for anyone. It counters the hope and levity of events on Lian Yu and leaves plenty of connections for the future.
Verdict
An excellent finale to the first chapter of Joshua Williamson’s Green Arrow. Action-packed and entertaining right down to the final panel. The future is looking bright for Oliver Queen even whilst several of his key allies are left in danger…
⭐⭐⭐⭐
