Absolute Green Arrow #4 is written by Pornsak Pinchetshote and published by DC Comics. Artwork by Rafael Albuquerque. Colours by Marcelo Maiolo. Main cover art (left) is by Rafael Albuquerque & Marcelo Maiolo.
Absolute Green Arrow #4 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
BORN ON A MONDAY… RISES ABSOLUTE SOLOMON GRUNDY! Dinah’s search for the Green Arrow Killer has led them both to discover the truth behind the Island — a place far more horrifying than either of them could ever dream. But most disturbing of all is who they discover there — as Absolute Green Arrow debuts the first appearance of a new Absolute take on a classic DC character.
Review
Green Arrow has been interpreted in many ways since he first appeared in the comics. For instance, He started as a colourful, swashbuckling Robin Hood type. In live action, he became a snarky Tony Stark-type in Smallville. In Arrow, he became Nolan-ified, adopting a Dark Knight approach. However, in the Absolute Universe, Green Arrow is a vicious serial killer. Without remorse, he murders the corrupt wealthy of Star City.
Earlier, In Absolute Evil #1, Oliver Queen is dead, killed as he begins his vigilante exploits as Green Arrow. Therefore, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who is this Green Arrow?
Without doubt, Absolute Green Arrow is one of the boldest titles in the Absolute Universe. At least so says me! Turning the Emerald Archer into a slasher character, à la Jason or Michael Myers, is a stroke of brilliance. The way the slasher genre applies to the character is truly one of the most unexpected and welcome changes. Many of the Absolute heroes (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman) essentially retain who/what they are. Therefore, hats off to DC for smashing the mold entirely of who (or what) Green Arrow can be! The reinvention of Green Arrow as a boogeyman serial killer slaying the wicked rich makes this a standout book.
It’s no wonder the series is extending from its initial six-issue miniseries to twelve issues.
Despite the series being titled Absolute Green Arrow, he isn’t the traditional lead; Dinah Lance is. Here, she is a former MMA fighter, now a protection specialist for the uber-wealthy. As a result, she stays front and centre for readers and serves as a dogged private investigator figure on a mission to unmask the Green Arrow Killer. However, this case isn’t just about money for Dinah. It’s personal. With a prior romance with Oliver, she wants to discover who is posing as his short-lived alter ego.
In the previous issue, Roy Harper tells Lance that Oliver’s grave was empty, and his body was taken for anti-ageing experimentation. This is where issue #4 kicks off. Roy, having led Lance into the secret underground location, is confronted by the monstrous Solomon Grundy. The opening fight is a visceral moment of close-quarters combat that shows off Lance’s skills. With Grundy disposed of, Lance descends into the belly of the whale; she confronts the real monsters lurking below. She’s not alone. Green Arrow descends as well, leading to a shocking revelation and an explosive, action-packed finale.
Lastly, the art across the Absolute titles seems universally brilliant, and Absolute Green Arrow is no exception. Rafael Albuquerque and Marcelo Maiolo make this Cronenbergian world explode in every panel. Most of this issue takes place underground, and you feel it. The shots feel close, tight, and dim, yet they pop with perfect splashes of colour. Hammond’s grotesque experiments and body horror look fabulous. They will curl your toes, just as good horror should!
Verdict
All in all, Absolute Green Arrow #4 is a strong entry in the miniseries, with great action, shocking revelations, and a deliciously twisted Cronenbergian-style mystery. It’s everything great about the Absolute Universe: bloody bold writing and artwork.
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