Review of Green Arrow Issue #9

When last we left the Emerald Archer (before the so-so but deeply flawed Beast World event), Ollie learned that Amanda Waller isn’t holding Roy Harper hostage but that he’s working for her. After the Beast World event, Waller took advantage of popular opinions and confiscated the Hall of Justice, turning it into the Hall of Order (unrelated to Dr. Fate).

Now, Ollie takes on a stealth mission to infiltrate the governmentally-managed Hall of Order to get to Waller and force her to tell him what she did to Roy to get him into her service. Ollie succeeds in sneaking into the Hall, but he’s captured by Peacemaker and his cronies. During interrogation, Waller makes Ollie an offer- she’ll give Ollie everything he wants and more if he’ll do one thing…

Steal all the digital records from the now-infamous Sanctuary (see: Heroes In Crisis).

Why, Joshua Williamson? Why, DC Comics? Why would you choose to put yourself back on track by leaning into one of the most reviled crossover events in modern DC history? DC Editorial needs to relocate to a monastery, cause y’all need Jesus!

What’s great about Green Arrow #9? At least on a technical level, Williamson’s script is on point. The plotting, pacing, and dialog hit their mark. Regardless of the creative direction, this reads like a well-structured comic.

What’s not so great about Green Arrow #9? Several of the plot points in this issue rely on a suspension of disbelief that Williamson either can’t or won’t create, starting with the outcome of the Beast World event.

How was Waller able to confiscate the Hall and all the very dangerous items in it without any member of the Justice League putting up a fight?

Why didn’t the Hall’s security measures prevent Waller and her government lackeys from taking over the joint? Surely the Hall has faced more powerful invasion attempts.

Why would Roy “choose” to work with Waller without saying a word to the Arrow Family?

Why would Waller engage/support Malcolm Merlyn, Dark Raven, and a whole host of other villains just to facilitate a Rube Goldberg-esque series of coincidences that forces Ollie to serve Waller?

Why in the name of God’s green Earth would anyone in their right mind try to resurrect Heroes In Crisis?

How’s the art? Sean Izaakse does a great job with this issue. Action is limited to Ollie getting smacked around during capture and interrogation, but the linework is super-crisp, and Fajardo Jr.’s colors are aces.

About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

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Bits and Pieces:

Green Arrow #9 is a pretty solid issue that lays the foundation for this Sumer’s Absolute Power event, but a heartbreaking creative decision on the last page casts the entire strategy in doubt. Nobody in their right mind loves Heroes In Crisis, and you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone interested in going back.

6/10