Another Nerd

As this #Marvel guy continues to invade the #DCnU I take aim at #GreenArrow #1. I love puns!

What I knew (may not be accurate) going in (not much as with all DC characters): The DC *old* Universe Ollie Queen, was a smart ass. Seemed to have a fair amount of “words” with other super types. Very head strong, maybe partial to a bit of cussing.  Loves/Loved? Black Canary.  Rich man and inherited (owner?) of Queen Industries. I also have an impression of “Green Arrow/Oliver Queen” from the TV series SMALLVILLE (This Naomi lady from issue 1, seems to be a version of Chloe or, I’m sure Chloe could be a version of this Naomi). Of course, SMALLVILLE was an obvious departure from the comic books.  Then there was the animated JUSTICE LEAGUE show too - loved that show.

So, what do I think of the DCnU Green Arrow? He comes off with a bit of a Superman presence with a Batman drive.  I’m sure that comparison probably isn’t fair but just my initial impression.  I am a big fan of HAWKEYE, the resident archer in the MARVEL U, so I have always had an interest in Green Arrow. Where HAWKEYE always seemed like a hero in spite of himself, Green Arrow always seemed to have a commanding presence, more of goal oriented direction. This DCnU Green Arrow definitely still feeds my belief that that is the case. Ollie does come off more clean-cut than I thought he was in the old DCU, I just expected a more weathered superhero figure when I thought of GrAr. Seeing this young energetic determination is cool, just a bit unexpected.  His dialogue showed a bit of snarky-ness (« apparently that isn’t a word) but there was no true bite to his wit. I just always thought of GrAr as a guy never afraid to offend someone, and did more times than not. I realize you regular DC reader are probably going nuts, thinking, “where the hell did this guy (me) get this idea of Green Arrow from”… haha…

Random thought: So are all major corporations in DC ran by superheroes/villains? Referencing the first page of Green Arrow. Queen Industries, WayneTech, LexCorp, & Holt Industries. Well, I don’t know about Holt, I assume it is related to Mister Terrific? Maybe not. ha.

Dan Jurgens art always puts me in mind of John Bryne, or vice-verse, they love a bit of cross-hatching don’t they (lol).  And with George Perez on inks it makes for one clean looking, classically drawn comic book.  Another quick John Bryne reference: so, on the last page we are introduced to a group of villains that I am totally unfamiliar with- all I can say is, they kind of put me in mind of MARVEL’s Alpha Flight. I’m serious! Look at that page and think of the members of Alpha Flight. Heh. … Oh yeah! - I also want to give some special credit to Colorist, David Baron. I felt the color on this book really popped where it needed to - especially with the action and it was subdued in all the right places too.  Kept the hot scenes hot and the cool scenes cool.

J.T. Krul’s writing and dialogue is efficient. The story moved fast but you didn’t feel cheated when you got to the end (like I did with Ultimate Spider-man #1).  I really am not familiar with Mr. Krul’s work. According to his Wikipedia page he is left-handed… bet information like that isn’t in any other Green Arrow #1 review! bahaha!

Bottom line: Solid art, well written, but no real *wow* moment.  Not sure how much I like this Green Arrow compared to the grizzled, smart-ass one that I was hoping for, or thought I was going to get in one form or another.  I think I’m in for the first 3 issues to give it a fair chance. 

So what did you think?