Green Arrow #31 Review

Written by: Jeff Lemire
Art by: Andrea Sorrentino
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: May 7, 2014

The War is Over

Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino finish the Outsider's War with action, surprises, more action, some of the best art I've ever seen, heroic moments and an awesome preview of the next arc.  Did I mention it has some of the best art I've ever seen? Plus, the duo do something I thought I'd never see in the New 52.

Jeff Lemire must take juggling classes.  So much happens in this book and while some moments run a little thin, almost everything is satisfying.  He has set up a great new mythos with the Weapon Clans and seeing them battle has been great.  The Battle is over, but it feels like the War has just begun.



Oliver exits this issue as a true hero.  What's great is that it's not because he killed everyone, but the opposite. He is a hero because he chose not too.  He lost a father, but gained a sister and yet he leaves this story pretty much alone.  Alone and heading back to Seattle.  In such a great move, Lemire finishes the issue showing the reader what is waiting for Oliver when he gets home.  I can't wait.

I'm sorry for the vagueness of everything.  I normally like to keep things as spoiler free as I can, but certain issues demand it.  This is one of them.  If you are reading this book already, you will love this issue.  If you aren't, do yourself a favor and read Lemire and Sorrentino's whole run.  I will tell you one thing.  Jeff Lemire made Katana a complete badass.  That's what I never thought I'd see in the New 52.

However, as I said earlier, with so much going on some things are spread thin.  Shado is basically window dressing and the levity of Oliver losing his Father is not given the time it deserved.  Also, the villainous plan of the big bads is under explained and seems pretty lame by the end.  Don't get me wrong though, almost everything else hits all the right notes.

One thing I can never spoil is Andrea Sorrentino's art.  I have been preaching (to the choir) about his work and this issue is his best yet.  Everything comes together into one awesome whole.  Him and Lemire are listed as the book's storytellers and it is so true.  His art tells as much of the story as the dialogue and sometimes even more.  A couple pages in is a splash page which I'm sure everyone will be talking about. The level of detail on display is extraordinary.

Bits and Pieces:

Green Arrow #31 ends the Outsiders War in great fashion.  The story is great and the art is awesome.  What else can I say?  Everyone should be reading this book and this arc is as great a place to start as any.  Highly recommended.

9.5/10