Art by: Andrea Sorrentino
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 6, 2014
This is the End...
If you are reading this you probably are aware that this is the final issue of Green Arrow with Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino. When they took over with issue #17 they instantly turned the book around and made it one of the best in the New 52. Lemire's great storytelling coupled with Sorrentino's awesomely unique art had me hooked from that issue and they never let me down since. So, it's with a sad heart that I review this issue and say goodbye to Lemire and Sorrentino and also Green Arrow. I will continue reading it, but Eric is going to take over reviewing it starting with the Futures End issue next month. As the modern day poets, MTKO, said "So ima put ya clothes out on the lawn, Leave my heart and just move on...this is your goodbye goodbye song". Well said guys, well said.
If it wasn't obvious that DC wanted Green Arrow to line up more with the hit "Arrow" TV show, it will be after reading this issue. Jeff Lemire has done such a great job expanding the Green Arrow mythos that at first this issue seemed like a slap in the face to readers of his run. After reading it a couple of times though, I realize that I went into this issue with more of an emotional bias than I should have. It may seem a little rushed at times, but it is still a great end to this incredible run.
Last issue ended with a dual cliffhanger with Diggle plummeting to his death tied to a chair and Henry bleeding out from a gun shot wound. Of course, Oliver saves Diggle (in a crazy way) and the two immediately head off with a face-to-face with Richard Dragon. Lemire gives the reader a mini "The Raid: Redemption" action as they fight their way to the top floor confrontation. While there is some awesome action, it's the dialogue between Diggle and Oliver that stands out. Their interaction oozes the chemistry of long lost best friends back for another kick ass adventure.
When they do face off against Dragon, the tension and excitement build to a fever pitch. It's such a one-sided battle with Richard Dragon showing the awesome threat he is. Then it's abruptly over. This is the only part of this issue that really felt rushed. It's a real shame that Lemire didn't have more time because this fight could have gone on for issues "They Live" style and I wouldn't have complained one bit.
Meanwhile, as Henry bleeds out, Emiko reminds everyone that she's a great substitute for Damian Wayne. I've seen mixed reactions to her, but I love her. She is such a little badass and shows it once again. Her and Naomi fight the bad guys and get Henry the help he needs and eventually catch up with Ollie.
The issue ends in such a way that was originally what pissed me off, but I have to admit is great. It may mimic the "Arrow" intro a little too much for my taste, but it is such a great wrap up to this run. It also sets up the next run in such a great and hopeful way.
I can't say enough about Andrea Sorrentino's art and Marcelo Maiolo's colors. This issue just justifies my idea that they are the best in the business. I will miss Sorrentino's crazy detail and inventive panel layouts so much. He's won a fan for life.
I know that no one will come out and paint it in black and white, but I can't believe Jeff Lemire wanted to leave this book. He mentioned recently all the great stories he wanted to tell and there were so many loose ends to tie up in this run. Leave it to him, however, to tie almost everything up and set up the new creative team with so much great potential to succeed. Congrats to Lemire and Sorrentino for giving readers such a satisfying end to a great run.
Bits and Pieces:
Green Arrow #34 is a bittersweet, but satisfying end to an incredible run. Lemire, Sorrentino and Maiolo are such a great team and it's a shame to see them go. However, they show their greatness one last time by tying things up and leaving so much potential for the new creative team. This is how a run should end.
9.0/10
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