Green Arrow #14 Review

Man in Black

Written by: Ben Percy
Art by: Eleonora Carlini, Carlos Rodriguez, Gus Vazquez, Hi-Fi and Nate Piekos
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: January 4, 2017

I have had a love-like relationship with Green Arrow and after last issue, I am more on the love side of things.  While that is usually a great thing, it just means that I will fall back down in the lower category sooner than later.  That's just how this book has been since Rebirth started and while it still is better than a bunch of others, it is just so damn inconsistent. So, does this third chapter of the Emerald Outlaw impress me as much as the last one?  Let's find out...


  
The issue picks up where we left off two weeks ago...Oliver in big, big trouble!  If you don't remember, the "Arrow Killer" set him up to make it look like he killed the Seattle Hawk's Quarterback, Cy Samson.  All of the Seattle PD are converging on the stadium as Ollie has to face the immediate ire of the fans in the cheap seats.  Luckily he wasn't in Philadelphia!!!

Meanwhile, Chief Westberg is totally convinced with Dinah's disguise and she's off on a ride along with him as Diggle works on figuring out who the real killer is.  While this is going on, Oliver takes things into his own hands and while he thinks it's Tommy Merlin setting him up, it isn't.  Who is it?  I don't spoil shit like Eric Shea, so you are going to have to find that our yourself, but I will tell you that it makes more sense than Tommy.

The issue turns into a big chase scene with Oliver trying to catch up with the killer.  The problem is that the bad guy doesn't mean being bad...as in killing anyone in his way.  Ollie doesn't play that, but he still manages to keep up.

The whole thing leads to an action movie lovers dream as Ollie and the mysterious archer end up toe to toe on the top of a blimp!  That's when we find out who the archer is and it's damn cool and has me excited going forward.  

That's not the end, however, but I kind of wish it was.  When the police corner both archers, we get the cliched "why would you save me " scene that happens too much as Green Arrow takes a bullet (or arrow) for Chief Westberg, but the whole scene is so forced.  Seriously, I'd check under the mask because I think that Barry Allen may be moonlighting as Green Arrow.  The scene doesn't make sense otherwise.  It all ends with a little bait and switch that makes a little more sense and while I had some problems here, I am excited for the future of this book. 

I will give Ben Percy full props for sticking with the mission statement of Rebirth.  This book has been full of legacy and this issue continues that big time!  This issue wasn't perfect, but it was good enough for me to have fun reading it and like I've said twice already...I can't wait for the next issue.

There is a big art team on this book and I have to say, they all do a bang up job!  Sure, there is a bit of transition bits, but nothing that ever throws you out of the issue at all.  This book has had great art throughout it's Rebirth run and this continues the trend.

Bits and Pieces:

While this issue had some problems that prevent it from higher marks, Ben Percy keeps the legacy fun train rolling and I have my ticket punched for the ride.  This issue looks really good and fans of Green Arrow will have plenty to look forward to.

7.8/10