GREEN ARROW #43

New Blood Part Four:  In Custody

December 2004

Written by Judd Winick

Pencils by Phil Hester

Inks by Ande Parks

Cover by Marcos Martin

Synopsis

The mayor and district attorney of Star City were just killed by Danny Brickwell (aka Brick) in a show of his power as the Godfather of the city.  Despite the lack of evidence, the deputy mayor authorizes a warrant for Brick’s arrest.  When the police arrive, Brick willingly gives up.  In the middle of interrogation, Brick tells the police he has the deputy mayor’s daughter.  Either Brick goes free or the girl is killed.  Oliver Queen and Connor Hawke are asked to find her.  The search starts off poorly but eventually they track her down, but realize Brick was one step ahead of them when all they find is a doll that looks like Green Arrow.  Moments after being released, the deputy mayor’s daughter is returned safe and sound.  Later, Ollie goes to Mia’s doctor’s office.  There, he learns that Mia has tested positive for HIV. 

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

Occasionally, a comic book will feature an cliffhanger ending that somehow manages to eclipse the rest of the issue to the point where all it will be remembered for is the ending.  I think it goes without saying that this will be one of those issues.  “Yeah, you know, the one where Mia learned she was HIV positive.”  This is a first for comic book history, much like Roy Harper’s addiction to drugs was also a first and as far as I can tell it has generated some media coverage.  But for all of the attention the ending gets, it is only two pages (actually less) of a 22-page comic.  In fact, the development of Mia’s new status will be discussed in the next issue; this one only made the announcement.  Yes, it is important to mark the occasion, but we should also not lose sight that the rest of this issue features nifty writing from Winick and a resolution (of sorts) to the Brick saga.  For the moment Brick’s story will take a back a seat to Mia’s saga, which will cover the next several issues.  Winick wisely provides a point in the story that tells the reader there is more to come but without leaving any dangling plot points that could potentially interrupt whatever he has planned for Mia.

Keep in mind that Mia was tested for HIV, which is different than AIDS.  A person with HIV, providing they have money to pay for the medical benefits, can live long healthy lives.  So while Mia does have HIV, I doubt she will die anytime soon.   

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