GREEN ARROW #67

The Away Game, Part Two:  Digging In The Dirt

December 2006

Written by Judd Winick

Pencils by Scott McDaniel

Inks by Andy Owens

Cover by Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens

Synopsis

On a deserted island, Oliver Queen (aka Green Arrow) has hired the services of Natas, an assassin for hire to train him and make him better.  Mia and Conner, however, are worried that Natas might push Ollie over the edge and cross the line to become a killer.  During his training, Tuckman relays word to Ollie that a giant wall has been erected in Star City.  Ollie asks Tuckman help to run for Mayor, but he needs more money.  With the help of Natas, Ollie is able to secure billions on the stock market by destroy companies with defense contracts. Before he leaves, Natas leaves with one final lesson:  he sends an army to kill Ollie.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

This issue was a quick, easy (an enjoyable) read which is not surprising since much of it was Mia’s narration of Ollie’s training.  As such, the issue works well thanks to the art by McDaniel and Owens who provide some wonderful action scenes.  My only concern with the issue was the ending.  I really like the idea of Ollie re-training himself to get better and I certainly didn’t mind him bringing in the trainer of villains because that doesn’t necessarily make the trainer a villain.  But the ending suggests that, yes, perhaps Natas is evil (as if the name wasn’t enough of a clue).  It seems so obvious that the ending came off lame.  We know Ollie will win the fight against the “army.”  We know Natas will get involved.  We know Natas and Ollie will meet on the field of battle.  The only question is how that confrontation will play out.  Personally, I think they should’ve cut out the last few pages and go right to that scene.  But, who knows?  Maybe Winick will surprise me next issue.

I was a little surprised that Mia’s HIV status was once more mentioned.  It seemed like it had been awhile since this was last discussed.  As such, this concerns me.  This issue seemed to go out of its way to show that Mia was doing perfectly fine, which can usually mean that things are about to go very, very bad. 

It was nice to see some of the events that we saw in the One Year Later arc receiving mention in this story; it helps to tie together all of the events.  It is a little surprising that Tuckman was unaware of what Ollie was doing on the island with regards to the stock market scheme; I would think it would be tough to hide what you are doing in such a small space. 

I think I have reached the breaking point with regards to the old argument about crossing the proverbial line and becoming “more like them.”  Don’t get me wrong, it is an interesting topic, but one which is played out and not interesting anymore.  Even Winick has done this before, most notably in his Batman arc with the return of Jason Todd.

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