'Green Arrow' Volume 4: 'The Kill Machine' Comic Review

Sometimes you just have to revisit your favourites to truly appreciate everything else. For me, there are only 2 options. Batman, and the ultimate archer: Green Arrow.

 This is the Black Watcher, and here is the second half of my favourite series reviews, with Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino's 'Green Arrow' Volume 4: The Kill Machine.

Art:

I won't dance around the subject here, because this book's art could quite simply be described as the best collection of modern comic book art I have ever seen. I've always been one to try and avoid claims like that, but in this case the art is just too good not to recognise fully. The story is dark, gloomy and dramatic, and Sorrentino's art acts as a perfect match for this darker tone. Heavy usage of shadow and ink works beautifully with the masterful colours from Marcelo Maiolo, causing a constant back and forth between heavy shadows and silhouettes, alongside the brighter settings in the book such as the Black Mesa desert. While character's hair styles may be somewhat repetetive, the wide range of highly emotive body and face actions meld expertly with the cinematic establishing shots of Seattle and fast paced fight scenes. The art really is, for lack of a better expression, a piece of art.

Story:

The Kill Machine focusses quite strongly on rebooting Green Arrow's post New 52 story, and wastes no time in smoothly erasing the result of one of the character's worst runs in history. It takes Ollie and strips him down to hisnmost basic form. No trick arrows, no team, no support. It is when he's been brought down to this level that the Green Arrow we know and love comes to light. This is a younger, less refined Oliver Queen, but by no means is he less interesting. The story is told with elements of origin intertwined into a strong central narrative that brings family and trust into the forefront, introducing a new villain, Komodo, who has the potential to become one of GA's greatest villains if dealt with well (he has recieved nothing but good writing since his debut). Komodo is another archer, with ties to Ollie's past, and incredible bow skills. His involvement in the story brought an intrigue and complexity to Green Arrow that is unfortunately not always present within his stories, but is flowing strongly in this one. The story also allows for a lot of future developments to be made for the character, showing a secure future for Oliver Queen

Readability:

The Kill Machine is a very easy read, with enough intrigue and suspense on each page to keep you turning. There are a couple of moments in the book where the text is slightly heavy, but this is still well balanced by the plentiful, but not excessive, action scenes that add bursts of primal energy to sections that may initially appear to be somewhat calm.

Verdict:

 The Kill Machine is a fantastic introduction into the ever expanding and ever enthralling world of Green Arrow, and a masterclass in modern comic book art. Pick this up, and do not regret it.

Score:

10/10

'Batman' Volume 3: 'Death of the Family' Comic Review

Art:

I’ve previously talked quite in depth about the art of the New 52’s current Batman run, and the same discussion applies just as well here, if not even better. ‘Death of the Family’ is a dark book. Even for a Batman arc it is dark, and Capullo’s art reflects that darkness beautifully. There are very few artists whose work I could describe as being genuinely creepy at times, but Capullo is one of them. His design for the Joker is perhaps the most unsettling portrayal of the character I’ve ever seen. As grotesque and macabre as it might be, it still feels curiously appropriate and believable. Capullo takes the Joker’s personality, including the paradoxical horror of his character, and he paints it stunningly throughout the book. With scenes such as the GCPD break-in being told in an almost cinematic manner, showcasing the madness of the Joker, whilst creating an atmosphere of complete and utter dread, as the lights go out and heart rates go up. These scenes are where Capullo excels. However, it can’t be denied that there are some less than impressive slip ups from time to time, with a few odd expressions or rushed character drawings that sometimes feel stiff and detract from what is otherwise a hugely atmospheric and haunting set of visuals. You may even want to read this with one eye over your shoulder, and that is an impressive feat for a comic to achieve.

Story:

The story focusses on the return of the Clown Prince to Gotham after an extended absence following the removal of his face in the pages of Detective Comics. As per usual, Joker has a plan, and that plan involves the Batman, but this time he has a few other targets as well. Whilst not a completely original concept when dissected, the story still offers enough in the way of originality to be one of the most unique Joker tales ever written. This is the way that a Joker story should be written. Throughout the whole volume there is an overwhelming feeling of dread and violation that comes across as terrifyingly atmospheric. You never know what could happen next, and the knowledge of the Joker’s presence in Gotham is enough to leave the stories protagonists in a state of vulnerability and paranoia that is almost infectious to the reader. Elements of detective work are embraced to the benefit of the story, as the book lets you deduce what is going to happen next in conjunction with the book’s faithful representation of the Joker’s unpredictable manner. Whilst at times the story may dwindle, particularly in its somewhat disappointing climax, it still maintains the key to a great story, with a number of impressive dialogues between characters that allow the reader to truly explore the strange relationship between the Bat and the Joker. The end page alone is bound to make fans smile cautiously with gleeful expectation.

Readability:

The balance of text and imagery in ‘Death of the Family’ is very well done, with their being only a couple of isolated instances of text heaviness that are overwhelmed by the overarching quality of the book. Dialogue fits each character well, and moments that could quite easily be left alone are improved by the inclusion of insightful commentary and soliloquy from Batman.

Verdict:

‘Batman’ Volume 3 is an unsettlingly masterful dive into the mind of the world’s greatest villain, exploring his relationship with the Batman, whilst also managing to deliver one of the greatest Batman stories ever told. Although it may be somewhat hasty towards the end, the book still leaves the reader with a powerful feeling of unease, and awe, as they have just read what will surely become a timeless addition to the world of the Batman, and his ever smiling nemesis.

Score:

10/10