Review: Green Arrow Vol. 4- The Kill Machine
Quick Summary
Pros: The main story is full of action and well developed, complex characters. There are plot threads being built in the background that are insanely interesting. The artwork is phenomenal and tells as much of a story as the narrative does.
Cons: Nothing of note.
Overall: This volume is the start of something special. It is a fantastic piece on its own that is still just the beginning of an even larger and more complex narrative. These characters have never been better and are functioning at the top of their game in this story. Then, when adding in the one of a kind artwork this collection provides, this becomes one of the best comic books out there. No one should miss this one.
Story
In Green Arrow Vol. 4: The Kill Machine, Jeff Lemire takes a lackluster series and turns it into one of the best things in DC Comics at the time. The status quo is immediately wiped clean in one of the most action packed and thrilling introductions one could imagine, allowing new and old readers to jump on and instantly appreciate this reinvigorated title. Then, Lemire goes on to tell a story of deadly fights, thrilling heists, and victory in the face of overwhelming odds. He does this all while simultaneously spinning a complex conspiracy into the mix, guaranteed to pay off in future volumes. This is the start of a series of comics that readers absolutely should not miss.
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The beginning of this book is a purposefully chaotic transition from the narrative of the previous three volumes to the one that future volumes will follow. It shakes up the status quo in a way that is enjoyable for both new and old readers. This works because of how quickly and full of action Jeff Lemire is able to write this transition; you are so focused on Oliver simply managing to stay alive that nothing else seems to matter. This is the way an intro should be done, as it is exciting on its own while also telling readers what they need to know for future storylines.
From here, Lemire starts to build up the new status quo he has just established. A new and powerful archer is introduced along with his equally powerful “daughter.” Both seem to pose a threat not only to Oliver, but to all of Seattle. A new Team Arrow is also being constructed with Naomi staying on the team while newcomer Henry receives an introduction. Once again, this is something both new and older readers can appreciate as it alienates no one and manages to only further character development.
With the new status quo established, Oliver discovers that his new goal is to take down Komodo and the group that controls him. To do this, he learns he must fight “three dragons” and instantly goes after the first one. This leads to the thrilling rescue of Shado and the confrontation with Count Vertigo. The story arc is equal parts heist operation and villain showdown, meaning that everyone should find something to like about it. The fights with Count Vertigo also amp up the action after a period of exposition.
On the subject of Count Vertigo, it would have been insanely easy for Lemire to write Vertigo as a generic or boring villain, as he was only in this story for a few issues. Instead of doing this though, Vertigo is written as a deep and well developed character who’s tragic childhood is mostly to blame for his megalomaniacal behavior. The issue devoted to his origin is upsetting and emotional, allowing readers to easily connect with this future villain. Adding Andrea Sorrentino’s amazing artwork makes this one of the best enemies Oliver has faced in years, and he isn’t even the main villain of the series.
While the plot and status quo for this volume are being built up, mysteries and future story arcs are constantly being teased. A gang war rising in the streets of Seattle, the secret history of Oliver’s father, the revelation that Oliver has a half-sister, and the ever present threat of Komodo’s ultimate plan are being built up in the story’s background. Plus, Lemire does significant world building in introductions to the concept of the Outsiders, an ancient clan society fighting over powerful, mystic objects who’s past threatens Oliver’s future. Some of this affects the events in this volume but most of it simply helps to deepen the overall narrative and get readers excited for the next volume. If this volume is any indication for the future, then the next few volumes are only going to get better.
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Art
The Kill Machine is the perfect example of a book that could be printed with absolutely no dialogue or narration at all and would still be better than most books out there. Andrea Sorrentino’s artwork tells a story all on its own, a beautiful and chaotic story. Every page looks beautiful and will leave readers thinking that there is no way it can get better, only for it to do exactly that. It is the perfect mix of action and fantasy for Green Arrow’s character and a wonderful artistic display for this series.
Sorrentino does not just draw a pretty book though; his artwork is as flexible and diverse as the story needs it to be. One minute Sorrentino is showing you a grounded hero with a bow and arrow; the next minute, he’ll be depicting a psychedelic trip through a drug induced fantasy. Splash pages and full page spreads enhance this even further and prove to be some of the best parts of this collection. There is even one point in the book, when a flashback is being shown, where the art switches into an entirely different style altogether.
In particular, I loved the way the visuals helped to show exactly what the readers needed to see on that particular page. If Oliver has been struck with an arrow, the area around the arrow will be in its own panel to draw your eye there. If Oliver sees a hidden enemy from far away, that person will have their own panel as well. The best example of this is when Count Vertigo shows up and panels from all over the page start to peel away. It is one of the best visualizations of a villain’s power that I’ve ever seen. This is a stunning book who’s art helps immerse you in the action more than ever before.
Continuity
Green Arrow Vol. 4: The Kill Machine flows directly out of the events of Green Arrow Vol. 3: Harrow (Review). However, because of the switch in writers and the way the beginning of this story is handled, not much of Green Arrow’s first three volumes are referenced here, making it a great jumping on point for new readers.
The story continues in Green Arrow Vol. 5: The Outsiders War.
This volume also makes a reference to another comic book, detailed below.
- A number of references are made to Oliver Queen being in the JLA. This happened in Justice League Vol. 2: The Villain’s Journey (Review).