Green Arrow #2 (2016) – Comic Review & Breakdown
📚 Genre
Superhero • Action • Drama • Mystery
🦸♂️ Main Characters
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Oliver Queen / Green Arrow – The vigilante archer, stripped of his wealth and allies
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Black Canary (Dinah Lance) – A fierce ally with powerful sonic abilities
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Emiko Queen – Oliver’s half-sister with shifting loyalties
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John Diggle – A loyal friend who reappears at a crucial time
✍️ Writer
Benjamin Percy – Known for his darker, grounded take on iconic DC heroes, Percy brings a noir-flavored edge to Green Arrow’s world.
🎨 Artist
Otto Schmidt – With a fluid, expressive style, Schmidt adds kinetic energy to the action sequences and emotional nuance to the characters.
🖊️ Editor Details
Patrick McCallum – Senior Editor
Eddie Berganza – Executive Editor (at the time)
🏢 Publisher and Brand
DC Comics
Imprint: DC Universe Rebirth – a 2016 initiative aimed at restoring legacy and emotional continuity to DC characters.
📅 Release Year
2016
🧩 Brief Plot Summary
In “The Death and Life of Oliver Queen” Chapter Two, Oliver Queen wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings after being betrayed and left for dead. Stripped of his fortune, disconnected from his identity, and uncertain of his allies, the Green Arrow must navigate a world where his name means little and his enemies are many. Meanwhile, Dinah Lance begins to investigate his disappearance, while a surprising figure from Oliver's past starts a journey to aid him.
As Oliver confronts the stark reality of a world that forgot him, his resilience and purpose are put to the ultimate test. Can he rise again without the wealth and support he once relied on? Or will this be the true end of the Emerald Archer? 🏹💥
🧵 Notable Arcs or Storylines
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The Death and Life of Oliver Queen (Issues #1–5): A rebooted origin and reinvention of Green Arrow's place in the DC Universe post-Rebirth.
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The reestablishment of the Oliver-Black Canary dynamic, restoring their chemistry after the New 52 continuity changes.
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Introduction of the Underground Men, a mysterious group with ties to human trafficking, adding a darker, socio-political edge.
🧠 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Some readers speculate that Emiko’s betrayal may be part of a deeper undercover mission, possibly orchestrated by Diggle or another unseen player.
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The repeated themes of "death and rebirth" are interpreted by fans as metaphors for Oliver's transformation—not just from a wealthy playboy to a grounded hero, but also in DC’s broader attempt to reconcile past and present storylines.
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The comic's street-level focus hints at a return to the gritty, grounded tone of the Mike Grell era, which longtime fans have praised.
📝 Review Summary
⭐ 8.5/10
Green Arrow #2 is a sharp, emotionally resonant continuation of Oliver Queen’s downfall and possible rebirth. Benjamin Percy’s script hits the right balance of grit and introspection, diving into what defines a hero when the world strips away his name, fortune, and power. Otto Schmidt’s art is dynamic and layered, with expressive character work and a vivid color palette that enhances both the action and the quieter, more emotional beats.
The issue successfully re-establishes the classic Green Arrow-Black Canary relationship, adds meaningful stakes, and invites readers to reflect on power, identity, and redemption. A must-read for fans of grounded, socially-conscious superhero stories. 🌆🏹💔
Published by DC Comics | August 2016 | 32 Pages
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
