Comic Vine Review

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Green Arrow #31 - The Outsiders War, Book Six: Spoils of War

4

The Outsiders War ends here!

The Good

No matter how you feel about The Outsider Wars' conclusion, there's just no denying how brilliant the visuals are by artist Andrea Sorrentino and colorist Marcelo Maiolo. Really, you could feel an unhealthy amount of hatred for this story and you'd still be totally blown away by these panels. Everything felt topnotch; the panel layouts, the perspectives, the epic atmosphere as rain poured down on everyone. Each and every page has something worth admiring and to get into specifics would ruin just how superb some of these cinematic moments truly are. There's such an immense amount of detail put into not only the characters, but also the areas surrounding them and the way it's all presented. Seriously, this is easily one of the most creative art teams in comics right now -- stunning work all around. Okay, I said no specifics but I'll give you just one: Katana looks superbly awesome in her segments. Even if she's just standing in the background, she looks amazingly cool. If there is an Outsiders title at some point, I sincerely hope DC has Sorrentino and Maiolo providing the art.

This was a pretty fulfilling course of events. Some parts feel rushed (see "The Bad") but what did work left quite a mark. Writer Jeff Lemire was able to create a whole new world and family dynamic for Oliver -- now it's just a matter of seeing whether it plays any kind of role moving forward. The next story hits us with a huge teaser and has me beyond stoked to jump into the next issue (BRICK!). That said, it would be very unfortunate if these big developments are just left behind and don't take a toll on Oliver as he heads back to Seattle. Still, some complaints aside, Lemire made sure this was a thoroughly entertaining and gripping finale. When all is said and done, it's a little surprising that Katana has the honor of the "coolest" bit, but seeing as her role has been pretty minimal in the story so far, I'd say it justified her appearance.

The Bad

The Outsiders War was pretty ambitious and tried to include a few really big elements. Unfortunately, by trying to tackle a lot of content (the loss of a family member, a new family dynamic, the villains' grand plan, what's to come), you don't feel a great sense of weight behind some of these huge incidents. Maybe it's just me, but the emotional element behind Oliver's father didn't really stick and it feels almost glossed over as we move to other scenes. A few bits of stiff/somewhat unnatural dialogue didn't help this feeling, either. And, is it just me or is it a little tough to swallow that this small group of clans could take control of Europe with just some chemical weapons? The big agenda/villainous plan definitely felt secondary and it's more like the scheme was just a way to bring Oliver and Emiko to the same place. Lastly, I can't help but shake the feeling this issue didn't have a "big showdown" for Oliver. Sure, there's jaw-dropping moments, but a little more tension behind Komodo and Ollie's encounter before it wrapped up would have been hugely appreciated.

The Verdict

The Outsiders War ends on a consistently gorgeous and pretty satisfying note. Truthfully, the story feels like it's trying to juggle a little too much at times, but it's mostly well-written, makes some big developments and has some legitimately stunning moments. It may not be a perfect bull's eye, but it's still a massively enjoyable ride and does a terrific job building the hype for what's to come.

28 Comments

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Jonny_Anonymous

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Hm interesting review, it makes this issue sound... bittersweet?

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Saren

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Man, that group shot on the last page looks like the coolest thing ever. And Brick has a sword now.

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CheeseSticks

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Amazing issue. Cant wait for next arc

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Ishkafel

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@saren said:

Man, that group shot on the last page looks like the coolest thing ever. And Brick has a sword now.

This.

It just looks like a badass ensemble of bad guys and done with Sorrentino's art it just made it look more epic.

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johnny_blaze

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This may be the first time that I agree with one of Katz reviews.

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MadeinBangladesh

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@k4tzm4nYOU HAVE FAILED THIS CITY AND THE ARROW CLAN BY GIVING THIS 4 STARS!!!

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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter

@saren: So glad to see Brick in the New 52. I was a big fan of Winick's time on Green Arrow.

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k4tzm4n

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Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

@longbowhunter said:

@saren: So glad to see Brick in the New 52. I was a big fan of Winick's time on Green Arrow.

I knew there was a reason I liked you!

@madeinbangladesh said:

@k4tzm4nYOU HAVE FAILED THIS CITY AND THE ARROW CLAN BY GIVING THIS 4 STARS!!!

Ha. I mean, if you read the review instead of just the stars, you'll see it's see overwhelmingly positive. I didn't save the city, but I didn't burn it down, either! :P

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MadeinBangladesh

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@k4tzm4n said:

@longbowhunter said:

@saren: So glad to see Brick in the New 52. I was a big fan of Winick's time on Green Arrow.

I knew there was a reason I liked you!

@madeinbangladesh said:

@k4tzm4nYOU HAVE FAILED THIS CITY AND THE ARROW CLAN BY GIVING THIS 4 STARS!!!

Ha. I mean, if you read the review instead of just the stars, you'll see it's see overwhelmingly positive I didn't save the city, but I didn't burn it down, either! :P

You know I am joking haha

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k4tzm4n

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k4tzm4n  Moderator

@k4tzm4n said:

@longbowhunter said:

@saren: So glad to see Brick in the New 52. I was a big fan of Winick's time on Green Arrow.

I knew there was a reason I liked you!

@madeinbangladesh said:

@k4tzm4nYOU HAVE FAILED THIS CITY AND THE ARROW CLAN BY GIVING THIS 4 STARS!!!

Ha. I mean, if you read the review instead of just the stars, you'll see it's see overwhelmingly positive I didn't save the city, but I didn't burn it down, either! :P

You know I am joking haha

I know you are... but what am I?

ANSWER: ALSO JOKING.

But really, fave part of this issue, my fellow Team Green Arrow member?

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deactivated-5c901e667a76c

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Only four stars? I would have given this issue six!

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manwithoutshame

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great review, exactly how I felt. loved the nod "longbow hunters" too.

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k4tzm4n

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Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

@xwraith said:

Only four stars? I would have given this issue six!

You disagree with my score?

WE'RE ENEMIES NOW.

@manwithoutshame Thanks!

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the_tree

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Goddamn, was that final page cool.

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MadeinBangladesh

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Edited By MadeinBangladesh

@k4tzm4n: oh def that double page spread at the beginning, My jaw dropped and it took me a while to see Oliver's face. Sorrentino is a beast!

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Spideyfan3160

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i loved this issue only wish the fight between oliver and lacroix would have lasted longer. Also does Oliver retain enlightment since he held the arrow or since he broke it does he lose it?

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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter

@k4tzm4n said:

@longbowhunter said:

@saren: So glad to see Brick in the New 52. I was a big fan of Winick's time on Green Arrow.

I knew there was a reason I liked you!

@madeinbangladesh said:

@k4tzm4nYOU HAVE FAILED THIS CITY AND THE ARROW CLAN BY GIVING THIS 4 STARS!!!

Ha. I mean, if you read the review instead of just the stars, you'll see it's see overwhelmingly positive. I didn't save the city, but I didn't burn it down, either! :P

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Jonny_Anonymous

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Edited By Jonny_Anonymous

@k4tzm4n: I loved this issue but I was kinda let down by the choice that Olver made at the end, it could have been so cool but nooooo he had to be a spoil sport.

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eamon542000

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Killer Mouth looks badass

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nappystr8

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Not that this was a great issue, but it was a lot of fun and rekindled my interest in the book. All the way through this arc I have been frustrated by all of the different clans, and magic weapons, and big reveals that all seemed so self serious. Turns out that frustration is likely what I was supposed to be feeling. I love the decisions Ollie makes at the end of the issue. I'm giving this series a couple more issues.

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KnightofSteel

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Yeah this story has been juggling a lot of elements. Too many supporting characters which serviced the story well at first but was distracting I thought the past few issues. Nonetheless it's been solid, and that art... oh my.

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deactivated-5fbfd5d291164

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Incase anyone is wondering what everyone is going on about..
Incase anyone is wondering what everyone is going on about..

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Wolverine008

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Edited By Wolverine008
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PapiNacho

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Wolverine008

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PapiNacho

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@wolverine08: I know, I love it. Everyone is trying to put on their most bad ass poses and Count Vertigo is like: What am I even doing here?