Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #2
Chad Burdette
Recap
Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia the bold, character-driven four-issue comic book series by acclaimed storyteller Gabriel Hardman, from DC Black Label imprint continues this week
Writer/artist Hardman comes to DC Black Label with a hard-boiled modern twist on the DC thrillers of the 1980s, updating this opinionated trio of lone-wolf vigilantes, Batman, Green Arrow and the Question, for a new era of open class warfare and ecological collapse.
Comic Watch Review:
Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #1 – The Hunt Begins
As both Green Arrow and the Question infiltrate the Arcadia Project, they’ve discovered something rotten at the heart of this so-called climate sanctuary… but when they bring their intel to Batman, will they be trusted? Or has Bruce Wayne become a true believer in Arcadia’s mission?
It’s the Bat vs The Archer in the frozen wasteland of Greenland in Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #2
Review
Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #2, the second installment of this series begins to bring Batman, Green Arrow, and The Question together against the bigger threat of the people behind the Arcadia Project.
The journwy of the three protagonists provide the broad picture of the Arcadia project. The Question, who was abducted at the end of the last issue, finds himself as part of the slave labor workforce, providing readers with what is happening the behind the scenes, Oliver is doing some investigation, and Batman is working with the creator of the project who is looking for a mole, named Ceres.
Hardman doesn’t waste anytime bringing the action as Oliver, being the wild card that he is, is put in direct conflict with Batman and the project team as they arrive in Greenland. Hardman perfectly captures Oliver Queen’s character to a tee with his dialogue and actions, which is very reminiscent of the Mike Grell version.
Hardman also shows just how versatile Vic Sage is as he sneaks off and locates the rebel faction. The interactions between Batman and Oliver feel genuine as Batman respects Oliver but doesn’t agree with his methods, and Oliver, who respects Bats as a fellow heroes still sees him as part of The Machine.
The reveal of Rotha as the bad guy is no surprise and expected, but Hardman doesn’t play him as dumb and bumbling or a Lex Luthor level, but finds a nice balance between brains and evilness.
Hardman’s continues to channel the 80s/90s feel that these three vigilantes have with each other for the time period the story takes place in of their respective histories.
Final Thoughts
Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #2 continues to capture the late 80s/ early 90s vibe that defined these street-level heroes and moves the story a steady pace while weaving the three story theeads together
Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #2
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 10/1010/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9.9/109.9/10
