A year ago, DC Comics started one of the most extreme universes since Earth-X. It was called the Absolute Universe. The idea was that, thanks to Darkseid recreating the universe, the heroes were without the people and things that made them into role models and saviors. Superman wasn't raised by the Kents, Wonder Woman didn’t have the warriors of Themyscira, and Batman was without his wealth or Alfred Pennyworth. Nevertheless, each of them became heroes anyway.
One of the characters that hadn’t debuted yet was Oliver Queen. DC Comics said that a series titled Absolute Green Arrow was coming out in 2026. It was good news for fans of the character. There was a report that he’d still be rich, a good person, and going after some very bad people in the Absolute Universe. All of that seems great, until you remember that the Absolute Universe doesn’t do anything without a twist.
WARNING! SPOILER FOR ABSOLUTE EVIL NO. 1!!!
Absolute Evil No. 1 creative team
- Writer: Al Ewing
- Art by: Giuseppe Camuncoli
- Colorist: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
The issue began in 1951 with Hawkman giving a speech to the Un-American Activities Committee. He said that he was more than willing to inform on “Commie Rats”. A statement that’s unlike the Hawkman known by DC Comics readers. He can be a jerk on Earth-1, but he's not evil.
The story fast-forwards to the present, where Oliver Queen is in the Arrowcave practicing with a bow and arrow while talking on a cellphone to someone named Roy (I assume Roy Harper). Queen says that he’s going after a character named Jubal Slade, who was taking kids to his private island. The Emerald Archer was taking on a noble mission but it sadly got him killed by a member of this new evil council.
Despite everything people have seen in this universe, no one could have predicted this. However, maybe we should have. The one consistent thing in Darkseid’s world is that no hero has the same upbringing, and their lives are tragic. Why would anyone assume things would change with Green Arrow? Maybe we all knew, but hoped they would be different. Nevertheless, here we are. Another classic DC Comics character brutally taken down by what “Joker” called the Justice League (yes, he said that).
If I had to guess, Roy is going to be the Green Arrow starring in the upcoming series. Queen mentioned that he wanted Roy to be a part of this journey, and the death of his friend could be the motivation he needed. We’ll have to wait until the series is released to learn the whole truth. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to find out who becomes Green Arrow.
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