Arrow Comic Series #5 Review


No More Fear.
The fifth issue of the Arrow comic series isn't quite as thrilling as its predecessor, but still adds some nice themes and backstories. The issue consists of 'Shanghai', 'Call to the Bar' and '6:15 to Starling City'; 'Shanghai' is a disconnected story that sees Oliver take down a mob leader in China; 'Call to the Bar' depicts Laurel and Sara learning how to fight after being bullied in school; and '6:15 to Starling City' ups the ante with a high speed sequence involving armed terrorists on a bullet train.
In 'Shanghai', Oliver helps out a family being abused by corrupt overlords. The loose connection to the TV show is that in the opening pages, the Hood takes down a drug dealer who is sending shipments to Starling City, which feels weak and makes this chapter seem a bit disconnected from the wider Arrowverse. Still, there are some badass fight scenes and it is nice to see Oliver turning from vigilante into a hero bit by bit. Also I liked that the Hood ran out of arrows mid-fight, a situation that has only happened a handful of times on the show.
'Call to the Bar' was the most disappointing story this issue. It was rewarding to see a backstory which explains how Laurel learned to fight (to defend herself and her sister), but the thin plot is stretched out over far too many pages and doesn't really connect on an emotional level. I enjoyed learning that this was how Laurel chose to become a lawyer however, as it provided at least some reference to the TV show.
Finally, '6:15 to Starling City' produced a thrilling action sequence, in which the Hood takes down armed terrorists against the clock. It's a fun distraction from his crusade once again and furthers Oliver's character arc as he begins to transition into heroics. The villains were throwaway at best, but the story is fast-paced and fun and the highlight of this comic.
Overall, issue five is somewhat disappointing after what's come before, but it's still packed with great moments and connections to the TV show which make reading the comic tie-ins feel rewarding.

 STARRING: The Canary

 RATING: 7.4/10

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