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Arrow CW TV Show Tie-in Graphic Novel
Arrow Season 2.5: From the World of The CW TV Show
An all-new series--and season--of Arrow begins! Bridging the gap between seasons 2 and 3 of the hit TV series, ARROW SEASON 2.5 VOL. 1 follows Oliver Queen's story as he battles the Church of Blood, with the fate of Starling City hanging in the balance. Written by show creators Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg, this collection features an all-star cast of Oliver's greatest allies and enemies including the Huntress, Black Canary and Deathstroke!
Collects ARROW SEASON 2.5 #1-12.
Collects ARROW SEASON 2.5 #1-12.
264 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
8 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Marc Guggenheim
938 books175 followersMarc Guggenheim grew up on Long Island, New York, and earned his law degree from Boston University. After over four years in practice, he left law to pursue a career in television.
Today, Guggenheim is an Emmy Award–winning writer who writes for multiple mediums including television, film, video games, comic books, and new media. His work includes projects for such popular franchises as Percy Jackson, Star Wars, Call of Duty, Star Trek, and Planet of the Apes.
His next book, In Any Lifetime, coming from Lake Union Publishing on August 1st.
Guggenheim currently lives in Encino, California, with his wife, two daughters, and a handful of pets.
Keep up to date on his latest projects with LegalDispatch, a weekly newsletter where he shares news and notes about writing, comics, and the entertainment industry.
Today, Guggenheim is an Emmy Award–winning writer who writes for multiple mediums including television, film, video games, comic books, and new media. His work includes projects for such popular franchises as Percy Jackson, Star Wars, Call of Duty, Star Trek, and Planet of the Apes.
His next book, In Any Lifetime, coming from Lake Union Publishing on August 1st.
Guggenheim currently lives in Encino, California, with his wife, two daughters, and a handful of pets.
Keep up to date on his latest projects with LegalDispatch, a weekly newsletter where he shares news and notes about writing, comics, and the entertainment industry.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 8, 2021
This was ok.
I'd love to put more stars but honestly it was a chore to read the first half and it got interesting towards the end.
Nice artwork!
Time to start season 3!!
I'd love to put more stars but honestly it was a chore to read the first half and it got interesting towards the end.
Nice artwork!
Time to start season 3!!
Read
October 2, 2017ok, that was pretty great at filling in the details of the summer between seasons 2 and 3. i enjoyed the storylines and the art.
October 18, 2015
Arrow's first foray into comic books wasn't that successful, mostly just a series of short stories that didn't really add much nor were they required reading for the series. Season 2.5 is definitely a massive improvement, and I'd almost call it essential for any Arrow fan.
The season is split into three stories, with the first, Blood, dealing with the aftermath of Sebastian Blood's demise and the rise of a replacement Brother Blood. This one's guest stars galore, which really shows off the idea that comic tie-ins to TV shows have no budget (see also the massive set pieces). The story reveals a lot about Oliver and his new crusade, as well as giving us some insight into Roy's new costume and the development of Oliver's love for Felicity over the seasons.
Next is Crisis In Kahndaq, a Suicide Squad story which brings back everyone's favourite murderous team of supervillains as well as the Arrowverse's version of Black Adam. This is a shorter story, but again explains a few things from the main show like where Bronze Tiger went, as well as keeping Ra's Al Ghul and the League of Assassins ticking away nicely in the background.
Finally we get Green, which takes Oliver and pits him against a Mirakuru nutcase similar to the end of last season, and this one really gets down to analyzing where Oliver's journey is taking him into Season 3. There's a lot of movement in the Sara Lance respect too, and an explanation as to what happened to Queen Manor which is much appreciated since I'd been wondering where that had got to.
The art is almost all by Joe Bennett who keeps a consistent standard throughout. He's not great at capturing the likenesses of the actors, especially Roy, but it's nice to see one artist handling such a big job, and the fill-ins that do a few pages here and there don't stand out too much either. The Suicide Squad story is by Szymon Kudranski, whose darker style works well for the setting, and I'm glad DC are keeping him around.
You can go without reading this if you're a fan of the TV show, but reading it really does enrich your view of the show, with some answers to questions long-asked, as well as fleshing out some of the more glossed-over aspects of the plot between Season 2's finale and the beginning of Season 3. If you're only going to get one TV tie-in this year, definitely pick this over Flash Season Zero.
The season is split into three stories, with the first, Blood, dealing with the aftermath of Sebastian Blood's demise and the rise of a replacement Brother Blood. This one's guest stars galore, which really shows off the idea that comic tie-ins to TV shows have no budget (see also the massive set pieces). The story reveals a lot about Oliver and his new crusade, as well as giving us some insight into Roy's new costume and the development of Oliver's love for Felicity over the seasons.
Next is Crisis In Kahndaq, a Suicide Squad story which brings back everyone's favourite murderous team of supervillains as well as the Arrowverse's version of Black Adam. This is a shorter story, but again explains a few things from the main show like where Bronze Tiger went, as well as keeping Ra's Al Ghul and the League of Assassins ticking away nicely in the background.
Finally we get Green, which takes Oliver and pits him against a Mirakuru nutcase similar to the end of last season, and this one really gets down to analyzing where Oliver's journey is taking him into Season 3. There's a lot of movement in the Sara Lance respect too, and an explanation as to what happened to Queen Manor which is much appreciated since I'd been wondering where that had got to.
The art is almost all by Joe Bennett who keeps a consistent standard throughout. He's not great at capturing the likenesses of the actors, especially Roy, but it's nice to see one artist handling such a big job, and the fill-ins that do a few pages here and there don't stand out too much either. The Suicide Squad story is by Szymon Kudranski, whose darker style works well for the setting, and I'm glad DC are keeping him around.
You can go without reading this if you're a fan of the TV show, but reading it really does enrich your view of the show, with some answers to questions long-asked, as well as fleshing out some of the more glossed-over aspects of the plot between Season 2's finale and the beginning of Season 3. If you're only going to get one TV tie-in this year, definitely pick this over Flash Season Zero.
July 4, 2018
I didn't really have any expectations for this book prior to ordering it from Barnes and Noble on a whim, but if I'd had any, it would have exceeded them. I loved the glimpse it gave me of what happened between seasons 2 and 3, especially since what happened within the pages is considered canon, so I- hopefully - don't have to worry about it being retconned by later seasons. As a shameless die-hard Olicity shipper, I especially enjoyed the part of the story that dealt with Oliver coming to realize his feelings for Felicity, which, within the show, seemed like a rather sudden transition. The callback to what happened with the Count in 2x07, in particular, about had me screaming. In short, there was nothing about this book that I didn't love.
May 14, 2016
This was a good way to fill in the blanks between Seasons 2 and 3 of Arrow. The art was good and the characterization was really in line with the story.
The problem with doing a series like this is that by the time the "prequel" is completed, the season has already aired, so you end up with things out of sequence. On top of that, I'm reading it even later so I had already moved on with the current storyline and had forgotten what point most of the characters were at when this was released.
Overall though, it's a great read for fans of the show and gives you plenty of backstory on the series.
The problem with doing a series like this is that by the time the "prequel" is completed, the season has already aired, so you end up with things out of sequence. On top of that, I'm reading it even later so I had already moved on with the current storyline and had forgotten what point most of the characters were at when this was released.
Overall though, it's a great read for fans of the show and gives you plenty of backstory on the series.
April 19, 2019
Amazing book for the fans of the show (me), or fans of green arrow (me), and one of my favorite green arrow comics overall. It is chronological placed after the stellar 2nd season, and is a good story to read after you finish it. It has an onomatopoeia cameo, shows the arrowverse version of the boxing glove arrow, and is considered canon by Marc Guggenheim. There is a slight hiccup, as Ben Turner, aka bronze tiger got killed, and we see him alive and well in season 8. Of course, this is a tricky thing to explain off, but ARGUS is a tricky agency. They may have faked his death and funeral, just to lock him up. That is very much plot armor in the shape of a half baked theory, though I do want it to be true. This would mean onomatopoeia is in the arrowverse. It's a good read though.
March 19, 2018
For all Arrow lovers out there, it just seems like an extension of the TV series. Well, I am not a comic-book fan, but I too liked this from the makers/writers of the show. Though this may not appease the regular comics readers from what I have heard, but being a fan of the show only, anyone should love it!
December 16, 2022
Despite sometimes they didnt look quite like I thought they would in comic style (specifically Malcolm & Laurel) it reminds me of watching Arrow episodes. I'm currently on season 5 so it is nice to go back to this era for a little bit.
April 29, 2020
So much like the show!!
September 22, 2017
Probably one of the best books I've read yet. Had a great climax hill, a character driven story, and had dynamic characters a long to push the plot base foward. Bravo.
March 20, 2017
This graphic novel contains three different titles and I would say they all are quite good. As the title suggest these 3 stories are of the time between season 2 and 3. I liked the way writers have fitted in all the 3 stories between the seasons and their relevance in both the season. Every story feels natural and linked the two seasons, nothing is forced. The best part is all 3 stories have different dimensions yet they all are connected. These stories give few answers raised in TV series itself, for exp. whether felicity got that wine bottle or not that Oliver promised her in season 1 , How and why Roy got his Arsenal suit and even the story behind Oliver's bunk-bed in Arrow cave. Apart from these the book also explains few known facts from season 3 in more detail, such as how Malcolm targeted SARA, how Oliver even got a chance to have his company back etc.
The 3 stories are by the titles "Blood", "Suicide Squad" and "Green". As the titles suggest first story is the story revolves around rising of a new BrotherBlood after Sebastian Blood and the second one is an adventure of Suicide Squad. The third story is with a new villain altogether still it's linked with the TV series and the first story of the graphic novel itself. All three stories are gripping and the artwork in all the stories is quite good. It symbolized the actual TV characters' appearance yet unique in it's own way.
Overall if you are an arrow TV series fan you'll surely not be disappointed with this.
The 3 stories are by the titles "Blood", "Suicide Squad" and "Green". As the titles suggest first story is the story revolves around rising of a new BrotherBlood after Sebastian Blood and the second one is an adventure of Suicide Squad. The third story is with a new villain altogether still it's linked with the TV series and the first story of the graphic novel itself. All three stories are gripping and the artwork in all the stories is quite good. It symbolized the actual TV characters' appearance yet unique in it's own way.
Overall if you are an arrow TV series fan you'll surely not be disappointed with this.
April 19, 2016
I loved this. Adored it. To the point that I was hearing the actors in my head, with the sound effects and Arrow music and everything, and had a grin plastered on my face.
See, Arrow has always had a problem with being what it wants to be, versus knowing how to get there (Just like its protagonist!). Season 1 was a godawful CW-drama-mess, season 2 is The Best Season, but it requires knowledge of the first season thanks to the flashback conceit, season 3 was too ambitious for the budget and the writing team, and this current season is goofy. There are always spikes in quality. Then there are dips.
This collection is aptly titled '2.5'.
It's got the same tone as The Best Season, it's got the plot elements that made that season so enjoyable (the pared-down cast, the seriousness of the threats), and at the same time, it ends having connected us to season 3's events quite seamlessly. Without flashbacks, the audience can chug along without remembering exact details of the previous season. Without the goofiness of the current season, Oliver can grow and develop with an actual sense of progression. We have Roy as Oliver's sidekick, and we have Olicity elements, but they're not yet the needless tumors they'd become. There is still the season 2 continuity lockout, and even Felicity mentions that they act more like coworkers than a team (something this season actually got right). But even then, the continuity lockout is the most minimal it's ever been in the Arrowverse.
There's also no budget, because this is a comic. This is amazing. We get literally every face worth wanting (see: Sara Lance and Nyssa, Malcolm Merlyn, Ra's Al Ghul, and even a Suicide Squad story), plus action sequences that are impossible to do on a show's budget.
So, this graphic novel collection of one novella and two vignettes is, hilariously enough, a strong contender for the best "season" of a comic-book-based show. In the same way the Marvel Star Wars comic is the best way to do an interquel short of having Mark Hamill act the thing out for you, this is the best season that doesn't have Stephen Amell punching folks on your TV screen.
See, Arrow has always had a problem with being what it wants to be, versus knowing how to get there (Just like its protagonist!). Season 1 was a godawful CW-drama-mess, season 2 is The Best Season, but it requires knowledge of the first season thanks to the flashback conceit, season 3 was too ambitious for the budget and the writing team, and this current season is goofy. There are always spikes in quality. Then there are dips.
This collection is aptly titled '2.5'.
It's got the same tone as The Best Season, it's got the plot elements that made that season so enjoyable (the pared-down cast, the seriousness of the threats), and at the same time, it ends having connected us to season 3's events quite seamlessly. Without flashbacks, the audience can chug along without remembering exact details of the previous season. Without the goofiness of the current season, Oliver can grow and develop with an actual sense of progression. We have Roy as Oliver's sidekick, and we have Olicity elements, but they're not yet the needless tumors they'd become. There is still the season 2 continuity lockout, and even Felicity mentions that they act more like coworkers than a team (something this season actually got right). But even then, the continuity lockout is the most minimal it's ever been in the Arrowverse.
There's also no budget, because this is a comic. This is amazing. We get literally every face worth wanting (see: Sara Lance and Nyssa, Malcolm Merlyn, Ra's Al Ghul, and even a Suicide Squad story), plus action sequences that are impossible to do on a show's budget.
So, this graphic novel collection of one novella and two vignettes is, hilariously enough, a strong contender for the best "season" of a comic-book-based show. In the same way the Marvel Star Wars comic is the best way to do an interquel short of having Mark Hamill act the thing out for you, this is the best season that doesn't have Stephen Amell punching folks on your TV screen.
February 11, 2017
*2.5*
I'm not gonna go into too much detail about my rocky relationship with Arrow, but lets just say that Season 2 changed my opinion ever so slightly. Whilst I was watching a little bit of the first ep of Season 3, I realized I should read this before continuing any further, and I did and the results were kind of lacklustre for me. The series had 2 storylines and 1 sub-storyline, and honestly, the sub-storyline was better. The first storyline was about the return of Brother Blood, and it was about as exciting as when they did it on the show, only here, it feels even less exciting. The second storyline ties in with the first, because there was set-up and it was also just meh for me. The sub-storyline was another Suicide Squad story that should've been the Suicide Squad episode from Season 2 or the Suicide Squad movie, but once again, its Sausage Fest!Suicide Squad :/ and speaking of the Suicide Squad story (spoiler alert), they fucked up Black Adam! He has no magic and he's just a terrorist leader *eyeroll*. The artwork in this was okay, but I feel the artist(s) didn't capture the actors' likenesses very well and they ended up looking like cheap knock-offs. The writing of the characters suited to their TV counterparts, so at least that's something done right. Also, there's a Superman reference in this series that makes no goddamn sense!
Overall, I would say skip this book if you're watching the show. The only interesting thing you find out is how Roy Harper gets his suit and the only upside to this book is the Suicide Squad story. The only advantages this series had were the action set pieces and guest-stars.
I'm not gonna go into too much detail about my rocky relationship with Arrow, but lets just say that Season 2 changed my opinion ever so slightly. Whilst I was watching a little bit of the first ep of Season 3, I realized I should read this before continuing any further, and I did and the results were kind of lacklustre for me. The series had 2 storylines and 1 sub-storyline, and honestly, the sub-storyline was better. The first storyline was about the return of Brother Blood, and it was about as exciting as when they did it on the show, only here, it feels even less exciting. The second storyline ties in with the first, because there was set-up and it was also just meh for me. The sub-storyline was another Suicide Squad story that should've been the Suicide Squad episode from Season 2 or the Suicide Squad movie, but once again, its Sausage Fest!Suicide Squad :/ and speaking of the Suicide Squad story (spoiler alert), they fucked up Black Adam! He has no magic and he's just a terrorist leader *eyeroll*. The artwork in this was okay, but I feel the artist(s) didn't capture the actors' likenesses very well and they ended up looking like cheap knock-offs. The writing of the characters suited to their TV counterparts, so at least that's something done right. Also, there's a Superman reference in this series that makes no goddamn sense!
Overall, I would say skip this book if you're watching the show. The only interesting thing you find out is how Roy Harper gets his suit and the only upside to this book is the Suicide Squad story. The only advantages this series had were the action set pieces and guest-stars.
July 29, 2016
Personally I always find tv and movies more fun when you can tell the creators, actors, and crew are having a lot of fun with it. One of the reasons why Marvel fan culture has been more interesting to me.
This book is loads of fun. They took great care to tie it into the show cannon (even stating in the introduction that this IS cannon), and using the show writers to write the comic script. This volume hits on all the past fun points—Brother Blood, Slade, Arsenal gets his costume, Malcolm Merlyn plots some stuff, and there's a side plot with Diggle and the Suicide Squad.
The tones are spot on as well. Oliver struggles with letting others help him when Arsenal gets shot busting a drug ring. Diggle leads the Suicide Squad on a covert mission to save young girls. And most importantly Felicity awkwardly charms her way right into Oliver's heart.
Arrow is past third season, but this is still a fun fleshy read, worth seeking out and adding to a collection. The writing is great, the art is wonderful, and it offers a little bit of a patch for those off season withdrawls.
This book is loads of fun. They took great care to tie it into the show cannon (even stating in the introduction that this IS cannon), and using the show writers to write the comic script. This volume hits on all the past fun points—Brother Blood, Slade, Arsenal gets his costume, Malcolm Merlyn plots some stuff, and there's a side plot with Diggle and the Suicide Squad.
The tones are spot on as well. Oliver struggles with letting others help him when Arsenal gets shot busting a drug ring. Diggle leads the Suicide Squad on a covert mission to save young girls. And most importantly Felicity awkwardly charms her way right into Oliver's heart.
Arrow is past third season, but this is still a fun fleshy read, worth seeking out and adding to a collection. The writing is great, the art is wonderful, and it offers a little bit of a patch for those off season withdrawls.
November 12, 2015
A brilliant addition to the Arrow canon. This book goes a small way to fill in a lot of gaps that the creators were unable to deal with between season 2 and the early parts of season 3. This volume fits perfectly in with the style of the show and allows the writers a bit more scope for bigger stories. The links to the show and the little Easter eggs are everywhere, and for a show that is constantly compared to Batman there are a few nods to that mythos to a mention or Arkham Asylum and Oliver beating the thugs from Frank Millers Dark Knight Returns. The artwork is great even if likenesses are not perfect. I hope they continue to tell more Arrow stories in this medium, it's fun action packed and as it is from the shows creators captures characterization perfectly.
January 26, 2016
5 stars
Very good comic book. Nice to know what happened between seasons 2 and 3. Also nice to see our favorite characters. Oliver, Diggle, Roy, Thea, Malcolm, Nyssa, Sara, Felicity. Weird about who the new Brother Blood was. Good to see the Suicide Squad. Don't think it is good for them to have bombs in their heads even though they're criminals. Also nice to see that Sara and Nyssa were back together. Thought Caleb Green was a little nuts. Also nice to know that Oliver had started developing feelings for Felicity. In the show, it just seemed like it just happened. Hope the writers will make a comic in between every season. Nice to see what happens when the show is on break.
Did anyone watch the Legends of Tomorrow series premiere? If so, what did you think?
Very good comic book. Nice to know what happened between seasons 2 and 3. Also nice to see our favorite characters. Oliver, Diggle, Roy, Thea, Malcolm, Nyssa, Sara, Felicity. Weird about who the new Brother Blood was. Good to see the Suicide Squad. Don't think it is good for them to have bombs in their heads even though they're criminals. Also nice to see that Sara and Nyssa were back together. Thought Caleb Green was a little nuts. Also nice to know that Oliver had started developing feelings for Felicity. In the show, it just seemed like it just happened. Hope the writers will make a comic in between every season. Nice to see what happens when the show is on break.
Did anyone watch the Legends of Tomorrow series premiere? If so, what did you think?
April 6, 2016
Set after the finale of Season 2, this story fills in the time before Season 3 kicks off. You see personal moments, like Detective Lance's recovery and bigger stories, including a trip with Dig and the Suicide Squad.
It's written by the people who write the show, so it's organic to it. They break the "Fourth Wall" once in a wall to give a voice to the fans with comments like "Roy spends a lot of time in comas, doesn't he?" Any fan has thought that at some point.
I really enjoyed this. Season 2 was the best season of the show, so far and it was nice to have a good continuation.
It's written by the people who write the show, so it's organic to it. They break the "Fourth Wall" once in a wall to give a voice to the fans with comments like "Roy spends a lot of time in comas, doesn't he?" Any fan has thought that at some point.
I really enjoyed this. Season 2 was the best season of the show, so far and it was nice to have a good continuation.
August 15, 2016
Que suerte que pude leerlo, lo busque tantas veces y al final lo pude conseguir online y dios la cantidad de cosas tan buenas que tiene este comic para prepararnos para la tercerca temporada y ahora ya van por la quinta es increible. Gracias Marc por esta historia con OTA y Roy / Olicity en marcha en esa época, diggle y lyla y y la mision del escuadrón suicida y helena de vuelta.
November 4, 2015
I quite liked this book, but I wish I had known of it when I was actually between Seasons 2 and 3 of the show. The artwork is crisp and clean and the dialogue definitely captures the show's mix of seriousness and humor. Good times.
May 27, 2016
With additional set up for season 3's plotlines as well an overall arc for the graphic novel itself, this is the strongest Arrow tie-in yet. Also? Marc and Brian made me mourn a house. That should not be possible.
November 12, 2015
Slightly better than the first Arrow comic book... but still not essential.
January 16, 2022
(Original 2015 rating: 5 stars)
August 4, 2016
*4.5/5
Read
January 23, 2016It was good!
November 6, 2016
Amazing!!! I like the stories of the League of Assassin's. Arrow is still my favorite.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews