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Arrow CW TV Show Tie-in Graphic Novel #1
Arrow: Kniha první
Provázejte Diggla během jeho vojenské služby v Afghánistánu, sledujte vyzvednutí ztroskotané jachty Queen’s Gambit ze dna moře a buďte svědky tragické události, která vedla Helenu Bertinelliovou k přijetí identity Huntress. Především se však přidejte k Oliverovi na jeho hlídce nejen v ulicích Starling City, ale i mnoha dalších měst po celém světě – na seznamu jeho otce je uvedeno mnoho jmen a všechna musí být škrtnuta.
208 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2013
54 people are currently reading
896 people want to read
About the author
Marc Guggenheim
936 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 - 30 of 123 reviews
October 7, 2015
I must’ve been sleep-requesting on Netgalley because I have no idea why I’d say I wanted to read this book - I don’t watch the Arrow TV show and I’m not even that big a fan of Green Arrow as a character! Anyways, I said I’d review it, so here goes.
The format of this volume is 19 short stories roughly ten pages in length collected together - given that length they were probably digitally released originally. There’s no arc connecting them, they’re just random shorts featuring Arrow/Ollie Queen and various characters. Also, while Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg and Mike Grell are credited on the cover, there are a few dozen writers/artists contributing work here.
The stories are instantly forgettable and throwaway: Ollie defeats corrupt businessmen and stops various suicide bombers from detonating (yup, there’s more than one here - imagination!). I think the idea of the comic is to read this in conjunction with the TV series and that’s why a number of them went over my head. There’s the origin story of an Asian girl with white hair (no clue who she is), as well as the origin of Diggle, a former soldier, who I know is a character on the show, but that’s all I know about him.
There’s a cop character that I’m guessing is a big part of the show as we see his daughters deal with bullying at school. That’s another thing: the overall grimness of the book! Right from the start people are getting shot in the head and the stories revolve around murder, drugs, corruption, prostitution, terminal illness, war, child exploitation, and nihilism. The usual cheerful material from DC!
Helena Bertinelli aka Huntress, goes from being Ollie’s lover in one short to his enemy in another - I’m guessing the switch was covered in some episodes of the show? And Ollie’s mum is shady or something too. Meh. I’m not sure if fans of the show will find these comics enthralling, because they aren’t anyway, but they’re especially not for anyone who doesn’t watch it.
Then there’s Arrow himself who doesn’t wear a mask, just a hood. You can clearly see his face throughout but the characters all have a hard time distinguishing his features. “Who is the mysterious vigilante?” is the unconvincing and idiotic question asked throughout. Is stubble really that great a disguise? Where’s the domino mask?! Oh and this (Green) Arrow kills people with his weapons! Eesh.
Uninspired writing and artwork make up this entire volume. These are some terrible, terrible comics - definitely not recommended to anyone, even to those masochists who’re watching the show!
The format of this volume is 19 short stories roughly ten pages in length collected together - given that length they were probably digitally released originally. There’s no arc connecting them, they’re just random shorts featuring Arrow/Ollie Queen and various characters. Also, while Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg and Mike Grell are credited on the cover, there are a few dozen writers/artists contributing work here.
The stories are instantly forgettable and throwaway: Ollie defeats corrupt businessmen and stops various suicide bombers from detonating (yup, there’s more than one here - imagination!). I think the idea of the comic is to read this in conjunction with the TV series and that’s why a number of them went over my head. There’s the origin story of an Asian girl with white hair (no clue who she is), as well as the origin of Diggle, a former soldier, who I know is a character on the show, but that’s all I know about him.
There’s a cop character that I’m guessing is a big part of the show as we see his daughters deal with bullying at school. That’s another thing: the overall grimness of the book! Right from the start people are getting shot in the head and the stories revolve around murder, drugs, corruption, prostitution, terminal illness, war, child exploitation, and nihilism. The usual cheerful material from DC!
Helena Bertinelli aka Huntress, goes from being Ollie’s lover in one short to his enemy in another - I’m guessing the switch was covered in some episodes of the show? And Ollie’s mum is shady or something too. Meh. I’m not sure if fans of the show will find these comics enthralling, because they aren’t anyway, but they’re especially not for anyone who doesn’t watch it.
Then there’s Arrow himself who doesn’t wear a mask, just a hood. You can clearly see his face throughout but the characters all have a hard time distinguishing his features. “Who is the mysterious vigilante?” is the unconvincing and idiotic question asked throughout. Is stubble really that great a disguise? Where’s the domino mask?! Oh and this (Green) Arrow kills people with his weapons! Eesh.
Uninspired writing and artwork make up this entire volume. These are some terrible, terrible comics - definitely not recommended to anyone, even to those masochists who’re watching the show!
February 7, 2014
Nope.
If you're interested in reading a real comic about the Green Arrow, then this is not for you.
This is meant to appeal to the tv audience who wants more of the show. I wouldn't recommend it for people who haven't been regularly watching Arrow, though.
Why?
Well, it isn't a recap of what's been happening. It's a graphic novel chock-full of 'extras' and 'filler'.
Personally, I didn't enjoy it at all. Mainly because I thought it was boring and pointless.
I've watched the show, but I can't say that I'm the biggest fan, so maybe that has something to do with it?
Anyway, only recommended for fans of Arrow who aren't picky about their graphic novels.
If you're interested in reading a real comic about the Green Arrow, then this is not for you.
This is meant to appeal to the tv audience who wants more of the show. I wouldn't recommend it for people who haven't been regularly watching Arrow, though.
Why?
Well, it isn't a recap of what's been happening. It's a graphic novel chock-full of 'extras' and 'filler'.
Personally, I didn't enjoy it at all. Mainly because I thought it was boring and pointless.
I've watched the show, but I can't say that I'm the biggest fan, so maybe that has something to do with it?
Anyway, only recommended for fans of Arrow who aren't picky about their graphic novels.
December 1, 2014
I loved this volume! I can not get enough of the show and this really gave a lot of background into some of the characters, as well as little moments that we did not see during season 1.
September 24, 2013
Personal note: This review was scheduled a month ago and I promised the publisher. So, this is my last review on Goodreads. I've unsubscribed to all notifications and emails, and I won't be logging into this account again. If you wish, you can find me on Booklikes, or the blog. Links are on my profile. Adieu.
****
Last year I was searching for something new to watch and decided to search the internets for recommendations. I started hearing buzz about Arrow and decided to give it a try. I loved the pilot episode and decided to stick with it as the show searched a firmer footing. I have my favourite characters like Felicity Smoak who keep me interested even when the main plot flounders with the clichéd romantic plot.
Arrow Vol. 1 offers a collections of scenes from the editing room floor in a graphic novel form, which explains its episodic nature. There’s the quick recap almost beat for beat from the pilot, but after that show creators show glimpses of things that were only alluded in the show like Helena’s trip abroad and how China White got that white hair of hers.
I’ve never read the classic comics about Green Arrow or any other comic superhero. I might have glanced at an occasional graphic novel, but I was always more interested in the written word only—I’m trying to learn better now.
This is why Arrow Vol. 1 works for me. I’m reading it just to learn more about the world the show writers have created and its characters. Reading this I got to see what had happened to Diggle before he was discharged and on what kind of tightrope Moira was balancing on. I especially appreciated the absence of detailed island scenes. Those flashbacks are my least favourite part of the show.
Mostly I liked the graphics. The characters resembled—even if only distantly—the actors of the show and even the fight scenes had the familiar choreographic feel to them. The panels were clear and detailed if somewhat grainy on my ARC copy. One thing I didn’t like was the neverending quest for Diggle’s skin tone. David Ramsey who plays Oliver’s bodyguard John Diggle on the show is black, but I couldn’t have known that from looking at most of the panels. At first he was depicted like a barely tanned white person—in Afghanistan—then he was noticeably black on the plane and Russian scenes, but soon went back to lighter shade of brown. The changes in colour couldn’t even be explained by differences in ambient lighting and colouring. It was simply sloppy work.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
****
Last year I was searching for something new to watch and decided to search the internets for recommendations. I started hearing buzz about Arrow and decided to give it a try. I loved the pilot episode and decided to stick with it as the show searched a firmer footing. I have my favourite characters like Felicity Smoak who keep me interested even when the main plot flounders with the clichéd romantic plot.
Arrow Vol. 1 offers a collections of scenes from the editing room floor in a graphic novel form, which explains its episodic nature. There’s the quick recap almost beat for beat from the pilot, but after that show creators show glimpses of things that were only alluded in the show like Helena’s trip abroad and how China White got that white hair of hers.
I’ve never read the classic comics about Green Arrow or any other comic superhero. I might have glanced at an occasional graphic novel, but I was always more interested in the written word only—I’m trying to learn better now.
This is why Arrow Vol. 1 works for me. I’m reading it just to learn more about the world the show writers have created and its characters. Reading this I got to see what had happened to Diggle before he was discharged and on what kind of tightrope Moira was balancing on. I especially appreciated the absence of detailed island scenes. Those flashbacks are my least favourite part of the show.
Mostly I liked the graphics. The characters resembled—even if only distantly—the actors of the show and even the fight scenes had the familiar choreographic feel to them. The panels were clear and detailed if somewhat grainy on my ARC copy. One thing I didn’t like was the neverending quest for Diggle’s skin tone. David Ramsey who plays Oliver’s bodyguard John Diggle on the show is black, but I couldn’t have known that from looking at most of the panels. At first he was depicted like a barely tanned white person—in Afghanistan—then he was noticeably black on the plane and Russian scenes, but soon went back to lighter shade of brown. The changes in colour couldn’t even be explained by differences in ambient lighting and colouring. It was simply sloppy work.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 5, 2021
This comic is compiled of a series of short stories that are based on the main characters of the TV series "Arrow".
The prologue starts the collection off with events before the island. Then the book slowly progresses through the first season of the show.
As each chapter progresses, you receive new stories about a different character.
Okay, mostly they're about Oliver, checking off criminals from his father's list but sometimes they have flashbacks from other people's point of view such as Moira Queen's and John Diggle's.
I found these stories to be interesting as you got a look at some of what happened to other character while Oliver was on the island.
I liked the extension of the main story and having a little more insight as to how different characters became what you see them on the TV series.
I am only sorry that I didn't read this as I (re)watched the first season. I feel like this would've been great to read slowly and as the first season unfolded.
Overall, a comic worth reading if you're a fan of the show.
The prologue starts the collection off with events before the island. Then the book slowly progresses through the first season of the show.
As each chapter progresses, you receive new stories about a different character.
Okay, mostly they're about Oliver, checking off criminals from his father's list but sometimes they have flashbacks from other people's point of view such as Moira Queen's and John Diggle's.
I found these stories to be interesting as you got a look at some of what happened to other character while Oliver was on the island.
I liked the extension of the main story and having a little more insight as to how different characters became what you see them on the TV series.
I am only sorry that I didn't read this as I (re)watched the first season. I feel like this would've been great to read slowly and as the first season unfolded.
Overall, a comic worth reading if you're a fan of the show.
January 31, 2015
This is the comic series tie-in the tv show and features new stories. It's almost like "deleted scenes" from the TV Show, and its pretty cool. This ties in to the first season of Arrow, and that was actually my favorite. I preferred it when he took the "Punisher" approach to crime rather than the softer approach he later adopted.
In any case, I recommend this series to any fan of the TV Show. If you like comics at all, pick this one up. And really, even if comics aren't your thing but you really like the show, it's probably worth your while. As bonus, you get several stories from Mike Grell, who is considered THE Green Arrow writer and artist! Dare I say it? This book is..on target! Heh...
In any case, I recommend this series to any fan of the TV Show. If you like comics at all, pick this one up. And really, even if comics aren't your thing but you really like the show, it's probably worth your while. As bonus, you get several stories from Mike Grell, who is considered THE Green Arrow writer and artist! Dare I say it? This book is..on target! Heh...
August 12, 2014
Arrow is a CW's action-adventure tv series based on the DC character Green Arrow but rehashed much like Batman Begins. Marc Guggenheim wrote this companion graphic novel to complement the first 23 episodes of the tv series. If you haven't watch the full tv series, some of the content in this book can be spoilerish and out-of-place as it is intended to be a side story of sort that was omitted out of the television run.
If you followed the tv series, it also was filled with a lot of backstory but most of it was focus on Oliver's 5-years time in the Purgatory island. The novel acts as an additional bridge to the events from the show and it add more to the existing character development especially from the side characters (Laurel, her father, Ollie's family, etc). The TV focus more on what Oliver does more than it does around the characters around him. This graphic novel show how Oliver and the people close to him was affected by the events that made him 'The Vigilante' which from the season two promo, he won't be using that name either.
There were a lot of vital character's story that wasn't included inside this novel and most noted Malcolm Merlyn and his backstory and a lot of the main recurring cast like Felicity, Laurel herself, a lot of the villains. So I think they're saving it for the second season.
By far, I enjoy the graphic novel immensely. If you're the original Green Arrow fan who don't want to watch the tv or you only heard about the show and went through this novel, you won't get much of it as its intended to be a companion and not a graphic novelization. There's not much a tv spoiler inside this graphic novel as most of the story revolve around The Dark Archer and the Undertaking so there's not much inside this comic would spoil that for you.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you followed the tv series, it also was filled with a lot of backstory but most of it was focus on Oliver's 5-years time in the Purgatory island. The novel acts as an additional bridge to the events from the show and it add more to the existing character development especially from the side characters (Laurel, her father, Ollie's family, etc). The TV focus more on what Oliver does more than it does around the characters around him. This graphic novel show how Oliver and the people close to him was affected by the events that made him 'The Vigilante' which from the season two promo, he won't be using that name either.
There were a lot of vital character's story that wasn't included inside this novel and most noted Malcolm Merlyn and his backstory and a lot of the main recurring cast like Felicity, Laurel herself, a lot of the villains. So I think they're saving it for the second season.
By far, I enjoy the graphic novel immensely. If you're the original Green Arrow fan who don't want to watch the tv or you only heard about the show and went through this novel, you won't get much of it as its intended to be a companion and not a graphic novelization. There's not much a tv spoiler inside this graphic novel as most of the story revolve around The Dark Archer and the Undertaking so there's not much inside this comic would spoil that for you.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2015
This is the first comic I've read since middle grade and I have to say, I liked it a lot! Not as much as I though I would, but that's probably because I'm more like a 300-pages-book type ;)
This comic is actually not the complete story. It is based on the show. This comic consists of short chapters that are extra's from the tv show. The drawings are very good, although sometime I had a hard time recognizing the people and stories. But that's probably all on me, because I already forgot like half of the things that happened in season one of Arrow...
Anyway, I still enjoyed this and I'm definitely reading the next comics! (If I can figure out the order of them at least haha)
This comic is actually not the complete story. It is based on the show. This comic consists of short chapters that are extra's from the tv show. The drawings are very good, although sometime I had a hard time recognizing the people and stories. But that's probably all on me, because I already forgot like half of the things that happened in season one of Arrow...
Anyway, I still enjoyed this and I'm definitely reading the next comics! (If I can figure out the order of them at least haha)
February 15, 2021
Meh.. nothing of significance, nothing exciting or something that adds that much to Arrow, besides some secondary characters and guest stars on the show, this was bad. From script to dialogue to artwork sometimes, simply bad. The dialogues especially were as bad as the show's dialogues.
Stay away!
Stay away!
November 2, 2013
Arrow Volume 1 is a tie in to the WB show Arrow that features the Green Arrow. The book features a number of mini-comics that tie in to episodes on the show. As such, there isn't really a cohesive storyline to this book since the comics are either prologues or add extra information to the individual episodes.
If you are a fan of the show, this book would probably go well with watching the episodes on dvd or on a streaming service. As a straight read this book doesn't make a lot of sense. It should be advertised as a companion piece. It's not a stand alone.
The art is good. It's nice to see Mike Grell's work again amongst the other artists in the book. I was a big fan of Jon Sable and this work shows the same gritty sensibility. The Marc Guggenheim scripts are good and tie right in to the show. I have seen most of the episodes that these stories tie into so it was nice to see some backstory that I know wasn't in the episodes. Think of it more like a dvd extra or cut scenes and you might enjoy it.
I was given an advanced reading copy by DC Comics and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for letting me review this book for you.
If you are a fan of the show, this book would probably go well with watching the episodes on dvd or on a streaming service. As a straight read this book doesn't make a lot of sense. It should be advertised as a companion piece. It's not a stand alone.
The art is good. It's nice to see Mike Grell's work again amongst the other artists in the book. I was a big fan of Jon Sable and this work shows the same gritty sensibility. The Marc Guggenheim scripts are good and tie right in to the show. I have seen most of the episodes that these stories tie into so it was nice to see some backstory that I know wasn't in the episodes. Think of it more like a dvd extra or cut scenes and you might enjoy it.
I was given an advanced reading copy by DC Comics and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for letting me review this book for you.
January 14, 2019
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 would love it!
August 1, 2015
***3.5 stars***
May 1, 2017
Prologue and 18 other short stories (8-12 pages). Though all the stories were connected to arrow TV series but I found them somewhere between average to good. Artwork was also nothing outstanding. I have read Arrow 2.5 and that one was a much better comics on every aspect. I liked Ollie-Tommy bonding in few stories but I missed felicity, she was not in any of the stories. I guess as it was their 1st try for CW TV series comics they learned quite a few things from it. They gradually improved after this and I can say that because I have read Arrow 2.5, Flash Season Zaro, The Dark archer and The Adventures of Supergirl as well. As fas as this comics as concern an average 3 star stuff
July 23, 2019
I think this was not for me. The story jumped so many times and I felt I could not get into it.
August 15, 2021
This is a good tie in to the show of which I am a fan, this comic gave little snippets and insights into other characters not just Oliver it was almsot like watching deleted scenes on a dvd, never really been a comic book reader but being a fan of the show I wanted to try these, will hopefully pick up more volumes
April 25, 2018
Very nice and some interesting side info for the series.
August 5, 2013
DC comics and the CW have collaborated to put out a new comic book show based on the Green Arrow. This show is very different from the Green Arrow story I know and grew up with. There are similarities, but in the comics (at least before the New 52) Oliver Queen has no family when he returns from the island. He is completly alone which allows him some freedom to become the Green Arrow. He isn't tiptoeing around family to try to hide his secret. This book was put together as a direct tie into the show. It is meant to fill in a few gaps and continue Green Arrow's quest.
There are some great things about this book for fans of the show, but as a graphic novel it can't stand alone. If you are a fan of comics, or of the Green Arrow, I wouldn't recommend this if you haven't seen the show. You need to know what is going on to really understand the events of this book. The show of course lays the ground work so the writer didn't need to waste time on back story. I have to admit that even being a fan of the show I felt a little lost at the begining until I got used to the way the book is written.
The things that I really liked about this book are the little back stories that are like flashbacks every so often. Now I know I said the writer didn't need to waste time on backstory. What I mean by that is this book follows along just as if it was an episode of the show. Another name is crossed off Green Arrow's list, and the main story keeps going. In between these chapters we get to see more of Huntress and her husband and how Laurel became a lawyer. These little glimpses into the past help fill in character gaps that haven't been elaborated on in the show. The artwork is pretty good, but I have seen better. However, the action sequences are cool, and even in the ones that don't have much, or any dialog, the artwork tells the story very well.
I liked this and was so glad that DC Comics let me read this for an honest review through Net Galley. I like the tie in graphic novels because they tend to add to the whole experience. The same goes with graphic novels based off of movies. Even though those are just retellings of movies I have already seen, I like to see the artist and writer's take on it.
There are some great things about this book for fans of the show, but as a graphic novel it can't stand alone. If you are a fan of comics, or of the Green Arrow, I wouldn't recommend this if you haven't seen the show. You need to know what is going on to really understand the events of this book. The show of course lays the ground work so the writer didn't need to waste time on back story. I have to admit that even being a fan of the show I felt a little lost at the begining until I got used to the way the book is written.
The things that I really liked about this book are the little back stories that are like flashbacks every so often. Now I know I said the writer didn't need to waste time on backstory. What I mean by that is this book follows along just as if it was an episode of the show. Another name is crossed off Green Arrow's list, and the main story keeps going. In between these chapters we get to see more of Huntress and her husband and how Laurel became a lawyer. These little glimpses into the past help fill in character gaps that haven't been elaborated on in the show. The artwork is pretty good, but I have seen better. However, the action sequences are cool, and even in the ones that don't have much, or any dialog, the artwork tells the story very well.
I liked this and was so glad that DC Comics let me read this for an honest review through Net Galley. I like the tie in graphic novels because they tend to add to the whole experience. The same goes with graphic novels based off of movies. Even though those are just retellings of movies I have already seen, I like to see the artist and writer's take on it.
October 20, 2013
Original Link to the review at my blog Le' Grande Codex - here
Now this is more like it..... An awesome book albeit a graphic novel after 3 okay books..... the odds are pretty good. Presenting Arrow Vol. 1 by Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, Mike Grell.
Here is the summary of the book:
Spinning off directly from the hit CW television series ARROW comes the Emerald Archerer in these digital-first adventures! Show creators Andrew Kreisberg and Marc Guggenheim team with some of the industry's best artists, including Mike Grell (GREEN ARROW: THE LONGBOW HUNTERS), Phil Hester (GREEN ARROW: QUIVER) and others to fill in the gaps between episodes of one of TV's hottest new series.
Collects Arrow #1-6 and #1 Special edition.
Based on the popular CW show of the same name 'ARROW' and not on the original comics. This is a much needed tie-in with the show that the fans have been waiting for...... And if the one page sneak peeks the production team released for almost every episode of the first season and their level of artistry is to go by..... then you should be very excited for this treat.....
This is a companion piece to season 1 episodes of the CW Action-Adventure show ARROW based on the Marvel universe hero, Green Arrow. Oh and word of mouth & caution, watch the whole season before you read this. Contains stuffs that could be spoilers from the episodes but largely meant to be a companion book to the season providing background details that may have not been included in the show.
While the show is of course in Oliver's perspective, the graphic novel tells each of the 18 stories from varying point of views, thereby maintaining a balance throughout. The writing is very well done (considerng the show's writers wrote it, well it shouldn't leave room for doubts at all), the illustrations again very well done, typical comic art but maintaining a constant flow throughout.
"If you are an ARROW fan then this is for you"
January 10, 2016
I actually give this 4.5 stars.
This year I started watching Arrow and when I was looking into purchasing the dvds, I was recommended this graphic novel. Of course I had to put it on my Christmas list! I read this in one sitting and while I did breeze through it, it was not what I expected. I figured it would have a lot more to do with the television show and it did, but it didn't in my opinion. I was a little confused as to where certain things fit in and whatnot. I just think that if they're going to put Stephen Amell on the cover, then it should be a lot clearer and be a lot more related. I hope I'm making sense. Regardless of my problem with that, it definitely was entertaining and completely enjoyable. I recommend this if you're looking for an extra dose of Arrow, but I wouldn't say you're missing anything if you don't pick it up. Also, I really enjoyed the artwork it really matches the feel.
This year I started watching Arrow and when I was looking into purchasing the dvds, I was recommended this graphic novel. Of course I had to put it on my Christmas list! I read this in one sitting and while I did breeze through it, it was not what I expected. I figured it would have a lot more to do with the television show and it did, but it didn't in my opinion. I was a little confused as to where certain things fit in and whatnot. I just think that if they're going to put Stephen Amell on the cover, then it should be a lot clearer and be a lot more related. I hope I'm making sense. Regardless of my problem with that, it definitely was entertaining and completely enjoyable. I recommend this if you're looking for an extra dose of Arrow, but I wouldn't say you're missing anything if you don't pick it up. Also, I really enjoyed the artwork it really matches the feel.
January 28, 2015
J’avais regardé la première saison de la série TV à sa diffusion US en 2012 et j’avais bien accroché mais par manque de temps, je n’avais pas continué.
Etant donné que je compte la reprendre sérieusement, je me suis laissée tenter par ce premier tome du comics.
Ce sont au final plusieurs petites histoires (une dizaine de pages chacune) qui soit reprennent plus en détail certains épisodes de la série, soit nous font découvrir de nouveaux personnages.
J’avoue avoir plutôt apprécié ma lecture, c’est sympa pour les fans de la série ou tout simplement de comics. Les dessins sont pas mal même si j’ai déjà vu mieux.
Je pense me prendre le prochain tome quand il sortira.
http://www.gamesofbooks.com/2015/01/2...
Etant donné que je compte la reprendre sérieusement, je me suis laissée tenter par ce premier tome du comics.
Ce sont au final plusieurs petites histoires (une dizaine de pages chacune) qui soit reprennent plus en détail certains épisodes de la série, soit nous font découvrir de nouveaux personnages.
J’avoue avoir plutôt apprécié ma lecture, c’est sympa pour les fans de la série ou tout simplement de comics. Les dessins sont pas mal même si j’ai déjà vu mieux.
Je pense me prendre le prochain tome quand il sortira.
http://www.gamesofbooks.com/2015/01/2...
October 15, 2014
What a load of rubbish!
Now, I'm not the biggest Green Arrow fan: I only own vol 1 of the new 52 and I haven't even read it yet. I am a big Arrow fan though, and that's the reason why I bought this TPB.
No
Just NO
the stories are scattered (is this a companion to the Tv show?), uninteresting and boring. I have thrown this comic on the floor with frustration while reading it in bed, and I'm quite precious with my comics.
Stick with the show or maybe the Green Arrow comics, but not this rubbish. My problem: I've already bought vol 2.
Ow well, at least there is a handsome Stephen Amell on the cover..
Now, I'm not the biggest Green Arrow fan: I only own vol 1 of the new 52 and I haven't even read it yet. I am a big Arrow fan though, and that's the reason why I bought this TPB.
No
Just NO
the stories are scattered (is this a companion to the Tv show?), uninteresting and boring. I have thrown this comic on the floor with frustration while reading it in bed, and I'm quite precious with my comics.
Stick with the show or maybe the Green Arrow comics, but not this rubbish. My problem: I've already bought vol 2.
Ow well, at least there is a handsome Stephen Amell on the cover..
August 23, 2014
A decent if unimportant compilation of stories set in the Arrow universe that are inoffensive enough that not reading them won't mar your enjoyment of the show itself, but enjoyable enough to seek out if you're a fan of the show. As you'd expect in an anthology collection, some of the 18 chapters are better than others, with everything being the epitome of mixed bag. There are none that stand out as poor in either the art or storytelling department, but again neither are there many that would be considered required reading overall. I expect volume 2 to be more of the same.
August 21, 2013
Provided by publisher through NetGalley
I liked it. I was pretty consistent with the television show with a few deviations. Those deviations are what made it interesting and not redundant.
Penciling was great as with the color pallet of the comic. I would definitely recommend that anyone who likes comics take a read.
Fun!
I liked it. I was pretty consistent with the television show with a few deviations. Those deviations are what made it interesting and not redundant.
Penciling was great as with the color pallet of the comic. I would definitely recommend that anyone who likes comics take a read.
Fun!
January 1, 2016
loved it...I love Arrow even more now...yum yum yum..
August 17, 2019
The stories were decent, if a bit too focused on the villains as opposed to Oliver Queen (who I felt really should have been the key focus.) I had some issues with the artwork. While the action panels were very defined and articulate, the characters were hit or miss in terms of looking like their television show counterparts. I tend not to take issue with this in official Green Arrow comics, but this line of comics is fashioned around the show, and has plenty of footage to look at regarding basic facial characteristics and reaction expressions. Over half of these stories had an Arrow that did not resemble Stephen Amell in the slightest (and the same extends to David Ramsey as John Diggle.)
I enjoyed the backstory we got to see of Helena and the Lance sisters. You can tell that the writers originally intended for Sara to not be as likable as they wrote her in s02; the pre-show backstory they wrote of her implies that her stealing someone else's boyfriend was a bit of a habit. The show counteracts this in s02 when they show that her interest in Oliver predated Laurel's interest, and that the affection was genuine. However, (as with some of the comic discrepancies in the Fringe comics), this comic compilation was released between s01 and s02, and therefore cannot really be held accountable for canon backstory changes that were decided upon later in the show's production.
All in all, an interesting read, but does not have a massive effect on the show's overarching narrative. Has a bit of John Diggle, and a little sprinkling of Tommy Merlyn (who was one of the best parts of season 1). Absolutely no Speedy/Thea panels whatsoever (which, only just now as I am writing this, is striking me as very odd.) And no Felicity either, which I knew about beforehand, but I am still extremely disappointed about that factor.
I enjoyed the backstory we got to see of Helena and the Lance sisters. You can tell that the writers originally intended for Sara to not be as likable as they wrote her in s02; the pre-show backstory they wrote of her implies that her stealing someone else's boyfriend was a bit of a habit. The show counteracts this in s02 when they show that her interest in Oliver predated Laurel's interest, and that the affection was genuine. However, (as with some of the comic discrepancies in the Fringe comics), this comic compilation was released between s01 and s02, and therefore cannot really be held accountable for canon backstory changes that were decided upon later in the show's production.
All in all, an interesting read, but does not have a massive effect on the show's overarching narrative. Has a bit of John Diggle, and a little sprinkling of Tommy Merlyn (who was one of the best parts of season 1). Absolutely no Speedy/Thea panels whatsoever (which, only just now as I am writing this, is striking me as very odd.) And no Felicity either, which I knew about beforehand, but I am still extremely disappointed about that factor.
August 15, 2022
Nineteen vignettes tying-in to The CW’s 'Arrow'.
Here we get background stories for characters from the show, unrevealed scenes and expansions of the series’ storylines.
I had one massive problem with this book; I have never seen a single episode of 'Arrow'. I mean, I also have the problem of never having liked Green Arrow as a character but, from what I gather here, they’ve more or less just changed the character to be Batman anyway.
So, going into this book cold just as a graphic novel and not as a tie-in, it’s not a particularly great experience. These stories are specifically intended to expand on elements and episodes of the show and have very limited narratives of their own.
(Some people may ask "Why read a tie-in to a show you haven't watched?" and to those people I would say; "Shut up!").
I’ll give the book credit for engaging me more than I expected given the circumstances but I definitely wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who, like me, isn’t already invested in the show. If you are, then maybe this will give you some valuable insight.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
Here we get background stories for characters from the show, unrevealed scenes and expansions of the series’ storylines.
I had one massive problem with this book; I have never seen a single episode of 'Arrow'. I mean, I also have the problem of never having liked Green Arrow as a character but, from what I gather here, they’ve more or less just changed the character to be Batman anyway.
So, going into this book cold just as a graphic novel and not as a tie-in, it’s not a particularly great experience. These stories are specifically intended to expand on elements and episodes of the show and have very limited narratives of their own.
(Some people may ask "Why read a tie-in to a show you haven't watched?" and to those people I would say; "Shut up!").
I’ll give the book credit for engaging me more than I expected given the circumstances but I definitely wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who, like me, isn’t already invested in the show. If you are, then maybe this will give you some valuable insight.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
May 10, 2017
I felt a lit of deception rwading this book.
First, I haven't really followed the series, and I believed maybe that would give me an insight on if I should start it or not. This book didn't help me decide, since it left me very confused. The stories are very short and don't give a lot of explanation about what is going on to readers who are unfamiliar with the tv series. Also, there doesn't seem to be any link between the stories. For example, at some point we meet the Lance family, but the next time we see them, Sara, the youngest daughter, has died without the reader knowing why or how.
However, the graphics are splendid and help giving this dark mood that the story projects.
First, I haven't really followed the series, and I believed maybe that would give me an insight on if I should start it or not. This book didn't help me decide, since it left me very confused. The stories are very short and don't give a lot of explanation about what is going on to readers who are unfamiliar with the tv series. Also, there doesn't seem to be any link between the stories. For example, at some point we meet the Lance family, but the next time we see them, Sara, the youngest daughter, has died without the reader knowing why or how.
However, the graphics are splendid and help giving this dark mood that the story projects.
February 24, 2017
Akože OK. Seriál som teda ešte nevidel, možno som zachytil epizódu alebo dve. Mám to niekde na kazetách v počitači, ale po tomto neviem, či sa k tomu odhodlám. Pre mňa to teda bolo niekoľko navzájom neprepojených príbehov, kde vigilante temný mstitel očisťuje mesto od špiny. A plus sú tam príbehy nejakej tej slečny(ako som spomínal, bez seriálu netuším o koho ide), tiež samozvanej vigilante a jej otca - detektíva. Ani mnohonásobná presila im nevadí a z každej situácie sa tak nejak dostanú bez problému. Batman je Batman... :)
December 16, 2019
In the past couple weeks, I've gone whole-hog into Arrow, so I thought this would be fun. It's meant to fill in back story and character origins, but the little vignettes are too short to give any real insight or interest.
The art varies drastically. Mike Grell's imprint is across the whole volume, but the bits he actually drew were of significantly higher quality.
I was pretty impressed with the number of women they had scripting these. Just wish they had been given something more substantial to work on.
The art varies drastically. Mike Grell's imprint is across the whole volume, but the bits he actually drew were of significantly higher quality.
I was pretty impressed with the number of women they had scripting these. Just wish they had been given something more substantial to work on.
January 13, 2021
I love a good graphic novel to clear my head and this was no different.
There’s blood but then, this is Season 1 of Arrow where Oliver just killed people.
The different chapters focus between the different episodes in S1, from Moira discovering the Gambit to Helena going to Italy to train to fight in order to avenger her dead fiancé.
I enjoyed it :)
I wish some of the sections had been a bit longer or in more detail- or that there was some sort of story but it was a good read.
Definitely pick it up if you’re a fan of Arrow.
There’s blood but then, this is Season 1 of Arrow where Oliver just killed people.
The different chapters focus between the different episodes in S1, from Moira discovering the Gambit to Helena going to Italy to train to fight in order to avenger her dead fiancé.
I enjoyed it :)
I wish some of the sections had been a bit longer or in more detail- or that there was some sort of story but it was a good read.
Definitely pick it up if you’re a fan of Arrow.
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