It’s been awhile since I have been eagerly anticipating a big-two comic like I have been with Absolute Green Arrow. It’s been even longer for a DC Comic. The hype around the latest addition to the Absolute Universe written by Pornsak Pichetshote and illustrated by Rafael Albuquerque was extremely high, having pre-sold hundreds of thousands of copies. Guess what, the premiere issue lives up to, nay, exceeds the hype with a gritty, action-packed premiere that was as close to perfect as a comic can get.
A serial killer is slaughtering corrupt billionaires. The only clue to their identity is the mysterious green arrows sticking out of his victims’ corpses. Executive protection specialist Dinah Lance, a.k.a. Absolute Black Canary, is one of the people tasked to uncover this murderer’s identity as she investigates her suspects… all familiar DC archers uniquely linked to a recently murdered Oliver Queen. I Know What You Did Last Summer for billionaires, Absolute Green Arrow reimagines the Emerald Archer’s mythos into a dangerous, urban horror murder-mystery.
While Absolute Batman has been fantastic, it’s Absolute Green Arrow where things shine. This new series is by far the darkest of the new universe and we are only into the first issue. Pichetshote absolutely (pun intended) redefines the Green Arrow story with a horror indy comics vibe that should make those independent comics transplants and longtime readers of DC Comics excited for more.
The new take on a classic character is what makes these comics special, but it’s also when you toss these characters into a new genre to style of comic such as making a Green Arrow story a horror murder-mystery. This series especially will hit hard as it mirrors the real world, making things hit closer to home and all the more terrifying. Yes, this is a work of fiction, but the similarities Pichetshote pulls from life as we know it are too hard to ignore.
Albuquerque’s design of the new Green Arrow is fantastic, one that stands out as a fresh new look for the characters but also screams that it is still Green Arrow. This is one of the more difficult tasks of the Absolute Universe, making recognizable characters with new stories to tell. In addition to the new look, the artwork is grungy throughout with tons of action-packed and explosive panels. It’s the horror indy vibe with superhero action that I had hope for with this comic.
The Absolute Universe has had some real bangers since its launch. DC Comics has struck gold with this new universe, but I will say that Green Arrow takes the cake so far.
Absolute Green Arrow isn’t just DC’s best entry into the Absolute Universe so far, it’s by-far the boldest redefinition of a classic character. Writer Pornsak Pichetshote and artist Rafael Albuquerque deliver a gritty horror-thriller packed with explosive action, hard to miss social commentary, and a chilling mystery that made for a nearly perfect debut. Absolute Green Arrow exceeds every single bit of hype and proves the Absolute Universe has struck gold.
Absolute Green Arrow #1 hit local comic shops on May 20, 2026 from DC Comics.
Absolute Green Arrow #1 Preview
