The secret mythology of Green Arrow’s new pet wolf is revealed—plus Oliver’s women troubles escalate as Tarantula bullies her way into his life, demanding his help in the battle against the skeletons.

Some folks might see a dog and an archer and immediately think writer Benjamin Percy and DC Comics are attempting to create their own Pizza Dog. For those who have read this comic, you know that’s far from reality.

Green Arrow #44 gives us the story of the dog who has become a friend of Oliver Queen, giving us the dog’s origin tale. It’s very interesting mixing in some mysticism, Native culture, it’s kind of cool aspect that will blend well into the character of Green Arrow, and move him away from the “urban” feel a little. I do wish Percy spent more time on the abuse leveled on the dog, if nothing else to maybe give some more depth as to his behavior and also to shine a light on such a horrific treatment of an animal. Making the story completely silent with that as a big focus, a psychological story about a dog, might have been stronger.

Percy also weaves in Oliver Queen’s personal relationships, which plays well into the dog’s backstory (which in a way is about relationships too). The little it’s brought it, it still is very affective and adds a solid humanizing layer to the story.

Artist Patrick Zircher continues his gritty style which feels like a great look for the nature of this story (no pun intended). The violent tale is told with some pretty ferocious panels and Zircher captures it well.

Overall, we’re seeing the next step for the Emerald Archer, and while the first story of this new arc didn’t have me pumped with excitement, it did have me very intrigued to see where it all goes from here.

Story: Benjamin Percy Art: Patrick Zircher
Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review