Broken Frontier

The Emerald Archer and the Sonic Bombshell finally tie the knot. But is matrimonial bliss in the cards?

After thirty-some years of on-again/off-again romance, betrayals, spats, reconciliation, and resurrection from death itself, one of comics’ classic couples is at last taking the plunge. As Green Arrow and Black Canary prepare for their wedding, we see the ripple effect in the superhero community. From some there is disbelief or doubt. From others, joy and admiration. And for still others, it’s a good excuse for drunken debauchery and superhero-themed strippers. But for Deathstroke and the DCU’s villains, it’s a chance to take out all their enemies at once…or at least make a good try at it.

For longtime DC readers, this is an event that’s been quite a few years coming. So was it worth the hype and the trio of specials? A bit hard to say, given that this one-shot seems to be primarily set-up for a larger arc that’s just beginning. On the plus side, Judd Winick’s script captures the characters’ hot-blooded and often volatile relationship rather well, balancing humor and conflict of the physical, emotional, and even sexual variety. The various reactions of their heroic contemporaries make for some wonderful moments as well, lending the story quite a bit of comedy and pathos along the way. Of particular note is a poignant scene between Superman and Wonder Woman—the former filled with farmboy enthusiasm for a brief reprieve from the never-ending battle, the latter seeming to muse about what could have been. Despite the requisite super-villain brawl, this is a very character-centric issue that provides a nice snapshot of the metahuman world and the varied personalities within it.

Then there’s that final page twist, which no doubt fandom is already buzzing about. It’s an unexpected and shocking moment (well, unless you’ve been watching DC solicit info closely), though one that feels like an obvious marketing tool to an extent. Anyone hoping for a complete story may be faced with slight frustration and puzzlement. Still, from a storytelling perspective, it certainly maintains the momentum of "What happens next?"

The issue’s biggest strength is without a doubt the art of Amanda Conner. Each panel is filled with cartoony charm and playfulness, wonderfully expressive faces and body language, and plenty of sight gags—Ellen ("Mrs. Animal Man") Baker’s quiet exasperation, Girder getting frisky with Power Girl, Lois Lane with mace and brass knuckles, Thunder and Grace’s response to a misguided male stripper, etc. I’m not sure how much originates from the script and how much is pure Conner but the art is a joy and the book merits a second (or third) read for this alone.

Where DC is going with this is anyone’s guess but taken on its own, this one-shot special is pure fun.