“Y’know, I never realized that Kevin Smith’s stint on “Daredevil” was just a warm-up! But now that I’ve read the first issue of his “Green Arrow” series, it’s obvious that he was holding back the best stuff for Ollie.

“Green Arrow” marks Oliver Queen’s return to the role that he filled for more than a half-century – and it marks Kevin Smith’s DC debut. This series united him with artists Phil Hester and Ande Parks; together, the three are pulling out all the stops to make the Emerald Archer an A-team player in the DC Universe.

How does he do it? How does Kevin Smith bring back a character who was blown to bits a few years ago? I’m not going to give that one away – but I will note for posterity that my good friend Michael Brown accurately predicted exactly how this story would tie in with “Final Night”. And, just as Doctor Mike claimed, it works…and it makes perfect sense, since the clues were there all along.

But how Kevin Smith brings Oliver Queen back is less important than why he brings Oliver Queen back. Oliver Queen’s death was far more memorable than the last few years of his super-hero life – and if Smith had brought Ollie back only to return him to his previous career of mediocrity, then all the effort would have been wasted. Instead, Smith is rebuilding the character without tossing out any of the qualities that defined him in the past. And, of course, he’s very good at it – but what would you expect from a man who’s made his career as a filmmaker whose skill at characterization is superlative?

All the questions aren’t answered in the first issue – but there’s no rush, since Smith has a twelve-issue odyssey mapped out. And while Odysseus’ journey took twenty years, Oliver will find his way home in twelve issues.

One surprise here was Smith’s choice of artists: after working with a high-profile fan-fave like Joe Quesada on “Daredevil”, Smith could have had his choice of artistic superstars. He chose Hester and Parks, though, because they’re more than flash and finish – their storytelling skills are top notch, and their bold linework gives the story a dynamic style that immediately establishes this book as much more than the typical fine-line pin-up comic or the manga-derivative flavor of the month.

And one other surprise – Kevin Smith does manage to get away with one sexy scene that surprised me; it’s perfectly in character and, while the scene’s merely suggestive, it’s still a little more risque than you expect from a mainstream superhero comic.

Want a superhero comic you can truly enjoy – and one that you won’t be embarrassed to put into a non-fan’s hands? With its combination of believable characterization, dynamic visuals, and deft plotting, “Green Arrow” fits the bill perfectly.”

Green Arrow’s return has fans quivering

by Andrew A. Smith
Scripps Howard News Service

Kevin Smith, the famed writer/director of “Clerks,” “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy” and “Dogma,” will be penning the adventures of Oliver “Green Arrow” Queen with the first issue of the Emerald Archer’s new series, shipping Feb. 28.

It’s unlikely Jay & Silent Bob (who have appeared in all of Smith’s films) will make a cameo, but the return of the Battling Bowman with an A-list movie director at the helm is reason enough for comic fans to sit up and take notice.

For those who have followed Smith’s career, his affection for comic books comes as no surprise. Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee made a cameo in “Mallrats,” and “Chasing Amy” took place mostly at a comic-book convention and starred a comic-book writer and artist. Smith has dabbled in comics before; he penned “Daredevil,” Vol. 2, Nos. 1-8, for Marvel Comics in 1998-99, and has recounted the adventures of Jay & Silent Bob in various venues for Oni Press over the years.

Now he turns his mighty word processor to DC’s perennial second banana, Green Arrow. But there’s one hitch: GA is dead.

Yup, it’s true. Oliver Queen, who first donned his modern-day Robin Hood gear in 1941, blew up real good in an exploding airplane in “Green Arrow,” Vol. 1, No. 100, back in 1995. Superman was a witness, and thinks he’s dead. His illegitimate son Connor Hawke (who’s been Green Arrow for the last six years) thinks he’s dead. His former partner Roy “Arsenal” Harper thinks he’s dead. His former lover Dinah “Black Canary” Lance thinks he’s dead.

But “dead” in comics isn’t the immutable tragedy it is in life – it’s more of an inconvenience. Smith hasn’t revealed how he plans to resuscitate the Ace Archer, but it won’t be the first time Oliver Queen’s life has taken a peculiar twist.

Green Arrow was launched in “More Fun Comics” No. 73 in November 1941, the same issue that debuted the equally long-lived Aquaman. Originally, the Battling Bowman was little more than a Batman knockoff, a rich playboy (like Bruce Wayne) who fought petty crooks and lame supervillains with a kid sidekick (Speedy, later Arsenal), a bunch of archery-motif paraphernalia (Arrowcar, Arrowplane, Arrowcave) and a gimmick (trick arrows, in lieu of a utility belt).

As you’d imagine about a guy who persists in bringing a bow and arrow to gunfights, Green Arrow never made the big time. He toiled away as a backup character in “More Fun” and “Adventure Comics” for two decades, using “boxing-glove arrows” and “handcuff arrows” in his second-rate war on crime.

But you have to give him points for persistence. When interest in superheroes waned in the ’50s, most Spandex types were canceled. Only Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Aquaman and, yes, Green Arrow managed to remain in print more or less continuously from the ’40s to the present.

Ollie’s big break came when he was invited to join the World’s Greatest Heroes in “Justice League of America” No. 4 (May ‘61). Of course, being partnered with powerhouses like Wonder Woman and Superman, his primary duty was to say “Great Scott!” frequently. But, again, he was persistent and was a mainstay of the team for many years.

And a funny thing happened in “Justice League of America” No. 75 (November ‘ 69): He grew a personality! A virtual cipher for 25 years, Green Arrow was granted a left-wing persona by new JLA writer Denny O’Neil – and grew immensely popular. He argued with the other, more conservative Leaguers about “corporate fat cats” and took to fighting “The Man.” He teamed with the right-wing Green Lantern in a memorable series that argued politics as much as it battled bad guys. He lost his fortune, donned spiffy new duds and started battling crime at “street level.” He also suddenly developed a reputation as a ladies’ man, and swept resident JLA hottie Black Canary off her feet.

Finally, the poor man’s Batman had found a unique niche. He became a popular guest star, as much for his political rants as for his bowmanship. He eventually dropped the trick-arrow nonsense, and went after crooks in the grim ‘n’ gritty fashion of the ’80s. His roving eye proved a trial for Black Canary, but added to his over-the-top, anything-goes, Quixotic appeal to fans. By 1988 he had his own title for the first time. . .

. . .and then was blown to tiny bits! The more sedate Connor Hawke proved not as popular in the role, and “Green Arrow” was canceled with issue No. 137 in 1998. The Amazing Arbolester seemed to have run his course.

Until now, that is, and the advent of Kevin Smith. The first issue of the all-new “Green Arrow” doesn’t reveal how Ollie survived his abrupt fulmination, but it’s coming. And comics fans are already salivating.

How will former partner Arsenal react to his foster father’s return? What will Connor do, if the original returns to stake his claim to the “Green Arrow” mantle? What about Black Canary, who’s now dating Dr. Mid-Nite of the Justice Society? And will the Sagittary Sleuth remain his blustery self now that he’s had a visit to the Other Side?

Smith promises his contractual 12-issue stint will answer all questions, and set up the Battling Bowman for an exciting new run. Smith has even evinced interest in continuing the series after his year is up, should his film commitments allow.

QUESADA vs. McFARLANE: THE NEXT GENERATION

This Time the Marvel Editor-in-Chief Kicks It Up a Notch!

Author: Michael Doran

Date: 12/19/00

Late last month in a series of letters and emails to the comics press and message board posts, Marvel’s Joe Quesada issued a very public challenge to creator Todd McFarlane. The crux of the challenge..? That McFarlane make some kind of return to comics penciling, with the idea/intent that a new high-profile project by one of the architects of the early 90’s boom would be of great benefit to the slumping market [for more on the original challege, see the December 1st Newsarama Weekly edition].

Quesada’s ‘call out’ garnered the attention of many readers, industry pundits and news sources such as Wizard Magazine. In addition, writer Peter David devoted an edition of his But I Digress column to the subject in a recent issue of Comics Buyer’s Guide; and ours truly contributed a reader poll asking how McFarlane should respond to the challenge, with 49% of over 1100 respondents agreeing the creator owed it to the industry to draw some new comics projects. Even McFarlane’s attention was grabbed, and he issued an early response on his own Spawn.com message boards, though essentially dismissing the matter.

After a few weeks of silence on the topic, Quesada is back at it, and this time upping the ante considerably. In an open letter to McFarlane – by way of Comics Newsarama – the Marvel editor-in-chief gets more proactive, and makes the Spawn creator and former Spider-Man artist an offer he can’t refuse… or at least one Quesada hopes he can’t.

“First I want to start by wishing everyone within earshot of this message a glorious and happy Holiday Season,” began Quesada. “I`ve been pretty naughty, so I`m not expecting more from Saint Nick than a couple of lumps of coal, but that`s not going to keep me from getting into the giving spirit! NOW, let`s get to the meat of this…

“Thank you, all of you who have swamped my electronic mail box with all of your letters of support and anticipation over the McFarlane challenge! Todd responded briefly and politely but basically went back into hiding. Now along with all the letters from fans dying to see this happen came several questions, let`s clear a few of them before I move on with this.

“Yes, my offer of $1000, later $1100, was absolutely spun off from Lorne Michaels offer to the Beatles way back in Saturday Night Live’s heyday. “Yes, I realize that Todd, doesn`t need the money and that $1000 ($1100) is a ridiculously low amount. It`s a goof!

“No, I wasn`t asking Todd to draw for Marvel, I was just asking for him to come back and draw!

“Was I joking, well, anyone who knows me knows that I wrote it with fun in mind. If I had just written a boring letter pleading ‘Gee, Mr. Toddy-woddy, would you pweeze come back and dwah somethin`, 90% of you wonderful folk reading it would have collectively said this…

‘SNOOOOORE!’

“So I was partially joking in tone, but deadly serious in intent. We`re in tough times now folks, but we don`t have to live there! I`m sick and tired of all the negativity that`s floating around the industry, the net, at conventions. It`s driving me nuts! I hear fans grumbling and even sadder I hear creators grumbling incessantly. It`s all negative this, negative that! Come on, it`s time to stop now! Stop with the griping and let`s look towards the future, go ahead, take a look, it looks pretty bright to me! I`m just trying to bring a little levity and get fans talking again. I can`t tell you how many message boards I`ve read were people actually think that I should be acting more like a suit! Now that made me laugh!!! Doesn`t anyone remember when it was okay to have fun in the comics industry? “Okay, getting back to the serious part of this.

“Toddster, this is my last and final offer. I`m going to make it as easy as possible. What I`m offering is that you draw a book and I draw a book. And just because no one thought that it could happen, let`s make it worth everyone`s while. Here`s my Holiday gift for ya, I`m talkin`…

…” SPIDER-MAN/SPAWN!!!”

“That`s right, you draw a Spidey/Spawny crossover for TMP and I draw one on the Marvel end. I say we make them 48-page one-shots! Maybe we`ll even have the fans vote on which one they like better!

“Now I`m not done yet, I`m starting to feel that Holiday spirit coming on strong!

“I put in a call to a writer friend of mine to see if he was interested in writing my end of it and he immediately accepted. Not only was he blown away by the whole ‘Get Todd penciling again’ idea, but the next day he e-mailed me a synopsis of the story cause he couldn`t stop thinking about it. It wasn`t bad for a beginner like Kevin Smith!

“Oh, there`s more and with the season of giving upon us I`m getting to the most important part of this challenge. I have recently agreed to be on the Board of Directors of the ACTOR Fund. ACTOR is “A Commitment To Our Roots,” a non-profit corporation dedicated to helping out old-time comic creators in financial need. Since many Golden Age or Silver Age creators toiled to build today`s groundwork by working only for page rate with no chance of ownership and no pension, this fund has been set up to help some of our elder statesmen in need.

“I`ll donate $10,000 of my proceeds from Spider-Man/Spawn as well as half of the artwork and Kevin (who looks considerably more like Santa than I do) has agreed to donate cash from the project as well.

“So what more could you ask for, Toddy Boy? I`m giving you the Wallcrawler to have some fun with and we`re looking to help an amazingly good cause. Let`s go over it one more time…

“1-SPIDER-MAN/SPAWN
2-KEVIN SMITH
3-$10,000 and half my artwork to ACTOR”

“Oh, and you get a $1100 check from me! “Now to all the fans who would like to see this happen, send Todd a note, go to Spawn.com and be heard. We want Todd to come back to what gave him his start. I would hate to think that he didn`t feel it was worth his time because there was nothing to be gained from it. “That`s it from me, once again I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday Season and here`s looking forward to an amazing 2001 filled with great times, comics and who knows maybe a really cool Spider-Man/Spawn crossover! See ya in the funnybooks – JQ, EEK!”

In a follow-up conversation, Quesada assured Newsarama this is a genuine offer, and not just a publicity stunt…

“Kevin has already sent me a synopsis. If Todd agrees, we can start whenever he says go,” he replied. “Why would I make this up? The boss said I could do it…And, I am the boss, right? Plus, we`ve been getting so much press lately, it`s not like we need it. I really want to see the guy help us move the needle the same way Frank [Miller] is doing with his Dark Knight sequel.”

Where does it go from here?? Stayed tuned, you never know…

Saxman444 – Since film-maker Kevin smith is dedicated to promoting comics in his films, do you enjoy his movies?

Todd_Mcfarlane – If we go back to the kinds of movies I enjoy, he has real people talking about comic books, not necessarily super heroestalking about things.

Todd_Mcfarlane – Chasing Amy is probably his best example

Anyone with Internet access can now purchase a film online and have it delivered through the mail on Video Cassette or DVD. Independents from Kevin Smith (CLERKS, CHASING AMY) to the team that made THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT have already demonstrated the power of the Internet to build awareness of movies playing in theaters.

Ending 18 hours of rumors, speculation and near confirmation, this afternoon Marvel Comics officially confirmed that writer/artist and Marvel Knights head Joe Quesada has been named the publisher’s new Editor-in-Chief.

In a statement issued by the publisher, Bill Jemas, Marvel`s President of Publishing, Licensing & New Media confirmed Quesada has been “promoted to lead editorial operations.”

“Recognized in the industry as one of today’s premiere comic book editors and creators, Mr. Quesada is charged with guiding the editorial direction for Marvel`s world renowned superhero franchises, including Spider-Man, X-Men, The Hulk and The Fantastic Four,” read the announcement. “He takes over the reigns after serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the Marvel Knights imprint for the past two years. During that time, Mr. Quesada turned Marvel Knights into a lightening rod for talent, attracting such well-known writers and artists as Kevin Smith, Brian Bendis, Bob Gale, Grant Morrison, Garth Ennis, Paul Jenkins, Jae Lee and Mark Millar. His editorial accomplishments with Marvel Knights include revitalizing The Punisher and Daredevil series and turning them back into top sellers for the company.”

For those of you who have been waiting since Feb 2000 (or longer), the wait is over. Now available at the Stash is a very very jam packed special Limited Edition Daredevil Visionaries Hardcover. You get the following:

* All eight issues written by Kevin (with artwork by Jimmy and Joe)

* A special, sequentially numbered page signed by Kevin, Jimmy and Joe

* Smyth-sewn hardcover binding with special dustjacket and special end pages

and…

* a CD-ROM containing Daredevil #0, Kevin’s scripts, Joe’s pencilled pages, photos and audio commentary (and much much more) (CD-ROM is Mac and PC compatible)

Don’t miss out as this one is limited to 2500 copies.

SMITH TALKS GREEN ARROW

Filmmaker Kevin Smith announced that he is officially on board as writer for a re-launch of DC Comics’ Green Arrow.

At the DC Universe slide show at the Comic-Con International in San Diego, Smith said will be joined for the book by artists Phil Hester and Ande Park. DC provided a first image of a Silver Age-looking Green Arrow.

“I know we’ve been talking about this book for six years, and we’re finally ready,” Smith said.

Smith said he is writing 12 issues of Green Arrow.

“Some people say this is a maxi-series,” Smith said, “but hopefully when I leave, the next issue will be #13 with a better writer than me.”

Smith said the first issue will include Conner Hawke, Roy Harper and Black Canary and that eight issues will center around what exactly happened to Oliver Queen. He also said that Green Arrow will be using trick arrows.

“I don’t think this arc is about re-inventing Green Arrow,” Smith said. “It’s about doing a good Green Arrow book.

“If you were a fan of Green Arrow before the (Mike) Grell revamp, during the Grell revamp or the post-Grell revamp, there’s something for everybody – including some Conner.”

Green Arrow will be edited by Bob Schreck. “Everybody’s been very supportive,” Smith said. “DC’s been very cool.”

Smith said that he has requested Green Arrow not appear in any other DC books until he’s explained what has happened to him. Asked about a possible Green Arrow/Green Lantern team-up, Smith said, “It depends – who’s your Green Lantern? There’s stuff in there.”

Smith said Green Arrow is his only super-hero project, and that includes movies.

“No movies. I tried super-hero movies. Forget about it,” he said. “I’m like Kryptonite to super-hero movies.”