The new Absolute Green Arrow series just turned its version of Black Canary into a metaphor for political silence. This is not to be unexpected, given the political nature of the classic Green Arrow comics since the 1970s. However, the way this statement is made in the Absolute Universe also has a deep level of dramatic irony to it.
The central character of Absolute Green Arrow is Dinah Lance. A former lover of billionaire activist Oliver Queen, Dinah was once a police officer and a rising MMA fighter called The Black Canary. However, she gave up this career for a better paying job as a bodyguard to the rich and famous. This was due to her father, whose chronic illness required insurance she couldn’t afford otherwise.
Absolute Green Arrow #2 reveals that Dinah has her own medical issues. Reportedly, she has suffered from mysterious nose bleeds and migraine headaches since childhood. However, they’ve become increasingly worse since she began investigating the crimes of the billionaire-targeting serial killer dubbed The Longbow Killer.
However, Dinah’s investigation has done more to reveal the crimes of her employers than any vigilante. Dinah has grown jaded regarding such things after several years as a bodyguard to some truly awful people. The former Black Canary privately wishes she could do something to expose their crimes. However, she doesn’t for fear of how her employers might retaliate against her father. This leaves her feeling hopeless, like there is nothing she can do.
How Absolute Green Arrow uses Black Canary’s powers to explore political silence
Absolute Green Arrow #2 is not subtle in suggesting that Dinah Lance’s increasing illness is tied to the stress of her work. However, the metaphor it offers is surprisingly artful. Most superhero fans know that Black Canary’s power is a sonic scream. And yet, on a metaphorical level, the Absolute Universe Dinah Lance has no power and no voice. All because she refuses to act. That refusal only serves to make her sick, as bad people continue to do bad things because she does nothing.
This is a brilliant conceit on a story level. It gives this version of Black Canary a relatable conflict to work through as the series continues. However, it also offers the political slant that defines the Green Arrow comics and character.
Absolute Green Arrow #2 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
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