Black Canary Tied Up and Tortured

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We have seen DC Comics present mature comic and graphic novels before, but usually they are under the Vertigo imprint and with characters not native to the DC Universe. They took a chance for sure with the three-part Green Arrow and Black Canary comic that takes place in the future. Titled “Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters,” this prestige format miniseries from 1987 shows Black Canary tied up and subjected to torture. Set in Seattle, a departure from Green Arrow’s usual base of Star City, this controversial story reimagines the superhero in a grittier, more realistic light.

The story begins with us seeing Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) and Dinah Lance (Black Canary) in a new home that they had just bought. While in bed, Oliver tells Dinah that he wants children. Dinah disagrees and says that she does not mind making children, but refuses to make orphans. This bums out Oliver something fierce, and it stays with him. The drawings of them together in bed are pretty hot, and depicted realistically, as opposed to other comics.

Meanwhile, it is Oliver’s birthday and he needs to go out and sharpen his skills while hunting down a serial killer known as the “Seattle Slasher,” who has been killing prostitutes. Simultaneously, a situation involving a CIA-backed drug cartel is in the works, and a Yakuza assassin named Shado appears to murder older men who have not served during the Vietnam War. She, like Green Arrow, uses a bow to attack her prey, driven by a desire for revenge.

Back at home, Green Arrow finds a note from Black Canary saying that she needs to go undercover to thwart the drug cartel. Sensing that Dinah is in danger, he investigates to find Black Canary tied up and tortured with a hunting knife. He is shocked to see Black Canary naked with only a shirt on, while a heavy middle-aged man cuts it open. He teases a gang-rape while Shado, our mysterious ninja lady, shoots an arrow right into him. Oliver cradles Dinah in his arms while she apologizes for missing his birthday.

Oliver and Dinah naked in bed

“Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters” is not only a great and unusual story from DC Comics, but has some impressive artwork as well. Written and illustrated by Mike Grell, panels are illustrated in what appears to be colored pencils. There are also some especially interesting panels of portraits done on gray-tone paper and applied with chalk and charcoal. His realistic art style adds an enormous amount of credibility to DC’s two characters who were never before portrayed so maturely.

Despite realism and shocking moments like seeing Black Canary tied up and tortured, Mike Grell’s “Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters” made a huge splash. It was nominated for an Eisner Award, led to an on-going Green Arrow comic book series, and influenced the CW television show Arrow. The miniseries also introduced a significant costume change for Green Arrow, ditching his trademark trick arrows for more conventional weaponry, further grounding the character in reality. Be sure to pick it up (Affiliate Link) to experience this groundbreaking reimagining of the Emerald Archer.

Background of Black Canary

Black Canary, whose real name is Dinah Laurel Lance, is a prominent figure in the DC Universe. She is the daughter of the original Black Canary, Dinah Drake, and has inherited her mother’s mantle. Known for her powerful Canary Cry, a sonic scream capable of shattering objects and incapacitating foes, Black Canary is a metahuman with extraordinary abilities. Her skills as a martial artist and vigilante have made her a key member of the Justice League and the Birds of Prey. Often seen alongside her love interest, Green Arrow (Oliver Queen), she operates in both Gotham City and Star City, donning her iconic Black Canary costume, which includes fishnet stockings and a leather jacket.

Dinah’s background is rich with intrigue and action. She is not only a crimefighter but also a detective, using her keen intellect and hand-to-hand combat skills to take down criminals. Her sonic scream, or Canary Cry, is a formidable weapon, capable of producing powerful sound waves that can disorient and defeat her enemies. Black Canary’s physical prowess is complemented by her peak human condition, which includes exceptional agility, reflexes, stamina, and endurance. Her balance and sound immunity make her a formidable opponent in any battle.

Throughout her career, Black Canary has faced numerous adversaries, including Lady Shiva and Talia al Ghul. She has also teamed up with other heroes like Oracle (Barbara Gordon) and Vixen. Her connections to the Justice Society of America and her relationships with characters like Larry Lance and Kurt Lance add depth to her story. In addition to her crimefighting duties, Dinah has pursued a career as a rock star, leading the Black Canary band and performing under the stage name Quietus. Her bandmates, including Bo Maeve, Paloma Terrific, and Lord Byron, have become part of her extended family.

Black Canary’s adventures have taken her across the globe, from Gotham City’s dark alleys to the bustling streets of Star City. Her motorcycle, a symbol of her independence and strength, is often seen roaring through the night as she hunts down criminals. Her encounters with villains like Harpy, Bonfire, and Auntie Gravity have tested her limits, but she always emerges victorious. Black Canary’s legacy is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication to justice, making her an enduring icon in the world of superheroes.