Some thoughts about Green Arrow: Stranded

Can a young Oliver Queen help his father survive?

Robert Queen has brought his son to hunt thinking that this will make him tougher but crashing into a desolated island will soon teach him that his soon is much stronger than he ever expected.

Okay, we rarely see Elseworlds Green Arrow stories so I had to take a chance with this one and thank God I did.

It was also a surprise to see one settled in the DC Graphic Novels for Kids imprint, this is the first time I try one of them and don't let the title fool you, this book actually touches pretty compelling themes despite of being directed to children.

Written by Brendan Deneen, the plot is centered around a much younger version of Oliver Queen than what we're used to see, a much kinder and more innocent too actually which is fitting as a whole. This Ollie doesn't feel comfortable hunting animals for fun or anything which is a sentiment I can sympathize with, mind you, I don't think Ollie should be completely against the idea, especially if is in a life or death situation (which is something that happens in this book) but again, considering the age of the protagonist is much more understandable.

The surviver angle is handled appropriately because of the multiple issues that Ollie has to face to get out of this island alive, is all the classic problems that you can imagine concerning the scenario, is played in a pretty simple yet effective way. I think the most interesting aspect of this is the dynamic between Ollie and his father, Robert is actually portrayed in the way I usually imagine him as, someone who tries to do what's best for his son despite of not actually knowing what's best, this allows for an engaging interaction that continually developes over the course of the story. Plus, even in the middle of survival plot, the writer still manages to include topics that worry children like the possibility of a divorce between their parents in a manner that doesn't feel forced.

There are other characters involved in the plot and while they reinforce some of the aspects here, I don't think they're really needed for the main point of the title which is Ollie showing how strong he actually is. Speaking about other issues, I think the ending comes rather abruptly and I wish it was better implemented.

Bell Hosalia's cartoony artstyle is perfect for this kind of book, especially for the expressions that depict all the different emotions between the cast while creating a soft tone that doesn't feel out of place.

Good read, wouldn't mind to see more of this particular universe.