SUMMARY
In the DC Universe, the Titans are coming back together following a betrayal—Arsenal is departing Green Arrow’s team to reconnect with his old companions.
Green Arrow’s collaboration with Amanda Waller has driven Arsenal back to the Teen Titans.
Arsenal is grappling with Green Arrow’s betrayal but will find solace among his former Teen Titans teammates.
Due to a betrayal that is shaking the DC Universe, the original quintet of the Teen Titans is finally reuniting. Recently, the Titans have been at the forefront as the DC Universe’s premier superhero team, yet a vital member has been absent from their lineup.
Roy Harper, also known as Arsenal, was a cornerstone of the Teen Titans at their inception. Although Harper has periodically rejoined his old teammates, Arsenal has been busy working with Green Arrow’s team and reconnecting with his daughter. However, a significant twist is about to disrupt Harper’s current team and send him back to his other family, the Titans.
Arsenal is Leaving Green Arrow’s Team to Rejoin the Titans
Significant transformations are on the horizon for the DC Universe this year. The publisher has unveiled its new initiative, DC All In, marking one of the largest endeavors since the New 52. DC Comics has made a major impact by announcing this new era will introduce the Absolute Universe, a world of radically different yet recognizable versions of DC’s most iconic figures. Alongside a fresh universe for readers to explore, the Prime DC Universe is also receiving a revamp, with new creative teams taking over existing titles.
For instance, Green Arrow is losing Joshua Williamson and Sean Izaakse and gaining Chris Condon and Montos. This transition will occur in Green Arrow #350 and Green Arrow 2024 Annual #1, both following up on Oliver Queen’s actions from Absolute Power. Queen will have to face the consequences of his actions on his family, and in Izaakse’s variant for Green Arrow #350, it’s clear Arsenal is not handling it well. Roy is depicted smashing Green Arrow’s bow and arrow, with his mentor watching in shock.
Though Roy’s trust in Oliver Queen may be broken, he still has allies. Arsenal also appears on Pete Woods’ cover for Titans #16, wielding a gun as he joins Nightwing in action. John Giang’s variant shows Arsenal with several of his old Teen Titans friends, including Nightwing, Donna Troy, Flash, Beast Boy, Cyborg, and Raven.
Green Arrow’s Decisions Were Bound to Harm His Family
The past year has been tumultuous for everyone in the DC Universe, especially for Green Arrow and his family. Oliver Queen went missing after Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, traveling through time and space. While his family searched for him, Queen remained distant, fearing a reunion might trigger a catastrophic global event. However, it was ultimately revealed that Green Arrow’s separation from his family was a psychological ploy orchestrated partly by Amanda Waller.
Oliver eventually returned home and confronted Amanda for her manipulation. Green Arrow infiltrated the Hall of Order and faced Waller, who confessed she always intended to recruit him. After revealing her plans for the world’s metahumans, Waller offered Green Arrow a role in her scheme, assuring him his family would be safe. Surprisingly, Green Arrow agreed and even assisted her in acquiring the Sanctuary files on his former Justice League teammates.
Oliver Queen turns to the dark side in Green Arrow #13 (2024)!
Upon disclosing his new allegiance to his family, Green Arrow fully committed to working for Amanda Waller. With everything in place, Waller swiftly targeted the metahumans. Using a team of Amazos named Task Force VII, Waller stripped most superheroes of their powers. The heroes scrambled to understand the situation, only for Green Arrow to inform them privately that there was no place to hide and that Waller was targeting them all.
Green Arrow’s Betrayal Has Reunited the Titans
While the heroes of the DC Universe continue to grapple with the loss of their powers, fans anticipate a return to normalcy soon. Nevertheless, Green Arrow’s actions are unlikely to be forgiven quickly. Even if Oliver is acting as a double agent to thwart Waller, his participation in her plans without informing anyone will hurt those closest to him, particularly Arsenal.
…from his drug addiction to the loss of his daughter, the Titans have always been there for Arsenal.
Roy will likely avoid Oliver for a while, but fortunately, he has other places to turn. The Titans remain active, albeit likely reassessing post-Absolute Power. As a team Roy helped establish, and with one of his best friends still leading it, Arsenal will undoubtedly be welcomed warmly. With Tempest recently rejoining, this marks the first time the Fab Five Titans have been united in years.
Currently, Arsenal is in a stressful situation. His close friend and mentor have betrayed everything Roy believed in. Even if Oliver Queen’s intentions are good, it’s likely to drive Roy away. Yet, from his struggles with addiction to the loss of his daughter, the Titans have consistently supported him. Roy’s deep connection with the original Titans makes this the ideal environment for him to heal from Green Arrow’s betrayal.
What Lies Ahead for Arsenal and the Titans?
With the conclusion of Absolute Power and the future of DC All In shrouded in mystery, predicting the future is challenging. However, Arsenal will need considerable support to overcome this betrayal, and no one is better equipped to help him than friends like Nightwing or Donna Troy. They have witnessed Roy’s highest and lowest points. As Arsenal faces the sudden twist from Green Arrow, he will at least have his old Teen Titans friends by his side to guide him through.
Green Arrow #350 is available on October 23rd and Titans #16 is available on October 16th from DC Comics.