Aquaman/Green Arrow: Deep Target # 1 2021 NM-

Aquaman/Green Arrow: Deep Target #1, released in October 2021, is the first of a seven-issue miniseries celebrating the 80th anniversary of both heroes. The story features a mind-bending premise where Oliver Queen and Arthur Curry have effectively switched lives and roles due to a timeline alteration. 

Plot and Premise

The series begins with a high-stakes mystery after a shadowy organization called Scorpio uses a "cosmic treadmill" to loot artifacts from the past, including a dinosaur from the prehistoric era. This interference disrupts the universe, leading to a reality where: 

• The Switch: Oliver Queen is now Oliver Curry, the King of Atlantis, while Arthur Curry has become the Emerald Archer.
• The Conflict: In the first issue, an archer Arthur Curry infiltrates Atlantis to attack Oliver Queen, believing Oliver has stolen his life.
• The Villain: The timeline shift is linked to a time travel experiment involving General Anderton, who inadvertently fuses with a dinosaur during the process. 

Creative Team

According to DC Comics, the series was developed by the following team: 

• Writer: Brandon Thomas, who is noted by reviewers at But Why Tho? for using misdirection to set up the central mystery.
• Artist: Ronan Cliquet, praised by critics at Black Nerd Problems for using visual cues rather than heavy exposition to reveal the character switch.
• Colorist: Ulises Arreola, whose vibrant greens and blues are highlighted for making the artwork pop. 

Critical Reception

Expert opinions on the first issue were varied, ranging from enthusiastic to confused:

• Positives: Critics at Geek Dad and COMICON called it an unpredictable "sci-fi adventure romp" that feels like a modern homage to the Silver Age.
• Negatives: A reviewer from ComicBook.com felt the script was messy and that the story didn't serve Green Arrow's character well.
• Common Critique: Multiple sources, including League of Comic Geeks users, noted that Oliver and Arthur's physical resemblance (both blond with similar facial hair) added to the initial confusion of the switch.