Green Arrow Annual # 1 1988 NM-

Green Arrow Annual #1 (1988), titled "Lesson for a Crab," is the middle chapter of the three-part "Fables" crossover event that also ran through Detective Comics Annual #1 and The Question Annual #1. In VF/NM condition, this issue typically holds a market value of $5.00 to $9.00. 

Plot Summary

The story follows a shaken Oliver Queen in Seattle after a rogue British archer named Lord Kalesque begins a series of random killings to bait him into a duel. 

• The Conflict: Kalesque is obsessed with proving his archery superiority to Green Arrow.
• The Resolution: Rather than a standard physical battle, Oliver is visited by the martial arts masters O-Sensei and Lady Shiva, who offer him enlightenment. Oliver eventually defeats Kalesque by taking a "Zen" approach—refusing to fight, which causes the antagonist to emotionally collapse.
• Significance: This issue features the first meeting between Lady Shiva and Black Canary, who would later become iconic rivals in the Birds of Prey series. 

Creative Team

• Writer: Dennis (Denny) O'Neil.
• Artist: Tom Artis (pencils) and Timothy Dzon (inks).
• Cover Artists: Ed Hannigan and Dick Giordano. 

Guest Stars

The issue is notable for its heavy-hitting guest lineup, connecting the street-level heroes of the late '80s DC Universe: 

• Batman (Bruce Wayne) and Alfred Pennyworth
• Black Canary (Dinah Lance)
• Lady Shiva and her mentor, O-Sensei