What Does Absolute Green Arrow Mean for Black Canary?

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In simpler terms, the DC’s Absolute Universe is progressing vigorously, as it prepares to introduce characters such as Green Arrow, offering exciting opportunities for Black Canary to join him. One of the most significant pieces of DC news shared at the 2025 San Diego Comic Con was the announcement that Green Arrow will soon have his own comic book in the ongoing Absolute Universe. This universe, portrayed as an alternate reality spawned from Darkseid’s power, has been a massive success in the comic book world, captivating fans with fresh and unanticipated reinterpretations of DC heroes like Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter.

In the upcoming Absolute DC, Green Arrow is set to appear, which could pave the way for more DC heroes to have their own Absolute versions. Of all the characters, Black Canary seems the most likely to follow, given their shared past. However, it’s important to note that each character’s Absolute version in Absolute DC will undergo significant changes, just like everyone else’s.

Green Arrow & Black Canary’s Relationship Explained

In much the same way as many DC superheroes, Black Canary originally established her roots within the Justice Society of America. The original Black Canary, Dinah Drake (created by Robert Kanigher and Carmine Infantino), was among the JSA’s initial members. Later on, her daughter, Dinah Laurel Lance, who was developed by Dennis O’Neal and Dick Dillin, took over as the second Black Canary in contemporary times. It is often Dinah Lance that modern fans recognize as Black Canary.

In the 1960s, Green Arrow and Black Canary established a romantic relationship that has remained an essential aspect of their superhero partnership. This romantic theme is consistently present across major adaptations like “Justice League Unlimited,” “Smallville,” and “Arrow.” However, this history doesn’t automatically guarantee a rekindling of their romantic connection in DC’s Absolute Universe.

Black Canary Will Not Be the Character DC Fans Know in the Absolute Universe (& That’s a Good Thing)

Since its beginning, Absolute DC has been known for reworking and reinventing the DC superhero lineup in unconventional ways, paving the path early on with characters like the colossal construction worker Batman, a new interpretation of Wonder Woman as a warrior brought up in Hell, and Superman portrayed as a Kryptonian refugee, who arrived on Earth as an adult wearing an A.I.-powered super suit. The depiction of The Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and the numerous villains of this new universe have continued down the same path, and it is unlikely that Green Arrow will simply emulate his standard DC counterpart in Absolute DC.

In her Absolute version, Black Canary may undergo significant changes and modifications. Although she’ll probably still possess some form of her signature ability, the Canary Cry, this power might be significantly altered. Moreover, given that Absolute DC shares connections with Darkseid, it’s likely that Dinah’s romance with Oliver and her origin story as Black Canary will experience a much more ominous transformation. While there are numerous paths Absolute DC could take for Black Canary, the characters introduced before hers might provide hints about what Absolute Black Canary may manifest as.

Other Absolute DC Characters Hint to How Black Canary Could Be Different

In the new DC universe, Green Arrow (Oliver Queen) will continue to be portrayed as a billionaire, contrasting with Batman’s blue-collar transformation in the same universe. This decision might set the stage for a rocky start in Oliver and Dinah’s relationship due to their differing economic backgrounds. By keeping Oliver wealthy, the creators could potentially present Dinah as coming from poverty, creating an initial tension between them based on class differences. However, this contrast could also provide an opportunity for Dinah to grow to understand and appreciate Oliver more deeply, eventually leading to the development of their romance.

In this scenario, it’s uncertain if Absolute DC will continue the romance between Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) and Dinah Drake (the primary Black Canary), given that Lois Lane starts off as an antagonist to Superman within the Sinister Lazarus Corps. Although Superman and Lois Lane eventually form an alliance, Absolute DC could introduce an unexpected twist by portraying Oliver and Dinah not only as unromantic but also as heroes who have a strained relationship at best. This shift in their dynamic could be a significant move from the norm for Absolute DC, especially since Oliver remains a billionaire, and they might even further develop the storyline by making Dinah Drake, rather than Dinah Lance, the main Black Canary character.

The fact that Wally West is now the primary Flash in the Absolute DC Universe, following Barry Allen’s (apparently temporary) demise, makes it quite believable for Black Canary’s backstory to undergo changes in this new universe. This transformation reflects the exciting and innovative approach taken by the Absolute Universe in reimagining DC Comics’ most famous superheroes. With Absolute Green Arrow on the horizon, the potential for Absolute Black Canary is as limitless as it is for every other hero.

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2025-08-02 15:40