After 52 Years, DC Just Ended a Justice League Feud in the Bloodiest Way Possible

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Absolute DC is widely considered one of the best alternate universes ever created. The Absolute books really elevated the idea of a villain crafting a different reality. The six volumes – Absolute Wonder Woman, Absolute Superman, Absolute Batman, Absolute Martian Manhunter, Absolute Flash, and Absolute Green Lantern – have all been popular with fans, letting DC present familiar characters in fresh and innovative ways. Absolute Evil #1 continues the story of this alternate universe, cleverly reimagining the Justice League for a world built by Darkseid.

Absolute Evil #1 is a really engaging comic book that expands the Absolute Universe by introducing Green Arrow and Hawkman. Within this universe, Hawkman turned against the Justice Society back in 1951 and has been aligned with villains ever since. Oliver Queen, as Green Arrow, was similar-a wealthy and passionate fighter against the forces of the new world. Interestingly, in the standard comic universe, Hawkman and Green Arrow were long-time rivals, and Absolute Evil #1 brings their conflict to a brutal and final conclusion.

Hawkman and Green Arrow Are the Justice League’s Most Contentious Duo

The story started in 1973 with Justice League of America (Vol. 1) #104. Writer Len Wein – who also co-created Wolverine, revamped the X-Men, and served as an editor at both DC and Marvel, frequently collaborating with Alan Moore – became the writer for the series. He believed the Justice League members were too harmonious, lacking the conflict needed for compelling stories. To add some excitement, Wein decided to create tension between Hawkman and Green Arrow, using a battle against Hector Hammond and the seemingly unbeatable Shaggy Man as the starting point for their rivalry.

It all really clicked. Following the well-known Green Arrow/Green Lantern story “Hard-Traveling Heroes”, Green Arrow had transformed into a passionate liberal activist, frequently criticizing society. This was a significant shift for the character, who previously resembled a combination of Batman and Robin Hood. At the same time, Earth-One’s Hawkman was a very conservative law enforcement officer from another world – a stark contrast within the Justice League. The story “Hard-Traveling Heroes” effectively used the contrasting personalities of Green Arrow and Green Lantern, so Wein decided to recreate that dynamic, placing Hawkman in the role Green Lantern previously held. The pairing proved successful, and they’ve been competitive rivals and friends – frenemies – ever since. It was a winning combination.

I always felt like the animosity between Green Arrow and Hawkman came out of nowhere, but DC eventually explained it stemmed from Doctor Light’s attack on Sue Dibney during the Identity Crisis storyline. It really made sense of why they suddenly started disliking each other during Wein’s writing! Since then, their relationship has been portrayed in a lot of different ways, but that core grudge has always been there. They’ll team up when they need to, but their dislike for each other has definitely led to some fights over the years. That’s why this new development in Absolute Evil #1 is so fantastic – it really highlights that long-standing tension!

Absolute Evil #1 kicks off the story by showing Oliver Queen’s commitment to becoming a superhero and revealing that Hawkman works for the government, eliminating anyone who challenges the existing order. The comic begins by giving a brief background on both characters, and during a meeting of the villainous Absolute Justice League, Hawkman enters carrying Oliver Queen’s body. It turns out Hawkman has fatally injured Queen with his mace. Considering Green Arrow and Hawkman have been rivals for years, fans might have anticipated their conflict would continue in this new universe. However, DC has seemingly ended that rivalry with a shocking act of violence. But is that really the end?

The Changes to Hawkman Could Lead in Very Interesting Directions

What’s really fascinating about this situation is that Oliver Queen remains consistent across both universes, but Hawkman differs. However, the difference isn’t significant. Hawkman has historically been a protector of the existing order. If that order were oppressive, he’d likely support it-he already shows those leanings. Therefore, this change isn’t surprising and has the potential to lead to some compelling storylines. It’s a natural progression of his character, really.

DC has confirmed that an Absolute Green Arrow edition will still be released, meaning Ollie’s death isn’t truly the end of the character. In Absolute Evil #1, Ollie is speaking with Roy Harper, his partner in the primary DC universe, and sharing his vision for who should become the next Green Arrow. Given Ollie’s death, it’s likely that Roy will take on the mantle of Green Arrow. The circumstances of Ollie’s death – at the hands of Hawkman – combined with the apparent bond between Roy and the Queen family, could create a new rivalry between Green Arrow and Hawkman. Absolute Evil #1 is a huge success, and this is a clever story development that could have significant consequences down the line.

Absolute Evil #1 is on sale now.

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2025-10-03 23:51