Robb Ghag reviews Green Arrow #23.1: Count Vertigo…
I have to admit, I didn’t know that much about the history of Count Vertigo. Truth be told, it wasn’t until the animated DC Showcase of Green Arrow (found as a bonus feature on the Superman/Batman: Apocalypse DVD) that his backstory was shown.
Jeff Lemire delves even deeper into the history of Werner Zytle, later to be known as Count Vertigo. This story takes many dark twists and turns, and one can’t help but feel sympathy for the little boy who is tortured and tormented. First by his mother, who blames the young Count for all of the transgressions and disparities their family has faced. Later as the boy is used as a guinea pig, he is further tortured by the boys at the institution.
Once the Count is born, he has the power to take his revenge, and does so in a true super villain fashion. The book is superbly drawn by Andrea Sorrentino with a dark, sketch like style it evokes the emotional response one would expect when reminiscing over the Count’s hard upbringing. Sorrentino & Maiolo also take on this 3D cover, which out of all the villains covers this month, is the most appropriate, given the fact Count Vertigo makes you lose your equilibrium. You can almost feel him emanate through this cover. It’s no surprise why Count Vertigo is one of Green Arrow’s deadliest villains.
Robb Ghag works for an Arts & Entertainment Brokerage in Toronto Canada. An Animation and Film school graduate, he specializes in Risk Management of Animation and VFX studios throughout North America.
