***Contains Spoilers***
The Arsenal ’96 Special and the four-issue Arsenal miniseries from 1998 delve into Roy Harper’s complicated life. The former forces him to confront his dark past with a grim relapse into heroin, while the latter balances his superhero escapades with the joys and challenges of fatherhood. Across both stories, we see Roy grappling with his identity, responsibilities, and connections to his past and his loved ones. With Vandal Savage looming as a macabre antagonist, the miniseries offers a blend of personal growth and action, even if it’s more about Roy’s character journey than the villain’s schemes.
What stood out most to me was the depth these stories gave Roy Harper. The flashback to his first attempt at drying out, with Dinah Lance (Black Canary) stepping in after Oliver Queen abandoned him, was incredibly poignant. That moment solidified Dinah as an anchor in Roy’s life and made me appreciate their bond even more. It’s a raw reminder of how far Roy has come—and how much he owes to Dinah’s unwavering support.
The Arsenal miniseries also offered some heartwarming (and occasionally hilarious) moments. Roy’s relationship with his daughter, Lian, was a highlight. Seeing him try to be a good dad, despite his unorthodox methods (maybe letting her play with toy guns isn’t ideal parenting), adds layers to his character. The scene where he and Dinah interrogate potential babysitters like hardened detectives had me laughing out loud. It’s little moments like these that humanize Roy and make him so relatable.
As for the plot, I enjoyed the gruesomeness of Vandal Savage’s immortality being tied to consuming parts of his descendants’ bodies. Savage’s monstrous need makes him an indelible villain, even if this story wasn’t his strongest outing. Ultimately, the miniseries was more about Roy’s growth than Savage’s schemes, which was fine by me. It’s nice to see Arsenal coming into his own as one of DC’s more grounded, multifaceted heroes. Between this and his Titans appearances, Roy is becoming a personal favorite of mine.
While I appreciated the focus on Roy’s personal life, the Vandal Savage plot felt like an afterthought, with the villain coming off as more of a distraction than a true threat. It’s clear the story’s heart was in Roy’s growth, but the action sequences could have used more polish and stakes.
Overall, the Arsenal ’96 Special and Arsenal (1998) miniseries offer a deep dive into Roy Harper’s character, showcasing his struggles, growth, and relationships. While not perfect, the story’s heart is in the right place. If you’re a fan of the Titans or Roy’s complex journey, it’s worth a read. For me, this is a solid 3-star experience: something I liked and plan to revisit, but not without its flaws.
Feature Image Arsenal Special #1 cover art by William Rosado