In the wake of the chaos, Green Arrow has finally put an end to the Fresh Water Killers. This story has built up slowly over time, posing sociological questions about the class differences in society and their impact. Maybe that’s why when Ollie finally caught Kenny, it didn’t feel the same as when Batman catches the Joker. Kenny did break the law. Repeatedly. But it was different, wasn’t it? Was Kenny evil, or did a series of traumatizing events alter the trajectory of his life? Well, that’s for you to decide. But with most things said and done, there’s still an epilogue to wrap up Chris Condon and Montos’s first arc on Green Arrow. Given that, is this issue another bullseye?
DC
I’ve raved and raved about Condon’s perception of Green Arrow. And you know what? In honor of my favorite loudmouth social rights-oriented fictional character, I’m going to speak unapologetically about why this is the perfect Green Arrow issue. The primary story, as the preview implies, is a long conversation between Oliver Queen and Kenny where the pair talk about a feasible way to enact change when people are suffering and what isn’t likely to produce desired results. After that, we get one of the best Oliver Queen moments in recent history where he, in prison, speaks his mind without care or regard for authority or anything besides the little guy. And it’s just awesome. Condon perfectly encapsulates how Ollie is far more than a hothead, he’s an empathetic, intelligent, forward-thinking guy who puts the hero in the superhero. He considers every factor in a situation and can determine the best course of action, which is why this makes for a far more compelling interaction. It’s not disingenuous at all. Through this interaction, and another that is equally as satisfying, the story ends on a perfect note.
DC
That other satisfying moment I just talked about? Yes, it’s written incredibly. But it’s also drawn perfectly. I won’t get into it too much because, in my opinion, it’s just as important as the beginning not in the previews, and therefore I don’t want to touch on it too much, but it’s perfectly elevated by the art. Montos gives readers what they’ve been waiting for with the most intense and terrifying moment with Green Arrow thus far. Here, he’s not quipping, laughing, or antagonizing. No, here is the hero who loathes injustice and will do something about it. This also provides colorist Adriano Lucas with the perfect moment to have sharp clashing colors of light and dark hues that add depth and intensity to the book’s final few pages. And while the entire issue is nothing short of perfect, if I could only pick one moment to say is visually immaculate, it would be this.
DC
So, why is this such a great issue? Well, it encapsulates all the foundations of Green Arrow while delivering a modern take on his ethics. The story finds its strength in taking its time drawing out important conversations and contrasting them to intense action scenes. It’s also one full of passion for justice and hope for a better future for everybody. As a result, the story is the perfect epilogue that reflects on the recent events delineated in the story, which isn’t something comics always do, and faces the actual problems people experience as poignantly as a comic can be. As a result, this is arguably my favorite comic of the year.
Okay so, let’s cut to the chase while we wrap things up: this is a perfect issue through and through. Condon delivers heartfelt scenes, intense ones that might make the reader laugh, and ones that will leave you aghast. These moments are all drawn with intense line work, and brilliant colors, and all of this comes together to deliver a meaningful story. And most importantly, the story comes to a close in a genuine way. There are thousands of stories like this, but they don’t get a happy ending, because life doesn’t always give happy endings to hurting communities. Sometimes, the acts of a few become the image of many. And while this story does acknowledge the reality of that, the issue still finds its success in supplying a satisfying conclusion to the story.
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