Green Arrow #21 Review – Star City’s Darkest Hour

Star City’s Reckoning

The past is catching up to Oliver Queen, and this time, it’s more than just a ghost, it’s an entire city demanding answers. Following his intense confrontation with the Fresh Water Killer, Oliver finds himself staring down the consequences of his own actions. The ecological disaster consuming Star City is no longer just a headline; it’s personal, and the people suffering the most have nowhere else to turn but to the man they believe played a role in their downfall.

This issue leans heavily into the human toll of the crisis, with writer Chris Condon expertly using a town hall meeting to amplify the voices of Star City’s citizens. Their desperation is palpable, their anger justified, and their heartbreak deeply relatable. It’s not often that Oliver Queen is made to feel powerless, but here, stripped of his bow and the anonymity of the Green Arrow persona, he’s just another man being asked to account for his past. The tension is thick, the stakes are real, and the deeper Oliver digs into the mystery, the more he realizes that this isn’t a problem he can solve with a well-placed arrow.

Creative Team: Chris Condon (Writer), Montos (Artists), Adriano Lucas (Colors), Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Letters)

Green Arrow #21 – DC Comics

******Potential Spoiler Warning******

The Writing:

Condon delivers an emotionally charged script that dives deep into Oliver’s past and his complicated relationship with Star City. While action sequences are present, the real strength of this issue lies in its character work. The town hall sequence is the beating heart of the story, showing a side of superhero comics that is often overlooked—the human cost of decisions made long before the first punch is thrown.

Oliver is faced with the harsh reality that even with his skills and resources, he may not be able to fix what’s been broken. The citizens’ stories feel authentic, and their pleas for justice make it impossible for readers not to sympathize with them. This sense of realism grounds the narrative, making the weight of the crisis feel immense. Even the confrontation with the Fresh Water Killer, while brief, is used to great effect, pushing Oliver further into a corner as the mystery behind the disaster only grows more complex.

Condon’s ability to balance action with heavy emotional beats ensures that every moment feels meaningful. The dialogue is sharp and purposeful, whether it’s the raw frustration of the townspeople or Oliver’s internal battle with guilt and responsibility. By the end of the issue, it’s clear that the problem at hand is far from over, and the road ahead will only get rougher.

Check Out Green Arrow #20 Review Here!

The Art, Colors and Letters:

Montos’ artwork is nothing short of spectacular, particularly in capturing the raw emotion of the town hall scene. Each facial expression tells a story—rage, despair, exhaustion—giving weight to every plea and accusation thrown Oliver’s way. The town hall sequences feel tense and claustrophobic, reinforcing the idea that there is no easy escape from the consequences Oliver now faces.

Adriano Lucas’ colors enhance the emotional depth of the story. The use of darker tones adds an oppressive atmosphere, mirroring the sense of hopelessness that permeates Star City. The contrast between the somber interior of the town hall and the eerie glow of the polluted waters outside creates a visual representation of the problem at hand—one that can’t be ignored or easily solved.

Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering is a standout element in this issue. The fight scene between Oliver and the Fresh Water Killer in his apartment is particularly impressive, with onomatopoeia integrated into the action in a way that enhances the energy of the sequence. A panel drawn within the letters themselves adds a dynamic flair, visually emphasizing Oliver’s struggle. This level of creativity in the lettering helps push the storytelling beyond the script and art alone.

Another highlight is the full-page splash where panels are overlaid on a haunting image of a house, reinforcing the looming threat of the crisis and the interconnected nature of the mystery. These subtle yet impactful design choices make the issue feel immersive and visually engaging.

Final Thoughts:

Green Arrow #21 is a gripping, emotionally charged issue that showcases the best of what comics can do—tell stories that feel both larger than life and deeply personal. Chris Condon, Montos, Adriano Lucas, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou have crafted a chapter that pulls readers in with its raw storytelling, striking visuals, and innovative lettering techniques.

This isn’t just another superhero story; it’s a meditation on accountability, responsibility, and the limits of even the most capable heroes. Oliver Queen is used to being the one who finds solutions, but here, he’s forced to face a problem where even his arrows won’t be enough. That sense of helplessness, combined with the weight of the crisis, makes for an incredibly compelling read.

Overall Grade: 8.8/10

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