Green Arrow #24 Wraps Up a Powerful Arc with Heart

After the explosive fallout of the Fresh Water Kills disaster, Green Arrow #24 finds Oliver Queen at a crossroads. How far is he willing to go to make sure the tragedies of the past don’t happen again? Writer Chris Condon crafts a grounded and emotional finale that not only ties up the arc effectively, but reinforces the moral complexity at the heart of this series.

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

Green Arrow #24 – DC Comics

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

The Writing:

Chris Condon’s script balances resolution with introspection. The issue kicks off with a powerful flashback that gives readers a closer look at Kenny Gordon—the man who became the Fresh Water Killer. Rather than painting him as a simple villain, Condon reveals the tragic chain of events and emotional turmoil that led Kenny down a dark path. It’s a bold move that deepens the emotional stakes and challenges the reader’s perception of justice.

This character-focused approach extends to Oliver himself. As he picks up the emotional pieces of the conflict, we see a Green Arrow who isn’t rushing off to the next fight, but instead pausing to consider what lasting justice looks like. The dialogue between Oliver and Detective Benitez is particularly rich. It plants seeds for future team-ups while slyly hinting that the detective knows more about Oliver than he’s letting on. It’s a subtle but exciting setup that gives this issue weight beyond just being a finale.

Thematically, this issue doesn’t pull punches. It grapples with the systemic failures that allowed a tragedy like Fresh Water Kills to happen in the first place, and the emotional toll on the victims and those trying to help. Condon doesn’t offer easy answers—only a reminder that doing the right thing often comes at a cost.

Check Out Green Arrow #22 Review Here!

The Art, Colors and Letters:

Montos delivers a visually expressive issue that leans heavily into character emotion. The opening flashback is particularly effective, using facial expressions and body language to show Kenny’s descent into despair. This is where Montos excels—not in splashy fight scenes (though those are solid, too), but in the quiet, heartbreaking moments that speak volumes without needing dialogue.

The middle of the issue includes a standout visual sequence: Oliver makes a last-minute detour before returning home. It’s a wordless interlude, relying solely on visual storytelling to convey Green Arrow’s unresolved anger and sense of duty. Shadow work and action lines are used with precision, making this short sequence one of the most powerful in the issue.

Adriano Lucas’s color work is moody and immersive, heightening the emotion of each scene. The somber tones used during the flashback complement the heartbreak of Kenny’s story, while warmer shades later in the issue hint at the hope that Oliver still clings to. The mood shifts are seamless, and the palette tells just as much of the story as the dialogue.

Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering brings rhythm and texture to the story. Action scenes crackle with urgency thanks to his impactful sound effects and well-placed emphasis. In quieter scenes, the lettering becomes more restrained, allowing the emotion to breathe. It’s a subtle but vital part of the storytelling.

Final Thoughts:

Green Arrow #24 doesn’t just bring a story to a close—it challenges readers to think about what justice really means. This is a superhero comic that dares to slow down, to mourn, and to take responsibility. It’s a reflective, emotionally potent issue that humanizes everyone involved—from the victims, to the villain, to the hero caught in the middle.

Condon, Montos, Lucas, and Otsmane-Elhaou have created a finale that feels earned, necessary, and deeply human. This isn’t just a good Green Arrow story—it’s a powerful statement on the responsibilities of heroes, both in comics and beyond.

Overall Grade: 9/10

Thanks for checking out my review for the NI Comics Bullpen. Let me know what you thought of the latest issue in the comments below! Hit me up on any social media platform here! Till next time…

Want More Reviews From martystoked? Click HERE