Green Arrow 25: Crimson Archer’s Return Shakes Star City

The Writing:

Green Arrow #25 wastes no time throwing readers back into the streets of Star City, where Oliver Queen is desperately trying to build a better future in the aftermath of the Fresh Water Killings. Writer Chris Condon skillfully balances fast-paced action with reflective, emotional storytelling.

Creative Team: Chris Condon (Writer), Montos (Artists), Adriano Lucas (Colors), Buddy Beaudoin (Letters)

Green Arrow #25 – DC Comics

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

Oliver is not just fighting the city’s corporate corruption—he’s wrestling with the weight of his own legacy. Condon does an excellent job portraying a hero who is painfully aware of his past missteps. Oliver’s internal conflict drives the narrative, and you can feel his determination to grow and do better, despite the odds stacked against him.

What makes this issue shine is how it connects the dots between Oliver’s past and present through the return of the Crimson Archer—a former protégé who twisted Oliver’s training into something sinister. This isn’t just another villain-of-the-week; the Crimson Archer represents Oliver’s biggest fear: that his influence might have done more harm than good. It’s a brilliant, character-driven threat that raises personal stakes far beyond a typical superhero brawl.

Adding even more heart to the story is the brief but memorable reunion between Oliver and Roy Harper (Speedy). Their bond is as strong as ever, filled with genuine affection, playful jabs, and a deep sense of history. Their rooftop patrols, their shared laughs, and their moments of quiet reflection are all handled with great care, offering long-time Green Arrow fans a satisfying reminder of why their relationship is so essential to the series.

The pacing is tight throughout, but Condon knows when to slow things down to let the emotional beats breathe. These quieter moments elevate the story, giving the inevitable confrontation with the Crimson Archer even more weight.

Check Out Green Arrow #24 Review Here!

The Art, Colors and Letters:

Montos’s artwork is a standout in Green Arrow #25, blending modern linework and dynamic action with visual homages to Green Arrow’s storied past. The action scenes are kinetic and thrilling, using panel layouts that smartly frame key moments. One of the best artistic choices is the use of small, isolated panels with bright, solid-colored backgrounds—often red or orange—that freeze-frame crucial actions like a perfectly-timed cinematic pause. This approach calls back to classic Green Arrow storytelling while giving it a sleek, updated feel.

The rooftop sequences with Oliver and Roy are particularly breathtaking. Montos’s use of panel breaks during their leaps gives the illusion of characters jumping between panels, adding a subtle but effective three-dimensionality that keeps the reader’s eyes moving across the page with excitement.

Adriano Lucas’s coloring is masterfully applied, balancing vibrancy with emotional shading. The bold background colors during fight scenes help create a visual rhythm that enhances the action. Lucas also makes Star City feel alive, from its neon-lit skylines to its gritty back alleys.

Where Lucas truly shines is in the more intimate scenes. The coloring choices during Oliver and Roy’s conversations shift to cooler, more muted tones that draw focus to the characters’ expressions and allow the emotional beats to land more effectively. The transitions between high-energy fights and personal dialogue feel seamless thanks to this careful color work.

Buddy Beaudoin’s lettering quietly but effectively guides the entire reading experience. The text placement flows perfectly with the panel layouts, and the emphasis on key dialogue moments feels natural rather than forced. Beaudoin’s ability to pace the conversations and highlight specific words or phrases ensures the reader’s attention always lands exactly where it should. There’s a subtle craftsmanship in how the lettering gives just enough personality to differentiate voice without distracting from the art.

Final Thoughts:

Green Arrow #25 is more than just a superhero comic—it’s a story about legacy, mentorship, and the ripple effects of our choices. Oliver Queen is a hero who has made mistakes, and this issue leans into that vulnerability in a way that feels honest and earned. His struggle to be a better man, to break the cycle of harm, and to build something lasting in Star City gives this chapter real emotional depth.

The return of the Crimson Archer is a brilliant narrative device, challenging Oliver to confront the darker side of his influence. Combined with the heartwarming reconnection with Roy Harper, this issue strikes an impressive balance between adrenaline-pumping action and meaningful character development.

The creative team of Condon, Montos, Lucas, and Beaudoin delivers a book that looks great, reads smoothly, and hits hard emotionally. Fans of Green Arrow, both new and old, will find something to love here.

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