The endgame arrives in Green Arrow #23 by Chris Condon and Montos! It’s the final confrontation between Green Arrow and the Freshwater Killer. Can anyone stop the Freshwater Killer before it’s too late? Let’s dive in!
The story begins with the former Freshwater Community members becoming the vigilantes “Freshwater Killers,” donning masks, red coats, and arming themselves with pipes to prove corporations “cannot bury the truth.” This narrative powerfully echoes real-world frustrations with corporate harm, while writer Condon pushes the theme further, blurring the line between justice and vengeance.
We’re then thrown into a striking, rain-soaked scene picking up from issue #22, where Green Arrow continues to infiltrate the Killers’ gritty, realistic stronghold (thanks to Montes’s incredible art) to rescue Detective Benitez. Inside, just as the Killers prepare to execute the detective in poison waters, Green Arrow makes a epic entrance with a smoke arrow!
What follows is an explosive, masterfully drawn fight showcasing Green Arrow’s skills and smarts, leading into a concluding, thought-provoking exchange between him and the lead Killer about the meaning of “Justice” in an unjust world, perfectly setting up the finale of the incredible “Freshwater Kills” arc.
Credits: DC Comics
Chris Condon and Mantos’s Green Arrow is fantastic, and I can’t praise it enough. It doesn’t just tell a compelling story with the guts to critique megacorporations, but also perfectly portrays Green Arrow himself. Seeing him done this well as a big fan is a real treat. Mantos’s design choices, such as adding the cape and mouth cover, are minor tweaks that significantly elevate the character’s look – he just looks incredibly cool. That warehouse scene where he lands and the goons shout, ‘It’s Green Arrow!’ is pure comic book gold.
The story effectively delves into the theme of retribution. You can understand the Freshwater Killers’ perspective; they were wronged, and the system failed them. However, their methods raise questions about whether they’re becoming the very ‘monsters’ they oppose, powerfully illustrating how fighting evil can sometimes corrupt.
Mantos’s art consistently enhances this book. His use of negative space grounds the already realistic story and achieves a great deal with skillful economy. Furthermore, his action sequences are a highlight – they’re explosive and impactful, with every action and consequence crystal clear and easy to follow. I especially loved the action in this particular issue. Even though the fight is mostly one-sided (these ordinary folks pose no real threat to Green Arrow), it sets up a thought-provoking final confrontation that makes up for it.
Credit: DC Comics
Adriano Lucas sets the dark, gritty mood with muted colors, yet makes Green Arrow’s costume pop brilliantly against the Freshwater Killer’s strikingly bright red. The blue hue in the warehouse was a great choice, making the red and green stand out even more. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering is creative and easy to read. I enjoyed details like the SPAK effect with the arrow piercing the “A”, and the AAHHH! sketched on a goon taking an arrow to the knee! I love these rewarding small touches that encourage close attention in comics.
With its compelling critique of corporate harm, nuanced examination of justice versus vengeance, and fantastic portrayal of the hero, Green Arrow #23 remains a standout issue, further enhanced by stunning artwork. If you’re looking for a comic book that makes you think, pick up Green Arrow!
‘Green Arrow’ #23 Review: When the System Fails
With its compelling critique of corporate harm, nuanced examination of justice versus vengeance, and fantastic portrayal of the hero, Green Arrow #23 remains a standout issue.
