In Chris Condon and Montos’s Green Arrow #19, the pursuit of “The Fresh Water Killer” intensifies! Having just claimed their most significant victim yet – a former US senator – this mysterious vigilante’s crusade against corruption escalates. Green Arrow is in a desperate race against time – can he stop the killer before they strike again? Let’s dive in!
The issue opens with a flashback of a child collapsing to her mother’s dismay. The implication is – that something in the child’s food or water caused this terrifying episode. We then jump to Green Arrow, Detective Benitez (from issue #18), and a very cute pup. They discuss the late Senator Foley, whose history of corporate pandering and neglect of his constituents raises the question: Did he deserve his violent end?
Arriving at Foley’s mansion, they join the Star City police investigating the crime scene. It’s here we get our first glimpse of the killer. Green Arrow’s keen detective skills soon reveal the shocking truth: the killer is still inside the mansion! A thrilling action sequence ensues, culminating in the killer’s capture. But as we soon discover, all is not as it seems.
Credits: DC Comics
Writer Chris Condon continues to deliver a strikingly modern story that exposes the inherent flaws of a capitalist society and how it can crush ordinary people. He uses Green Arrow as a mouthpiece for timely questions, though Oliver’s solutions often feel like blunt instruments – or arrows – that address symptoms rather than root causes. Of course, there’s plenty of story left to unfold. Moreover, the banter between Green Arrow and Detective Benitez is ridiculously charming, their chemistry literally sparking off the page. It’s a shame Ollie’s already spoken for!
Beyond the playful flirtation, this series continues to tackle real-world issues with surprising depth. The dialogue delves into the responsibilities of elected officials and their duty to the average citizen, prompting us to consider how we combat corruption and ensure justice. The tense exchange between Green Arrow and the other detective was equally compelling. The detective’s frustrated outburst, “If he had what it took, he’d be wearing a badge instead of a mask,” perfectly encapsulates the ongoing debate about the line between “good” vigilantism and the law. My only minor gripe with this issue was that the killer’s capture felt rushed.
Montos’s art, on the other hand, masterfully blends superheroics with gritty realism. His characters are incredibly expressive, conveying genuine emotion even when Green Arrow’s face is partially obscured. Andriano Lucas’s stark blacks add a visceral, almost grimy quality to every panel, making the world feel tangible and potent. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering is consistently clear and natural, guiding the reader effortlessly through the dialogue. While some of the “barks” felt a bit excessive, they do serve their purpose of conveying loud, jarring sounds.
Credits: DC Comics
Green Arrow #19 throws us right back into the pursuit of the ‘Fresh Water Killer,’ with the stakes raised by the murder of a former senator. Green Arrow and Detective Benitez are forced to team up, navigating a gritty, action-packed investigation that doesn’t shy away from tackling real-world issues. The issue delivers hard-hitting visuals and compelling banter, exploring themes of corruption and the blurred lines of justice. While the killer is caught, the final moments leave you wondering what hidden truths are still lurking beneath the surface.
‘Green Arrow’ #19 Review: Green Arrow Faces The Fresh Water Killer
Green Arrow #19 throws us right back into the pursuit of the ‘Fresh Water Killer,’ with the stakes raised by the murder of a former senator. Green Arrow and Detective Benitez are forced to team up, navigating a gritty, action-packed investigation that doesn’t shy away from tackling real-world issues. The issue delivers hard-hitting visuals and compelling banter, exploring themes of corruption and the blurred lines of justice. While the killer is caught, the final moments leave you wondering what hidden truths are still lurking beneath the surface.
