Oliver Queen Faces an Uncomfortable Truth and it Could Change Everything (Green Arrow #21 Review)

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Too frequently, corporations create environmental disasters that directly harm vulnerable populations. When these people appeal to their representatives for action, for solutions, for accountability, nothing is done. Regardless of the volume of the voices or the extent of the destruction, the officials delay, equivocate, or remain silent. However, when those who suffer from corporate environmental negligence have reached their breaking point, they take charge themselves. In Green Arrow #21, this means Oliver Queen will soon face potential complicity in the tragedy, and maybe a larger enigma as well. While the storyline may seem concise, each page carries a strong emotional weight that raises significant questions about the true essence of justice.

A significant portion of Green Arrow #21 focuses on establishing the situation, yet it’s crucial not to confuse this with expository or redundant content. The narrative starts at a community gathering where Freshwater residents confront their elected representatives about the alarming events happening right outside their doors. For over a year, they’ve been voicing concerns about the toxic contamination in their neighborhoods – cases of children developing cancer, people being harmed by substances in their yards, and others experiencing epilepsy due to a harmful chemical in their bloodstream. Despite everyone being aware of the source of the toxins, no action is being taken. Residents question Senator Eustace Foley about their proposed solutions but receive evasive responses instead. The residents are desperate for aid – they’ve grown tired of being ignored.

In the Green Arrow series, readers are aware that the Fresh Water Killer has been targeting Horton Chemical executives. However, the situation becomes deeply personal when a killer targets Oliver Queen directly. While it’s clear Oliver will survive, the attempt and the assailant’s identity – revealed to be Ted Shephard, a victim of the Freshwater community disaster – is significant. The twist is that Oliver had been the president of Horton Chemical and approved the sale of Freshwater. This revelation is shocking, but it leaves room for doubt about Oliver’s involvement in the tragedy. What makes this even more intriguing is Ted’s unyielding stance, suggesting that Oliver may not be as innocent as he claims or is just as complicit as others in the disaster.

What stands out most in this story is Ted’s unyielding refusal to accept excuses or empty words from Oliver. Despite Oliver believing that his journalistic work would bring recognition for the victims, Ted reveals a harsh truth: once compensation was paid, everyone moved on. This narrative evolves into a reflection on justice and how people perceive certain actions. In essence, it suggests that significant actions and a disguise are necessary to make a lasting impact. Chris Condon masterfully delivers this profound message without coming off as preachy. Although Ted’s actions may seem extreme, there is a human element to them, allowing Condon to deliver a sharp critique. Additionally, there is something intricate about Oliver’s responses to being confronted. This story challenges Oliver to scrutinize his own actions and question the adequacy of what he is doing now.

Raising the bar in this work, though, is the artistry. The way Montos frames the action seems to have a life of its own and not only enhances the narrative with a deep tension that can only be achieved through visuals, but it also interacts wonderfully with the almost vintage depiction of Oliver’s countenance and build. Adriano Lucas’ colors truly shine here. The end product is an art form that tells nearly as much of a story as the written words themselves. It makes for a truly captivating read. Frankly, the only genuine “drawback” is that the issue simply feels brief — and that’s primarily due to how meticulously crafted and tightly packed it is.

In Green Arrow #21, there’s no holding back on the truth. The heavy toll of corporate irresponsibility is becoming increasingly clear, and Oliver Queen finds himself shouldering a significant portion of the burden. This issue is well-crafted, pushing the narrative forward in a way that leaves you questioning whether some wrongdoings can ever be absolved – and how loud an action needs to be for it to make an impact.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by DC Comics

On February 26, 2025

Written by Chris Condon

Art by Montos

Colors by Adriano Lucas

Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

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2025-02-26 18:09