Review: Green Arrow #27 (Legacy #360)
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Chris Condon
Art: Montos
Colors: Adriano Lucas
Letters: Buddy Beaudoin
Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
With Lian’s help Roy tries to come to grips with the Crimson Archer’s attack on him, while Oliver takes on the Crimson Archer himself.
Positives
The art in Green Arrow #27 is simply outstanding. There’s a gorgeous textural quality to his work that is enhanced by his use of light and shadow giving both mood and depth to each panel. On top of that the layouts are exciting and effective storytelling. Montos gives his all communicating the deep emotional interaction between Roy and Lian. Adrano Lucas’ colors compliment Montos’ work. Each sequence has a different feel and Lucas’ colors combine with Montos’ lighting of each panel to become a unified effort of excellence.
It may be easy to be complain that Chris Condon is simply rehashing an old storyline as Roy once again has to confront drug addiction. However, Green Arrow #27 does much more than than. Unlike Leah Williams’ recent Power Girl series, Condon understands Roy and utilizes his past stories to drive this issue. All those stories matter, he understands how those stories shaped Roy’s character over the years. And, it’s not just Green Lantern/ Green Arrow #85 and 86. Condon touches on different points in Roy’s history that matter. Most importantly, his relationship with his daughter is central to Roy’s headspace and heartspace. It’s a relatable emotional connection for many readers from the perspective of either the parent or the child. You’re pulling for Roy, you’re pulling for Lian, and you’re pulling for them as a family. Superheroes having kids is still a fresh idea with lots of potential story possibilities.
Positives Cont’d
Let’s give a notch in the quiver to Chris Condon for also utilizing and old Green Arrow villain, the Crimson Archer. While much isn’t know about him in this current incarnation, he first appeared back in Adventure Comics #259. It’s great to see history referenced and used, and it seems like Condon knows his stuff and this may connect up with that original version somehow.
Despite the Speedy drug storyline coming up on it’s 55th anniversary, the story that Condon tells in Green Arrow #27 feels just as relevant today. The drug problem hasn’t gotten any better and there’s still a place for Oliver Queen and Roy Harper to take it on.
Negatives
It’s really hard to find fault with this issue…well done!
Verdict
Green Arrow #27 demonstrates how character driven stories are the best arrow in the quiver for comic book storytelling. Condon incorporates Roy Harper’s past masterfully in creating a new conflict not only for him but the whole Green Arrow family. Montos and Adriano Lucas contribute stunning visuals that bring the script to life. How are more people not talking about this? If I had an extra 1/2 a point this would be 9.5/10.
