DC Comics reviews 6/25/25 – Absolute Wonder Woman 9, Superman 27

Green Arrow 25

Following an opening arc that was so good and neatly concluded there was some worry among the fanbase that a new creative team was coming onboard. Fortunately, writer Chris Condon, artist Montos and colorist Adriano Lucas return along with new letterer Buddy Beaudoin. The new arc, Crimson Sands, features the return of Arsenal to the title.

Green Arrow’s early adventures in this run heavily featured his extended family so the shift to just Oliver Queen was jarring. Condon might not be ready to throw in all 10-15 Team Arrow members back on just yet, but the smaller focus allows him to dig deeper into the specific character’s connections to Green Arrow. Condon doesn’t have any trouble capturing the dynamic of the archers.

The longtime partners stop Count Vertigo at the opening of a new wing of the Star City Arts and Culture Museum. Arrow is not overjoyed to meet the guest of honor, Albert Noyce, who he immediately writes off as a pharma bro who does far more harm than good. Condon is really dialed in on the political activist nature of Green Arrow. While others might protest or post frequently on message boards, Arrow goes off without a filter. Condon teases that Noyce might not be as innocent as he wants to portray when a new vigilante Crimson Archer arrives with arrows laced with a substance called Crimson Sand that triggers an overdose.

Montos’ art has such a smooth flow to it that it’s almost hypnotic. His layouts are some of the most consistently creative each month, which at times makes the issue feel like it’s a faster read than others. It’s more that the story and art combine for a truly engrossing experience. Lucas’ rich colors make green and red hues stand out and Beaudoin’s lettering is subtle with ‘softer’ sound effects that add to the grounded nature of the story.

This opening act of the Crimson Sands is pretty compelling. If it’s anywhere close to the last arc, Condon, Montos and Lucas will have notched another strong story to an impressive run on Green Arrow.

Rating: 9 out of 10