Review – Green Arrow #25: Red Temptation
Ray: The first arc of this run was a bleak story of those left behind by corrupt corporations and what they might do when they truly have nothing to lose. This is a story perfectly suited for Green Arrow – and this new arc follows up nicely on those themes, with the issue taking on the opioid crisis. The story kicks off with a shady med billionaire hosting an expo of artifacts acquired (probably looted) from Corto Maltese. He's showing off his ill-gotten gains when the skylight crashes open, as Green Arrow and Arsenal pursue Count Vertigo. But when the billionaire tries to glad-hand with Green Arrow, he gives him a piece of his mind – ready to hold him accountable for all the people who died due to overdoses. It's very cathartic, of course, but it also feels very current in terms of the way the powerful are able to buy their way out of controversy and use their status to revamp their image. Gathering of power. Via DC Comics.
The heart of this issue is the interaction between Green Arrow and Arsenal, as the surrogate father and son have their first team-up in ages. The two have clearly developed slightly different perspectives on life and crime-fighting, with Ollie only becoming more cantankerous with age and Roy coming through the fire and having an optimistic viewpoint on humanity. But the two are able to part as allies, friends, and family – which makes what comes next all the more stark and intense. As Roy heads through the more run-down areas of the city, he comes across an alley of addicts just like he used to be – and discovers that someone is preying on them. Before he can help, the new villain – who fancies themselves a dark hero cleaning up the city – targets him in a way that's both devastatingly effective and deeply personal. This arc is shaping up to be easily as good as the first.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes. Liked it? Take a second to support GeekDad and GeekMom on Patreon!
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