Review – Green Arrow #26: Drugged

Geek Dad

5 days ago

Green Arrow #26 cover, via DC Comics.
Ray: Chris Condon's second arc dials back the clock to one of the darkest chapters of Green Arrow's history – Roy Harper's addiction, and the horrible way Ollie reacted when he found him shooting up in that infamous issue. Now, Roy's seemingly relapsed – being found unconscious in an alley, in a coma, after a massive overdose that also claimed the life of the man found with him. When Ollie finds out, he's immediately overcome with rage and disbelief, insisting that Roy wouldn't slip up like that. Of course, we know that's absolutely the truth – Roy was targeted, like countless other ex-addicts, by the Crimson Archer, a twisted new vigilante who seems to be targeting what he deems the dregs of society. Similar to the first arc, it's a villain with an MO that's all too relevant if you're watching the news. Unlike the first arc's villain, there's nothing sympathetic or tragic about this monster. Partners. Via DC Comics.
Of course, Ollie isn't the only one who's invested in Roy's fate – Lian is over as soon as she hears, and Ollie is forced to step up to protect his granddaughter. I'm glad to see this character being pulled into the story – she's only been used fitfully since she returned from the dead a few years back, and Josh Williamson used her really well in his run. But now, Ollie has a new case to investigate – and this one is even more deeply personal. Along with the help of the detective he partnered with last arc, he starts digging into what turns out to be a massive streak of serial killings targeting those vulnerable to addiction and overdoses – of which Roy might be the only survivor. But as the end of the issue indicates, the Crimson Archer may not be done with Arsenal just yet. This is one of the tensest issues of the run, with a deeply personal look at the long reach of addiction that you rarely see in comics.
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