The Good

I feel like Jeff Lemire thought to himself, "What can I do to put Andrea Sorrentino's talents on full display?" and GREEN ARROW #21 was the answer. I have plenty of love for the narrative and I will get to that, but I simply need to praise Sorrentino and Marcelo Maiolo's jaw-droppingly good and engrossing visuals. Without giving too much away, Oliver suffers hallucinations in this issue and Sorrentino/Maiolo's work turns it into a super trippy and fantastic looking experience. It's such an immersive experience and when it comes to frightening hallucinations, the team absolutely nails it. I've said it a gazillion times and I'll said it a gazillion more: this book looks terrific.

While the previous chapters have felt fairly formulaic yet still hugely entertaining, issue #21 throws a whole lot of new elements our way and I really dig the alterations. This issue quite literally dives into Komodo's history, so it's great to see this isn't one of those villains who makes a neat debut and then vanishes upon being defeated. There's definitely bigger plans in store for the foe and his daughter and I'm stoked to see what they are.

While Lemire does expand Komodo's role, he by no means neglects Ollie here. In fact, he goes above and beyond when it comes to adding all-new layers to the character's mythos and it gives the title a legitimately fascinating path. It's no longer just a dude with an arrow taking on the bad guys who cross his sights -- there's a much bigger picture here and we're just scratching the surface of it.

Oh, and "Yup. I'm all enlightened and stuff," just may be the best line this week.

The Bad

I can honestly say I have no major gripes with this one.

The Verdict

Calling it a "conclusion" in solicitations is definitely misleading. If anything, GREEN ARROW #21 feels more like an awesome prelude and serves as a stellar jumping on point. Lemire, Sorrentino and Maiolo have proved month after month they can craft a phenomenal GREEN ARROW tale and this issue is certainly no exception. Sporting a solid script, interesting new plot points and brilliant art, this continues to be one of DC's most entertaining titles and is without question my most anticipated book from the publisher.

Looking forward to reading this!

Does anyone know how long this story arc is? 6 issues total? 7? Will there be resolution in issue 22 or 23, perhaps? (Essentially, where would DC cap compiling the issues for a trade?)

I think this is the end of the First arc.
And issue 22 will be marked as the beginning of the second.

The way Magus explained the Outsiders and the seven clans makes me think Lemire is about to expand the Arrow mythology and universe in a similar way to what Johns did in introducing the emotional spectrum and the various lantern corps in his run on Green Lantern.

@rideaspacecowboy: lol you notice that too thought i was the only one who thought this fell like emotional spectrum introduction not saying it a bad thing just very interesting how Jeff Lemire is going to do this

They end part when Green Arrow said about fighting the system made me so happy

The only major problem I've had with previous issues in Lemire's run was it was pretty by the books. Not at all bad but I expected something bigger from such a great writer. This issue was the one I've been waiting for. New 52 Ollie isn't "my" Green Arrow, so I was all to ready to see someone really get weird and steer this character in a new direction. The best part about this series is Lemire's character building. He's introducing a supporting cast that feels real and important. With nods to the past and a vision set for the future I can't wait to see what's in store.

Hey, could some one tell me when the new arc starts? I really want to start getting Green Arrow.

I'd appreciate it. :)

can't wait to read this! green arrow starting from #17 has been awesome!!

absolutely loving this book since Jeff Lemire took it over, just like Hawkguy.

This is actually a good jumping on point. Last issue was mostly the end of the arx.

Kinda disappointed. Not much of a firm resolution to this arc but instead a lead in to the next one. Eh, I think I'll drop this book.

now that Lemire is getting popular and collaborating with johns on trinity war, DC better not take him off this book because Green Arrow isn't a major character. This book is too good to just stop in a few issues

@k4tzm4n Did you read his (Andrea) work on I, Vampire? I can't remember.

What a comic. I loved the ending, although not an "ending" but redefines the status quo for Green Arrow moving forward. Awesome!