Green Arrow #73

The "Star City Fights Back!" banner says it all — Oliver Queen looks fierce and determined on this June 2007 cover by Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens, lunging forward with bow in hand and a full quiver of arrows at his back, all set against a striking blood-red splash that radiates an atmosphere of real urgency. Dozens of arrows jut outward from that vivid background like a burst of defiance, giving the image a kinetic, almost explosive energy that perfectly frames the arc's opening chapter, "Jericho, Part One: The Long Fall Only Hurts When It's Over." Writer Judd Winick and the McDaniel/Owens art team look to be delivering something with real stakes for Star City and its emerald defender.