It is a tall testament to the success of any franchise when they begin rolling out the red carpets and releasing the 100-page issues for famed heroes celebrating their 80th anniversary. In 2018, DC rightly threw its all into celebrating Superman’s eight decades of existence, with Action Comics 1000 coinciding with such a colossal anniversary. In the years that followed, Batman, The Flash, and Green Lantern all got to enjoy their cake. Even the Joker, Robin, and Catwoman received special issues marking their birthdays! In 2021, it was the 80th anniversary of a character once slated as a naff Batman clone. Green Arrow has always been among my favourite characters in the DC Universe. With an often-bigoted and selfish attitude mixed unexpectedly with the most progressive political values going in America, Oliver Queen is the Lyndon B. Johnson of the DC Universe (the difference is that Oliver Queen never become US President, but he did on the evil world of Earth-3). Green Arrow is a character who has changed radically over the decades, separating him from the other heroes enjoying life in their eighties. Arguably, it’s that consistent streak of selfless heroism that has made Superman so famous. Although Batman’s world has changed from dark crime to science fiction and then back to supervillains and gritty detective tales, even his changes are minute compared to Green Arrow’s. Therefore, with any luck, Green Arrow’s 80th anniversary celebration should be the most unique yet, possibly even more so than Action Comics 1000 and Detective Comics 1000.
Green Arrow’s 80th Anniversary Special was released in 2021, eighty years on from Oliver’s debut in More Fun Comics 73. As with all 80th anniversary celebration issues, Green Arrow’s is a collection of new stories based on previous eras and written by famed creators present during the character’s history. Although many of them have historically had little to do with Green Arrow, that’s mainly because many of the original writers and artists of the past are sadly no longer with us. Despite that, there are legends to take note of as we’ll see.
The Disappearing Bandit --- Written by Mariko Tamaki, with art by Javier Rodriquez
When Green Arrow first hit the pages of More Fun Comics in the 1940s, most DC comic books were a colourful mixture of crime meeting the mystical. For the first tale, Mariko Tamaki delivers a tale straight from the Golden Age. It’s classic Green Arrow – beardless and blocky – alongside Speedy – spikey and spritely – versus a new kind of villain. Our foe is a thief, but not just any old thief. This is one who can become invisible! Structurally, The Disappearing Bandit is a classic Golden Age romp. The heroes are puzzled and triumphed over by this new villain, but when the heroes use their brains and conjure up a plan that stunningly succeeds. In this case, the heroic duo uses all of their trick arrows – it couldn’t have been a Green Arrow tale without those gems making an appearance! It’s good to see the likes of the electric arrow, mass hysteria arrow, and the magnetic arrow back in the pages of a DC comic! Green Arrow and Speedy unleash their chosen trick arrow onto the Disappearing Bandit – the beleaguered villain is coated with paint and visible for everyone to see! It’s a classic Golden Age-style tale, mixed with elements of modernity, especially when it comes to the simplistic, if bland, artwork. What’s more, Tamaki tops it off with a mini-epilogue, whereby the Disappearing Bandit manages to steal one of Oliver’s trick arrows in an attempt to work out the hero’s secret identity, but once it’s revealed that Oliver made that arrow into his new trick arrow – the invisible arrow – the villain’s plan crumbles. Overall, it’s good fun that nothing can beat.
Punching Evil --- Written by Tom Taylor, with art by Nicola Scott
Oliver Queen has never been short of arrogance. The young reckless millionaire playboy still lives inside him, but Punching Evil is a story where we finally see Oliver beginning to abandon his tiresome love of bathing in his own effluence. Following the wishes of Black Canary, Oliver goes for a training session with DC’s greatest boxer – Wildcat. Writer Tom Taylor instantly places Ted Grant on a pedestal – after all, when the Dark Knight himself appears as one of Wildcat’s students, it tells you a lot. As expected, Ted makes mince meat of Oliver, but what we witness is Oliver beginning to develop his skills as a fighter. One moment of significance is when Ted destroys all of Oliver’s trick arrows – destroying such jovial weapons is much more symbolic and meaningful than you might think, for Green Arrow abandoned such arrows when he entered the dark age of Mike Grell. While the training sessions scenes capture such brilliant personalities with excellent dialogue, it does feel as if a supervillain – golden age obscurity the Yellow Wasp – is crammed into the story just so Green Arrow can finish a hero. However, it also feels like the message of the story is depleted because the Yellow Wasp is defeated by one of Green Arrow’s trick arrows – specifically the wonderful boxing glove arrow. While it is entertaining, it feels as if the message of the story is buried. That all said, with its flawless dialogue and wonderful relationship between the two main characters – aided enormously by Nicola Scott’s realistic but romanticised artwork – Punching Evil is by no means bad.
Who Watches the Watchtower --- Written by Stephanie Phillips with art by Chris Mooneyham
It is sometimes forgotten that Green Arrow was a member of the original Justice League of America. I suppose that’s understandable, given his lack of superpowers and pointy bat ears. However, not only does Stephanie Phillips remind us of that pivotal era in Green Arrow’s life with humour and fun, but she recreates it with the accuracy of that 1970s comic book world. Poor Green Arrow is forced to perform monitor duty while the other Justice League members go out on an exciting mission. We are left alone with Oliver – Oliver, his wit, and never-ending dialogue – and some aliens. Oliver Queen must fend for himself in an alien invasion aboard the satellite. Although in usual circumstances Green Arrow wouldn’t win in such an event, this time we can make exceptions (after all, it is his birthday).
He defeats the aliens – who are pretty bland and not recognisable as anything interesting – and when the JLA return Oliver pretends nothing happened. Phillips brilliantly recreates the personalities from that era, especially the tetchy relationship between Oliver and Hawkman. Mooneyham’s art may be scratchy, but with its bright colours and style, it does capture something from that early-1970s aesthetic. Once readers get past the obvious titling flaw – it wasn’t called the Watchtower back then, it was called the JLA Satellite – they would find a highly entertaining story.
…Just The Usual Sort of Stuff --- Written and drawn by Mike Grell
Any celebration of Green Arrow wouldn’t be complete without Mike Grell. He – and Dennis O’Neil previously – transformed the character into a darker age in Seattle in his enjoyable 80-issue-run in the late-1980s and early-1990s. …Just The Usual Sort of Stuff is a fantastic throwback to that dark era in the character’s history. Green Arrow returns home after a night fighting on the streets of Seattle, telling Black Canary that only ‘just the usual sort of stuff’ happened. Green Arrow doesn’t go into how he teamed up unexpectedly with Shado – a staple anti-hero from that run – to defeat some people-trafficking criminals near the docks. Very much in Grell-fashion, the tale isn’t dialogue-heavy, and some of the psychoanalytical dialogue about the differences between Oliver and Shado falls flat. However, Grell’s art is beautifully dramatic and slick, aided by a colour pallet striking nostalgia for the likes of Ed Hannigan and Dan Jurgens. The page layouts are impressive too. But overall, it’s that feeling of deception – Green Arrow struggling to hide his lust for other women from Black Canary – which plays a role here. Those who have read the Grell era would understand the relevance of such a theme – it’s with that theme and general story that Grell aptly summaries what made his Dark Age stint famed and adored by many.
The Arrow and the Song --- Written by Ram V, with art by Christopher Mitten
Coming from somebody who is far from being an avid reader of the comic books of the 2020s, Ram V is not a writer I’ve heard much about. I understand – from glancing at DC Database – that he has penned a well-received run of Detective Comics, but my understanding goes no further. Although it’s impossible to judge the quality of a writer based on just a mere six-page story, The Arrow and the Song doesn’t leave a sizable impression. From Oliver’s days as a millionaire, to getting stranded on that dreaded island, to escape, to heroism, and to meeting his love Black Canary, Ram V writers a pretty simple biographical tale of Oliver Queen. The theme is about consequences and love, with the idea of shooting an arrow in a random direction acting as a metaphor for Green Arrow’s dramatic life. It’s good to include a story about Oliver’s romance with Black Canary, but with little else going and very uninteresting dialogue – accompanied by some simplistic and occasionally garish artwork – The Arrow and the Song doesn’t leave much of an impact.
One --- Written by Brandon Thomas, with art by Jorge Corona
Although Oliver Queen is a larger-than-life character, it shouldn’t be forgotten that – for a period of time – he was dead. After Chuck Dixon killed off Oliver in 1995, the heroic mantle was passed down to Connor Hawke, his son. Brandon Thomas presents a fairly simple story – Connor Hawke fighting a gang of criminals – but it is made intriguing by a new star character and a mythical status that Green Arrow now has. Connor Hawke is a different protagonist. He lacks the sarcasm which Oliver Queen had, but he has doubled down on the seriousness of his quest. Whether or not this is accurate compared to the Connor Hawke pioneered by Chuck Dixon in the late-1990s is up for debate, but there is certainly a difference.
As for the mythical status, this story takes place shortly after the death of Oliver Queen, meaning that Connor’s intervention is quite unexpected. Reading this story, there is a real weight when supporting characters discover that Green Arrow has returned – it is proof that despite all the early derision that he was an unoriginal Batman clone, to many in the DC Universe his presence is held highly in esteem. I’m glad that the special has focused on Connor Hawke – it feels as if more recent writers have airbrushed that era of Green Arrow history from their minds. Although Jorge Corona provides some pretty unattractive artwork, it’s good to see Connor Hawke finally getting the exposure he deserves.
Green-Man and Autumn-Son --- Written by Devin Grayson, with art by Max Fuimara
This a celebration not just of Green Arrow, but the other characters in his life too. It is fitting that Arsenal – once the sidekick Speedy – stars in Green Man and Autumn Son, a tale which plays back to Speedy’s heritage among the Native Americans. Simultaneously to fighting crime, Arsenal must read a bedtime story to daughter Lian and Uncle Oliver Queen. But this bedtime story is a personal one, going back to the days when Roy Harper was called Autumn-Son by his tribe. From Oliver Queen carelessly taking Autumn-Son in to become his ward, and then to his subsequent parental failures, leading of course to the famed O’Neil/Adams storyline where Roy struggles into the world of drugs, it is a very personal story depicting Oliver Queen at his best and at his worst, and how those struggles ultimately changed both Green Arrow and Speedy. Devin Grayson makes this all better with Lian’s intelligence and wit, knowing all about her father’s adventures and past with Oliver. Overall, a mood of close family is created, and Grayson’s use of Roy’s Native American heritage and the tradition of storytelling in his tribe is very creative and heart-warming. Combined with Max Fuimara’s impactful, if somewhat ugly, artwork, Green-Man and Autumn-Son is a creative retrospective with a delightful mixture of emotions.
Star City Star --- Written and pencilled by Phil Hester, with inks by Ande Parks
Alongside Kevin Smith, Brad Meltzer, and Judd Winick, Phil Hester and Ande Parks were two titans of the Green Arrow title during the 2000s. Such acclaimed tales such as Quiver, and the Archer’s Quest, contain their cartoony but attractive style of art. Star City Star returns us to that world of two decades ago, but this time, there is no Smith, Meltzer, or Winick. Hester, alongside pencilling, is the writer! Right from the start, it takes readers back to the 2000s. Green Arrow is on the hunt for a child-kidnapper in Star City. After discovering that the kidnapped child is no ordinary child – this one has psychic powers which the mob has been exploiting. It’s with a great suddenness, like – out of the blue – axe to the head – that the story changes. That isn’t just because Green Arrow is knocked on the head with an axe, but it is because the axe is wielded by Onomatopoeia, the brilliant sound-loving villain created by Smith and Hester. Oliver beats him with ease, but then other villains appear – Count Vertigo, Green Lantern, Black Canary, Connor Hawke, and Speedy. Yes, even the people you’d assume to be heroes are the foes this time around as Green Arrow must fend for his life. Suddenly, when confronted by Speedy – by this point Mia, a former prostitute street-girl who Oliver helped rescue from the depths of darkness – Green Arrow gives up the fight and becomes empathic and emotional. That is when it all becomes clear – or clearer – that this is all an illusion. For all this time, Green Arrow has been standing in front of the kidnapped psychic girl, but with his empathic dialogue, the girl’s attitude of fear crumbles and she allows Green Arrow to rescue her. Not only is this revelation slowly revealed so brilliantly and with genuine surprise, but all of the sudden all the confusion present in the story vanishes. This story isn’t one of the greats just because it cleverly crams in some of Green Arrow’s best villains, but also because it paints the best kind of Oliver Queen, the caring and genuine man concerned for his fellow citizen. It’s with that weight of emotion where an artist like Hester, with Parke’s classic inks shines, thereby making Star City Star a favourite of mine.
Happy Anniversary --- Written by Vita Ayala, with art by Laura Braga
Despite a fairly unimpressive story earlier about the romance of Green Arrow and Black Canary, they get a second chance here in a tale of Vita Ayala. Celebrating their anniversary like a charming but bickering couple, events take a sudden turn when Green Arrow is kidnapped by Deathstroke. It’s all part of a plot to distract Green Arrow and Black Canary away from another dastardly plot going on elsewhere. While the plotting may be regular, its creativity comes form the characters. Deathstroke’s cold dialogue is surprisingly humorous, while the natural chemistry of the two protagonists – combined with the writer’s theme about how the meaning of love is understanding – creates a great story summarising the relationship between Green Arrow and Black Canary. Laura Braga’s smooth art and exciting storytelling really tops off a marvellous story.
The Sympathy of the Woods --- Written by Benjamin Percy, with art by Otto Schmidt
For these next two stories, they wander eras of Green Arrow comics I’m yet to explore. Benjamin Percy wrote much of the DC Rebirth run of Green Arrow, and since I haven’t read it, I don’t exactly understand most of the background plot details. That said, The Sympathy of the Woods paints a grim picture of Green Arrow’s life. With his riches gone and reputation seemingly ruined, Green Arrow wanders the woods with his bow alone. Of course, a villain – in this case, Merlyn – is woven in the story for a fight, but the theme here is that even in the darkest times, Green Arrow isn’t alone. Our favourite hero is helped out by Black Canary and a cast of characters I am currently unfamiliar with. Despite the angular and unattractive artwork, Percy writes a story with a theme that any reader could understand and enjoy. Plus, if I were to consider this an advertisement for Percy’s run, I’ll say it certainly has captured by interest.
The Last Green Arrow Story --- Written by Jeff Lemire, with art by Andrea Sorrentino
Alongside the Rebirth run, I am yet to read the New 52 Green Arrow as well, written by Jeff Lemire. I know the Lemire run is held in high esteem, and from reading The Last Green Arrow Story, it’s easy to see why. Now in old age, Oliver Queen returns to the island where his life as Green Arrow began. Left there to fend for himself, Oliver wanders the island, noticing his frailties and failures. It doesn’t take long for him to bump into a younger version of himself – it isn’t clear if this is a dream of a kind – who hands his older-self a green arrow. The older Oliver grasps it before sitting peacefully in a pit of fire, grasping hold of the arrow while his younger self quietly says, ‘thank you.’ There’s lot here up to the reader’s imagination. With Oliver mentioned Amiko earlier in the story, seemingly his wife, perhaps it can be thought that this is an alternative reality whereby Oliver escaped the island but didn’t become Green Arrow, returning to the place only after years of painful regret. Or perhaps there is a different message – it’s very much up to the reader. Although an additional degree of clarity would have been nice, Lemire’s implicit storytelling and snappy style of storytelling is appealing. Andrea Sorrentino’s gritty artwork is at home in the dusk and dark-filled forests of the island. Overall, it is a story that leaves readers confused, but not totally in a bad way.
Before coming to the final story of the special, it should be noted that darted throughout, there are additional little features for readers to enjoy. One that stands out for its comedic entertainment is ‘Lessons in Friendship with Oliver Queen.’ It’s well established that Oliver is a marmite-sort of character, and here we look at some memorable moments of arguments and cocky comments from Green Arrow’s 80-year-history. From bronze age arguments with Hawkman, to modern-day interactions with Batman, it’s a two-page feature that will certainly conjure up a laugh. Then there is a reprint of ‘Ollie’s Stupendous Chili Recipe’, accompanied by that wonderful piece of artwork by Patrick Gleason and Michael Bair depicting a struggling Justice League as their insides come to terms with Ollie’s lava-hot chilli. But the best for last is a nice little tribute to a writer so crucial to Green Arrow’s history – a writer who undoubtedly gave Green Arrow a personality that he so desperately needed. It’s with this in mind that we move to the last story…
Tap, Tap, Tap --- Written by Larry O’Neil, with art by Jorge Fornes
Without a doubt, the cherry on top of the cake is the final tale of the special. Tap, Tap, Tap is the story of a life well lived – a life so important to Green Arrow that, without this person, the sharp and political personality of Oliver Queen wouldn’t have ever existed. Without words, we are witness to a panel-by-panel biographical story of the life and times of Dennis O’Neil, perhaps the best writer DC has ever had. From boyhood to death, via the navy, writing, relationships, children, alcoholism, and retirement, in a matter of just a few pages we can see the general gist of O’Neil’s life. But thanks to the wonderful artwork of Jorge Fornes, readers can notice the one warm consistency in O’Neil’s 81 years of life. That consistency is his creativity and love of ideas, a feature so cherished and valuable that it is passed down to his son Larry, the writer of such a tale as this one which may be the best eulogy a comic book creator could ever receive. The emotions of life – excitement, happiness, depression, exhaustion – are all delicately captured in a mere six pages flawlessly. All of it, topped off by a son’s final words – ‘Goodnight, Pops’ – and O’Neil surrounded by his creations and life’s work make Tap, Tap, Tap a genuine work of art.
VERDICT
Overall, Green Arrow’s 80th Anniversary Special is undoubtedly my favourite of DC’s recent birthday celebrations. Never has such a varied and diverse history of a character been celebrated in just 100 pages with such passion and uniquity. With such a range of talent and stories on show, not only is Green Arrow’s history respected and explored, but the stories all convey themes or aspects of Oliver Queen’s personality or legacy which will be familiar to every loyal reader. He was once slated as a Batman clone. But he is much more than that. Above all else, he is like you and me. A human being, with virtues and vices. That is what makes him a legendary creation.
Next Week: Starman: Grand Guignol (Starman (vol 2) 61-73). Written by James Robinson, with art by Peter Snejbjerg and Paul Smith.
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