2000s
While DC Comics and the industry generally began to get nostalgic at the turn of the century, Ollie found an unlikely champion in indie filmmaker Kevin Smith, who would conclusively put Green Arrow back on the map and make him a core member of the DC Universe. Followed by top tier writers Brad Meltzer and Judd Winick, Green Arrow once again became a fun and vibrant character that included a vastly expanded new Team Arrow that included Connor, Arsenal/Red Arrow (Roy Harper), Black Canary and a new Speedy. During this time, Ollie and Dinah finally tied the knot.
Recommended Reading: There are several core runs that you’ll want to check out from this era. GREEN ARROW: QUIVER by Smith is a 10-issue arc that involves all of the DCU, and is irreverent, funny and gloriously fan-driven. His follow-up, Sounds of Violence, introduces the villain Onomatopoeia. Meltzer’s GREEN ARROW: ARCHER’S QUEST takes us on a nostalgia trip and reveals the sinner behind Smith’s saint. Winick’s GREEN ARROW: MOVING TARGETS is Winick’s Mia Dearden arc, following her from the point she discovers she is HIV positive to her taking on the mantle of Speedy. GREEN ARROW: YEAR ONE, by Andy Diggle and artist Jock, is the quintessential origin story, even if it’s no longer in canon due to multiple changes at DC.
Andrea Sorrentino discombobulates in Green Arrow #22 (2013)
2010s and today
DC Comics rebooted their entire line in 2011, an introduced 52 all-new #1 issues in a move they dubbed ‘The New 52.” Green Arrow was now a beardless hero at the start of his career, but struggled to find the right tone as he ripped through three writers in the first 7 issues. The book found a groove with writer Jeff Lemire and artist Andrea Sorrentino, who took a back-to-basics approach and pushed the boundaries of mainstream art by literally turning the book on its head with a classic story that rewrote Ollie’s origin and pitched him against the villainous Count Vertigo. In 2016, DC abandoned the New 52 moniker and relaunched the line again under ‘Rebirth,’ keeping the new continuity but restoring classic elements such as Ollie’s beard and his relationship with Black Canary. During this time, CW television network launched the successful ARROW series, bringing the first live action adaptation to the small screen. At the time of his 75th birthday, it’s about to enter its fifth season, with spin-off series The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl joining it on the network.
Recommended Reading: Undoubtedly Lemire’s GREEN ARROW: THE KILL MACHINE is the standout of this era, with the forthcoming GREEN ARROW: THE DEATH AND LIFEOF OLIVER QUEEN representing the first arc of ‘Rebirth’. As you can see below, there’s also a plethora of merchandise for you to spend your hard-earned greenbacks on.
Some of the merchandise released in the last 5 years alone…
