Green Arrow is one of DC's most iconic heroes. Originally introduced as a Robin Hood influenced superhero filtered through Batman, he's been a part of the DC Universe since the Golden Age and has spent the ensuing the years becoming one of DC's most interesting heroes.
In a world of perfect superhumans, Oliver Queen is fiercely flawed, yet always ready to do the right thing and stand up for the little guy. Green Arrow has so much to love about him. He's proven to be an invaluable part of the superhero community, a character who keeps getting better as the years go by.
10 He Treats His Sidekicks The Best
Sidekicks are an integral part of the DC Universe and Green Arrow has had one almost since the beginning. Roy Harper, known as Speedy back then, was Green Arrow's first sidekick and the two would have amazing adventures. Harper fell into addiction but fought his way back. Since then, Green Arrow has taken a more hands-on approach with his sidekicks.
Green Arrow is probably the best mentor to have in the DC Universe. He's a great trainer, and he's learned to be there for his charges. Batman treats his sidekicks like they're his army, Barry treats his like students, but Ollie treats his like people.
9 His Arsenal Of Trick Arrows Are Very Cool
A bow and arrow is a very deadly weapon and superheroes aren't fond of killing. In fact, many of them would rather avoid harming the criminals they fight. That's where Green Arrow's trick arrows come in.On the one hand, they're definitely a relic of a time when violence in comics was immensely cut down. On the other hand, Ollie's arrows are a really cool idea.
Things like handcuff arrows, boxing glove arrows, and boomerang arrows are neat visuals and concepts. There's even powerful ones like the explosive arrows, sonic arrows, and more. On top of that, it says a lot about who Green Arrow is that he doesn't feel the need to try and kill everyone he fights with razor-edged arrows.
8 He's Willing To Do Whatever It Takes
While it's true superheroes try not to kill, Green Arrow realized a long time ago that sometimes, an arrow in the heart is the only way to save the day. He's used lethal force when necessary, most notably shooting Parallax Hal Jordan in the chest during Zero Hour and killing Prometheus at the end of Cry For Justice.
Green Arrow is more than willing to save the day in any way possible. He doesn't kill people willy nilly but if it's needed, he'll put an arrow in someone's heart. Green Arrow is willing to sacrifice his ideals if he has to, something many other superheroes won't do.
7 His Costumes Are Always Great
Just about every superhero out there has had at least one costume that isn't great and most heroes have more than outfit. Green Arrow is the excpetion. His first costume was basically a Robin Hood suit with a domino mask — a classic, simple design that would still hold up today with few tweaks. It's only got better from there, receiving his most beloved costume before the Silver Age ended.
Since then, Green Arrow has had a plethora of amazing costumes. His costumes are like his bow and arrow; they never miss. Green Arrow's impeccable costume legacy alone puts him in the top tier of all comic characters.
6 He'll Fight Any Villain Any Time
Green Arrow doesn't exactly have the established rogues gallery of other heroes. He has some antagonists he frequently fights, but Ollie mostly fights villains who also battle other heroes as well. However, that's another great thing about Green Arrow: he'll fight any villain any time. From a story standpoint, this means he's always ready to protect the innocent and shows what kind of hero he is.
For readers, this means they get to see Green Arrow battle all kinds of villains from around the DC Universe, which is actually very rare. Batman fights Batman villains, Flash fights Flash villains, et cetera. Green Arrow fights any villain, so readers never get bored of him battling the same enemies.
5 There Are Eighty Years Of Amazing Stories To Choose From
Green Arrow's eightieth anniversary was in 2021. For eight decades, Green Arrow has been a huge part comic history and in that time, there have been some amazing Green Arrow stories. From solo books to team outings, Green Arrow has it all.
From Denny O'Neal and Neal Adam's Green Lantern/Green Arrow: Hard Traveling Heroes to Mike Grell's Longbow Hunters to Kevin Smith and Phil Hester's Quiver to stories — from talents like Brad Meltzer, Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino, Judd Winick, Benjamin Percy, Otto Schmidt, and many more, Green Arrow fans have an abundance of riches to choose from.
4 He Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is
Green Arrow is one of the richest superheroes in comics. However, unlike others like Batman or Iron Man, Green Arrow is a billionaire with a bleeding heart and a class consciousness. Green Arrow is about more than beating up poor people, he fights for them.
Green Arrow advocates for people like few other superheroes do. He's been used as a mouthpiece for various creators over the years to exercise their views of the world, exposing readers to politics they otherwise wouldn't have interected with. Green Arrow is about helping others become better people.
3 He Stands With The Justice League Even Though He's Just A Guy With A Bow And Arrow
Green Arrow and Hawkeye have a lot in common. One of their biggest similarities is how brave they are, especially given what they face. Green Arrow is just a rich guy in good shape with some trick arrows, yet he's one of the Justice League's most iconic members. The Justice League commonly faces the most powerful enemies imaginable and Green Arrow is right there.
A perfect example of this is Justice League #75, "The Death Of The Justice League". Green Arrow hitchhikes along with Black Canary, helps battle against Pariah and his dark army, destroys Pariah's machine, and is killed by Doomsday. Green Arrow followed Black Canary because he loves her and he willingly gave his all to save creation when he could've just stayed home. That's heroism.
2 He's A Different Flavor Of Vigilante
DC has some of the toughest vigilantes in comics, but many of them feel the same, especially because so many are Batman related. Green Arrow stands out. His fierce liberalism, amazing bravery, and his messy, flawed humanity set him apart from his contemporaries.
Reading about Green Arrow feels very different from reading about any other DC vigilante or really any other comic vigilante. Green Arrow is a breath of fresh air in a sometimes grimdark corner of comics and his trials and tribulations are always extremely readable.
1 His Relationship With Black Canary Is Amazing
Green Arrow and Black Canary have one of the unlikeliest relationships in DC Comics. Ollie's not always the best boyfriend, and they've broken up many times over the years. However, their love for each other is true. Green Arrow and Black Canary may spend time apart, but they always come back together, a partnership in every way imaginable.
Green Arrow and Bacl Canary's relationship is messy and often painful, which is one of its best attributes. Green Arow's relationship with Canary feels like a real relationship. They are two imperfect people trying to make their love work despite making mistakes. Green Arrow and Black Canary share a complicated, heart-breaking relationship full of love, a rare sight in comics.