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Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters Saga Omnibus #1
Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters Saga Omnibus Vol. 1
From Mike Grell, who is considered one of the most influential Green Arrow talents, this is the first time these cult-favorite stories from the 1980s and early 1990s have been collected in omnibus hardcover format.
For the first time collected into omnibus hardcover format, read the now-cult-classic stories from 1986-1990 by Mike Greel that repositioned Green Arrow as an inner-city crusader for justice. Green Arrow takes on Russian spies, his sometime foe Shado, oil companies, drug cartels, the IRA, and he even discovers he'll be a father. Best of all, discover the origin of the Emerald Archer and his superhero sidekick Speedy! e origin of the Emerald Archer and his superhero sidekick Speedy!
For the first time collected into omnibus hardcover format, read the now-cult-classic stories from 1986-1990 by Mike Greel that repositioned Green Arrow as an inner-city crusader for justice. Green Arrow takes on Russian spies, his sometime foe Shado, oil companies, drug cartels, the IRA, and he even discovers he'll be a father. Best of all, discover the origin of the Emerald Archer and his superhero sidekick Speedy! e origin of the Emerald Archer and his superhero sidekick Speedy!
1536 pages, Hardcover
First published June 30, 2020
17 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Mike Grell
711 books82 followersMike Grell (born 1947) is a comic book writer and artist.
Grell studied at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, the Chicago Academy of Fine Art, and took the Famous Artists School correspondence course in cartooning. His entry into the comics industry was in 1972, as an assistant to Dale Messick on the Brenda Starr comic strip.
In 1973 Grell moved to New York, and began his long relationship with DC Comics. His first assignment at DC was on Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes, a high-profile assignment for an artist with no prior experience illustrating a monthly comic book. Grell says he got that job because he was walking in the editor's door to ask for work, literally, as the previous artist was walking out the door, having just quit. These stories were written by Cary Bates and Jim Shooter. The Bates/Grell/Shooter run on the title is very well-regarded today by Superboy/Legion fans, who consider it one of the high-water marks in the character/team's history. Grell's work on SATLOSH is widely thought to be some of the best beefcake/cheesecake ever committed to comic book pages, and is affectionately referred to as the 'disco Legion' in retrospect by fans of the title.
A writer as well as artist, Grell cemented his status as a fan-favorite with his best-known creation, The Warlord, one of the first sword and sorcery comics, and reportedly the best-selling title published by DC Comics in the late-1970s.
The character first appeared in 1st Issue Special #8 (Nov 1975) and was soon given his own ongoing title (The Warlord #1, Jan/Feb 1976). In this book, Air Force pilot Travis Morgan crash-lands in the prehistoric "hidden world" of Skartaris (a setting highly influenced by Jules Verne's A Journey to the Center of the Earth and Edgar Rice Burroughs' Pellucidar). For years thereafter, Morgan engages in adventures dressed only in a winged helmet, wristbands, boots, and breechclout, and armed with a sword and (years before Dirty Harry handled one) a .44 Auto Mag.
At DC, Grell also worked on titles such as Aquaman, Batman, and the Phantom Stranger, and with writer Dennis O'Neil on the re-launch of the Green Lantern/Green Arrow series in 1976.
[edit] Tarzan
Grell wrote and drew the Tarzan comic strip from July 19, 1981 to February 27, 1983 (except for one strip, February 13, 1983, by Thomas Yeates). These strips were rerun in newspapers in 2004 - 2005.
[edit] First Comics: Jon Sable Freelance and Starslayer
Cover to Jon Sable Freelance #7. Art by Mike Grell.Through the 1980s Grell developed creator-owned titles such Jon Sable Freelance and Starslayer. Jon Sable Freelance was published by the now-defunct First Comics. Starslayer, a space-born science fiction series, started at Pacific Comics, but shifted to First.
The titular character of Jon Sable Freelance was a former Olympic athlete, later a African big-game hunter, who became a mercenary. First appearing with a cover date of June 1983, Jon Sable Freelance was a successful non-super-hero comic book in an era when successful non-super-hero comic books were almost unheard of, and a graphically violent comic sold in mainstream comic book stores in an era when such was as rare. Jon Sable was a precursor to what would eventually be called, by some, "the Dark Age of Comics," when even long-established super-heroes would become increasingly grim and violent.
The character was heavily influenced by Ian Fleming's James Bond novels as well as drawing on pulp fiction crime stories. Also, many of the stories of Sable's hunting exploits in Africa were influenced by Peter Hathaway Capstick's novels. At a convention in the late 1980s, Grell stated that his idea for Sable was "something like a cross between James Bond and Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer."
Sable was adapted into a short-lived television series and the character's origin tale, "A Storm Over Eden," from the comic book, was expanded and novelized by Grell under the title Sable, which was publ
Grell studied at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, the Chicago Academy of Fine Art, and took the Famous Artists School correspondence course in cartooning. His entry into the comics industry was in 1972, as an assistant to Dale Messick on the Brenda Starr comic strip.
In 1973 Grell moved to New York, and began his long relationship with DC Comics. His first assignment at DC was on Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes, a high-profile assignment for an artist with no prior experience illustrating a monthly comic book. Grell says he got that job because he was walking in the editor's door to ask for work, literally, as the previous artist was walking out the door, having just quit. These stories were written by Cary Bates and Jim Shooter. The Bates/Grell/Shooter run on the title is very well-regarded today by Superboy/Legion fans, who consider it one of the high-water marks in the character/team's history. Grell's work on SATLOSH is widely thought to be some of the best beefcake/cheesecake ever committed to comic book pages, and is affectionately referred to as the 'disco Legion' in retrospect by fans of the title.
A writer as well as artist, Grell cemented his status as a fan-favorite with his best-known creation, The Warlord, one of the first sword and sorcery comics, and reportedly the best-selling title published by DC Comics in the late-1970s.
The character first appeared in 1st Issue Special #8 (Nov 1975) and was soon given his own ongoing title (The Warlord #1, Jan/Feb 1976). In this book, Air Force pilot Travis Morgan crash-lands in the prehistoric "hidden world" of Skartaris (a setting highly influenced by Jules Verne's A Journey to the Center of the Earth and Edgar Rice Burroughs' Pellucidar). For years thereafter, Morgan engages in adventures dressed only in a winged helmet, wristbands, boots, and breechclout, and armed with a sword and (years before Dirty Harry handled one) a .44 Auto Mag.
At DC, Grell also worked on titles such as Aquaman, Batman, and the Phantom Stranger, and with writer Dennis O'Neil on the re-launch of the Green Lantern/Green Arrow series in 1976.
[edit] Tarzan
Grell wrote and drew the Tarzan comic strip from July 19, 1981 to February 27, 1983 (except for one strip, February 13, 1983, by Thomas Yeates). These strips were rerun in newspapers in 2004 - 2005.
[edit] First Comics: Jon Sable Freelance and Starslayer
Cover to Jon Sable Freelance #7. Art by Mike Grell.Through the 1980s Grell developed creator-owned titles such Jon Sable Freelance and Starslayer. Jon Sable Freelance was published by the now-defunct First Comics. Starslayer, a space-born science fiction series, started at Pacific Comics, but shifted to First.
The titular character of Jon Sable Freelance was a former Olympic athlete, later a African big-game hunter, who became a mercenary. First appearing with a cover date of June 1983, Jon Sable Freelance was a successful non-super-hero comic book in an era when successful non-super-hero comic books were almost unheard of, and a graphically violent comic sold in mainstream comic book stores in an era when such was as rare. Jon Sable was a precursor to what would eventually be called, by some, "the Dark Age of Comics," when even long-established super-heroes would become increasingly grim and violent.
The character was heavily influenced by Ian Fleming's James Bond novels as well as drawing on pulp fiction crime stories. Also, many of the stories of Sable's hunting exploits in Africa were influenced by Peter Hathaway Capstick's novels. At a convention in the late 1980s, Grell stated that his idea for Sable was "something like a cross between James Bond and Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer."
Sable was adapted into a short-lived television series and the character's origin tale, "A Storm Over Eden," from the comic book, was expanded and novelized by Grell under the title Sable, which was publ
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December 4, 2022
Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters Saga Omnibus Vol. 1 collects Green Arrow #1-50 plus The Longbow Hunters #1-3.
This has been on my radar for years but it finally dropped into my cheapness range a few weeks ago at the same time I had a giftcard burning a hole in my pocket.
Green Arrow was one of the lynchpins of the DC's Mature Readers line of the late 1980s/early 1990s that preceded Vertigo. With the Longbow Hunters, Mike Grell establishes Oliver Queen as a guy who is no longer fucking around. When Black Canary's life is in danger, Oliver takes matters into his own hands. Gone are the gimmick arrows and super hero trappings.
Boy howdy, is it a good read. Green Arrow patrols the streets of Seattle, picking up where the cops leave off. It could easily devolve into killing for the sake of killing but this is a mature readers book. Ollie grapples with his choices all the time and his biggest nemesis is getting older. Over the course of the volume, Green Arrow spends a lot of time in Seattle but travels far and wide before finally returning home.
It's a great read and I didn't even mention Shado. Anyway, Grell writes and draws Longbow Hunters but the Green Arrow regular series has a host of artists, namely a young Dan Jurgens, an older Dick Giordano, Ed Hannigan, Rick Hoberg, Denys Cowan, and others.
The 80s political climate makes some of the stories feel slightly dated but unfortunately, corruption and douchebaggery never go out of style. The coloring can be a little garish, as was the style at the time. The pencils and inks hold up very well, though. Grell emphasizes the hero part of super hero and you never forget Oliver is mortal. He takes a few ass kickings in this.
I don't know what else to say without revealing all the plots and such. Suffice to say, the reputation this run carries is well earned. This is great stuff and I don't know why we don't have more books like this on the racks thirty years later.
Five out of five stars.
This has been on my radar for years but it finally dropped into my cheapness range a few weeks ago at the same time I had a giftcard burning a hole in my pocket.
Green Arrow was one of the lynchpins of the DC's Mature Readers line of the late 1980s/early 1990s that preceded Vertigo. With the Longbow Hunters, Mike Grell establishes Oliver Queen as a guy who is no longer fucking around. When Black Canary's life is in danger, Oliver takes matters into his own hands. Gone are the gimmick arrows and super hero trappings.
Boy howdy, is it a good read. Green Arrow patrols the streets of Seattle, picking up where the cops leave off. It could easily devolve into killing for the sake of killing but this is a mature readers book. Ollie grapples with his choices all the time and his biggest nemesis is getting older. Over the course of the volume, Green Arrow spends a lot of time in Seattle but travels far and wide before finally returning home.
It's a great read and I didn't even mention Shado. Anyway, Grell writes and draws Longbow Hunters but the Green Arrow regular series has a host of artists, namely a young Dan Jurgens, an older Dick Giordano, Ed Hannigan, Rick Hoberg, Denys Cowan, and others.
The 80s political climate makes some of the stories feel slightly dated but unfortunately, corruption and douchebaggery never go out of style. The coloring can be a little garish, as was the style at the time. The pencils and inks hold up very well, though. Grell emphasizes the hero part of super hero and you never forget Oliver is mortal. He takes a few ass kickings in this.
I don't know what else to say without revealing all the plots and such. Suffice to say, the reputation this run carries is well earned. This is great stuff and I don't know why we don't have more books like this on the racks thirty years later.
Five out of five stars.
March 21, 2025
(Zero spoiler review) 4.5/5
Holy base jumping blue balls, Batman, this is exactly what I've been waiting for. This is how you do superheroes, OmniBen style. Forget your airy, fairy, overpowered superhero fare. This is grounded and gritty, and just what the comics doctor ordered. Starting off wit perhaps one of the greatest comics stories of all time (a far as I'm concerned anyway) with The Longbow Hunters), that certainly comes out of the blocks swinging and turned all the way up to 11, Spinal Tap style., Inevitably, this level of quality can't be maintained, either artistically or narratively. Yet what we do get is a collection of stories that stick fairly faithfully to the Longbow Hunters formula, continuing to build upon the mythos and world of Green Arrow in (mostly) all the right ways. Sure, there are a few turkeys here, one or two of which I wonder what Grell was thinking when he phoned them in, but overall, the quality is outstanding.
Aa personal highlight for me, and something I always enjoy in my supe stories, is the lengths Grell goes to to paint Oliver Queen as very much an 'everyman'. The fleshing out of his character out of the costume perfectly compliments the character in the costume. His relationship with Black Canary, who I would have loved a little more of if I'm honest, was brilliant, doing away with the tired and tedious villain of the month motif that I really can't stand. Instead of superpowered aliens and evil doers intent on world domination, we get drug dealers, wildlife poachers and would be terrorists. These realistic stories will always entice and entertain me in ways your typical superhero fare never will.
Again, it wasn't perfect. The stable art team fell away towards the end, giving us a larger number of pencilers, and a somewhat wavering level of quality. Grell, although mostly on point, was occasionally a little heavy handed on the off issue here and there, but these are minor gripes on what was a fantastic run. I breezed through these fifteen hundred pages in barely a week. Grells more minimalistic style is rarely off point, showing that choosing your words carefully can be just as effective as filling the page with them (I'm reading Claremont's New Mutants omni right now, and I know which one I kept reaching for).
Very much looking forward to volume 2. Hopefully the quality holds up. A must read. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
Holy base jumping blue balls, Batman, this is exactly what I've been waiting for. This is how you do superheroes, OmniBen style. Forget your airy, fairy, overpowered superhero fare. This is grounded and gritty, and just what the comics doctor ordered. Starting off wit perhaps one of the greatest comics stories of all time (a far as I'm concerned anyway) with The Longbow Hunters), that certainly comes out of the blocks swinging and turned all the way up to 11, Spinal Tap style., Inevitably, this level of quality can't be maintained, either artistically or narratively. Yet what we do get is a collection of stories that stick fairly faithfully to the Longbow Hunters formula, continuing to build upon the mythos and world of Green Arrow in (mostly) all the right ways. Sure, there are a few turkeys here, one or two of which I wonder what Grell was thinking when he phoned them in, but overall, the quality is outstanding.
Aa personal highlight for me, and something I always enjoy in my supe stories, is the lengths Grell goes to to paint Oliver Queen as very much an 'everyman'. The fleshing out of his character out of the costume perfectly compliments the character in the costume. His relationship with Black Canary, who I would have loved a little more of if I'm honest, was brilliant, doing away with the tired and tedious villain of the month motif that I really can't stand. Instead of superpowered aliens and evil doers intent on world domination, we get drug dealers, wildlife poachers and would be terrorists. These realistic stories will always entice and entertain me in ways your typical superhero fare never will.
Again, it wasn't perfect. The stable art team fell away towards the end, giving us a larger number of pencilers, and a somewhat wavering level of quality. Grell, although mostly on point, was occasionally a little heavy handed on the off issue here and there, but these are minor gripes on what was a fantastic run. I breezed through these fifteen hundred pages in barely a week. Grells more minimalistic style is rarely off point, showing that choosing your words carefully can be just as effective as filling the page with them (I'm reading Claremont's New Mutants omni right now, and I know which one I kept reaching for).
Very much looking forward to volume 2. Hopefully the quality holds up. A must read. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
April 20, 2025
Read this whole series a few years back, and damn, it's still one of the best takes on Green Arrow out there.
This Omnibus covers the first half of Mike Grell’s legendary run, kicking off with The Longbow Hunters mini-series. It redefines Oliver Queen, putting him in his 40s, thinking about starting a family with Dinah. But when she gets kidnapped, everything changes. He rescues her, but he also kills someone in the process. That moment kicks off a 40-issue arc of Oliver grappling with the fact that he's now a man who can kill.
And it works. It's not grimdark or needlessly edgy, it’s grounded, mature storytelling. Oliver doesn’t kill because it’s cool, he kills because the situations demand it, and then he has to live with that weight. The series dives deep into moral ambiguity, urban grit, and personal trauma, all while showing him still trying to do right by others and himself.
The art absolutely nails that late '80s tone, gritty, moody, and atmospheric as hell. Some weaker issues pop up around the 30s, but overall, it ranges from good, to great, to fucking fantastic.
If you’re not a Green Arrow fan before reading this, you will be after. Read it. Now.
This Omnibus covers the first half of Mike Grell’s legendary run, kicking off with The Longbow Hunters mini-series. It redefines Oliver Queen, putting him in his 40s, thinking about starting a family with Dinah. But when she gets kidnapped, everything changes. He rescues her, but he also kills someone in the process. That moment kicks off a 40-issue arc of Oliver grappling with the fact that he's now a man who can kill.
And it works. It's not grimdark or needlessly edgy, it’s grounded, mature storytelling. Oliver doesn’t kill because it’s cool, he kills because the situations demand it, and then he has to live with that weight. The series dives deep into moral ambiguity, urban grit, and personal trauma, all while showing him still trying to do right by others and himself.
The art absolutely nails that late '80s tone, gritty, moody, and atmospheric as hell. Some weaker issues pop up around the 30s, but overall, it ranges from good, to great, to fucking fantastic.
If you’re not a Green Arrow fan before reading this, you will be after. Read it. Now.
February 11, 2022
(Zero spoiler review) 4.5/5
Holy base jumping blue balls, Batman, this is exactly what I've been waiting for. This is how you do superheroes, OmniBen style. Forget your airy, fairy, overpowered superhero fare. This is grounded and gritty, and just what the comics doctor ordered. Starting off wit perhaps one of the greatest comics stories of all time (a far as I'm concerned anyway) with The Longbow Hunters), that certainly comes out of the blocks swinging and turned all the way up to 11, Spinal Tap style., Inevitably, this level of quality can't be maintained, either artistically or narratively. Yet what we do get is a collection of stories that stick fairly faithfully to the Longbow Hunters formula, continuing to build upon the mythos and world of Green Arrow in (mostly) all the right ways. Sure, there are a few turkeys here, one or two of which I wonder what Grell was thinking when he phoned them in, but overall, the quality is outstanding.
Aa personal highlight for me, and something I always enjoy in my supe stories, is the lengths Grell goes to to paint Oliver Queen as very much an 'everyman'. The fleshing out of his character out of the costume perfectly compliments the character in the costume. His relationship with Black Canary, who I would have loved a little more of if I'm honest, was brilliant, doing away with the tired and tedious villain of the month motif that I really can't stand. Instead of superpowered aliens and evil doers intent on world domination, we get drug dealers, wildlife poachers and would be terrorists. These realistic stories will always entice and entertain me in ways your typical superhero fare never will.
Again, it wasn't perfect. The stable art team fell away towards the end, giving us a larger number of pencilers, and a somewhat wavering level of quality. Grell, although mostly on point, was occasionally a little heavy handed on the off issue here and there, but these are minor gripes on what was a fantastic run. I breezed through these fifteen hundred pages in barely a week. Grells more minimalistic style is rarely off point, showing that choosing your words carefully can be just as effective as filling the page with them (I'm reading Claremont's New Mutants omni right now, and I know which one I kept reaching for).
Very much looking forward to volume 2. Hopefully the quality holds up. A must read. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
Holy base jumping blue balls, Batman, this is exactly what I've been waiting for. This is how you do superheroes, OmniBen style. Forget your airy, fairy, overpowered superhero fare. This is grounded and gritty, and just what the comics doctor ordered. Starting off wit perhaps one of the greatest comics stories of all time (a far as I'm concerned anyway) with The Longbow Hunters), that certainly comes out of the blocks swinging and turned all the way up to 11, Spinal Tap style., Inevitably, this level of quality can't be maintained, either artistically or narratively. Yet what we do get is a collection of stories that stick fairly faithfully to the Longbow Hunters formula, continuing to build upon the mythos and world of Green Arrow in (mostly) all the right ways. Sure, there are a few turkeys here, one or two of which I wonder what Grell was thinking when he phoned them in, but overall, the quality is outstanding.
Aa personal highlight for me, and something I always enjoy in my supe stories, is the lengths Grell goes to to paint Oliver Queen as very much an 'everyman'. The fleshing out of his character out of the costume perfectly compliments the character in the costume. His relationship with Black Canary, who I would have loved a little more of if I'm honest, was brilliant, doing away with the tired and tedious villain of the month motif that I really can't stand. Instead of superpowered aliens and evil doers intent on world domination, we get drug dealers, wildlife poachers and would be terrorists. These realistic stories will always entice and entertain me in ways your typical superhero fare never will.
Again, it wasn't perfect. The stable art team fell away towards the end, giving us a larger number of pencilers, and a somewhat wavering level of quality. Grell, although mostly on point, was occasionally a little heavy handed on the off issue here and there, but these are minor gripes on what was a fantastic run. I breezed through these fifteen hundred pages in barely a week. Grells more minimalistic style is rarely off point, showing that choosing your words carefully can be just as effective as filling the page with them (I'm reading Claremont's New Mutants omni right now, and I know which one I kept reaching for).
Very much looking forward to volume 2. Hopefully the quality holds up. A must read. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
February 26, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up. This is a behemoth of a book. First time reading a Green Arrow solo series.
Now, I’m intrigued. I will definitely be checking out Vol. 2 and the Archer’s Quest Omni.
Very excited to finish this one. Mike Grell is both an underrated writer and artist. Shoutout to Julia Lacquement who did the colors for a lot of the book.
What I really like about this series is that Ollie isn’t always pointed as perfect or as the voice of reason. Sometimes he is the voice of reason, but not always. Sometimes he’s even an unreliable narrator. This just goes to show how great of a writer Grell is.
Now, I’m intrigued. I will definitely be checking out Vol. 2 and the Archer’s Quest Omni.
Very excited to finish this one. Mike Grell is both an underrated writer and artist. Shoutout to Julia Lacquement who did the colors for a lot of the book.
What I really like about this series is that Ollie isn’t always pointed as perfect or as the voice of reason. Sometimes he is the voice of reason, but not always. Sometimes he’s even an unreliable narrator. This just goes to show how great of a writer Grell is.
July 7, 2021
What can I say. Mike Greel is awesome. This book has amazing two Issue and four Issue Arcs. For me, the highlights were when they revolved around Shado. Oliver begins the omnibus by doing a horrible act and goes through a redemption across 50 issues. He doubts himself, he feels pain, he loses sometimes. But he always comes out on top. Some cameos appear as well. This is definitely a must read if you are a fan of the Emerald Archer...
March 28, 2023
A masterclass by Mike Grell in storytelling. You can experience Good to Great to Masterpiece level stories with beautiful artwork throughout Vol 1 and 2.
November 29, 2024
OH MY GOSH!!!!! This is EXACTLY what you want from Green Arrow, or more importantly, ANY superhero saga- Oliver Queen isn't battling b-rated super villains, he's going after corrupt public officials, street gangs, human traffickers, and the REAL scum of society. Green Arrow is an inherently political hero, taking from Robin Hood, and this is the definitive saga of the character.
May 8, 2024
Absolutely SUPERB read.
This is a fantastic grounded exploration of the urban hunter, Green Arrow. This book is not only beautiful, but it has some incredible storytelling. The amount of different themes explored is what really sells it all to me.
You have topics of LGBT+, animal rights, environmental rights, relationships, war politics, identity and so much MORE.
Dude, I nearly cried from some of these issues. Some issues are fun, but many times there is more to it than just action pieces. This book has so many layers without the need of over complicating things. Mike Grell and the team show you how much they trust you to understand things as they don't fill the pages with useless dialog like many other books.
While Batman will probably always be my number 1 hero due to nostalgia, I have to say that this book made me love Oliver Queen. What makes Oliver so special is how flawed he is and how relatable that can be at times. This book feels so raw and human.
9.5/10
This is a fantastic grounded exploration of the urban hunter, Green Arrow. This book is not only beautiful, but it has some incredible storytelling. The amount of different themes explored is what really sells it all to me.
You have topics of LGBT+, animal rights, environmental rights, relationships, war politics, identity and so much MORE.
Dude, I nearly cried from some of these issues. Some issues are fun, but many times there is more to it than just action pieces. This book has so many layers without the need of over complicating things. Mike Grell and the team show you how much they trust you to understand things as they don't fill the pages with useless dialog like many other books.
While Batman will probably always be my number 1 hero due to nostalgia, I have to say that this book made me love Oliver Queen. What makes Oliver so special is how flawed he is and how relatable that can be at times. This book feels so raw and human.
9.5/10
March 25, 2023
I picked up an issue of Mike Grell’s run of Green Arrow back in the late 80’s on a whim and quickly became a huge fan of the series. I had the original comics, the graphic novels, and now I have the omnibuses. Well worth re-reading every few years.
June 25, 2023
Mike Grell's take on the Green Arrow is unique and a ton of fun. Similar to Dennis O'Neil's & Denys Cowan's The Question run that had started a year or so prior, Mike Grell was interested in delving into serious issues like corruption and political intruige by pitting the hero in a more gritty setting. Taking Oliver Queen out of his hometown of Star City and instead situating him in Seattle (I just now realize that Grell relocated the Emerald Archer into the Emerald City as I type this out), Grell allows for a way to really ground the character. Uninterested in crossovers and tying into the wider DC continuity, we instead get a Green Arrow who very much could exist in the real world. The only real tie-in to the greater DC continuity is an appearance by Hal Jordan, who comes in civilian clothes as not as the Green Lantern. Instead of pitting the Green Arrow against supervillains, most of Queen's antagonists in this series are gangs, traffickers, serial killers, rogue government agents and mercenaries. There aren't too many mainstream superhero runs that can do this, so Grell managing to pull this off is admirable and a refreshing change of pace.
Grell's run starts with the three-issue miniseries, The Longbow Hunters, that seems cut from a similar cloth to Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, with the story taking on mature themes and not being burdened by any history. The story pits Green Arrow against a mysterious rival archer named Shado, who seems to be targetting a clandestine group that Queen is looking into. The events of the miniseries kick off the main Green Arrow run, starting with Queen taking care of Dinah Lance, AKA Black Canary, who recovers slowly from near fatal injuries. They choose to settle together in Seattle, and Queen quickly begins to establish relationships with the local police department. Instead of being the mysterious vigilante, Queen is publically serving as the Green Arrow and works hand in hand with law enforcement to take down a serial killer, gang activity and drugs flooding the streets. His infamy grows quickly, and soon Queen begins to conduct regular missions for the CIA and other intelligence groups. Shado returns, for a few arcs throughout the first fifty issues collected in this omnibus, and the two spark a partnership that delves into a bit of romantic interest as well. Shado's own origin is established, with her being taken at a young age by the Yakuza to be trained as a deadly assassin. Black Canary also serves as a major supporting character in the series, though she is often placed as the domestic love interest and only occasionally suits up to fight alongside Queen. Interestingly, her abilities are never shown and it's pretty notable that most of the action in this series is limited to hand to hand combat, swords, arrows and firearms. This very down to earth approach makes for a very unique take on the character, and as such much more accessible to readers who are not interested in the wider continuity.
While Grell draws the initial miniseries, the art duties for the ongoing run were primarily ahndled by Ed Hannigan and Dick Giordano, with some additional work done on a few issues by Dan Jurgens and Denys Cowan. While Grell favors the use of light colors and sketchy linework for The Longbow Hunters miniseries, the main series is drawn with much sharper lines and deep color separations. Both look great to me, but the difference is pretty noticeable. I really enjoyed Grell's interiors for the miniseries, but the main series also looked very reminscent to Denys Cowan's work on The Question, which I also liked a lot. Grell's script is light as well, allowing for a lot of story to be told by art solely. Indeed, there are several pages where only action is being depicted and those sequences were all brilliantly told. Despite the 1500+ page count, this omnibus reads rather quickly because of Grell's at times limited script, making this a rather breezy reading experience which isn't something once expects from a series written in the late '80s where comics still tended towards the verbose. I really had a great time with this collection, and I'd love to check out more of Grell's work since this was an impressive showcase overall.
Grell's run starts with the three-issue miniseries, The Longbow Hunters, that seems cut from a similar cloth to Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, with the story taking on mature themes and not being burdened by any history. The story pits Green Arrow against a mysterious rival archer named Shado, who seems to be targetting a clandestine group that Queen is looking into. The events of the miniseries kick off the main Green Arrow run, starting with Queen taking care of Dinah Lance, AKA Black Canary, who recovers slowly from near fatal injuries. They choose to settle together in Seattle, and Queen quickly begins to establish relationships with the local police department. Instead of being the mysterious vigilante, Queen is publically serving as the Green Arrow and works hand in hand with law enforcement to take down a serial killer, gang activity and drugs flooding the streets. His infamy grows quickly, and soon Queen begins to conduct regular missions for the CIA and other intelligence groups. Shado returns, for a few arcs throughout the first fifty issues collected in this omnibus, and the two spark a partnership that delves into a bit of romantic interest as well. Shado's own origin is established, with her being taken at a young age by the Yakuza to be trained as a deadly assassin. Black Canary also serves as a major supporting character in the series, though she is often placed as the domestic love interest and only occasionally suits up to fight alongside Queen. Interestingly, her abilities are never shown and it's pretty notable that most of the action in this series is limited to hand to hand combat, swords, arrows and firearms. This very down to earth approach makes for a very unique take on the character, and as such much more accessible to readers who are not interested in the wider continuity.
While Grell draws the initial miniseries, the art duties for the ongoing run were primarily ahndled by Ed Hannigan and Dick Giordano, with some additional work done on a few issues by Dan Jurgens and Denys Cowan. While Grell favors the use of light colors and sketchy linework for The Longbow Hunters miniseries, the main series is drawn with much sharper lines and deep color separations. Both look great to me, but the difference is pretty noticeable. I really enjoyed Grell's interiors for the miniseries, but the main series also looked very reminscent to Denys Cowan's work on The Question, which I also liked a lot. Grell's script is light as well, allowing for a lot of story to be told by art solely. Indeed, there are several pages where only action is being depicted and those sequences were all brilliantly told. Despite the 1500+ page count, this omnibus reads rather quickly because of Grell's at times limited script, making this a rather breezy reading experience which isn't something once expects from a series written in the late '80s where comics still tended towards the verbose. I really had a great time with this collection, and I'd love to check out more of Grell's work since this was an impressive showcase overall.
December 6, 2025
5 stars. Wow, this is a masterpiece. I think if I could give one comic book run to someone to make them a fan, this would be it. This is so gritty and hits home constantly with how street-level it is. The art is for the most part excellent. One of my favorite runs I have ever read in comics.
The Longbow Hunters 3 issue mini-series is great, with Mike Grell on both writing and art. It is a beautiful and different art style. Oliver is a little older now and just moved to Seattle with Dinah (who is absolutely great throughout the series). We get introduced to Shado, who is a tremendous character and appears on and off throughout the ongoing. Other villains are introduced like Eddie Fyres and other supporting characters. The ongoing is a very natural continuation of this, with Grell only doing the writing but the art starts off really strong with Ed Hannigan and Dick Giordano on inks.
This is a fun read with a lot of shorter, often two-issue, arcs. Pretty much everything is covered: drugs, sexual assault, organized crime, international conflicts, shady governments (including the US), oil spills, poaching, etc. Very different types of stories being told and yet it all finds a way to flow naturally.
So many key developments happen. Dinah is being tortured and that is when Oliver first kills someone, which is the man torturing her. He kills somewhat often after that. Dinah is pretty emotionally scarred from the ordeal. Much later on, the roles are reversed with Oliver being tortured and Dinah forced to kill someone to save him. Similarly, Oliver is very scarred from the ordeal. Shado is in and out periodically, and at one point takes advantage of Oliver who is totally out of it (thanks to her almost killing him) and she ends up having a kid with him, unbeknownst to Oliver but eventually known to Dinah. Oliver and Dinah's relationship is such a great story, with Oliver really wanting kids but Dinah not wanting them given their crime fighting careers, and when she finally comes around much later on, she finds out she cannot have kids. Then for a while towards the end Oliver disappears for almost a year to find himself abroad and Dinah is pretty patient waiting for him to return.
The characterization is great and intriguing. Oliver is outspoken but does have a lot of stuff he struggles with emotionally. He also makes no efforts to hide his secret identity. Dinah has a heart of gold and is not often fighting but she is exceptional whenever she needs to. Shado is pretty mysterious but we slowly learn more.
Just a captivating read start to finish. Truly a masterpiece.
The Longbow Hunters 3 issue mini-series is great, with Mike Grell on both writing and art. It is a beautiful and different art style. Oliver is a little older now and just moved to Seattle with Dinah (who is absolutely great throughout the series). We get introduced to Shado, who is a tremendous character and appears on and off throughout the ongoing. Other villains are introduced like Eddie Fyres and other supporting characters. The ongoing is a very natural continuation of this, with Grell only doing the writing but the art starts off really strong with Ed Hannigan and Dick Giordano on inks.
This is a fun read with a lot of shorter, often two-issue, arcs. Pretty much everything is covered: drugs, sexual assault, organized crime, international conflicts, shady governments (including the US), oil spills, poaching, etc. Very different types of stories being told and yet it all finds a way to flow naturally.
So many key developments happen. Dinah is being tortured and that is when Oliver first kills someone, which is the man torturing her. He kills somewhat often after that. Dinah is pretty emotionally scarred from the ordeal. Much later on, the roles are reversed with Oliver being tortured and Dinah forced to kill someone to save him. Similarly, Oliver is very scarred from the ordeal. Shado is in and out periodically, and at one point takes advantage of Oliver who is totally out of it (thanks to her almost killing him) and she ends up having a kid with him, unbeknownst to Oliver but eventually known to Dinah. Oliver and Dinah's relationship is such a great story, with Oliver really wanting kids but Dinah not wanting them given their crime fighting careers, and when she finally comes around much later on, she finds out she cannot have kids. Then for a while towards the end Oliver disappears for almost a year to find himself abroad and Dinah is pretty patient waiting for him to return.
The characterization is great and intriguing. Oliver is outspoken but does have a lot of stuff he struggles with emotionally. He also makes no efforts to hide his secret identity. Dinah has a heart of gold and is not often fighting but she is exceptional whenever she needs to. Shado is pretty mysterious but we slowly learn more.
Just a captivating read start to finish. Truly a masterpiece.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2025
🅡🅔🅥🅘🅔🅦
Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters Saga Omnibus 1
2020
Graphic Novel
Rating: 5/5
Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters Saga 1 is an absolutely fantastic collection that redefines the Green Arrow character in a way that remains influential to this day. This volume takes readers on a gripping journey, diving deep into the darker, more grounded world of Oliver Queen, as he faces off against the criminal underworld.
What makes this book stand out is the shift in tone and atmosphere, spearheaded by writer Mike Grell. Gone are the days of the more campy, light-hearted Green Arrow, here, we get a gritty, morally complex version of the character, grappling with personal loss, redemption, and the consequences of his vigilantism. Grell’s storytelling is sharp and layered, making Oliver feel more human than ever, while also showcasing the toll that a life dedicated to justice can have.
This volume does an excellent job of introducing the infamous Longbow Hunters, offering both a fresh perspective on established characters and introducing new ones that are integral to the storyline. The pacing is tight, and the stakes feel personal, making each chapter feel like a must-read. There’s some interesting stories, in particular the ones on poaching, simply amazing and unexpected.
This is an essential read, especially for those who appreciate more mature, sophisticated takes on comic book heroes. It’s a compelling, unforgettable entry in the character’s saga, and this Omnibus edition is a perfect way to experience it all in one beautifully presented package. This transcends the medium in ways other comic book characters haven’t, and I can’t wait to read more.
#greenarrow#2020#comics#comicbooks#comicbookcommunity#comicbooklover#booklover#bookworm#comicbookreview#comicbookcollection#comicbookcollector#comicbookcollecting#dupreewenttothemovies#books#bookrecommendations#readingtime#readingaddict#readingcommunity#readinglist#readingbooks#readingisfun#alwaysreading#ilovereading#lovereading#readreadread#readersgonnaread#mikegrell#book#dc#omnibus
Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters Saga Omnibus 1
2020
Graphic Novel
Rating: 5/5
Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters Saga 1 is an absolutely fantastic collection that redefines the Green Arrow character in a way that remains influential to this day. This volume takes readers on a gripping journey, diving deep into the darker, more grounded world of Oliver Queen, as he faces off against the criminal underworld.
What makes this book stand out is the shift in tone and atmosphere, spearheaded by writer Mike Grell. Gone are the days of the more campy, light-hearted Green Arrow, here, we get a gritty, morally complex version of the character, grappling with personal loss, redemption, and the consequences of his vigilantism. Grell’s storytelling is sharp and layered, making Oliver feel more human than ever, while also showcasing the toll that a life dedicated to justice can have.
This volume does an excellent job of introducing the infamous Longbow Hunters, offering both a fresh perspective on established characters and introducing new ones that are integral to the storyline. The pacing is tight, and the stakes feel personal, making each chapter feel like a must-read. There’s some interesting stories, in particular the ones on poaching, simply amazing and unexpected.
This is an essential read, especially for those who appreciate more mature, sophisticated takes on comic book heroes. It’s a compelling, unforgettable entry in the character’s saga, and this Omnibus edition is a perfect way to experience it all in one beautifully presented package. This transcends the medium in ways other comic book characters haven’t, and I can’t wait to read more.
#greenarrow#2020#comics#comicbooks#comicbookcommunity#comicbooklover#booklover#bookworm#comicbookreview#comicbookcollection#comicbookcollector#comicbookcollecting#dupreewenttothemovies#books#bookrecommendations#readingtime#readingaddict#readingcommunity#readinglist#readingbooks#readingisfun#alwaysreading#ilovereading#lovereading#readreadread#readersgonnaread#mikegrell#book#dc#omnibus
August 23, 2022
***Contains Spoilers***
Review: 8.5/10, and a re-read
Mike Grell's run on Green arrow in the Longbow Hunters Saga is action packed and gritty. I read a digital copy and now looking to buy the pair of omnibus if I can find them at affordable prices.
This was a pleasant change from the Green Arrow & Green Lantern adventures in the late 70's. Mike Grell has created a gritty street crime/spy adventure in this 6 year run. I really enjoyed the mix of social issues, crime story, and character development. At times it did feel a bit overdone and too 80's. Some of the nudity felt forced and gratuitous in 2022, but I can see how this was disruptive and new when it first came out.
The Shado stories were my favorite, followed closely by the Edward Fryers stories. I appreciate that the stories were set outside of the larger DC universe and loved the cameo by Hal (vs. Green Lantern). However, I would have preferred to see more of an Oliver/Dinah team up. It was always odd to me that they would only really fight separate, but both insist on the lifestyle.
While Oliver's character development grew, I did get a bit annoyed by the love triangles. It seemed strange that Oliver could just up and leave for months at a time, but then everything be fine right away when he returns. Shado's "rape" of Oliver to have a kid also seemed to go without much repercussion. The kiss with Marianne to break up Oliver and Dinah seemed out of character. There could have been better ways to break them up.
It is a great read. One that I am sure to revisit in a few years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2025
This is a fantastic, gritty, mature take on Green Arrow from start to finish.
Mike Grell takes Oliver Queen from superhero to an vigilante/urban hunter patrolling the streets of Seattle and there isn’t a single bad story in this collection.
I will warn you that these stories are dark, but I wouldn’t say they’re edgy. They’re mature which I think is a big difference.
The book has fantastic art by a solid group of artists, all of who do a good job of emulating the same style with their own visual flare here and there.
After the initial Longbow Hunters miniseries, the book primarily takes an episodic two-part stories approach, occasionally broken up by four to five part Shado stories (you’ll learn who she is when you read the book). I found this formula refreshing, and it really let the writer get more out of these stories than a single issue would have done.
My only complaint is that I feel the book wasted Black Canary a little. She is essentially just Oliver’s girlfriend here, and while she’s well-written and does get the occasional action set piece, it may come across as surprising considering how important she is to the DC Universe today.
Overall this is a fantastic volume and I’m already onto volume 2.
Mike Grell takes Oliver Queen from superhero to an vigilante/urban hunter patrolling the streets of Seattle and there isn’t a single bad story in this collection.
I will warn you that these stories are dark, but I wouldn’t say they’re edgy. They’re mature which I think is a big difference.
The book has fantastic art by a solid group of artists, all of who do a good job of emulating the same style with their own visual flare here and there.
After the initial Longbow Hunters miniseries, the book primarily takes an episodic two-part stories approach, occasionally broken up by four to five part Shado stories (you’ll learn who she is when you read the book). I found this formula refreshing, and it really let the writer get more out of these stories than a single issue would have done.
My only complaint is that I feel the book wasted Black Canary a little. She is essentially just Oliver’s girlfriend here, and while she’s well-written and does get the occasional action set piece, it may come across as surprising considering how important she is to the DC Universe today.
Overall this is a fantastic volume and I’m already onto volume 2.
September 14, 2023
I wasn't really expecting a lot when I ordered this book. I bought it off a recommendation from my friend and I am very glad to report that this run is amazing. This is one of the best runs I think I've ever read from DC, it's dark, gritty, political, and engaging. Mike Grell manages to tell a captivating story for Green Arrow while keeping it very real and grounded (he rarely uses the name Green Arrow in any of the dialogue). The problems feel real, the stakes are high, and the characters are great. It's also easy to get into since this mainly takes place after Crisis on Infinite Earths which resets everything, even though the Green Arrow mythos is not that complicated to start with. The art throughout is also magnificent; Grell pencils the Longbow Hunters mini himself, but even throughout the rest of the run, Dan Jurgens, Denys Cowan, Dick Giordano, and many others provide some of the best art I've seen in the modern age. This is a great omnibus, most definitely one of my favorite DC omnibus books to come out. I'd highly recommend it to any superhero fan and definitely to any Green Arrow fan.
July 20, 2021
Of Mike Grell's three major comic book runs (Warlord, Jon Sable, and this), Green Arrow is sadly the only one so far to get a deluxe release.
The Longbow Hunters and Grell's GA monthly that followed it were the character's relaunch after Crisis (the first one). I passed on it at the time because of the decision to de-power Black Canary, a character I'd always held a random fondness for. In the afterward for this volume, editor Mike Gold says the decision was the result of an attempt to bring parity to the female DC characters: they thought her power was dumb, so they got rid of it. The problem, and it's a big one, is that they didn't replace it with anything. She becomes just another comic book girlfriend. To make matters worse, in the very first storyline she's tortured to the breaking point, a trauma that haunts her for the rest of the series and gives Oliver motivation to kill bad guys. Weird way to feminist, bros.
Putting that aside (with difficulty), Grell writes some fun tough guy pulp adventures, without being constrained by the usual comic book conventions. For example, one storyline sees a government agency manipulating Oliver Queen's desire for vengeance on a drug dealer to turn him into an unwitting terrorist. Stuff like that never happens to Spider-Man. The stories never get very far below the surface, but they're varied and entertaining.
The art is mostly stiff and not really to my liking, but the trashy 80's color palette adds a lot of visual appeal - although it may not cleanly fit the book's noir sensibility. I do like the decision to regularly show Oliver in tastefully nude poses. Dinah and Oliver have a fun, romantic, adult sex life, and the occasional butt shot feels appropriate.
The physical book itself is a good quality, but any book this big - around 1500 pages (!) - is going to need to be handled with care.
The Longbow Hunters and Grell's GA monthly that followed it were the character's relaunch after Crisis (the first one). I passed on it at the time because of the decision to de-power Black Canary, a character I'd always held a random fondness for. In the afterward for this volume, editor Mike Gold says the decision was the result of an attempt to bring parity to the female DC characters: they thought her power was dumb, so they got rid of it. The problem, and it's a big one, is that they didn't replace it with anything. She becomes just another comic book girlfriend. To make matters worse, in the very first storyline she's tortured to the breaking point, a trauma that haunts her for the rest of the series and gives Oliver motivation to kill bad guys. Weird way to feminist, bros.
Putting that aside (with difficulty), Grell writes some fun tough guy pulp adventures, without being constrained by the usual comic book conventions. For example, one storyline sees a government agency manipulating Oliver Queen's desire for vengeance on a drug dealer to turn him into an unwitting terrorist. Stuff like that never happens to Spider-Man. The stories never get very far below the surface, but they're varied and entertaining.
The art is mostly stiff and not really to my liking, but the trashy 80's color palette adds a lot of visual appeal - although it may not cleanly fit the book's noir sensibility. I do like the decision to regularly show Oliver in tastefully nude poses. Dinah and Oliver have a fun, romantic, adult sex life, and the occasional butt shot feels appropriate.
The physical book itself is a good quality, but any book this big - around 1500 pages (!) - is going to need to be handled with care.
June 22, 2024
I had heard that Mike Grell's Green Arrow was fantastic and the definitive run of the character. After finally reading this, I wholeheartedly agree.
This Green Arrow series was for mature readers, and the stories are a lot more grounded with Oliver dealing with corruption, drugs, prostitution, poaching and all sorts of real-world issues. It can get pretty political, but not as heavy handed as Denny O'Neil's Green Arrow/Green Lantern run.
There is also a lot of focus on his relationship with Dinah (Black Canary) Lance. They go through things like facing trauma, disagreements about having kids, getting older and other conflicts which humanizes the characters.
Grell introduces Shado, a rival archer and a fantastic character. Every story where she appears is a highlight in this book.
All that and really great art too.
This Green Arrow series was for mature readers, and the stories are a lot more grounded with Oliver dealing with corruption, drugs, prostitution, poaching and all sorts of real-world issues. It can get pretty political, but not as heavy handed as Denny O'Neil's Green Arrow/Green Lantern run.
There is also a lot of focus on his relationship with Dinah (Black Canary) Lance. They go through things like facing trauma, disagreements about having kids, getting older and other conflicts which humanizes the characters.
Grell introduces Shado, a rival archer and a fantastic character. Every story where she appears is a highlight in this book.
All that and really great art too.
August 23, 2021
This is a gigantic book, clocking in at a hefty 1500 pages. Not sure if it's the longest comic omnibus I've read, but it sure felt like that. In a good way. In the 1980s Mike Grell took Green Arrow a step further from the fantastic Green Lantern/Green Arrow series, trading in the trick arrows for a more grounded setting tackling more topical issues of the day. Sometimes things don't land, which is to be expected, sometimes things in comics age poorly, but for the most part you've got well written stories with great art, further cementing Oliver Queen as a must read character. My only hope is that with the much more manageable trades on their way out of print, DC follows through with the solicited second omnibus later this winter.
June 25, 2024
Stellar book. I have hardly read any Green Arrow before and picked up this set of omnibus editions on a whim and a great deal. Wow, just wow. The story is so realistic and engrossing- this book is over 1500 pages long, and I couldn't put it down (picking it up is also a challenge, heh). I finished the whole thing in about 4 nights of reading! The first story in three parts, the mini series Longbow Hunters, comprises the first ~150 pages and does a heck of a job with world building and setting the stage and tone. Taking a quick breather to read some shorter books, but I cannot wait to read volume 2!
October 27, 2020
4.5 stars. Man, what a run!! I loved the relationship dynamic between Ollie/Dinah and Shado and the thread Grell weaves with that relationship as well as the trauma that Dinah suffers in the first arc - these resonate through all 50 issues. There was only one arc I didn't care for, the one in Canada with the IRA and movie, but when you consider this volume is 50 issues, that's a real small blip overall. This is a definite read and one I'd easily recommend as a buy. I can't wait for volume 2....assuming DC doesn't drop the ball on it!
September 7, 2024
Mike Grell's The Longbow Hunters gives Green Arrow a fresh, modern vibe, especially with the art, which feels way ahead of its time. The darker, more realistic story worked really well, but it still kept some of Oliver Queen’s humor, which was a nice balance. The way everything ties together—like the CIA and Shado—made the plot really satisfying. While I would’ve liked to see more of the relationship between Oliver and Dinah, what was there felt genuine. Plus, the realistic violence, with Green Arrow getting caught and bloodied, added a gritty and raw edge to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2023
I loved reading this omni. My first read of Green Arrow and it was gritty amd dark. Great character development and awesome storytelling. I love the fact that Mike Grell grounded the stories in the topical news and events of the 80s. No super hero stuff in here. Just a hero of bones and flesh trying to do the right thing. Fighting against injustice, drug cartels, mafia and double crossing federal agencies. A highly recommended read.
January 4, 2024
Really aged well, or actually did not age!
The street level heroing and the humanity of the characters is refreshing in 2023.
It touches many topics such as terrorism, oil spill, gang violence, poaching, police blunder, modern slavery etc. that still resonate especially as the storytelling is so good.
The art is beautiful, the relationship between Oliver and Dinah is complex, adult.
All the stories involving Shado are straight master pieces.
The street level heroing and the humanity of the characters is refreshing in 2023.
It touches many topics such as terrorism, oil spill, gang violence, poaching, police blunder, modern slavery etc. that still resonate especially as the storytelling is so good.
The art is beautiful, the relationship between Oliver and Dinah is complex, adult.
All the stories involving Shado are straight master pieces.
June 26, 2022
I don’t hate this but I also don’t love it. The book starts very strong and then just becomes comical come the middle and absolutely disappointing in the end. Some of the stories are cool but very predictable. I understand this was written in the 80’s and it was the first of its kind. In terms of tackling certain subjects. I feel like if the artwork wasn’t so “cartoony” this would be a solid 4.5.
Read
July 27, 2023oliver queen is framed as a terrorist traitor by the us government so that they can stage a pretext for increased military presence on the panama canal. the us government also tries to get a japanese yakuza assassin to kill mikhail gorbachev. there's an IRA story, there's drugs, there's the iran contra crisis. insane energy here, rendered in bright neon colored panels. comics !
March 27, 2025
The most "human" superhero,
flawed and emotional.
The series really delves into
a man's inner struggles let alone a "supe"
though in this series the whole superhero
in spandex thing is nonexistent,
even the cameo of Hal Jordan (Green Lantern)
is in plainclothes.
An all around great run of comics,
Really wish DC had recolored the art though.
flawed and emotional.
The series really delves into
a man's inner struggles let alone a "supe"
though in this series the whole superhero
in spandex thing is nonexistent,
even the cameo of Hal Jordan (Green Lantern)
is in plainclothes.
An all around great run of comics,
Really wish DC had recolored the art though.
February 5, 2021
Recently finished this 50 issue beast of Green Arrow goodness! Less super heroics and more street-level action, also Shado was a great addition to the Ollie/Dinah dynamic, overall a great read. Tempted to read some more Green Arrow.
March 7, 2024
Such an amazing introduction to Oliver Queen post-Crisis on Infinite Earths. Mike Grell is a genius and knows exactly what he's doing with this character. Cannot wait to continue the Green Arrow and Black Canary's adventures in the second omnibus.
April 29, 2025
Took me long enough. Great series. I have some art gripes from time to time. Greatest story complaint is the Alaska stories. Greatest complaint about the collection: 8lbs. It’s too big for one volume.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews