***Contains Spoilers***
The post-Grell Green Arrow run from issues #81–101 feels like a transitional era for the character and the series as a whole. It’s an interesting blend of introspection, action-packed road trips, and setups for larger events, but while there are some solid moments, it never quite hits its stride. Spanning the aftermath of Oliver Queen’s breakup with Dinah Lance, his travels across the country, and the aftermath of Zero Hour, this run eventually leads to the introduction of Conner Hawke, Oliver’s estranged son, and Ollie’s tragic death in issue #101. While there are bright spots, the run overall feels uneven, leaving me with mixed feelings.
There’s still a lot to enjoy here. For one, I’ve always appreciated Oliver Queen’s flaws, and this era doesn’t shy away from highlighting just how complicated—and sometimes downright infuriating—he can be. His reaction to discovering Conner Hawke is his son is one of those moments where you want to reach through the page and smack him. Yet, that imperfection is what makes him feel human. The reintroduction of Eddie Fyers is another high point—I’ve always loved the dynamic between him and Ollie, and it was nice to see him back in the mix.
The team-ups during Oliver’s road trip are entertaining, with Deathstroke, Catwoman, and Huntress bringing different energies to the story. These encounters provided some of the run’s most fun moments, even if they don’t feel particularly weighty. Roy Harper’s return in the final few issues was another highlight, adding some emotional depth and a touch of nostalgia as the series neared its conclusion. And of course, issue #101 is a bittersweet, touching finale for Oliver. Watching him sacrifice himself in the plane crash to save Metropolis is a gut punch, and the moments with Dinah and Conner grieving afterward are genuinely moving. It’s not easy to find a copy, but it’s worth the effort.
The biggest issue with this run is that it feels aimless for much of its duration. It’s clear the creative team was trying to figure out where to take Green Arrow after Mike Grell’s legendary tenure, and the series often feels like it’s treading water until Zero Hour and Conner Hawke’s arrival. Aside from a few team-ups and Oliver’s brooding over his breakup with Dinah, there’s not much here that feels truly impactful until the final stretch.
The switch to a compound bow is one of those small details that highlights the tonal shift from Grell’s grounded realism toward more traditional superhero storytelling. While not a dealbreaker, it felt like a step backward. Similarly, while Conner Hawke’s introduction after Zero Hour is important, the transition from Oliver to Conner feels rushed, with much of Conner’s early material missing in later collections.
Ultimately, this run feels like a crossroads for Green Arrow, caught between the gritty realism of Grell’s era and the more traditional superhero tone that would follow. While there are moments I genuinely enjoyed—especially Oliver’s flawed humanity, Roy’s return, and that heartbreaking final issue—they’re not enough to elevate this run beyond being passable. I’m glad I read it for the context, but it’s not something I’d revisit. Rating: 2 stars.
Feature Image Green Arrow #93 cover art by Rick Burchett