***Contains Spoilers***
The first 39 issues of Green Arrow Vol. 3 offer a compelling reintroduction to Oliver Queen, blending reverence for his past with fresh perspectives on the character. From Kevin Smith’s resurrection of Oliver to Brad Meltzer’s introspective Archer’s Quest and, finally, Judd Winick’s multi-layered arcs, this run provides a mix of action, emotion, and legacy-driven storytelling.
What really struck me was Kevin Smith’s handling of Oliver’s return. His arc not only tackled how Oliver came back but also why he mattered in the larger DC Universe. Smith’s writing balances humor, introspection, and heart in a way that felt like a love letter to both the character and his fans. Following this, Meltzer’s Archer’s Quest stood out as an emotional masterpiece, with Roy Harper joining Ollie on a poignant journey to reclaim Oliver’s most valued possessions. It’s not just a treasure hunt; it’s a story about reconciliation—with Dinah, Roy, Conner, and ultimately, himself. Meltzer’s ability to honor Green Arrow’s past while moving his relationships forward was brilliant.
When Judd Winick took over, the tone shifted, but not in a bad way. His storytelling featured six-part arcs that balanced solid action with rich character dynamics. I loved how he approached Ollie’s relationship with Conner. Conner isn’t just a sidekick; he’s a partner who challenges Ollie and holds his own. One of my favorite moments was the issue where Roy takes Conner to a strip club for some unconventional bonding—it’s hilarious, a little raunchy, and somehow heartfelt. Speaking of raunchiness, the series had an undertone of grit and adult themes, reminiscent of Mike Grell’s run but dialed down just enough to remain accessible. It made the characters feel more human without becoming overly dark.
The crossover with Green Lantern provided a smooth transition between creative teams, and bringing Winick from Hal Jordan’s world to Oliver’s felt natural. He’s a writer who thrives in exploring relationships, and that carried over well here.
As much as I enjoyed this run, it’s not without its minor flaws. The pacing occasionally felt uneven, particularly during Smith’s longer arcs. While Meltzer and Winick excelled in focusing on smaller, personal stakes, Smith’s work sometimes leaned too heavily on exposition. Additionally, while the tone was mature, it didn’t fully commit to the raw, grounded feel of Grell’s Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters, leaving a few moments that felt like they were holding back.
Overall, this run is an excellent read for fans of Green Arrow, especially those familiar with his history. I’m glad I didn’t start here because having prior context—especially from Grell’s run and the earlier pre-Crisis stories—added significant depth to my experience. This series manages to honor Oliver Queen’s legacy while pushing the character forward, blending nostalgia and newness seamlessly.
Highly recommend. It’s not perfect, but it’s heartfelt, entertaining, and a worthy addition to Green Arrow’s history. 4 Stars.
Feature Image Green Arrow #17 cover art by Matt Wagner