Ollie Facts

Let's see how much of a Green Arrow fan you really are! Here are One Dozen Green Arrow Facts!

1. When Green Arrow was created in 1941 he was very much an imitation of Batman. He had a kid sidekick, he was a billionaire, he used weapons instead of superpowers, a signal, a cave, a car and plane based off an Arrow, he even had a clown-dressed villain.

2. Neal Adams retooled the character in 1969, stripping him of his fortune and making him an advocate for the underprivileged and a bleeding heart liberal. For the time this was a very daring decision and ultimately one that became a defining feature of the character.

3. In the early 1970's Green Arrow was paired with Hal Jordon/Green Lantern, a former military pilot and known conservative. This was done by Adams to show that two characters with vastly different backgrounds, vastly different abilities, and vastly different social views can and will put all differences aside for the greater good and that two people so different from one another can still be great friends.

4. Green Arrow has had three sidekicks, a son, a wife, and a sister all of whom have fought crime by his side.

5. In the 1990's Green Arrow attempted to stop a group of Eco-terrorists from crashing a plane into Metropolis. Superman helped evacuate the crashing plane and aim it towards the ocean, but Green Arrow's arm was stuck in the plane in such a way that he could only escape by cutting his arm off. Superman offered to do it to save Green Arrow, but Green Arrow refused. This lead to Superman sadly allowing Green Arrow to die. Ironically, in the possible future of "The Dark Knight Returns" Superman had ripped off one of Green Arrow's arms and in the universe of "Injustice: Gods Among Us" Superman straight-up killed Green Arrow.

6. Green Arrow was brought back to life by the writing direction of Kevin Smith in 2000. Kevin Smith directed films like Clerks, Mallrats, and Chasing Amy. He is also a stand-up comedian, an author, and a podcaster. He almost wrote and directed a Superman movie as well.

7. The relationship between Green Arrow and Black Canary is one of the longest in comic book history. Along side Superman and Lois Lane, Spider-Man and Mary Jane, and Aquaman and Mera, their relationship has always been a staple of the character's most beloved stories.

8. Green Arrow's first sidekick Roy Harper is one of the most tragically fascinating characters in DC Comics. While he was initially a rip-off of Robin, Roy had become a heroine addict in 1971 to address the growing drug issue of the American public. Following this Roy would overcome his addiction, but impregnate a villain named Cheshire. Roy became a single father, former junkie, and loyal member of The Teen Titans and The Green Arrow Family. His greatest achievement was when he joined the main Justice League team alongside his adoptive mother Black Canary and adoptive uncle Green Lantern. He used the name Red Arrow in honor of his adoptive father.

9. In the cartoon "Young Justice" the first Roy Harper we follow turns out to be a clone of the original. While the clone Roy became the resentful Red Arrow, the original Roy became the psychologically damaged Arsenal who sported a weaponized robot arm. This change was made to Roy Harper to streamline the two vastly different directions the character has taken.

10. Green Arrow's origin includes surviving on an island and teaching himself archery. These survival skills aided him in fighting crime, but even he has his limits. His hand-to-hand skills are impressive, but Batman and even Ollie's wife Black Canary are much better at martial arts than him.

11. Green Arrow was one of the first superheroes recruited into The Justice League by the original seven members. The heroes who were recruited with him were Black Canary, Hawkman, and The Atom.

12. Green Arrow has devised a special recipe for Chili. This chili was so hot even Superman burnt his tongue. This recipe can be found in "Green Arrow Vol. 2 #85".

Thanks for reading!
Which superhero would you not agree with, but still befriend? Comment below!