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Green Arrow (2001) (Collected Editions)
Green Arrow: The Archer's Quest
Green Arrow: Archer's Quest continues the acclaimed rebirth of a classic character...Oliver Queen - the Green Arrow - was dead. There was even a funeral, attended by the cream of the superhero community...along with a shifty-looking man the now resurrected Queen has no memory of. Intrigued Queen begins to track this individual down, and finds the efforts he made to protect his secret identity in case of his death are haunting him in ways he couldn't possibly have imagined! Green Arrow: Archer's Quest follows on directly from the spectacular run written by director Kevin Smith (Jersey Girl, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back), as best-selling thriller novelist Brad Meltzer (The Tenth Justice) takes up the archer's bow!
176 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2003
11 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
Brad Meltzer
319 books7,304 followersBrad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest kids books are We are the Beatles, We are the Beatles, and I am Simone Biles. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
June 10, 2021
4.5 stars
Porn-Buddies.
Yeah, that's the basis for this book. Do you know what a porn-buddy is?
It's that friend who, if you die, goes into your house and burns/deletes every last scrap of whatever embarrassingly deviant things you might have left behind...before your family finds it.
I know what you're thinking...
Only Ollie doesn't need anyone to burn his porn stash for him.
Get it? Porn Stache! Goddamnit, I'm hilarious!
Whatever. I'm funny.
Anyway, Ollie had a contingency plan to protect his family & friends in the event of his death. Someone he trusted was to find all of his Green Arrow memorabilia and get rid of it, before it could be used to ferret out the secret identities of his loved ones.
And wouldn't you know it? He did die.
But like allgood superheroes, he's baaaaack!
So. Now, he's got to find out if his wishes were fulfilled. And if so, he needs to collect his stuff.
This is a really cool Road Trip story for Green Arrow. Basically, he and Arsenal go out and hit all the important highlights of Ollie's life while they search for his missing collectibles.
Remember, at the time this was written, both Hal & Barry were dead. So, this is also sort of his goodbye to each of his best friends, and there were some pretty touching moments as a result.
Plus, he's got to come to terms with the fact that the men who replaced his friends maybe aren't so bad. Maybe.
Not only does he want to find his goodies, but he wants to try and rectify some of the things that he didn't do right the first time around.
Alrighty, I thought this would have been a great Green Arrow story even without the twist Metzer added to the end.
But with it, he transformed Oliver Queen's entire backstory and made us all think twice about everything we thought we knew about the Emerald Archer. Good stuff!
Definitely recommended for anyone who calls themselves a fan of Green Arrow.
Porn-Buddies.
Yeah, that's the basis for this book. Do you know what a porn-buddy is?
It's that friend who, if you die, goes into your house and burns/deletes every last scrap of whatever embarrassingly deviant things you might have left behind...before your family finds it.
I know what you're thinking...
Only Ollie doesn't need anyone to burn his porn stash for him.
Get it? Porn Stache! Goddamnit, I'm hilarious!
Whatever. I'm funny.
Anyway, Ollie had a contingency plan to protect his family & friends in the event of his death. Someone he trusted was to find all of his Green Arrow memorabilia and get rid of it, before it could be used to ferret out the secret identities of his loved ones.
And wouldn't you know it? He did die.
But like all
So. Now, he's got to find out if his wishes were fulfilled. And if so, he needs to collect his stuff.
This is a really cool Road Trip story for Green Arrow. Basically, he and Arsenal go out and hit all the important highlights of Ollie's life while they search for his missing collectibles.
Remember, at the time this was written, both Hal & Barry were dead. So, this is also sort of his goodbye to each of his best friends, and there were some pretty touching moments as a result.
Plus, he's got to come to terms with the fact that the men who replaced his friends maybe aren't so bad. Maybe.
Not only does he want to find his goodies, but he wants to try and rectify some of the things that he didn't do right the first time around.
Alrighty, I thought this would have been a great Green Arrow story even without the twist Metzer added to the end.
But with it, he transformed Oliver Queen's entire backstory and made us all think twice about everything we thought we knew about the Emerald Archer. Good stuff!
Definitely recommended for anyone who calls themselves a fan of Green Arrow.
July 31, 2019
3.5 stars
"I was dead. I came back to life. But for the first time in the long time . . . I'm actually living." -- Oliver 'Green Arrow' Queen
Mystery / biographies for kids author Meltzer (who has also been a Justice League scribe on occasion) takes over writing chores from film director / actor Kevin Smith for the third volume in the series. This time GA and former sidekick / protege Arsenal hit the road - in a convertible, of course - for a nostalgia-laced trip. The main antagonist for the story is forgettable (a sad-sack joke with the terrible moniker 'Cat-Man') and the action is intermittent, but its GA's memories and respect for his League cohorts (Superman, Flash, Black Canary, etc.) that drives the plot. He has a particularly well-written confrontation / conversation scene with Kyle Rayner's Green Lantern - the new kid at the JL - that walked a tricky line, and managed to be dramatic but with a humorous post-script.
"I was dead. I came back to life. But for the first time in the long time . . . I'm actually living." -- Oliver 'Green Arrow' Queen
Mystery / biographies for kids author Meltzer (who has also been a Justice League scribe on occasion) takes over writing chores from film director / actor Kevin Smith for the third volume in the series. This time GA and former sidekick / protege Arsenal hit the road - in a convertible, of course - for a nostalgia-laced trip. The main antagonist for the story is forgettable (a sad-sack joke with the terrible moniker 'Cat-Man') and the action is intermittent, but its GA's memories and respect for his League cohorts (Superman, Flash, Black Canary, etc.) that drives the plot. He has a particularly well-written confrontation / conversation scene with Kyle Rayner's Green Lantern - the new kid at the JL - that walked a tricky line, and managed to be dramatic but with a humorous post-script.
August 2, 2019
Brad Meltzer comes on board to continue what Kevin Smith started when he resurrected Green Arrow from the dead. Here he sends Ollie along with his former sidekick, Roy Harper, off on a road trip in an ode to the classic hard travelling heroes era of Green Lantern/Green Arrow. Meltzer is fantastic about digging up DC's past and crating moments where Ollie has to deal not only with his death and resurrection but the death of his two best friends, Barry Allen and Hal Jordan. (Yes, I know both are no longer dead at this point. Talk to Geoff Johns.) Meltzer is one of the rare novelists who made the transition the comics without missing a beat. After his time on Green Arrow, he'd go on to celebrated runs on Identity Crisis and Justice League of America.
Phil Hester stays on from Smith's relaunch. I really enjoy his clean, slightly cartoony art along with his character designs. Solomon Grundy was one of my favorite looks from this arc.
Phil Hester stays on from Smith's relaunch. I really enjoy his clean, slightly cartoony art along with his character designs. Solomon Grundy was one of my favorite looks from this arc.
June 10, 2018
Green Arrow was once dead but he's back. Hey, it's DC so we roll with it.
Arguably the best part of this graphic novel is Green Arrow focusing on his life, especially upon those who have "left" his life.
I don't think this would have moved me as much when I was 21 years old but in my middling years this tale had a greater impact on me.
Good artwork & written by Brad Meltzer which typically means there will be something profound (or a failed attempt to make it profound to the readers).
OVERALL GRADE: B plus.
Arguably the best part of this graphic novel is Green Arrow focusing on his life, especially upon those who have "left" his life.
I don't think this would have moved me as much when I was 21 years old but in my middling years this tale had a greater impact on me.
Good artwork & written by Brad Meltzer which typically means there will be something profound (or a failed attempt to make it profound to the readers).
OVERALL GRADE: B plus.
July 26, 2018
This was just okay.
Again, it's fascinating that I've read so many DC books at this point with few interactions with the Arrow family. I know next to nothing about Connor and Mia. I know a little about Dinah and I'm slowly learning all that I can about Roy Harper. He is my baby and I've latched onto him because of Outsiders. I know quite a bit about Emiko from Rebirth and I actually really like that iteration. Aside from some moments in Identity Crisis, Rebirth Ollie is the only Ollie I like. I feel like I understand that version.
I feel like I would love this character if the right person wrote for him. Meltzer wrote Identity Crisis so this should be a slam dunk right?
It was just okay.
Ollie just doesn't do a lot for me here. I do feel like I got a pretty okay understanding of his personality here. Particularly the moment where he comes across Catman getting too aggressive with his wife/girlfriend. I sort of understand him as (and I know DC fans hate it when we compare DC character to Marvel characters to understand them but I gotta) sort of a less angsty Bucky/Wolverine in that they'll do what they gotta do if it gets the job done and they have big mouths? Is that right? He's certainly an improvement here from the asshole he was in that Snowbirds Never Fly (?) arc where Roy was on heroin.
Anyway, that being said, I wasn't all that intrigued here. I did like the plot. It was an interesting concept and it really kicked off when Roy joined. I like his chemistry with Ollie (even though I think Jason Todd just inched Roy out in the "my mentor sucked" competition). I liked seeing them go through their old things in the Arrowcave. (Injustice!Harley asked why Ollie never called it the Quiver and I have never been able to get past that, lol). I liked Roy telling Ollie not to make the same mistakes with Connor.
The stuff with Dinah fell flat for me but I try not to let that impact my rating because I haven't read before and after this volume. I'm sure that means more if you had.
So, all in all: this wasn't a bad book. There just wasn't enough of the stuff I liked to make it great to me.
. I liked Ollie's interactions with Wally and Guy. And all the stuff with Roy as I mentioned. So... yeah. It's a recommend if you really love Ollie, I guess.
Again, it's fascinating that I've read so many DC books at this point with few interactions with the Arrow family. I know next to nothing about Connor and Mia. I know a little about Dinah and I'm slowly learning all that I can about Roy Harper. He is my baby and I've latched onto him because of Outsiders. I know quite a bit about Emiko from Rebirth and I actually really like that iteration. Aside from some moments in Identity Crisis, Rebirth Ollie is the only Ollie I like. I feel like I understand that version.
I feel like I would love this character if the right person wrote for him. Meltzer wrote Identity Crisis so this should be a slam dunk right?
It was just okay.
Ollie just doesn't do a lot for me here. I do feel like I got a pretty okay understanding of his personality here. Particularly the moment where he comes across Catman getting too aggressive with his wife/girlfriend. I sort of understand him as (and I know DC fans hate it when we compare DC character to Marvel characters to understand them but I gotta) sort of a less angsty Bucky/Wolverine in that they'll do what they gotta do if it gets the job done and they have big mouths? Is that right? He's certainly an improvement here from the asshole he was in that Snowbirds Never Fly (?) arc where Roy was on heroin.
Anyway, that being said, I wasn't all that intrigued here. I did like the plot. It was an interesting concept and it really kicked off when Roy joined. I like his chemistry with Ollie (even though I think Jason Todd just inched Roy out in the "my mentor sucked" competition). I liked seeing them go through their old things in the Arrowcave. (Injustice!Harley asked why Ollie never called it the Quiver and I have never been able to get past that, lol). I liked Roy telling Ollie not to make the same mistakes with Connor.
The stuff with Dinah fell flat for me but I try not to let that impact my rating because I haven't read before and after this volume. I'm sure that means more if you had.
So, all in all: this wasn't a bad book. There just wasn't enough of the stuff I liked to make it great to me.
. I liked Ollie's interactions with Wally and Guy. And all the stuff with Roy as I mentioned. So... yeah. It's a recommend if you really love Ollie, I guess.
September 16, 2017
I don't think I read one thing I disliked from Brad Meltzer. He's a pretty awesome comic writer. So sad he doesn't have a huge amount of written products but this was another highlight for me.
So Oliver is back in the living world. Roy comes to visit his father figure and they decide to go on an adventure. At first the story is very mysterious but as it goes on you begin to gather what Oliver is after. Him collecting objects of his past and him kinda going down memory lane. If Kevin did the job of bringing Ollie back and giving him a fresh look and feel, Brad wanted to give a goodbye to the past, with some hints to the future.
Good: Everything with Roy and Oliver was great. Their dialog was playful but meaningful. The moments with his son really hit home. Oliver is a interesting person and not so easy to pinpoint who he is in terms of his views. Loved his moment with Black Canary at the end too. Really any human interactions were great.
Bad: The moments with Grody felt forced in. Like "We have to have a fight so...FIGHT!" there was almost no other action moments and that's because the rest was far more compelling.
Overall Green Arrow volume 3 is damn good, just as good as volume 1-2. I'm really excited to read the rest of this series now that I have in. It's no wonder Green Arrow is alot of people's favorite hero, he's slowly climbing up to my top 5 DC heroes.
So Oliver is back in the living world. Roy comes to visit his father figure and they decide to go on an adventure. At first the story is very mysterious but as it goes on you begin to gather what Oliver is after. Him collecting objects of his past and him kinda going down memory lane. If Kevin did the job of bringing Ollie back and giving him a fresh look and feel, Brad wanted to give a goodbye to the past, with some hints to the future.
Good: Everything with Roy and Oliver was great. Their dialog was playful but meaningful. The moments with his son really hit home. Oliver is a interesting person and not so easy to pinpoint who he is in terms of his views. Loved his moment with Black Canary at the end too. Really any human interactions were great.
Bad: The moments with Grody felt forced in. Like "We have to have a fight so...FIGHT!" there was almost no other action moments and that's because the rest was far more compelling.
Overall Green Arrow volume 3 is damn good, just as good as volume 1-2. I'm really excited to read the rest of this series now that I have in. It's no wonder Green Arrow is alot of people's favorite hero, he's slowly climbing up to my top 5 DC heroes.
February 22, 2023
A nostalgia trip for both Oliver and the fans. It's a narrative that effortlessly takes the reader from one location to another as the main duo go on a search for Green Arrow's keepsakes. Ollie and Roy's chemistry remains as great as ever, with both being given very strong characterisations and dialogue. The inner prose is also very well done, adding layers to what is usually such a comedic presence. If I was more invested in Green Arrow, I'm sure I would have bumped it up a star.
August 27, 2018
In this tear jerker, author Brad Meltzer (Identity Crisis) takes our intrepid hero on a cross country trip with his former sidekick, Roy (Speedy/Arsenel/Red Arrow) Harper, to find some personal items from his younger super-hero days. Along the ways, Oliver discovers a lot about himself, and the meaning of family, and what it means to be a dad.
*sniff*
Great stuff.
*sniff*
Great stuff.
August 12, 2025
4.5 Stars
In this story Green Arrow travels around gathering his things that had been missing since he died. At first I thought this would be a little pointless, but it actually turned out to be a touching story that was quite different than what you usually find in superhero comics. This was about family and legacy as much as it was about being a superhero, and this was was really good.
In this story Green Arrow travels around gathering his things that had been missing since he died. At first I thought this would be a little pointless, but it actually turned out to be a touching story that was quite different than what you usually find in superhero comics. This was about family and legacy as much as it was about being a superhero, and this was was really good.
May 7, 2012
Well, the book definitely gets oddity points for its introduction by Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy. Brad Meltzer, who writes legal thrillers or something, takes over the chronicling of Green Arrow's adventures from that tubby bitch Kevin Smith. Can he alter my opinion of a hero I regard as one of DC's sillier second-stringers? Phil Hester's stiff, blocky art doesn't help. Neither does the storyline, yet another back-from-the-dead saga, as GA reminds us at the start of every chapter ("I was dead. I came back to life."). Is there anyone left in the DC Universe who hasn't been cynically slain and resurrected? Enough! For some reason that's never quite made clear, GA goes around cheating and lying to his super friends to steal personal memorabilia (Just like O.J.!). He couldn't just ask for his stuff back? It makes a bit more sense in the rough pitch -- included in the book's bonus section -- before the story was stretched from four issues to six. Lapses in motivational logic aside, Meltzer shows more of a natural affinity for comix writing than Smith, whose scripts were bogged down with endless jibba jabba and earnest attempts at social relevance. "The Archer's Quest" is breezy boilerplate longjohn melodrama, but that's OK when it's done well. And Meltzer does it pretty well.
May 19, 2021
Qué historia tan más hermosa. Es la conclusión o reflexión final perfecta a la trama de cómo regresó a la vida. Es realmente un homenaje al personaje. Además el final me destruyó por completo. De verdad que Ollie es uno de los mejores personajes que tiene DC y merece mucho más.
September 12, 2017
I know I read this story during its publication run. I think coming off Kevin Smith's inaugural arcs, the simplicity of the tale's scope made this forgettable. Fourteen years later, fourteen years wiser, and now a father myself, I find Brad Meltzer's simple story of remembrance and reflection should be placed high up on the pantheon of Green Arrow stories. Humor, action, forgiveness, regret, albeit with standardly-average Phil Hester art, "Archer's Quest" is one of those hidden character gems that, like Oliver's trick arrow quiver, needs to be brought back into action every once in a while.
July 19, 2021
Green Arrow: The Archer's Quest collects Green Arrow 16-21 by Brad Meltzer and art by Phil Hester.
Olliver Queen and Roy Harper travel the country to collect sentimental items from Olliver's past before he had died.
This is such a simple concept but it is executed perfectly. It is extremely nostalgic and is a love letter to the character. Melter's writing is perfect for this story. Hester continues as the artist and I have gotten very used to his style now. Another classic Green Arrow book that I highly recommend.
Olliver Queen and Roy Harper travel the country to collect sentimental items from Olliver's past before he had died.
This is such a simple concept but it is executed perfectly. It is extremely nostalgic and is a love letter to the character. Melter's writing is perfect for this story. Hester continues as the artist and I have gotten very used to his style now. Another classic Green Arrow book that I highly recommend.
October 20, 2025
“I was dead. I came back to life. This is what I gotta deal with.”
I still kinda feel like Meltzer is the personification of a broken clock being right twice a day, but I sincerely cannot deny how much this arc means to me personally I used to be such a self-serious asshole about comics for sure, but Ollie has always been one of my comic constants and I’m happy comic book book club is giving me the chance to reevaluate that/this.
I think it’s going to be a really fun discussion about a really functional and affecting half a dozen comics (that he kinda almost kneecaps for Roy not even a year later on JLA BUT WHATEVER).
The Kyle Rayner/Wally West and Shade issues are still my favorite.
I still kinda feel like Meltzer is the personification of a broken clock being right twice a day, but I sincerely cannot deny how much this arc means to me personally I used to be such a self-serious asshole about comics for sure, but Ollie has always been one of my comic constants and I’m happy comic book book club is giving me the chance to reevaluate that/this.
I think it’s going to be a really fun discussion about a really functional and affecting half a dozen comics (that he kinda almost kneecaps for Roy not even a year later on JLA BUT WHATEVER).
The Kyle Rayner/Wally West and Shade issues are still my favorite.
February 15, 2024
An essential Green Arrow book. It shows how human the emerald archer is, yet how badass he can be. The writing was masterful. The rhythm in which the story unfolds is super fun but underneath the joy there's a sadness boiling up. Once you reach the end of this journey. The Green Arrow you knew and The Green Arrow you come to know will be different. The effortless merge of excitement and complexities are astonishing. The art compliments the tone very well. Your first read and your second read will give you two different experiences. One for the ages.
May 17, 2016
Oh, how I love thee, Green Arrow.
So Kevin Smith's reboot was the best first volume of any Green Arrow series I have ever read. Brad Meltzer wrote this third volume, but the story is still cohesive and still SO GOOD.
This was a very realistic superhero comic. Meltzer was not at all hesitant about getting into the mortality of our favorite superheroes. This was evident when Ollie said "Batman's gonna die, Roy." I'm not going to get into the plot much for the purpose of avoiding spoilers, but Green Arrow has just recently been brought back to life and seems to now value his life more, especially the family he neglected in the past.
I felt like there was an awesome amount of character development in this one, especially for Ollie and even Roy. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next volume!
(For those of you wondering what makes this volume a deluxe edition, there are original plot drafts, scripts, and sketches at the end of this. Pretty cool for die-hard Meltzer or GA fans.)
So Kevin Smith's reboot was the best first volume of any Green Arrow series I have ever read. Brad Meltzer wrote this third volume, but the story is still cohesive and still SO GOOD.
This was a very realistic superhero comic. Meltzer was not at all hesitant about getting into the mortality of our favorite superheroes. This was evident when Ollie said "Batman's gonna die, Roy." I'm not going to get into the plot much for the purpose of avoiding spoilers, but Green Arrow has just recently been brought back to life and seems to now value his life more, especially the family he neglected in the past.
I felt like there was an awesome amount of character development in this one, especially for Ollie and even Roy. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next volume!
(For those of you wondering what makes this volume a deluxe edition, there are original plot drafts, scripts, and sketches at the end of this. Pretty cool for die-hard Meltzer or GA fans.)
June 14, 2012
I'm reading out of order, as I find them.
The art is clean, with a simple feel with nice detail. There's an "art book" section in the back that's pretty cool. Someone tore a page out of this edition, jerks. My favorite panel is on 26, with both Green Arrow and Arsenal (4.0, with the orangey arrow/maple leaf thing on the front).
The story is outstanding. The concept is really cool, and I love how the author outlines how they came up with it in the back of the volume. I love how it manages to pull together elements from, seemingly, every aspect of Ollie's life. Learn a couple new things, get to see some really old things, very cool.
The art is clean, with a simple feel with nice detail. There's an "art book" section in the back that's pretty cool. Someone tore a page out of this edition, jerks. My favorite panel is on 26, with both Green Arrow and Arsenal (4.0, with the orangey arrow/maple leaf thing on the front).
The story is outstanding. The concept is really cool, and I love how the author outlines how they came up with it in the back of the volume. I love how it manages to pull together elements from, seemingly, every aspect of Ollie's life. Learn a couple new things, get to see some really old things, very cool.
August 26, 2010
Trust me, when Brad Meltzer writes a comic book, you'll want to read it. I would have rated this one higher, except that G.A. is not one of my faves. Don't get me wrong, it was an amazing story that I thoroughly enjoyed, but I like Meltzer's JLA stuff better. Also try Andy Diggle's Green Arrow: Year One
August 13, 2015
This is my favourite of the four volumes I have read. It is a great insight in to the mind of Queen, along with exploring relationships with other characters. The volume also explains his feelings towards recently deceased characters and really helps you get in to the mind of Ollie. The artwork is incredible, and the action scenes are brilliantly done.
Want to read
September 8, 2010Una vez lo vi en un lugar bastante caro para el mal estado en el que estaba y no lo compré. Después lo vi en otro lado más barato y en mejor estado y ahí sí. La verdad que soy brillante.
June 24, 2015
"Porn buddies" for superheroes.
November 26, 2021
Welcome back to my Throwback Thursday series, where I republish old reviews, review books I have read before or review older books I have only just had a chance to read. For this week’s Throwback Thursday I check out an all-time favourite comic of mine, the third volume of the epic 2001 Green Arrow relaunch, The Archer’s Quest.
Following his unexpected resurrection after his violent death, Oliver Queen, the Green Arrow, has been returned to Earth, ready to continue the good fight. However, no man can come back from the grave without a heavy heart, and Oliver Queen has more skeletons in his closet than most of his fellow heroes. A chance discovery that the villain, Catman, attended his funeral leads Oliver back to his old friend, Shade, the immortal being Green Arrow trusted to round up certain artefacts of Oliver’s superhero career that could reveal his secret identity.
Discovering that Shade failed to get several of Oliver’s most precious keepsakes, Oliver embarks on a cross-country road-trip to recover them himself. Accompanied by his former sidekick, Roy Harper, Oliver begins visiting some of the locations most important to himself and his career as a superhero. From the ruins of the Arrowcave to the Justice League’s orbiting Watchtower and even the Flash Museum in Central City, Oliver and Roy will attempt to find these items from the past in order to safeguard their future.
However, this will be no simple road trip, as the two heroes encounter some unexpected dangers and surprising opposition, including fellow hero the Flash and the angry zombie Solomon Grundy. Worse, this journey will uncover some dark secrets from the past that Oliver has long hoped to keep quiet. Can Oliver recover his treasures without his friends and family discovering who he really is, or has the past finally come back to destroy this resurrected hero?
The Archer’s Quest is a fantastic and powerful Green Arrow comic that takes the protagonist and his former sidekick on a wild and extremely personal adventure. Before reading this, if you had ever pitched me a comic based around the idea of a recently resurrected superhero going on a road trip, I might have been a little dubious. Well, it turns out that I would have been dead wrong, as Brad Meltzer produced an intense, captivating and emotionally rich narrative that is not only extremely entertaining but which contains some excellent character work, some brilliant references to the classic Green Arrow comics, and which dives deep into the psyche of a troubled and complex protagonist.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2021/11/26/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Following his unexpected resurrection after his violent death, Oliver Queen, the Green Arrow, has been returned to Earth, ready to continue the good fight. However, no man can come back from the grave without a heavy heart, and Oliver Queen has more skeletons in his closet than most of his fellow heroes. A chance discovery that the villain, Catman, attended his funeral leads Oliver back to his old friend, Shade, the immortal being Green Arrow trusted to round up certain artefacts of Oliver’s superhero career that could reveal his secret identity.
Discovering that Shade failed to get several of Oliver’s most precious keepsakes, Oliver embarks on a cross-country road-trip to recover them himself. Accompanied by his former sidekick, Roy Harper, Oliver begins visiting some of the locations most important to himself and his career as a superhero. From the ruins of the Arrowcave to the Justice League’s orbiting Watchtower and even the Flash Museum in Central City, Oliver and Roy will attempt to find these items from the past in order to safeguard their future.
However, this will be no simple road trip, as the two heroes encounter some unexpected dangers and surprising opposition, including fellow hero the Flash and the angry zombie Solomon Grundy. Worse, this journey will uncover some dark secrets from the past that Oliver has long hoped to keep quiet. Can Oliver recover his treasures without his friends and family discovering who he really is, or has the past finally come back to destroy this resurrected hero?
The Archer’s Quest is a fantastic and powerful Green Arrow comic that takes the protagonist and his former sidekick on a wild and extremely personal adventure. Before reading this, if you had ever pitched me a comic based around the idea of a recently resurrected superhero going on a road trip, I might have been a little dubious. Well, it turns out that I would have been dead wrong, as Brad Meltzer produced an intense, captivating and emotionally rich narrative that is not only extremely entertaining but which contains some excellent character work, some brilliant references to the classic Green Arrow comics, and which dives deep into the psyche of a troubled and complex protagonist.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2021/11/26/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
March 5, 2025
I gotta admit, after the high-energy fun of Kevin Smith's run on the book... this story turned out to be a HUUUUUUUUUGE letdown.
Perennial wet-blanket author Brad Meltzer wastes six whole issues on a paper-thin premise that doesn't take on any dramatic WEIGHT until the final chapter. 75% of this story is just weirdly maudlin, naval-gazing nostalgia that reads like a funeral dirge (despite the fact that Oliver is ALIVE and therefore there's nothing to mourn). Then, on top of that, there's this pervasive hostility to anything from the Silver Age-- like, there's a whole sequence where the ruins of the Arrow Cave get trashed. But even more pointedly, there's this endless mockery of the character Cat-Man, who's presented here as a fat, delusional has-been (only to subsequently be revived as a total badass shortly after this in Gail Simone's Secret Six-- a GOOD comic).
Look, I get what this book is going for: Oliver collects the detritus of his old life, and comes to terms with the fact that he has always been "his own worst enemy"-- a deeply flawed man who constantly failed his loved ones because he couldn't commit to his responsibilities. I get it. But that's... honestly not a very compelling story. There's no narrative momentum to this, no clear reason given as to why we should CARE about this little road-trip aside from nostalgia for the character's good ol' days (the way the book glamorizes Ollie and Hal's old pick-up truck-- as if it were the Holy Grail or something-- is frankly embarrassing). It's a limp, lifeless ride, made all the worse by Meltzer's joyless dialogue and tendency to write all of his characters as contentious @$$holes.
This one REALLY misses the mark.
Perennial wet-blanket author Brad Meltzer wastes six whole issues on a paper-thin premise that doesn't take on any dramatic WEIGHT until the final chapter. 75% of this story is just weirdly maudlin, naval-gazing nostalgia that reads like a funeral dirge (despite the fact that Oliver is ALIVE and therefore there's nothing to mourn). Then, on top of that, there's this pervasive hostility to anything from the Silver Age-- like, there's a whole sequence where the ruins of the Arrow Cave get trashed. But even more pointedly, there's this endless mockery of the character Cat-Man, who's presented here as a fat, delusional has-been (only to subsequently be revived as a total badass shortly after this in Gail Simone's Secret Six-- a GOOD comic).
Look, I get what this book is going for: Oliver collects the detritus of his old life, and comes to terms with the fact that he has always been "his own worst enemy"-- a deeply flawed man who constantly failed his loved ones because he couldn't commit to his responsibilities. I get it. But that's... honestly not a very compelling story. There's no narrative momentum to this, no clear reason given as to why we should CARE about this little road-trip aside from nostalgia for the character's good ol' days (the way the book glamorizes Ollie and Hal's old pick-up truck-- as if it were the Holy Grail or something-- is frankly embarrassing). It's a limp, lifeless ride, made all the worse by Meltzer's joyless dialogue and tendency to write all of his characters as contentious @$$holes.
This one REALLY misses the mark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2022
I read this book for the first time a long, long time ago, and I reread it today. And I must say, it holds up.
I'll probably say this a lot if I ever get around to reviewing the literal hundreds of comics that I've read, but I've always rolled my eyes when people say "ever since I was a child, I remember liking XYZ". I can't say that about many things...except for comics. My dad has a lot of them, so I grew up reading them (yes, I was one of those reader kids). I'm trying to get back into reading.
Anyways.
So I reread this book, and now that I'm older, I see it in a totally different light. I guess I wasn't mature enough when I was a kid to really get what this story is about. After all, themes of regret, guilt, and hiding behind a mask are all things that fly over head when all you want to read is bang bang shoot shoot kinda stories.
With that being said, this story has 1 fight scene. If you read a lot of DC or Marvel, you'll know that for a six issue run, that's extremely little. And in all honesty, a part of me thinks that they put the fight scene in for some excitement because the plot and themes would've been fine without it.
The premise of the story, as the author Meltzer put it, is essentially having a porn-buddy but for superheroes. Similar to how some people will ask a friend to burn/delete all the items they wish their family and friends wouldn't see after they die, Green Arrow does the same but with his old memorabilia. A simple concept, but one that brings to light a story akin to a samurai out wandering through the mountains for enlightenment.
It's worth reading if comics are your thing, and it's worth reading even if they aren't.
I'll probably say this a lot if I ever get around to reviewing the literal hundreds of comics that I've read, but I've always rolled my eyes when people say "ever since I was a child, I remember liking XYZ". I can't say that about many things...except for comics. My dad has a lot of them, so I grew up reading them (yes, I was one of those reader kids). I'm trying to get back into reading.
Anyways.
So I reread this book, and now that I'm older, I see it in a totally different light. I guess I wasn't mature enough when I was a kid to really get what this story is about. After all, themes of regret, guilt, and hiding behind a mask are all things that fly over head when all you want to read is bang bang shoot shoot kinda stories.
With that being said, this story has 1 fight scene. If you read a lot of DC or Marvel, you'll know that for a six issue run, that's extremely little. And in all honesty, a part of me thinks that they put the fight scene in for some excitement because the plot and themes would've been fine without it.
The premise of the story, as the author Meltzer put it, is essentially having a porn-buddy but for superheroes. Similar to how some people will ask a friend to burn/delete all the items they wish their family and friends wouldn't see after they die, Green Arrow does the same but with his old memorabilia. A simple concept, but one that brings to light a story akin to a samurai out wandering through the mountains for enlightenment.
It's worth reading if comics are your thing, and it's worth reading even if they aren't.
December 11, 2018
Noted political thriller author Brad Meltzer took the helm of Green Arrow for 6 issues (after Kevin Smith finished his wildly popular run) with the story arc "The Archer's Quest". After returning from the dead, cleaning up the streets of Star City, and reconnecting with all his old friends and family, Oliver Queen has a new mission: to retrieve several memorable items from his past that he'd requested be destroyed after his death (which the executor of his last wishes failed to do). He does so by enlisting the help of Arsenal (formally his sidekick Speedy), mostly in an effort for them to get closer to one another.
This is a wonderful book, one of the best Green Arrow stories out there. There isn't a lot of action at all, there is only one or two minor skirmishes in these 6 issues. It's really just a very cleverly told tale that recaps Green Arrow's history up until this new series and also further develops Ollie's character post-death with his old and new friends and family. It packs a really big emotional punch over the course of the story and there is a very interesting twist at the end.
I really don't want to spoil much, but this gets my highest recommendation (I actually liked it better than "Quiver"). It's definitely my favorite Green Arrow comic that I've read and it's essential reading for any fan of the Emerald Archer.
This is a wonderful book, one of the best Green Arrow stories out there. There isn't a lot of action at all, there is only one or two minor skirmishes in these 6 issues. It's really just a very cleverly told tale that recaps Green Arrow's history up until this new series and also further develops Ollie's character post-death with his old and new friends and family. It packs a really big emotional punch over the course of the story and there is a very interesting twist at the end.
I really don't want to spoil much, but this gets my highest recommendation (I actually liked it better than "Quiver"). It's definitely my favorite Green Arrow comic that I've read and it's essential reading for any fan of the Emerald Archer.
Read
July 23, 2025Read in one go this morning!
I've read a coupla other Green Arrow comics in the past, but if I'm being honest, I feel like comic books characters fall into a few broad personality archetypes covering the same basic story arcs, with Batman (broody nihilist) and Superman (fun idealist) more or less on each end of the spectrum, and Spider-Man (angsty normal guy) somewhere in the middle (ah shit, he's Marvel. Okay, let's say The Flash). So Green Arrow's somewhere in the middle, pretty much indistinguishable from the bulk of the neurotic working stiff masked avengers.
And that's where great writing comes in! Great writing can make any generic situation sublime; can breath life into concepts stilted by lesser writers.
And that's what Meltzer does here. He elevates a comic book concept to have weight, stakes, wit, and heart. And, as a good writer, he could've done that with any character, even Cat Man.
I especially enjoyed the meticulous bonus comic book script at the end of the book.
I've read a coupla other Green Arrow comics in the past, but if I'm being honest, I feel like comic books characters fall into a few broad personality archetypes covering the same basic story arcs, with Batman (broody nihilist) and Superman (fun idealist) more or less on each end of the spectrum, and Spider-Man (angsty normal guy) somewhere in the middle (ah shit, he's Marvel. Okay, let's say The Flash). So Green Arrow's somewhere in the middle, pretty much indistinguishable from the bulk of the neurotic working stiff masked avengers.
And that's where great writing comes in! Great writing can make any generic situation sublime; can breath life into concepts stilted by lesser writers.
And that's what Meltzer does here. He elevates a comic book concept to have weight, stakes, wit, and heart. And, as a good writer, he could've done that with any character, even Cat Man.
I especially enjoyed the meticulous bonus comic book script at the end of the book.
December 7, 2017
I love superheroes, and have since I was a kid. In my teens and 20's, I was definitely a Marvel Girl, loving X-Men and all X-titles (including Excalibur).
I can to DC characters late, even though I loved Superfriends as a kid. I don't know when I got into Green Arrow, but having also loved Robin Hood since I was a kid, Green Arrow became a quick favorite.
Mike Grell did awesome work on Green Arrow in the late 70's/early 80's, setting Ollie apart from other superheroes. And the reboot with Kevin Smith adds to it.
Kevin Smith's author's note talks about how he would only do a run on Green Arrow if he could bring something core out of the character. And this collection nails that. It touches on several different aspects - things Ollie did wrong, but also the people closest to him.
It's well done. And, in Green Arrow form, the artwork isn't the normal comic book style. It's very distinctive, with less shading and more straight "black/white" style. It works for me.
I can to DC characters late, even though I loved Superfriends as a kid. I don't know when I got into Green Arrow, but having also loved Robin Hood since I was a kid, Green Arrow became a quick favorite.
Mike Grell did awesome work on Green Arrow in the late 70's/early 80's, setting Ollie apart from other superheroes. And the reboot with Kevin Smith adds to it.
Kevin Smith's author's note talks about how he would only do a run on Green Arrow if he could bring something core out of the character. And this collection nails that. It touches on several different aspects - things Ollie did wrong, but also the people closest to him.
It's well done. And, in Green Arrow form, the artwork isn't the normal comic book style. It's very distinctive, with less shading and more straight "black/white" style. It works for me.
October 18, 2021
I've been reading a lot of comics that I "should" read lately--and in doing so, I kind of forgot what I love about graphic novels. This book forcefully reminded me. I devoured it, enjoying the camaraderie between Ollie and Roy, while also enjoying the trip down memory lane as Green Arrow sought out mementos from his past. This story had action alongside father/son themes, and also great connections to, not only quintessential "comic" problems (specifically, what sort of issues a hero faces when he comes back from the dead) but also some very real-life problems: What does our mortality mean? What does it mean to be there for each other? How do our lives affect others? All of that, plus great callbacks to comic book history. Oh, and did I mention--just a fun read with quips and great action? Seriously, what else could you want from a comic?!
July 5, 2021
Well, this is the second Brad Meltzer' book that i read (the first being Identity Crisis) and it's another 5 stars one.
This is a very fun, sharp and emotional story about Oliver's present and his past.
After he's back from the dead, he tries to solve the problem of get important itens back, that would never ties him or the people close to him to his vigilante life. So it's really great to follow Oliver's past and his relationship with other heroes. And the last issue, that shows somethings about Connor and his past wil make your eyes a little heavy.
This is a great reading. If you're looking for a warm and "cozy" super hero story, without all of the villain, the ruthlessnes and the anti hero types, give this a try. You will have a blast.
This is a very fun, sharp and emotional story about Oliver's present and his past.
After he's back from the dead, he tries to solve the problem of get important itens back, that would never ties him or the people close to him to his vigilante life. So it's really great to follow Oliver's past and his relationship with other heroes. And the last issue, that shows somethings about Connor and his past wil make your eyes a little heavy.
This is a great reading. If you're looking for a warm and "cozy" super hero story, without all of the villain, the ruthlessnes and the anti hero types, give this a try. You will have a blast.
May 21, 2018
I remember really liking this but couldn't much remember it any more. Glad to say it holds up. An homage to "Hard-Traveling Heroes," this time with Speedy. I'd forgotten this was actually Meltzer's first DC work, prior to Identity Crisis. There's really only one fight/action scene in this, with Solomon Grundy. It's more of a quiet, ruminative, emotional tale, with a nice wallop at the end, and it works! Imagine making this your comics debut in the early aughts as a successful novelist on the number 2 book of DC at the time. But it pays off beautifully. A string of lovely, emotionally-charged moments.
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