Billionaire Oliver Queen and his ward, Roy Harper began to battle criminals, as Green Arrow and Speedy. They were armed with expert archery skills, fighting skills, as well as an 'Arrow-Car' & 'Arrow-Plane'. Green Arrow wore a plain green outfit with red gloves & boots and a black mask; while Speedy wore a red one with yellow gloves & boots and a black mask. They were very closely patterned in the style of Batman & Robin.Their adventures continued in "Adventure Comics" and "World's Finest Comics" (till #140,1964). In 1941, Green Arrow and Speedy joined the 'Seven Soldiers of Victory' (in "Leading Comics"#1,Winter 1941). Other members of the group included---The Star Spangled Kid (with his side-kick, Stripesy); The Crimson Avenger (with his side-kick,Wing); The Shining Knight; and The Vigilante (who were brought back years later for a 3-issue arc, in "Justice League of America" #100-102, during the 70's). The Golden-Age Green Arrow and Speedy are considered to be the Earth-Two version of the heroes.
The Earth-One Green Arrow was exactly the same, except that he joined the Justice League of America, during the early 60's. Speedy was also the same as the original version. In 1969, Green Arrow's look and costume were re-designed by artist Neal Adams for an issue of "The Brave & The Bold", where he was teamed with Batman. He was given a much cooler, stylized costume (mostly dark-green in color), as well as a goatee. Oliver had also lost his vast fortune. In 1970, Green Arrow was teamed with Green Lantern (beginning in issue #76 of Green Lantern's own comic, which was re-titled "Green Lantern / Green Arrow", at that point). This series (which lasted for 13 issues) was designed by the amazing Denny O'Neil (writer) and the fantastic Neal Adams (artist). The story-lines dealt with current social issues, such as Speedy's addiction to heroin, in issues #85-86. During that era, Green Arrow had begun a long-standing love relationship with the Black Canary, who he would marry in later years. Black Canary was a frequent co-star.The series lasted till issue #89. Afterwards, "Green Lantern / Green Arrow became a back-up feature in "The Flash"#217-219 (still done by O'Neil & Adams). The story-line dealt with Green Arrow's grief over (accidentally) killing a criminal; giving up his heroic career to join a monastery, while re-training; and returning to the outside world to save Black Canary, after she is gravely injured. Green Arrow then was moved to "Action Comics", for his own solo series. In 1976, the Green Lantern / Green Arrow team returned to their own title again, with the superlative artwork of Mike Grell. The story-lines went back to having our heroes battle super-villains, instead of social ills.Following that, Green Arrow got another solo series in "World's Finest Comics", in which Oliver became a newspaper columnist; and ran for (and barely missed becoming) Mayor of Star City.
Green Arrow has made various appearances in Warner Bros. animated series' & Warner Premiere animated movies. He became a cast member in the hit series, "Smallville" (part-time in seasons 6 & 7; full-time in seasons 8-10). Green Arrow / Oliver Queen was excellently played by Justin Hartley. In 2012, a highly acclaimed hit series called "Arrow" was born. Arrow / Oliver Queen is expertly played by Stephen Amell, as a night-time vigilante, battling injustice.
Green Arrow has come extremely far, for a superhero who has usually had to play back-up (in his earlier years)!
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