Warning: contains a preview of Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1!
Green Arrow used to have his own Bat-Signal as well as his own Batmobile - both are making a brief comeback. Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 has received a second preview - this time for a story that harkens back to the Emerald Archer's Golden Age. Stay home Batman, that symbol in the sky isn't yours this time.
In honor of the Emerald Archer’s 80th anniversary, DC Comics is releasing a special anthology issue of new stories taking place in the character's past, present, and future. Some of DC's best writers are providing adventures celebrating the Green Arrow’s legacy. DC has already released a preview for "The Last Green Arrow Story", which features an old, grizzled Oliver Queen. Now, there is a preview for a story that throws the clock back several decades.
"The Disappearing Bandit" is created by Mariko Tamaki, Javier Rodriguez, and Andworld Design. It features Green Arrow with his sidekick, Speedy, in a smooth yet retro art style. This story is a major throwback, full of characteristics of older comics, including some aspects that have largely disappeared from comics involving Green Arrow. Check out the preview here:
In this preview, Green Arrow and Speedy are chasing down a bandit who has robbed Star City National Bank. As the story's title implies, the bandit suddenly disappears without a trace, leaving the two archers empty-handed and very confused. Green Arrow and Speedy's older style costumes have returned, with Oliver rocking red boots and gloves. Oliver is also missing a mustache, which he didn't have when he first debuted in More Fun Comics #73 in 1941. Even though his facial hair is missing, his former equipment isn't.
The Bat-Signal is one of Batman's most recognizable pieces of equipment. However, he isn't the only one who can be called with a sky signal. Back in the 1940s, Green Arrow had a similar signal, which is shown within this preview. The Arrow Signal is up, calling the two into action. This signal has long since disappeared, but it is nice to see it make a return, even if for one special issue. Another returning object is Green Arrow's Arrowplane. This vehicle - with a yellow paint job and an arrow fletching fin - also debuted with the Emerald Archer. It was recently mentioned in The Flash #769, with Barry Allen remarking on how wasteful Oliver's use - or lack thereof - of the Arrowplane is.
Neither of these items is used by Green Arrow anymore, but both are major markers of his early days as a hero in comics. These staples were around even before Oliver Queen's current, well-known origin story. The Arrowplane was getting this dynamic duo around town and aiding them in their search for criminals before a private yacht or jet ever left Oliver shipwrecked and stranded for years. While it is unlikely that the Arrow Signal or Arrowplane will find actual use in modern Green Arrow stories in the future, it's definitely fun to see them featured in this anniversary issue. This version of the Bat-Signal, calling for Green Arrow's aid, is one that newer fans likely haven't seen before.