DC’s emerald archer, Green Arrow, received a new origin in 2022’s Green Arrow: Stranded. The graphic novel, part of DC’s “Graphic Novels for Kids” line, retells the story of Oliver Queen’s time stranded on an island, as will be familiar to viewers of the CW series, Arrow. Stranded remixes the hero’s classic tale, adjusting it for a younger audience.
Green Arrow: Stranded – from the creative team of Brendan Deneen and Bell Hosalla – presents a much younger version of the hero, as the thirteen-year-old finds himself having to survive in the wilderness of a desert island.
Over the course of the book, Oliver develops the skills that will make him one of DC’s iconic heroes, and the savior of Star City.
Green Arrow Gets A Less Grim Origin In DC’s Young Adult Graphic Novel
In Green Arrow: Stranded, Oliver Queen is on a trip with his dad, his dad’s business partner, and the business partner’s son. He is much younger in this iteration, a fresh-faced teenager, far from coming into his own as a superhero. Oliver has not been very good at the outings his father takes him on. As a result, he is seen as a bit softer and weaker than the son of his dad’s business partner, Tyler, who makes fun of him for his seeming lack of skill. However, when their plane crashes on an island, Ollie is the one who must save the group.
Stranded Sets The Stage For Oliver’s Role In The DC Universe
In past iterations of Green Arrow’s origin, Oliver frequently loses his father immediately after shipwrecks, or other similar incidents. He is usually the sole survivor, being forced to save himself before returning to become a hero in Star City. In Green Arrow: Stranded, Oliver has to save his father and their companions by moving past his past hesitations, and applying the knowledge he acquired, but hadn’t previously had use for. Green Arrow: Stranded is a youthful and less grim iteration of the hero, allowing his skills and personality to shine in a more positive way than is usually seen with the character
Green Arrow has often tackled tough issues, with his older stories having a strong sociopolitical aspect. Green Arrow: Stranded offers a version of the character relatable to young audiences, making this version of Oliver Queen a bright light in DC’s offerings since it captures and showcases his abilities and learning period. It may not show Ollie at his height as a hero in Star City, but it does bring positivity to the characte,r given that his recent media versions are grim and full of grief. Green Arrow: Stranded adds a child-friendly, young version of the titular hero that broadens the character’s offerings in a big way that DC should continue providing for comic-loving families.
