While DC Comics has revealed that the boxing glove arrow has a few setbacks. The preview for Stargirl: The Lost Children #2 features Emiko Queen and the titular heroine as they descend into Oliver Queen's lair. It has a few items of note in it, one of which is the silly - yet legendary - trick arrow.
Green Arrow debuted in 1941 within the pages of More Fun Comics #73. Since then, the Emerald Archer has produced a slew of trick arrows and beat up numerous foes in his rogue gallery using them. Last year, Green Arrow celebrated his 80th anniversary. Oliver Queen has showcased his arsenal in numerous comics, animated series, and the CW show, Arrow. Despite how amazing his arsenal is, his most iconic arrow isn't used often - for a very good reason.
Stargirl: The Lost Children #2 has the creative team of Geoff Johns, Todd Nauck, Matt Herms, Rob Leigh, Andrew Marino, Katie Kubert, and Marie Javins. It continues the titular heroine's search for teen heroes from the Golden Age who have gone missing. The preview shows her teaming up with Red Arrow, Emiko Queen. The two are headed into the Arrow-Cave, where they come across the Boxing Glove arrow.
Green Arrow's Boxing Glove Just Isn't Practical (Even for Comics)
The boxing glove arrow in Adventure Comics #118 which was published in 1947 and created by Ed Herron and George Papp. SInce then it has appeared in a few stories. Most recently, it was part of the story "Punching Evil" by Tom Taylor and NIcola Scott, within the Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular (2021). That story revealed its origin, having it be developed within Wildcat's gym during Ollie's training. Now, fans also know why the hero stopped using it thanks to Emiko's insider knowledge as an archer and his sidekick sister, Red Arrow. She claims her attempts to use it proved ineffectual since she "broke a dozen strings before" gaining a whopping distance of ten feet. The shape may be fun, but it's bulk and aerodynamic capabilities make it lackluster overall.
Green Arrow's weaponry has a myriad of effects on foes. The skilled archer can reach many distances with his bows, cause explosions, and release gas - among other things. However, some arrows just don't last the test of battle - or time. Despite being developed early into his career, the boxing glove arrow just isn't practical. Ten feet is only a fraction of the reach Oliver, Roy, and Emiko can reach with their skills. Additionally, it wouldn't bode well if strings were so easy to break due to an arrow mid-combat. While it makes a fun gag on occasion, the Green Arrow's boxing-glove isn't great for long-range or consistent offense. Given the new equipment he's developed since then, it's no wonder the hero dropped this novelty item in favor of more suitable arrows.
Fans can see more of Green Arrow's Arrow-Cave belongings and displayed history when Stargirl: The Lost Children #2 releases on December 21.
