NOTICE! Spoilers for Green Lantern/Green Arrow: The World's #1 Best Special
Batman and Superman may be widely recognized as an iconic duo, but I think another pair deserves their status as the “world's best bromance” in DC lore. Green Lanternfriendship with Green Arrowdespite being less popular, it deserves much more recognition. This criminally underrated superhero pair puts Batman and Superman to shame, and I don't understand how anyone could think otherwise.
It's no surprise that the friendship between Batman and Superman is featured so prominently in the comics; after all, they are both important members of the Justice League Trinity. Now, in Green Lantern/Green Arrow: the best special in the world #1 by Jeremy Adams and Lucas Meyer, their position at the top is challenged when this forgotten duo reunites on a road trip.
Green Lantern and Green Arrow may butt heads constantly, but when it's time to get serious, they're an even more formidable team than Batman and Superman. This bromance is the best DC has to offer, and I won't rest until these Traveling Heroes get the love they deserve.
Green Lantern and Green Arrow proved they share DC's greatest friendship
Sorry, Batman and Superman: DC Has a New “World’s Finest” Team
When Deathstroke attacks, Green Lantern and Green Arrow are quick to defend themselves after spending the entire trip fighting. For example, after Hal is shot, Oliver pushes him out of the way – even though he is much more vulnerable – and carries him to safety without hesitation. Later, Hal immediately activates his powers upon learning that Oliver went after Deathstroke alone, even though he was supposed to stay put and focus on healing. Green Lantern and Green Arrow don't always see eye to eye, but the way they put their lives on the line for each other reveals how much they truly care for each other.
Although Batman and Superman have fought many battles together, I believe Green Lantern and Green Arrow's final confrontation with Deathstroke solidifies them as a superior team. Green Lantern arrives to help Green Arrow in battle, but his opponent manages to take them both down. Rather than admit defeat, Oliver suggests to Hal that they perform “standby mode”. Together, they attack Deathstroke, and Green Arrow fires his classic boxing glove arrow while Green Lantern creates a matching construct with his Power Ring. Their ability to pull off this innovative combo attack without much communication is proof of their next-level synergy.
DC finally brings back the classic Green Lantern and Green Arrow dynamic
Hal Jordan and Oliver Queen first hit the road together decades ago
Green Lantern and Green Arrow's friendship began in the 1970s during an arc called “Hard-Traveling Heroes.” Written by Dennis O'Neil with art by Neal Adams, this acclaimed era of Green Lantern comics reunites Hal and Ollie on a wild road trip across America. This duo initially joins forces when Hal faces backlash after realizing he is not using his superpowers in the name of civil rights on Earth. Green Lantern has been so focused on the world above that he has forgotten about the common people he left behind, so he begins traveling the country with Green Arrow to correct this oversight.
For those who want to experience the classic adventures of Hal and Ollie, keep an eye on Green Lantern/Green Arrow: Traveling Heroes Omnibusavailable March 19, 2024 from DC Comics!
As a street vigilante, Oliver Queen fought many social issues that affect people, while Hal Jordan was fighting in the stars. The inspiration he takes from Robin Hood is no coincidence, as his main trick is to fight for the poor, despite being rich himself. The “Hard-Traveling Heroes” arc fleshes out Green Arrow’s anti-fascist stance, emphasizing his left-wing politics in opposition to Hal, who is not as involved in social issues. Green Lantern's friendship with Green Arrow makes him a more open-minded hero, and in my opinion, this quality sets their dynamic apart from any other in DC continuity.
Green Lantern and Flash's friendship also embarrass Batman and Superman
Hal Jordan's bonds are stronger than any other hero in DC history
In this issue, Green Arrow isn't the only friend Green Lantern has the pleasure of reuniting with. The second story, written by Adams with art by Travis Mercer, brings Barry Allen's Flash into the fray when Deathstroke starts attacking him as well. Green Lantern and Flash's bromance returns as they team up to stop him, with Barry hilariously expressing jealousy over Hal's closeness to Ollie. These two heroes have their own history throughout DC history, with each Green Lantern having a Flash friend from their generation, and Hal's connection to Barry is perhaps the strongest of these Lantern-Flash duos.
Green Lantern's bond with the Flash may be memorable in its own right – and it's certainly better than Batman and Superman's bond – but his true DC peer is Green Arrow.
Batman and Superman undoubtedly have a history together. However, this story is full of tumultuous ups and downs, which diminish the integrity of its dynamics. Batman's anti-Superman contingency plans show that there will always be some degree of distrust between the two, despite their closeness. With that in mind, I can't say I agree with those who consider them DC's best friendship, especially when Green Lantern has two friendships that replace theirs. Of course, Green LanternFlash's bond with The Flash could be memorable in its own right – and it's certainly better than Batman and Supermanthe bond of – but his real DC match is Green Arrow.
Green Lantern/Green Arrow: the best special in the world #1 is now available from DC Comics.