I actually had to look up "Suggested for Mature Readers" line in the 80's and 90's after reading this. I saw Green Arrow wasn't on Vertigo but this title contained plenty of cursing, murder, and sex. Learned it was a title that still focused on more superheroish heroes while still being M rated. Interesting. Kind of like the pre-black label days.

Anyway, on to volume 5. This is about midway point for Grell run and it's pretty great. The first portion is about a man being hunted and Green Arrow becomes apart of it. The 2nd story is Green Arrow going on a mission, getting kidnapped, and tortured, and Black Canary comes to the rescue. The last volume is having Green Arrow try to exact revenge but also dealing with a heavy dose of PTSD.

I really dug most of this. Let's talk about weakest part. The first story is just okay. Its message is solid enough but the storytelling is confusing. Now, with that out of the way, the next story about Street Crime and Green Arrow tortured is both fucked up and well done. Then we have Black Canary take the spotlight and she's boss. Then the final storyline is great, and I love seeing both of Oliver's loves in his life come together to help him.

This has been a great run for the most part and it's mostly thanks to Grell obviously wanting to write Oliver in a new light. A darker and grittier take but it works well. A 4 out of 5.