Filmmaker resurrects comic 'Green Arrow'

Filmmaker Kevin Smith’s pen has found a new mark off the big screen.

Smith — the director and writer of "Clerks," "Chasing Amy" and "Dogma" — is resurrecting the DC Comic "Green Arrow," about a modern, crime-fighting Robin Hood who’s a whiz with a bow and arrow.

"Comic books have grown up, so it was a great time to get back in, not only because it appeals to the kid in me but because the writing has grown so much stronger," Smith said.

Smith’s first major foray as a comic-book writer came in 1998 with Marvel’s "Daredevil," which features a blind superhero. Now he has signed on to revive superhero Green Arrow, a.k.a. Oliver Queen. The comic book dates to 1941, but the character was killed off in ’95 and replaced by his son, Connor Hawke. Smith, 30, committed himself to 12 issues; the first is due out Feb. 28.

"Green Arrow is a second-tier, maybe even third-tier character," Smith said. "I guess it’s just the underdog influence why I always root for the guy who’s not necessarily the guy on top."

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