Trick arrows are fictional arrow

Arrow

An arrow is a shafted projectile that is shot with a bow. It predates recorded history and is common to most cultures.An arrow usually consists of a shaft with an arrowhead attached to the front end, with fletchings and a nock at the other.- History:...

s often found in the world of comic book

Comic book

A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...

 superhero

Superhero

A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...

es. They are often used by archers

Archery

Archery is the art, practice, or skill of propelling arrows with the use of a bow, from Latin arcus. Archery has historically been used for hunting and combat; in modern times, however, its main use is that of a recreational activity...

 such as Green Arrow

Green Arrow

Green Arrow is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Mort Weisinger and George Papp, he first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 in November 1941. His secret identity is Oliver Queen, billionaire and former mayor of fictional Star City...

 of DC Comics

DC Comics

DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...

, and Hawkeye

Hawkeye (comics)

Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...

 of Marvel Comics

Marvel Comics

Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...

. In some portrayals, particularly during the Silver Age

Silver Age of Comic Books

The Silver Age of Comic Books was a period of artistic advancement and commercial success in mainstream American comic books, predominantly those in the superhero genre. Following the Golden Age of Comic Books and an interregnum in the early to mid-1950s, the Silver Age is considered to cover the...

, trick arrows are sometimes shown to defy the laws of physics and reality, to varying degrees. Each one possesses a specialized function such as compact explosive charges or rotary drills.

Overview from other media

Trick arrows are generally technological, although they can be magical, like those used by the comic book characters Celestial Archer and Maya

Maya (comics)

Maya is a fictional Indian comic book superheroine in the DC Universe. She first appeared in Justice League Europe #47 , and was created by Gerard Jones and Ron Randall.-Fictional character biography:...

, or Hank the Ranger of the Dungeons & Dragons TV series

Dungeons & Dragons (TV series)

Dungeons & Dragons is an American fantasy animated television series based on TSR's Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. A co-production of Marvel Productions and TSR, the show originally ran from 1985 through 1987 for three seasons on CBS for a total of twenty seven episodes.The show focused on a...

.

A live-action variety of explosive arrow, kit-bashed from two M203 grenades, was used in the movie Predator

Predator (film)

Predator is a 1987 American science fiction action film directed by John McTiernan, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, and Kevin Peter Hall. It was distributed by 20th Century Fox....

. Explosive arrows were also seen in the film Rambo: First Blood Part II

Rambo: First Blood Part II

Rambo: First Blood Part II is a 1985 action film. A sequel to 1982's First Blood, it is the second installment in the Rambo series starring Sylvester Stallone, who reprises his role as Vietnam veteran John Rambo...

. The character Yeoman

Yeoman (Wild Cards)

Yeoman is a fictional character in the Wild Cards series of books. He was created by John J. Miller and first appeared in the short story Comes a Hunter in the first book of the series...

 of the Wild Cards

Wild Cards

Wild Cards is a science fiction and superhero anthology series set in a shared universe. The series was created by a group of New Mexico science fiction authors, but it is mostly pulled together and edited by best-selling author George R. R. Martin with assistance by Melinda Snodgrass, also a...

superhero anthology series also makes occasional use of exploding arrows. Bo and Luke Duke from The Dukes of Hazzard

The Dukes of Hazzard

The Dukes of Hazzard is an American television series that aired on the CBS television network from 1979 to 1985.The series was inspired by the 1975 film Moonrunners, which was also created by Gy Waldron and had many identical or similar character names and concepts.- Overview :The Dukes of Hazzard...

used arrows with dynamite tied to them because they were banned from having firearms after being caught moonshine running.In the book Mockingjay, Katniss uses arrows against the Capitol including fire arrows and explosive arrows designed by Beetee.

In the Thief computer game series

Thief (series)

Thief is a series of stealth video games in which the player takes the role of Garrett, a thief in a fantasy/steampunk world resembling a cross between the Late Middle Ages and the Victorian era, with more advanced technologies interspersed...

, the main character Garret employs types of arrows to alter the environment or for confrontation; such as Water Arrows (to extinguish torches), Moss Arrows (to create a "carpet" for silent walking), Rope Arrows (for climbing), Vine Arrows, Fire Arrows etc.

Green Arrow's trick arrows

Oliver Queen is DC Comics' primary archer hero. His arrows over many decades worth of stories (of various tones and degrees of seriousness) have included:

• Acetylene Arrow
• Acid
  Acid
  An acid is a substance which reacts with a base. Commonly, acids can be identified as tasting sour, reacting with metals such as calcium, and bases like sodium carbonate. Aqueous acids have a pH of less than 7, where an acid of lower pH is typically stronger, and turn blue litmus paper red...
  
   Arrow (contains a vial of highly corrosive acid which is released on impact)
• Antler
  Antler
  Antlers are the usually large, branching bony appendages on the heads of most deer species.-Etymology:Antler originally meant the lowest tine, the "brow tine"...
  
   Arrow
• Atomic Warhead
  Nuclear weapon
  A nuclear weapon is an explosive device that derives its destructive force from nuclear reactions, either fission or a combination of fission and fusion. Both reactions release vast quantities of energy from relatively small amounts of matter. The first fission bomb test released the same amount...
  
   Arrow (contains an extremely miniaturized atomic warhead)
• Aqua Lung Arrow
• Avalanche Arrow
• Baby Rattle Arrow
• Bait Arrow
• Balloon Arrow
• Bloodhound Arrow
• Boomerang
  Boomerang
  A boomerang is a flying tool with a curved shape used as a weapon or for sport.-Description:A boomerang is usually thought of as a wooden device, although historically boomerang-like devices have also been made from bones. Modern boomerangs used for sport are often made from carbon fibre-reinforced...
  
   Arrow
• Bola
  Bolas
  Bolas are a throwing weapon superficially similar to the surujin, made of weights on the ends of interconnected cords, designed to capture animals by entangling their legs...
  
   Arrow
• Boxing Glove
  Boxing gloves
  Boxing gloves are cushioned gloves that fighters wear on their hands during boxing matches. The term also refers to gloves used in training, though these often differ from competition gloves...
  
   Arrow
• Bubblegum Arrow
• Buzzsaw Arrow
• Chimney sweep
  Chimney sweep
  A chimney sweep is a worker who clears ash and soot from chimneys. The chimney uses the pressure difference caused by a hot column of gas to create a draught and draw air over the hot coals or wood enabling continued combustion. Chimneys may be straight or contain many changes of direction. During...
  
   Arrow
• Cryonic (Freezing) Arrow
• Diamond Tipped Arrow
• Drill Arrow (tipped with a motorized drill-bit)
• Donut Arrow
• Explosive Arrow (contains a simple compact explosive charge)
• EMP arrow
  Electromagnetic pulse
  An electromagnetic pulse is a burst of electromagnetic radiation. The abrupt pulse of electromagnetic radiation usually results from certain types of high energy explosions, especially a nuclear explosion, or from a suddenly fluctuating magnetic field...
  
    first appear in Smallville
  Smallville (TV series)
  Smallville is an American television series developed by writers/producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar based on the DC Comics character Superman, originally created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The television series was initially broadcast by The WB Television Network , premiering on October...
  
  episode "Reunion." It is designed to disable electronic devices.
• Fake Uranium Arrow
• Fan Arrow
• Fire extinguisher Arrow
• Firecracker Arrow
• Flash
  Flare (pyrotechnic)
  A flare, also sometimes called a fusee, is a type of pyrotechnic that produces a brilliant light or intense heat without an explosion. Flares are used for signalling, illumination, or defensive countermeasures in civilian and military applications...
  
   Arrow
• Fountain Pen
  Fountain pen
  A fountain pen is a nib pen that, unlike its predecessor the dip pen, contains an internal reservoir of water-based liquid ink. The pen draws ink from the reservoir through a feed to the nib and deposits it on paper via a combination of gravity and capillary action...
  
   Arrow
• Glue
  Adhesive
  An adhesive, or glue, is a mixture in a liquid or semi-liquid state that adheres or bonds items together. Adhesives may come from either natural or synthetic sources. The types of materials that can be bonded are vast but they are especially useful for bonding thin materials...
  
   Arrow
• Grappling Hook
  Grappling hook
  A grappling hook is an anchor with multiple hooks , attached to a rope; it is thrown, dropped, sunk, projected, or fastened directly by hand to where at least one hook may catch and hold. Generally, grappling hooks are used to temporarily secure one end of a rope. They may also be used to dredge...
  
   Arrow
• Handcuffs
  Handcuffs
  Handcuffs are restraint devices designed to secure an individual's wrists close together. They comprise two parts, linked together by a chain, a hinge, or rigid bar. Each half has a rotating arm which engages with a ratchet that prevents it from being opened once closed around a person's wrist...
  
   Arrow (tipped with a pair of handcuffs that close around a person's wrist on impact, if aimed properly)
• Harpoon Arrow
• Ice- Cutting Arrow
• Ink Arrow
• Kryptonite
  Kryptonite
  Kryptonite is a fictional material from the Superman mythos —the ore form of a radioactive element from Superman's home planet of Krypton. It is famous for being the ultimate physical weakness of Superman, and the word kryptonite has since become synonymous with an Achilles' heel —the one weakness...
  
   Arrow (contains an isotope of Kryptonite, to be used against Kryptonian
  Kryptonian
  Kryptonians are a fictional extraterrestrial race of the DC Comics universe who hail from the planet Krypton. The term originated from the stories of DC Comics superhero, Superman...
  
  s such as Superman
  Superman
  Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
  
   or Supergirl
  Supergirl
  Supergirl is a female counterpart to the DC Comics Superman. As his cousin, she shares his super powers and vulnerability to Kryptonite. She was created by writer Otto Binder and designed by artist Al Plastino in 1959. She first appeared in the Action Comics comic book series and later branched out...
  
   should they go rogue)
• Laritat Arrow
• Magnesium Flare Arrow
• Mini-Arrow
• Mummy
  Mummy
  A mummy is a body, human or animal, whose skin and organs have been preserved by either intentional or incidental exposure to chemicals, extreme coldness , very low humidity, or lack of air when bodies are submerged in bogs, so that the recovered body will not decay further if kept in cool and dry...
  
   Arrow
• Net
  Net (device)
  A net, in its primary meaning, comprises fibers woven in a grid-like structure, and is very infrequently mentioned in discussions of philosophy. It blocks the passage of large items, while letting small items and fluids pass...
  
   Arrow (contains a spring-loaded nylon mesh which is released and entangles the target on impact)
• Nth Metal
  Nth metal
  Nth metal is a fictional metal in the .-Fictional history:It is native to Thanagar, the home planet of Katar Hol and Shayera Thal, the Silver Age Hawkman and Hawkwoman. Among the unusual properties of Nth metal is the ability to negate gravity, allowing a person wearing an object made of Nth...
  
   Arrow (to be used against supernatural beings. Used in an episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold.)
• Paint Brush Arrow
• Parachute Arrow
• Peppermint Stick Arrow
• Rain Arrow
• Reflector Arrow
• Rope Arrow
• Safe-Cracking Arrow
• Smokescreen Arrow (releases a wide stream of harmless obscuring smoke through the air after being fired)
• Sonic Arrow
• Stunner
  Stunner (weapon)
  A Stunner is a general term for a science fiction weapon that is designed to temporarily impair the motor and/or cognitive functions of a living being, usually by rendering it unconscious, but otherwise unharmed....
  
   Arrow
• Sun Arrow
• Trap Arrow
• TriClamp Arrow (arrow separates into three handcuff-type clamps)
• Tear Gas Arrow
• Tumbleweed
  Tumbleweed
  A tumbleweed is the above-ground part of a plant that, once mature and dry, disengages from the root and tumbles away in the wind. Usually, the tumbleweed is the entire plant apart from the roots, but in a few species it is a flower cluster. The tumbleweed habit is most common in steppe and desert...
  
   Arrow
• Quantum Arrow (actually two arrows to be used simultaneously, one fired by Green Arrow and another by his sidekick Speedy. Used in an episode of JLU
  Justice League Unlimited
  Justice League Unlimited is an American animated television series that was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on Cartoon Network. Featuring a wide array of superheroes from the DC Comics universe, and specifically based on the Justice League superhero team, it is a direct sequel to the...
  
  , "Patriot Act").
• Greek Fire
  Greek fire
  Greek fire was an incendiary weapon used by the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines typically used it in naval battles to great effect as it could continue burning while floating on water....
  
   Arrow
• Umbrella Arrow

Green Arrow's aqua-arrows

The Aqua-Bow was a cross between a speargun and a crossbow from World's Finest Comics

World's Finest Comics

World's Finest Comics was an American comic book series published by DC Comics from 1941 to 1986. The series was initially titled World's Best Comics for its first issue; issue #2 switched to the more familiar name...

vol. 1 #130 (December 1962).

• Electric Eel Arrow
• Glowfish Arrow
• Jellyfish Arrow
• Octopus Arrow

Miss Arrowette

• Lotion
  Lotion
  A lotion is a low- to medium-viscosity, topical preparation intended for application to unbroken skin. By contrast, creams and gels have higher viscosity.Lotions are usually applied to external skin with bare hands, a clean cloth, cotton wool or gauze...
  
   Arrow
• Hairpin Arrow
• Hair Tint Arrow
• Needle and Thread Arrow
• Nail File
  Nail file
  A nail file is a tool used to gently grind down and shape the edges of nails. They are often used in manicures and pedicures after the nail has been trimmed using appropriate nail clippers...
  
   Arrow
• Bubble
  Soap bubble
  A soap bubble is a thin film of soapy water enclosing air, that forms a hollow sphere with an iridescent surface. Soap bubbles usually last for only a few seconds before bursting, either on their own or on contact with another object. They are often used for children's enjoyment, but they are also...
  
   Arrow

Speedy

The miniseries Infinite Crisis

Infinite Crisis

Infinite Crisis is a 2005 - 2006 comic book storyline published by DC Comics, consisting of an eponymous, seven-issue comic book limited series written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Phil Jimenez, George Pérez, Ivan Reis, and Jerry Ordway, and a number of tie-in books...

introduced a one-off Phantom Zone

Phantom Zone

The Phantom Zone is a fictional prison dimension featured in the Superman comic books and related media published by DC Comics. It first appeared in Adventure Comics #283 , and was created by Robert Bernstein and George Papp...

 arrow, used by GA's sidekick Mia Dearden

Mia Dearden

Mia Dearden is a DC Comics superheroine, the second character to take the mantle of Green Arrow's sidekick Speedy. Created by writer Kevin Smith and artist Phil Hester, she first appeared in Green Arrow #2...

/Speedy.

• Phantom Zone
  Phantom Zone
  The Phantom Zone is a fictional prison dimension featured in the Superman comic books and related media published by DC Comics. It first appeared in Adventure Comics #283 , and was created by Robert Bernstein and George Papp...
  
   arrow

Hawkeye's trick arrows

Trick arrows used by Marvel's Hawkeye include:

• Acid Arrows
• Adamantium Arrows (often combined with Electrical arrowhead)
• Blunt Arrows
• Bola
  Bolas
  Bolas are a throwing weapon superficially similar to the surujin, made of weights on the ends of interconnected cords, designed to capture animals by entangling their legs...
  
   Arrows
• Boomerang
  Boomerang
  A boomerang is a flying tool with a curved shape used as a weapon or for sport.-Description:A boomerang is usually thought of as a wooden device, although historically boomerang-like devices have also been made from bones. Modern boomerangs used for sport are often made from carbon fibre-reinforced...
  
   Arrowhead (allows an arrow to return to shooter)
• Cable Arrow (allowing him to swing through the air)
• Electrical Arrow
• Boxing Glove Arrow
• Blast (Explosive) Arrow
• Flare Arrow
• Magnetic Arrowhead (adheres to metal surfaces; can be added to other arrows)
• Magnesium Flare Arrow
• Net Arrow
• Putty
  Putty
  Putty is a generic term for a plastic material similar in texture to clay or dough typically used in domestic construction and repair as a sealant or filler. Painter's Putty is typically a linseed oil based product used for filling holes, minor cracks and defacements in wood only...
  
   Arrow (adheres to rough surfaces, and can stop exposed machinery)
• Pym Particles Arrow (increases or decreases the size of an object or opponent)
• Rocket Arrowhead (boosts range, can be added to other arrows)
• Smoke Arrow
• Sonic Arrow
• Suction Cup Arrowhead (adheres to smooth surfaces; can be added to other arrows)
• Tear Gas Arrow
• Thermal (Incendiary) Arrow
• Vibranium
  Vibranium
  Vibranium is a fictional metal that appears in the Marvel Universe. It is most commonly known as one of the materials used to construct Captain America's shield, but it is also noted for its connection to the Black Panther and his native homeland of Wakanda .-Publication history:Vibranium first...
  
   Arrow (must have supplement Magnetic, Putty, or Suction Cup arrowhead to stick to target; deadens kinetic and vibratory energies)

City of Heroes

City of Heroes

City of Heroes is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game based on the superhero comic book genre, developed by Cryptic Studios and published by NCsoft. The game was launched in North America on April 27, 2004 and in Europe on February 4, 2005 with English, German and French language...

/Villains

City of Villains

City of Villains is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game based on the superhero comic book genre, developed by Cryptic Studios and published by NCSoft. Released on October 31, 2005 , the game is integrated with their previous release, City of Heroes...

 

The Superhero-based Massively Multiplayer games have a Trick Arrow power set as a primary power set for Defenders and a secondary set for Controllers, Corruptors and Masterminds. Arrows available in COH are:

• Entangling Arrow
• Flash Arrow
• Glue Arrow
• Ice Arrow
• Poison Gas Arrow
• Acid Arrow
• Disruption Arrow
• Oil Slick Arrow (which can be ignited by an energy attack into Flaming Oil Slick)
• EMP
  Electromagnetic pulse
  An electromagnetic pulse is a burst of electromagnetic radiation. The abrupt pulse of electromagnetic radiation usually results from certain types of high energy explosions, especially a nuclear explosion, or from a suddenly fluctuating magnetic field...
  
  Arrow