The chief goal of many Dawn of DC series was to redefine the histories of DC Comics‘ greatest characters. This was particularly true of Green Arrow, whose backstory in the Post-Crisis, New 52, and Rebirth ages fluctuated wildly. Green Arrow #11 by Joshua Williamson, Phil Hester, Sean Izaakse, and Eric Gapstur continue this task, rewriting the origin of Merlyn.
The Original Origin of Merlyn and Green Arrow’s Rivalry
Merlyn first appeared in 1971’s Justice League of America #94. Introduced as a member of the League of Assassins, Merlyn was part of a splinter faction led by the Sensei, who turned against Ra’s Al Ghul. Merlyn was known as “the Magician,” because he routinely made shots with his bow that seemed to be magic.
In truth, he relied upon specially designed trick arrows. In this he was similar to Green Arrow, who recalled seeing Merlyn perform in a circus as a child. He also answered a challenge to an archery contest from Merlyn early in his career and, to his shame, lost. However, Oliver Queen redeemed himself, stopping Merlyn from assassinating Batman by blocking his shot with his own arrow. Merlyn saluted the younger archer’s skill but swore revenge. Thus began the rivalry between the two archers.
The New 52 and Rebirth Merlyn and Green Arrow
Strangely enough, Merlyn and Green Arrow did not interact throughout most of the New 52 era beginning in 2011. Merlyn was reintroduced as one of the Seven Men of Death recruited by Talia Al Ghul to destroy Batman Incorporated. One year later, another new Merlyn was introduced in Green Arrow #0. This one was Tommy Merlyn, who shared the name of Oliver Queen’s best friend in the first season of the Arrow television series.
The new Merlyn had a deep hatred of Oliver Queen, born of his nearly getting them killed while fighting terrorists at a party. This Merlyn emerged years alter, during “The Kingdom” story arc, as a Dark Archer out to kill Green Arrow. Years later, the Rebirth Green Arrow title reconciled this by establishing the elder Merlyn as Tommy’s father. This gave rise to a new rivalry, with the newly renamed Malcolm Merlyn blaming Oliver Queen for his son’s failures.
How Green Arrow #11 Redefines Merlyn Once Again
A flashback in Green Arrow #11 spins a new history for Merlyn and the Emerald Archer. It references the original origin story, with Malcolm Merlyn recalling his days in the circus. He also recalls posing as a simple businessman while working for the League of Assassins, as in Arrow.
Two major changes are revealed in this new history. The first is that the Tommy Merlyn of this reality never tried to follow in his father’s footsteps as an assassin. The second is that Merlyn, seeking an heir to his true self, trained a young Oliver Queen in archery. This time, the rivalry was born of Oliver’s refusal to become a killer like his mentor.
Green Arrow #11 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
