Merlyn (DC Comics)

Merlyn, also known as the Dark Archer, is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Mike Friedrich and artists Neal Adams and Dick Dillin, the character first appeared in Justice League of America #94 (1971). Merlyn is the alias of Arthur King, a bow-wielding contract killer who is commonly affiliated with the League of Assassins. He serves as the archenemy of Green Arrow, although he has also fought other superheroes in the DC Universe, including Batman, Black Canary, and the Justice League. The CW television series Arrow introduced and popularized Malcolm Merlyn, portrayed by John Barrowman, and his son Tommy Merlyn, portrayed by Colin Donnell, as Oliver Queen's nemesis and best friend, respectively. This concept would later be integrated into the comics, as Arthur King's legal name is retroactively established as Malcolm Merlyn, while Tommy briefly assumes the Dark Archer mantle from his father.