Arrow: John Barrowman Writing Malcolm Merlyn Comics

Arrow will return to CW later this month, but before it returns fans will have the chance to dive back into the DC world of Arrow with the release of a new digital comic series created by John Barrowman and his sister.

Barrowman has created Arrow: The Dark Archer, which will give fans insight into Malcolm Merlyn’s history. The digital comic will start off between seasons three and four of the series, and then there will be flashbacks to young Malcolm. Fans will be able to see how the man on Arrow was created.

Barrowman revealed in an interview with TV Insider the origins of the comic. He said:

“Arrow: The Dark Archer began with a pitch for an entirely different comic. My sister and I are both comic fans and a couple of years ago we came across a description of a team of DC superheroes from the 1950s that have been lost to history. We came up with a story to update them into a contemporary series. I went to Geoff Johns, chief creative officer at DC Comics, and pitched the idea to his team. While we were chatting, I mentioned Carole and I would love to write Malcolm’s backstory too.”

That backstory will include how he made his wealth. Carole Barrowman also revealed:

“It’s set in places familiar to Arrow and DC fans like Corto Maltese and Nanda Parbat, but readers will see those places from quite different perspectives. Fans will also learn who Malcolm was before he met Rebecca, the love of his life.”

Arrow: The Dark Archer is set for release on January 13. Check out the cover and a page from the comic below. Will you check it out? Tell us what you think.

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Here is the official first cover. We are thrilled:) DC Comics Arrow @ARROWwriters… https://t.co/We3L0MxLcx pic.twitter.com/srx6jefAYj

— John Barrowman MBE (@Team_Barrowman) January 6, 2016

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Written by Barrowman and his sister Carole, Arrow: The Dark Archer, is set between the… https://t.co/79QG9ZeabM pic.twitter.com/QAdShXONEA

— John Barrowman MBE (@Team_Barrowman) January 6, 2016