Arrow – The Dark Archer #7
Genre
đŻ Superhero, Action, Mystery, Crime Thriller
Set in the same gritty universe as the Arrow TV series, this issue blends fast-paced action with psychological tension and covert warfare.
Main Characters
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Malcolm Merlyn / Arthur King – Former League of Assassins member turned cunning strategist with a dark moral code.
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The Hidden – A secretive and ancient organization that seeks to control global events from the shadows.
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Nyssa al Ghul – Daughter of Ra’s al Ghul, with conflicting loyalties and her own vendettas.
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Unnamed Traitor – A pivotal figure in this issue, whose betrayal sets the narrative ablaze.
Writer
✍️ John Barrowman & Carole E. Barrowman
The sibling writing duo crafts a layered, suspense-filled narrative, expanding Malcolm Merlyn’s backstory with intimate knowledge of the character's psychology and motives.
Artist
đš Daniel Sampere
Sampere’s art adds striking detail to both action and emotion, with fluid combat panels and stark shadows amplifying the tension.
Editor Details
đ Jim Chadwick (Editor)
Chadwick ensures a tightly paced story that syncs perfectly with the Arrow television universe’s tone while maintaining narrative consistency across the series.
Publisher and Brand
đ DC Comics – Digital First
Published under DC's digital-first imprint, Arrow – The Dark Archer ties into the Arrowverse, offering rich lore between seasons.
Release Year
đ
2016
Part of a 12-issue digital mini-series that deepens the mythology surrounding one of Arrow’s most enigmatic villains.
Brief Plot Summary
đ„ After a massive explosion disrupts The Hidden’s base, Malcolm Merlyn, still recovering from personal and political turmoil, hunts down the saboteur responsible. As he investigates the wreckage, he uncovers signs of betrayal from within the organization—forcing him to confront both new enemies and lingering doubts. The issue delivers a mix of espionage and internal drama, with Merlyn spiraling between survival and vengeance.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
đ The Hidden Conspiracy
This chapter marks a critical turning point in Malcolm’s arc, escalating the mystery behind The Hidden and further fracturing his alliances.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
đ§ Some fans speculate that The Hidden may be a splinter cell of the League of Assassins or even a covert arm of H.I.V.E., creating potential ties to other Arrowverse villains. Others theorize that Merlyn’s manipulation of events mirrors a Shakespearean descent, likening him to a modern-day Macbeth entangled in prophecy and ambition.
Review Summary
⭐ Art: The visuals stand out for their atmospheric detail—smoke, fire, and tension practically seep through the pages.
⭐ Story Quality: Tightly written and filled with intrigue, this issue advances the overarching mystery while giving Merlyn much-needed character development.
⭐ Character Depth: Malcolm Merlyn is portrayed as a deeply conflicted antihero—ruthless yet tormented, with each decision digging him deeper into isolation.
Arrow – The Dark Archer #7 is a must-read for fans of morally complex characters, covert operations, and rich Arrowverse lore. đčđ„
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
