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| As a result of the New 52 in 2011, the entire line of DC characters was relaunched, incorporating properties belonging to the company's imprints: Wildstorm, Milestone, and Vertigo. As such, elements of this character's history have been altered in some way from the previous incarnation. For a complete list of all versions of this character, see our disambiguation page. |
I know you, Oliver Queen... I know what you are... And these... These aren't the last people you're gonna get killed... 
- — Tommy Merlyn src
Tommy Merlyn is best friends with billionaire playboy Oliver Queen. When Oliver's father had relegated him to clerical work on an oil rig on the Pacific Ocean he turned the rig into a hub for wild parties.
History
At one such party, Oliver had decided to demonstrate his archery to Leena and Tommy. The group of friends were awaiting on a rock star hired by Oliver to play for them. Things got much worse when the helicopter meant to be carrying this rock star turned out to have been commandeered by oil-thieving terrorists. Tommy dragged Ollie to safety, leaving Leena outside on the platform. The two of them discovered a wounded crewman, who blamed Oliver for the security breech, as the terrorists commandeered one of the helicopters that was not even supposed to have been there. These terrorists had fixed the platform and several of its occupants including Leena with explosives, holding them hostage until they could siphon millions of dollars worth of crude oil.
Tommy and Oliver managed to get past some sentries, and despite his warnings, Ollie went up onto the platform alone, armed with only his longbow, in the hopes of saving Leena.
Oliver had a plan. He would take just one shot, through the terrorist leader's wrist, causing him to drop the detonator into the ocean. Unfortunately, on its way down, the detonator bounced against one of the platform's struts, and activated. Leena and everyone around her were obliterated by the explosion. Before Oliver could be caught in the explosion, Tommy leapt out, and thrust them both into the safety of the ocean. Badly burnt, Tommy warned that these would not be the only people that Oliver's recklessness would get killed, before passing out.
One year later, a monastery on a pacific island has been caring for a badly burnt coma patient for years. Suddenly, Tommy Merlyn wakes up.[1]
Years later, Tommy has become the mercenary master archer Merlyn. Killing Mack Morgan before he could give critical intelligence to destroy the reputation of his employer, the King,[2] Merlyn was tasked with bringing King's daughter, Mia Dearden, to him. Thanks to John Diggle's skillful driving, Oliver manages to catch up to Merlyn on top of a monorail train, where he learns that Tommy is nearly a match for him with a bow. When Tommy attempts to attack him at close range, though, he recognizes his opponent as his old friend, Oliver Queen, just as they pass under a tunnel. When Oliver recovers from the quick duck, Tommy is gone. Fortunately, he left Mia behind.[3]
Powers and Abilities
Abilities
- Archery: Merlyn has archery skills comparable to those of Green Arrow.[3]
- Martial Arts[3]
- Knife Proficiency: Skilled in the use of knives.[3]
- Acrobatics[3]
Paraphernalia
Weapons
- Trick Arrows[3]
- Knife
Notes
- This version of the character is exclusive to the continuity of the comic book stories considered to be set on Prime Earth. It is an adaptation of Tommy Merlyn. The original character was created by Andrew Kreisberg and Marc Guggenheim and first appeared in the episode "Pilot" of the series Arrow.
Related
- 9 Appearances of Thomas Merlyn (Prime Earth)
- 4 Images featuring Thomas Merlyn (Prime Earth)
- 2 Quotations by or about Thomas Merlyn (Prime Earth)
- Character Gallery: Thomas Merlyn (Prime Earth)
Footnotes
  This character is or was primarily an enemy of Green Arrow, or his supporting cast including Black Canary and Team Arrow. This template will categorize articles that include it into the category "Green Arrow Villains." |