Comic Book Resources has learned that actor Marc Singer will join "Arrow's" cast as a character from DC Comics past.
He'll be playing General Matthew Shrieve, a character created by writer J. M. DeMatteis and artist Pat Broderick, first seen in 1980's "Weird War Tales" #93. Singer's role is supposed to be recurring following his debut in the 14th episode in the third season of "Arrow." That episode will most likely air in late February or early March 2015.
Here's the official character description from Warner Bros. TV: "In the DC Comics, Matthew Shrieve is the leader of a group known as the 'Creature Commandos.' In 'Arrow' he will play a significant role in the latter portion of the season's flashback storyline."
Singer is a genre old-timer, and well-known for his roles in the three "Beastmaster" films, as well as the sci-fi TV series "V," both cult classics of the 1980s. In recent years, he's appeared on the "V" revival and "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior." He also has prior experience with DC-based adaptations as he lent his pipes to Man-Bat /Dr. Kirk Langstrom in "Batman: The Animated Series."
Despite being around for about 35 years, General Matthew Shrieve has appeared in relatively few comic books over the years. Introduced as Lt. Matthew Shrieve, his main role in the comics has been as the human leader of the World War II-era "Creature Commandos," a military unit made up of characters fitting various monster archetypes (Frankenstein's monster, werewolf, vampire, gorgon, etc.). The character was depicted in three DC Nation "Creature Commandos" animated shorts released earlier this year. One of the episodes embedded below if you'd like to check it out.
At this point, it's rather difficult to say how this character and/or the "Creature Commandos" will fit into the overall plot-line of the typically gritty and reality-based "Arrow." It seems like quite the odd mix at first blush, but you never can tell.
"Arrow" will be back with new episodes on Jan. 21.
