'Arrow' Season 8: Al-Fatih's journal may be hinting at the Anti-Monitor and not Mar Novu as Oliver seems to believe

Mar Novu (LaMonica Garrett) is notably never mentioned by name in Al-Fatih's records and the drawing of the god that we're shown could just as easily be of Mar Novu's evil brother, the Anti-Monitor, who is also set to be played by LaMonica Garret

After having an Indiana Jones-style adventure seeking the tomb of the very first Ra's al Ghul, Oliver Queen / Green Arrow (Stephen Amell) has finally uncovered what little information the League of Assassins has on Mar Novu / The Monitor (LaMonica Garret).

There wasn't much information available but from what little he could find, Oliver has realized that the Monitor may not be the force for good that he has been pretending to be.

According to the League's records, the first Ra's al Ghul, Al-Fatih, was visited by a cosmic god who Al-Fatih believed would bring about the end of the world if a certain balance between good and evil was not maintained.

This encounter seems to be the moment that defined the entire history of the League, as the shadowy organization has always been obsessed with creating balance in the world by any means necessary.

Oliver believes that Al-Fatih met Mar Novu and that the Monitor is the cosmic god prophesied to bring about the 'Crisis on Infinite Earths'. However, Mar Novu is notably never mentioned by name in Al-Fatih's records.

Even the drawing of the god that we're shown could just as easily be of Mar Novu's evil brother, the Anti-Monitor (who is also set to be played by LaMonica Garret).

There's a very good chance that this might be the case, even though the Monitor has made some very questionable decisions in the Arrowverse. Either way, the Monitor is featured in stills from Episode 4 so we should have more answers once that episode comes out.  

The cast for 'Arrow' Season 8 includes Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen / Green Arrow, David Ramsey as John Diggle / Spartan, Katie Cassidy as Laurel Lance / Black Canary, Rick Gonzalez as Rene Ramirez / Wild Dog, Echo Kellum as Curtis Holt / Mr Terrific, Juliana Harkavy as Dinah Drake / Black Canary, Joseph David-Jones as Connor Hawke, Katherine McNamara as Mia Smoak / Blackstar, Ben Lewis as William Clayton, Andrea Sixtos as Zoe Ramirez, and Charlie Barnett as John Diggle Jr / Deathstroke 2040.

'Arrow' Season 8 Episode 4 'Present Tense' will air on The CW on November 5.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Claire Danes returns as author Aggie Wiggs in 'The Beast in Me' Season 2, with a new family connection set to add another layer to Netflix’s thriller.
2026-10-28T19:34:48.000Z
Colin Farrell and Emma Fogarty’s 'The Slightest Touch' explores enduring friendship, Fogarty’s life with a rare skin condition, and their journey.
2026-10-28T19:21:08.000Z
Hannah Dodd and Masali Baduza take the lead as Francesca and Michaela navigate grief and a second chance at love.
2026-10-28T18:44:23.000Z
A ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star clears up Season 23 speculation as the ABC drama adjusts to cast changes.
2026-10-28T16:58:38.000Z
Emily Wickersham opens up about returning to the 'NCIS' franchise, sharing her excitement about reprising a fan-favorite role in the CBS prequel.
2026-10-28T14:51:48.000Z
Bobby’s murder investigation exposes Jessica’s lies and leaves Mel facing a threat that could carry into Season 3.
2026-10-28T14:35:48.000Z
The Client has a distorted voice but can communicate with Paladin through hacking
2026-10-28T11:17:43.000Z
‘Phony’ follows Sonny, who believes his mother has been replaced by an impostor
2026-10-28T09:34:47.000Z
'NCIS: Origins' delivers a shocker about Lala and Gibbs in the latest episode titled 'Shimmy Shimmy Ya'
2026-10-28T07:26:33.000Z
The ‘Two and a Half Men’ star will be taking on the lead in the infamous Erin Patterson case, whose sentencing was broadcast live in 2025.
2026-10-28T07:13:39.000Z