Arrow Producer Marc Guggenheim: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is Good For Arrow

In an interview conducted yesterday with ComicBook.com, Arrow producer Marc Guggenheim said that even while network development slates fill up with comic book adaptations, he feels the increased competition only creates increased visibility, energizes the fan base and is ultimately good for Arrow, and that a rising tide lifts all boats. Asked whether he felt good about some reviewers putting the Arrow season two finale in the same category as ABC's massive hit Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Guggenheim admitted that it's always good to hear that, but that he bears no ill will toward S.H.I.E.L.D. and hopes to grab some of their audience along the way. "Look, with regard to S.H.I.E.L.D.: I'm a huge Joss Whedon fan, I'm a huge Marvel Comics fan, I do work with Marvel Comics. I'm really just rooting for them," Guggenheim said. "At the same time, it's always nice to be compared favorably to any other show. I'll definitely take those comparisons to S.H.I.E.L.D. My hope is that the people who have enjoyed S.H.I.E.L.D. will enjoy Arrow and the people who enjoy Arrow will check out S.H.I.E.L.D." When the show kicked off, of course, Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg were developing Arrow essentially as the only game in town--but if it lasts until next season (which most assume it will), it will have not only S.H.I.E.L.D. to hang out with, but also Gotham and potentially Agent Carter, Constantine and more. "I think television, and network television in particular, is very much an exercise in, if something is successful one season, you see five different versions of it the next season," Guggenheim admitted. "I'm actually really glad that we are the tip of the spear and quite frankly I'm just enjoying the attention that the show is getting. The fact that there are similar shows either coming out this year or in development for further seasons, I think it only helps Arrow, quite frankly." Check back soon for the full interview.