User blog comment:Red Z/Arrow Universe/@comment-24540351-20140416112656/@comment-74.133.77.195-20140417023455

Even with a grounded (realistic-based) comic book television series, the element of fantasy still exists. The idea of Mirakuru fits under that category, yes, but it is not the only one. For example, becoming a master at martial arts requires years of contant training. The level at which many DC heroes fight is such that their training lasted way more than five years. Another fantasy-based idea is when Merlyn mentioned that he had been to a place where death is an illusion. More than likely he was referring to the Lazarus Pit. Just like his dark master Ra's al Ghul, he too has learned to cheat death. Another arguably fantasy-based idea in the show includes catching arrows and flechettes midflight. I say it is not necessarily realistic because performing such a feat requires a tremendous amount of practice. I have never heard of such stunts being pulled off in real life.