90s superhero to make comeback

DARKHAWK, the cult-favourite superhero of the Nineties, is returning to his own Marvel Comics series (if ever so briefly) as a part of the publisher’s “Marvel Legacy” event that will see the return of many classic heroes and villains.

Unlike other characters (Deadpool, Cable) who came to define the decade and still have a strong presence in comics today, Darkhawk’s series never made it out of the nineties. The Tom DeFalco/ Mike Manley-created comic debuted in 1991 and ended in 1995 after 50 issues. Since then, Darkhawk has appeared in other Marvel series (Avengers Arena) and events (“War of Kings”), but has never returned to his own comic.

Darkhawk focused on a teen, Chris Powell, who discovered an amulet that transformed him into an armoured android. The original nineties series, at times hilariously, almost always featured guest appearances from other heroes.

If you’re a fan of Darkhawk, this announcement is bitter-sweet. While a new issue will debut this fall and will resume the numbering of the original series (the new comic will be issue No 51), the return is a one-shot.

Darkhawk No 51 will be written by Chad Bowers and Christopher Sims with art by Kev Walker. The trio will use the one issue they have to focus on what Darkhawk has been up to since his series ended as they attempt to make him a key player in the Marvel Comics universe once again. The Fraternity of Raptors, beings who share similar armour to Darkhawk and recently appeared in issues of Guardians of the Galaxy, figure into their plot plans as two raptors will arrive in New York looking to steal Powell’s amulet.

Maybe you don’t remember Darkhawk’s first major battle with the Hobgoblin after all these years, but perhaps you remember every time you saw Darkhawk on the cover of a comic saying to yourself: “That guy’s cool.” At least that’s how I remember my Darkhawk experience as an 11-year-old. Whether it was the armoured alien suit with futuristic wings or the teenaged alter ego underneath it, Darkhawk for many is stuck to the memories of those who loved comics back then and still do now.

For Marvel Comics, this is a win-win situation. They’re bringing back a hero who many fans have missed, giving him one issue, and seeing what happens. If the buzz is minimal, they can say they gave Darkhawk one more issue to attempt to tie up some loose ends. If the response is beyond enthusiastic, perhaps it could lead to a new series.