Summary
Warning: contains spoilers forAnnihilation 2099#5!
Darkhawk was synonymous withMarvelin the 1990s, and now the publisher has given him a makeover I would never have predicted. Despite being a product of his times,Darkhawk has nevertheless enjoyeda shelf life longer than his contemporaries. Now, inAnnihilation 2099#5,a new incarnation of Darkhawk is unleashed on the Marvel Universe–and he may be the most powerful version yet.
Darkhawk’s solo title ran from 1991 to 1995, for a total of 50 issues.
Annihilation 2099#5 is written by Steve Orlando and drawn by Dale Eaglesham. Dracula has awakened in the year 2099, and is trying to make his way to the vampire’s new homeworld to live in peace. However, he is captured by the Mightians, and imprisoned and tortured. Dracula senses a large, hawk-like creature in a cell below his.
The Mightians imprisoned it many years ago, and it is near death. Dracula breaks free and sires the creature, turning it into a vampire.
Dracula repeatedly refers to the creature as “Darkhawk.”
Darhawk’s 1990s Marvel Roots, Explained
The New Darkhawk Is an Incredible Redesign
Darkhawk, created by Mike Manley and then Marvel Editor-in-Chief Tom DeFalco, debuted in 1991, and quickly became a cult favorite. Teenager Chris Powell received a mysterious amulet giving him a suit of armor and a suite of powers. Darkhawk would become a cult favorite, eventually joining the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe as a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Whilesome may dismiss Darkhawk as nothingmore than another “extreme 1990s” hero, the character has surprising depth, and is still appearing in comics over 30 years after his debut.
Dracula may have been familiar with Darkhawk’s exploits in the early 21st century, and saw something similar in the imprisoned and broken creature.
The new Darkhawk debuting inAnnihilation 2099#5 takes the concept in a completely different direction. This new Darkhawk takes the name literally, as it is an enormous dark-feathered bird that lives in the void of space. Dracula senses its presence, and while he refers to it as “Darkhawk,” it is unknown if this is the creature’s real name, or if it was one Dracula gave him. Dracula may have been familiar with Darkhawk’s exploits in the early 21st century, and saw something similar in the imprisoned and broken creature.
Darkhawk Continues to Outlive Some of His Contemporaries
The New Darkhawk Gives the Character a Shot in the Arm
Nostalgia for the 1990s comics scene is currently riding high. Heroes from that era, such as Darkhawk, are experiencing a surge in interest, as well as reappraisals from fans and critics. These “extreme” heroes were viewed as toxic for years, and while not all were winners, some, such as Darkhawk, continue to endure. Creators who grew up reading Darkhawk and others like him are now in a position to introduce the character to a new generation. I admit thatMarvel’sDarkhawk’s redesign propels the character in a new and unexpected direction–and I could not be more excited.
