“Yesterday’s” Comic> Darkhawk #25

Sadly the scan doesn’t show how cool the red for the eye and Darkforce blast look on this cover.

Darkhawk #25

Marvel (March, 1993)

Missing issues annoys me but some time last issue Dargin, going by the name Evilhawk, accidentally disintegrated the Darkhawk body, leaving only the amulet behind. Chris, however, wakes up on a spaceship in null space and learns the history of the Darkhawks. Created by Dargin Bokk to be disposable, repairable solders he could use himself or rent out, he kidnapped scientists from around the universe, even Earth, to create his project. Realizing what he was doing was wrong, both willing and unwilling scientists used the bodies to rebel, but Bokk obtained the Evilhawk body and its special properties. Another Hawk, Osch, ended up merged with the ship. Bokk was expelled from the ship and his proper body destroyed with others. Two others were psychically sent to Earth and merged with two humans, one of whom went mad with the two personas and became St. Johnny, but not before they created the Darkhawk amulet in case Bokk returned.

Evilhawk is able to get aboard the Hawk ship and pursues Chris, taking control of the ship and preparing to take over Chris’ body so he can have a normal form again and still call on the Hawk body when he wants. Chris is able to fight back, however, thanks to his love for his family, and links himself back into a rebuilt Darkhawk body. When Bokk tries to disintegrate Chris’s body in revenge, Darkhawk uses his shield to blast the beam back at Evilhawk, apparently destroying him. Osch is able to send the Darkhawk back to Earth, where Chris can switch back and resume what remains of his life.

What they got right: I love this origin. It’s different enough to be unique and explains the important details as to where the Darkhawk armors (including Portal’s) came from. Evilhawk was a good opponent. It’s too bad he won’t be back…as Evilhawk, anyway. Overpowered he might have been but he was tied into Darkhawk and a threat that wasn’t one of Spider-Man’s.

What they got wrong: St. Johnny’s “guest” was already a roboticist from Earth. Did he need to have to be thrust into someone else’s brain? Or even the Predecessor. Why not be two surviving bodies, but the human couldn’t handle all this and then turned to drinking? (Evilhawk gave him the techno-virus by the way. That made sense.) Also, I don’t care about the love triangle with Cheryl and Allegra or the suspension. I’m here for the origin story, not what the unnecessary characters are doing.

Recommendation: A great intro and a good end to the story arc. I wish Marvel had stuck with this origin for Darkhawk’s powers instead of that Raptors thing. Pick this issue up. It’s the better origin in my opinion. Your taste may differ.

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