An inexperienced officer takes on more than he can chew. Two are sacrificed to a predator of a cosmic force; one willing and one forced. A hero is struck down. A new evil is born and heading to Earth!
INFINITY COUNTDOWN: DARKHAWK #2
Writers: Chris Sims & Chad Bowers
Artist: Gang Hyuk Lim
Cover Artist: Skan
Publisher: Marvel Comics
What You Need to Know:
Chris Powell, the son of a dirty cop, discovered a mysterious amulet that allowed him to switch places with a powerful android, DARKHAWK, with the armor of advanced Shi’ar technology meshed with magic, allowing the host numerous capabilities. Recently, the infinity stones were reborn and during a battle to protect the Power Stone, Nova discovered that Talonar, leader of the Fraternity of Raptors is his long-lost brother, Robbie. As Chris reconnects with his armor, he is determined to stop the Raptor’s reign of terror.
What You’ll Find Out:
The Fraternity Raptors have placed a heavy price on Darkhawk’s capture, which Death’s Head is eager to collect. Since the Nova Corps did not grant assistance into space, Darkhawk has surrendered by making a deal with this bounty hunter as it seems to be the only option to reach and deal with the Raptors. Chris Powell then says one last goodbye to Miranda before his departure.
Anticipating payment, Death’s Head delivers Darkhawk to the Raptors, where they are ambushed and surprisingly overpowered. Gyre (who escaped the Null Space along with his fellow Raptors) simply wanted Darkhawk’s amulet and punches through his chest to retrieve it.
Gyre reveals the amulet as a key to unleash the Ratha’kon or Dark Starhawk, which the Shi’ar intended to be a “predator” to the Phoenix. However, a second sacrifice must be made willingly. It turns out to be none other than Robbie Rider, the brother of Richard, aka Nova. After the possession has been made, Gyre takes the Dark Starhawk and the Raptors to Earth for a mission yet to be announced.
What Just Happened?
Long-term Darkhawk fans are familiar with Starhawk time-traveling adventures with the Guardians of the Galaxy and teaming up with the Avengers to defeat Korvac. During this reality, Starhawk was powered up by the mystical Hawk God On Acturus, which has never been tied to the Phoenix, until now.
The idea of the Shi’ar having an ace up their sleeve that could defeat the Phoenix is terrifyingly exciting! Darkhawk fans know that the Shi’ar always wanted to tame and even kill the Phoenix, but now, Starhawk is a game-changer as Infinity Countdown: Darkhawk feels like it has many secrets yet to explore!
Darkhawk fans also know the history between Gyre and Nova and it so freaking cool that Robbie has been destined to be the powerful force of Dark Starhawk! Will we see a Ratha’kan VS Pheonix saga connecting more with the infinity stones with action-packed fights against the Nova Corps, the Guardians…@#$%, maybe even with the X-Men, Fantastic Four, Galactus, and the Avengers? I sure hope so!
Sims & Bowers is providing an outstanding story as they re-introduce a fan favorite character and build an exciting adventure. Some may view this story of “re-writing” an origin, but I disagree. I see it as extending the possibilities with great imagination that could lead to powerhouse stories. Like many comic books, the Infinity Countdown: Darkhawk #2 spark the imagination through scientific curiosity and sociological achievement. The only constructive criticism; I would have liked it even better if this issue provided more connection from the Power Stone to the Space Stone to the Time Stone and then to the Reality Stone. However, we still have two more issues in this tie-in. The excitement continues!
Gang Hyuk Lim’s artwork suits Chris Powell with detail and really good use of character expression. Darkhawk looks like a badass with the well-selected colors that just jumps out to your face. Lim’s art provides many actions, especially the scenes where Darkhawk was ambushed by the Raptors. I feel he has been the best tie-in story for Infinity Countdown!
Rating: 9 /10
Final Thought: Infinity Countdown: Darkhawk #2 is a solid @$$ kicking continuation of the first issue and surpasses expectations of a hero that was created in the 90’s. This comic is nearly perfect with just a few flaws that only a fan would recognize. However, those flaws are insignificant compared to the “infinite” (get it) possibilities. A must-read for established and new Marvel readers!
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