Summary

• Darkhawk gets a powerful makeover in Annihilation 2099 #5, with a new incarnation unleashed on the Marvel Universe.
• The new Darkhawk is an enormous dark-feathered bird living in space, taking the character in a completely unexpected direction.
• Darkhawk, a cult favorite from the 1990s, continues to outlive some of his contemporaries, getting a shot in the arm with this redesign.

Warning: contains spoilers for Annihilation 2099 #5!

Darkhawk was synonymous with Darkhawk has nevertheless enjoyed a shelf life longer than his contemporaries. Now, in Annihilation 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 ing the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe as a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy. While some may dismiss Darkhawk as nothing more 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 in Annihilation 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 it that Marvel's Darkhawk’s redesign propels the character in a new and unexpected direction–and I could not be more excited.

Annihilation 2099 #5 is on sale now from Marvel!