Advance Review: Darkhawk #1 (of 5)

A few months back, I looked at a celebratory issue (click here to see), that recognised 30 years of a character that seemed to be a mix of the best bits of a range of heroes. I actually remember the launch of the regular Darkhawk book and thinking, “man, that will never catch on”. Well, little did I know what Marvel had up their “put him in everything” sleeve! Sarcasm aside, Darkhawk has a range of fans; this new mini series serves to re-introduce the character into the current Marvel Universe.

The book kind of follows on from the Heat of the Hawk book, specifically the final story. There, the original Darkhawk sacrifices himself and sends the amulet that powers/sustains him out into space to find a new host, á la a Green Lantern ring. This new issue starts with the introduction of Connor Young, a basketball savant who appears to have the world at his sneaker covered feet. However, a sudden medical situation arises that threatens all of that. It doesn’t take a mad genius to work out what happens next; this is after all an origin story. Still there are plenty of shocks to entice further reading.

Kyle Higgins has been around the block a fair few times now, having spent time with Marvel, Image and possibly most notably at DC. Higgins has a nice easy flow to his writing that may feel naïve or simple in todays complicated preferred style. I for one like his approach to writing. Here he has created a character that is instantly likeable, has the mother of all frailties and challenges to overcome . Higgins also takes little time in setting up a supporting cast, using something of a Darkhawk trope in one instance, which will pay dividends down the line. The dialogue works well; Higgins refrains from the humour first approach that features in most Marvel books, where there is banter it is the high school banter that fits well within the boundaries of the story.

Also returning from the Heart of the Hawk book is artist Juanan Ramírez. Stretched over a full book Ramirez’ work shows a penchant for motion that suits the opening act. From there, things become a little talking heads, which is where the inconsistencies start to creep in. Facial elements have a kind of manga style that detracts from the some of the body lines, which whilst I am talking about I should mention that these are pretty well developed teens! Back to the faces, there are couple of times where I found it hard to tell a couple of the characters apart. Of course, things get a little chaotic when the hero of the day turns up, with a couple of upgrades to boot. Colors are supplied by the returning Erick Arciniega whose style fits the almost blurred look of many a Marvel book. VC’s Travis Lanham provides the letters, working hard to ensure that the dialogue filled middle section of the book doesn’t clog the art or the pace of the story. Finally, there are a number of covers to choose from; I quite like cover A, but buyers choice is always in play.

This book is a straight-forward comic, does what it says on the cover and delivers on the newer ideas of Darkhawk, whilst paying homage to the past via certain story elements. Surely, in todays heavy continuity laden, every story is a multiverse industry we could all do with sitting back and enjoying a simply well told story?

Writing – 4 Stars

Art – 4 Stars

Colors – 4 Stars

Overall – 4 Stars

Written by; Kyle Higgins
Art by; Juanan Ramirez
Colors by; Erick Arciniega
Letters by; VC’s Travis Lanham
Published by; Marvel Worldwide Inc.

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network