Marvel introduced a number of new characters during the 90s who were locked in the decade's unique design styles. These characters were forced to change over the years in order to remain relevant, or they were left behind in the decade to become obscure footnotes in Marvel's history.
Chris Powell/Darkhawk is a great example of this necessary evolution, as the character has changed quite a bit since his debut in the 90s to reach new heights in Marvel's modern era. Fans have seen the street-level hero become involved with huge cosmic events that have reworked Darkhawk into the framework of the Marvel Universe in exciting new ways.
10 His Origins Were Revealed To Have Been A Mental Fabrication
When Chris Powell first found the amulet that allowed him to transform into the armored hero known as Darkhawk, he knew next to nothing about the origins of the amulet or his capabilities. He eventually learned that the amulet was created by an alien scientist for another alien conqueror who planned to use the Darkhawk armors for his own private army.
However, Powell later learned that his bond with the Darkhawk armor was faulty, which resulted in a mental imbalance that led to hallucinations, casting doubt on much of Darkhawk's original stories that detailed his origins.
9 He Quit & Joined A Support Group For Other Heroes
Powell's instability in his Darkhawk armor was first noticed during his time with the support group known as The Loners, which was made up of former superheroes like Phil Urich/Green Goblin and Darkhawk's former teammate Michiko "Mickey" Musashi/Turbo.
The Loners struggled with their addiction to superheroics that only caused harm to them and their families. However, The Loners were frequently caught up in one battle or another, and Powell's anger while in his Darkhawk armor began to escalate uncontrollably until he attacked his friends, resulting in his expulsion from the support group.
8 Worked As The Head Of Security For Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S.
Chris Powell was one of the heroes who eventually signed on with the initiative after the Superhuman Registration Act divided the heroes during the Civil War, though he wasn't placed on a team or in training like most of the other registered heroes.
Instead, given Darkhawk's experience and the unique struggles with his alien armor, he was given a position as the head of security at Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S., a research facility that has frequently worked with other superpowered characters like Quasar and the Squadron Supreme.
7 His Armor Has Been Altered A Few Times Over The Years
Darkhawk has worn a few different versions of his armor over the years, with each new version revealing more about the alleged history of the amulet and armor. His first major upgrade came when the Darkhawk armor was upgraded by the now in-doubt alien creator of the amulet, resulting in a more powerful android body that existed apart from Chris Powell.
He then was given another upgrade prior to the War of Kings event that featured a new edgier design and powerful enhancements while also revealing his true origins as a member of the Fraternity of Raptors.
6 He Learned Of His Armor's History With The Fraternity Of Raptors
Powell learned more about the origins of his Darkhawk armor after he met the equally-armored character known as Talon, who revealed their true origins as members of the ancient Fraternity of Raptors.
The Fraternity was an ancient order that had been created by the Shi'ar Empire as covert assassins who helped them steer events politically for centuries before they were exiled. While Darkhawk was able to fight off the controlling influence of the Razor persona that lived within his armor, most Raptor armors subverted their hosts and enslaved them to the Fraternity.
5 He Briefly Became A Police Officer In New York City
After Powell learned of his armor's history, he was briefly separated from the armor which was taken over by the Fraternity of Raptors consciousness of the armor known as Razor, which embarked on a mission to destabilize the universe alongside Talon. Powell was able to stop Razor and regain his amulet, though he was no longer able to transform into Darkhawk.
Powell retired from the costumed hero life and followed in his deceased father's footsteps by becoming a police officer in New York City, though a confrontation with a new Fraternity of Raptors reignited his amulet and led to his return as Darkhawk.
4 He Fully Merged With His Darkhawk Armor
While Talon eventually turned out to be an enemy of Darkhawk's who served the Fraternity of Raptors and helped throw the universe into turmoil after the assassination of Shi'ar Empress Lilandra, he initially proved incredibly helpful to Chris Powell.
Not only was Talon able to teach Powell the true origins of his amulet and Darkhawk armor, but he was also able to correct the issues that led to Powell's mental instability in his early years as a costumed hero. This later resulted in Chris Powell fully merging with the Darkhawk armor to unlock new forms and capabilities.
3 His Upgraded Darkhawk Armor Has Multiple Forms
While his Darkhawk armor had been upgraded with a new form in his original comic series, Powell's repaired connection to his amulet revealed that the armor itself had many different reconfigurations that he could now access as Darkhawk.
Initially, this was limited to enhanced battle modes that included heavy artillery or space-flight enhancements, though after he further bonded with the armor he unlocked further transformative abilities that allowed him to turn into a giant space mecha, among other things.
2 His Status Changed From Street-Level To Cosmic Hero
Chris Powell was still a teenager when he first found the amulet that transformed into Darkhawk in an abandoned amusement park, and his initial adventures stayed pretty close to home as he built a name for himself around the city of Manhattan as a street-level hero.
However, after his true origins as a member of the Fraternity of Raptors were revealed, he soon found himself involved with cosmic-level adventures that frequently kept him active in space and or other dimensions.
1 He Moved From The New Warriors To The Guardians Of The Galaxy
While he most frequently operated as a solo hero, Darkhawk also occasionally worked alongside the 90s team known as the New Warriors. He also briefly joined with the West Coast Avengers as a reserve member before retiring to join The Loners support group.
However, given Darkhawk's new cosmic-hero status and enhanced armor he has been seen working alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy in the team's ongoing series. His appearance in cosmic events like Annihilation: Scourge continues to prove that Darkhawk sure has come a long way since the 90s.
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