This page is dedicated to trying to organize all the different Darkhawk armors that have appeared within the Marvel Universe Earth-616 continuity. The lists are split into two categories: Pre-War-of-Kings (Pre-WofK) and Post-War-of-Kings (Post-WofK).

This is done because during the War of Kings Marvel cosmic event, the Darkhawk armor continuity and character himself was pseudo-retconned. I say “pseudo-retconned” because not everything about Darkhawk’s past has been dealt with yet considering the newly imposed retcon. It would be difficult to acknowledge everything that Darkhawk went through between 1990 and 2009–the teamp-ups, the arch-villains, the personal developments, the multiple team affiliations and cameos, etc. As long as the character is moved forward in a positive way, then it actually doesn’t concern me to great degrees.

The Pre-WofK section identifies the different armors Darkhawk was seen in, whether due to character-driven circumstances, or creative team sensibilities. A short description of the armor’s capabilities will be indicated.

The Post-WofK section starts with that events Darkhawk armor design and then details the alternate versions “called forth” during the cosmic story arc up to present continuity versions that crop up.

There have been alternate universe Darkhawks as well with armor that was sometimes very similar to Earth-616 Darkhwak, and sometimes very different. Those versions can be seen under the Alternative Darkhawks page.

Pre War of Kings

Classic Darkhawk: This represents the first version of Darkhawk’s armor that appeared during his original ongoing series run. This version of the armor was very limited, and very street level. The suit could summon glider wings that would allow Darkhawk to glide. There was a right forearm claw-cable that could shoot outwards to grab items or surfaces and help initiate flight or swing. The helmet allowed infrared vision and full life-support. The amulet in his chest could shoot darkforce blasts or create a circular half-shield in front of his chest. By concentrating, Chris Powell could swap bodies with the Darkhawk armor and switch back again to be completely healed of all injuries done to the android form. By Darkhawk #29 the suit kicks in a flight mode.

Appearances: All appearances between March 1991 to March 1994 (Darkhawk, New Warriors, Secret Defenders, West Coast Avengers, Amazing Spider-Man, Sleepwalker, Infinity War, Infinity Crusade)

Darkhawk 2.0: This armor occurred after Darkhawk prevented Evilhawk from taking over Osch, the living ship in Null Space. The feedback imbued the classic armor with a new design and new improved powers and also split Chris and Darkhawk into two separate beings. His grappling cable and claw were gone completely in this model and replaced with one spike on each forearm. Once again wings could be summoned for flight. The amulet could generate a full body force field and even mold the shape into that of a hawk. The chest blast could even hit multiple targets. Darkhawk could now summon a healing pod and no longer needed to do a body switch. He could also summon any weaponry he desired to appear in his hand from Osch the living ship in Null Space. At the end of the original series run, in the last issue, the two forms are merged once again as one body–no longer android and human swapping bodies on the Null Space ship.

Appearances: Ongoing Darkhawk between March 1994 to April 1995 (Darkhawk, New Warriors, Spider-Man: Friends & Enemies)

Runaway Armor: This armor takes the shoulderpads back to the blocky design. The darkforce blast seems extremely over-powered in this version as it obliterates Ultron–a seemingly undefeatable foe. Need to revisit this trade before doing a write-up!

Appearances: Runaways from April 2005 to July 2005

Loner Armor: This armor removes the blocky shoulderpads again for a more uber-slick armor mode all-around. This version allows other wielders of the Darkhawk Amulet to be able to use the armor mode. The Armor mode does indeed shift to the likeness of the new wielder–in this story arc it’s the new Green Goblin–so the Darkhawk armor becomes an amalgamation of sorts to represent Green Goblin’s inner psychology. Need to revisit this trade before doing a write-up!

Appearances: Loners from June 2007 to January 2008

Losers Armor: This version of Darkhawk keeps a mix of the smooth armor but retains the classical design simplicity, including the right forearm unit, but this time with two blade like claws instead of a grappling cable. Need to revisit this trade before doing a write-up!

Appearances: Marvel Team-Up, League of Losers from February 2006 to May 2006

PEGASUS Armor: When Darkhawk gets introduced to the Nova ongoing series during the Secret Invasion event, it seems the wings are permanently extended at all times, whether in flight or on the ground. This may have been an artistic choice, but it is consistent nonetheless. He has a left arm bracer that seems to serve no function at all since it no longer has a grappling claw on it but he’s back to the blocking shoulder pads from the classic armor. This seems to carry onward into the War of Kings event (were the forearm bracers at least even out) but gets dealt with just like every other armor design inconsistency up until this time: With a good old retcon explanation that it can be whatever his mind wants it to be!

Appearances: November 2008 to January 2009 (Nova)

Post War of Kings

Razor Darkhawk: After a new Darkhawk armor comes on the scene called, Talon, it tought Chris Powell about the cosmic nature of the suit and what its intergalactic purposes are. It is a part of the Fraternity of Raptors who set balance to events across the cosmos based on the Datasong. During the War of Kings event, Chris discovers that he can switch armor modes as needed. This version of Darkhawk seems fully capable with dealing with space travel and survival all all levels. The below are armor forms that he has used since discovering the ability to switch modes.

  • Stealth: Although the Darkhawk 2.0 armor also had this ability as part of the upgrade to the armor, here it is now one of many of the suit versions. It allows Darkhawk to camouflage into his surroundings and become nearly completely invisible. There seems to be a setting that also allows a hologram to project the image of another being over top the armor. This may have been a separate ability but is bunched into the “stealth” category for now.
  • Gundam Assault: This is the term I use for the Darkhawk armor that is featured on the last issue of War of Kings: Ascension where massive metal wings spread out the back and guns of all shapes, types and sizes are attached to multiple areas of the suit. All weaponry seems functional simultaneously and can cause extravagant amounts of destruction and are fully functional in the vacuum of space.
  • Light-Weight Armor: Darkhawk slips into a fabric armor suit to avoid the magnetic powers of an enemy. This allows him a bit more acrobatic freedom but makes him more vulnerable to physical attacks.

Appearances: All appearances from April 2009 to Present