Place of Birth: New York City, NY
Aliases: “The Edge-Man”, Falconer
First Appearance: Darkhawk #1 (1991)
Becomes an Avenger: Avengers West Coast #94 (1993)
Best Moment: Becoming Security Chief of Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S and assisting in the defeat of the Skrulls during Secret Invasion in Nova #17 (2007).
Worst Moment: Joining a group of washed-up superheroes called The Loners in Runaways vol. 2 #1 (2005).
Background: Teenager Christopher Powell discovered a mystical amulet that allowed him to switch places with an android he could control via his mind (Darkhawk #1, 1991). The android possessed super strength, speed and agility, as well as energy projection and flight. Powell decided quickly to use his newfound power to fight crime.
Powell fought many super-villains such as the Hobgoblin and the U-Foes. Teaming with the likes of Moon Knight, The Punisher, Spider-Man, Nova and Night Thrasher, Powell scores his first major victory against the Secret Empire, a mysterious organization (Amazing Spider-Man #353-358, 1991).
Powell later became a provisional member of The West Coast Avengers and frequently teamed with the New Warriors. Over the years, Powell became disenfranchised with his superhero status and joined The Loners, a group of former teenage heroes. The Loners helped to guide the young superhero team the Runaways, and did battle with Ultron, where Darkhawk scored the decisive blow (Runaways vol. 2 #6, 2005).
Powell eventually left the group and became involved in both the War of Kings and Realm of Kings cosmic events, teaming with longtime friend Nova to defeat the Fraternity of Raptors, a collection of androids from the same ilk as Darkhawk (Nova #32, 2009).
Powell currently continues his work as Security Chief at Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S.
Analysis: Darkhawk is an interesting and unique character with a great design and a very convoluted history. Though he has seen a growth in his importance (particularly in cosmic events), Darkhawk ultimately never was very crucial to The Avengers.
Willie’s Avenger Rating: 4 out of 10