Darkhawk #40

Darkhawk #40, released in May 1994, serves as the penultimate issue of the original Darkhawk series published by Marvel Comics. Created by Tom DeFalco and Mike Manley in 1991, the character Chris Powell and his alien amulet armor were part of a wave of new Marvel heroes introduced in the early nineties, aiming to capture the trend of darker, edgier vigilante archetypes that gained popularity during that era. By the time issue #40 arrived, the series was navigating the shifting landscape of the mid-nineties comic market, which saw a decline in the speculative bubble that had previously fueled the character's initial run.

The issue was written by Danny Fingeroth with art by pencils by Manny Clark and inks by Romeo Tanghal. As part of the conclusion of the series, the narrative focused on wrapping up long-standing storylines involving the Sphinx and the broader cosmic mystery of the Raptor armor. The design aesthetic reflects the high-contrast, kinetic style prevalent in Marvel books of the mid-nineties, characterized by dramatic posing and busy, shadow-heavy panels. While the series ended shortly after with issue #41, it established a dedicated cult following for the character, leading to various revivals and appearances in team books in the decades that followed.