Infinity Countdown: Darkhawk #1

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The story opens up on Shi’ar Outpost IV, where we see the Fraternity of Raptors approaching a site, and among them is one they call Talon-R, who turns out to be none other than the brother of Richard Rider (better known as the man called Nova!), Robbie Rider. The Raptors tell Robbie that his brother, and the rest of the Nova Corps had left him to die; and that he should turn his back on them. Robbie seems hesitant at first, but then agrees, and reveals he has the Nega-Bands, which allow him to open up the fabric of reality, between the normal world and the dimension where the Raptors are known to exist.

He manages to open the portal, but the end result is that the real Fraternity of Raptors appear and murder them all, except Robbie Rider, who uses the Nega-Bands to create a barrier around himself. The leader of the real Raptors (Commander Gyre) notes that the Nega-Bands are from the Kree. He also goes on to explain that the Raptors were meat to be feared, and now that they’re free of the Tree of Shadows, they will be able to restore order to the galaxy.

He offers Robbie a position among the Raptors, and explains that if he serves Commander Gyre well, he will give Robbie a new name; one worthy of a name for the one who is responsible for destroying the Earth.

The scene shifts to Earth, where we see Chris Powell (better known as Darkhawk) following the steps in his father, as he’s become an officer of the law. In his cop car he’s giving chase to several crooks who shoot out his tire, so he resorts to turning into Darkhawk and cutting their car in half. At the office, he talks to Mildred behind the desk saying he’s going on vacation, but then is greeted by Lieutenant Stone, of Code: Blue. Stone offers Powell a job with Code: Blue despite Powell pulling his application (due to events in Darkhawk #51). Miranda, who is introduced as Powell’s fiance, explains that Powell will take the job.

Powell and Miranda end up at Project: Pegasus, where Powell, as Darkhawk was formerly employed. Running tests with Doctor Brashear, Powell explains that the Darkhawk armor feels different recently; previous it felt like he was in a car when he was in the armor, now he feels like he is the car. The doctor explains that every time Chris transforms to and back from Darkhawk to Powell, it “destroys” his body and armor and rebuilds it each time. She goes to explain she believes being severed from the Tree of Shadows limits the amulet to only storing one template which is why it’s behaving the way it is; and may have some limitations because of that. Miranda voices concern that if Chris dies, will that mean he will be Darkhawk forever.

At that moment a hologram of Nova (Rich Rider) appears asking why Powell needs a space ship. Powell explains he wants to go after the Talons and put a stop to them. Rich explains that it’s not possible – and the Nova Corp have been dealing with them. But also that the Infinity Stones have reformed and there’s a war brewing on the horizon. When Powell explains that he can help by taking care of the Raptors, Rich adds that this is personal because they have his brother, Robbie.

Powell takes to the air as Darkhawk to be alone with his thoughts, when he’s suddenly attacked in mid-flight. The person in question introduces himself as Death’s Head. (Yes, if you were in the 90’s – you probably remember Death’s Head). He explains he’s come to collect a bounty on Darkhawk. Darkhawk attempts to reconfigure the armor as he did when he was with the Raptors and discovers it won’t respond, which allows Death’s Head to get the best of him; but Darkhawk recovers, and ponders if Spider-Man ha similar issues of some killer robot, trying to capture him, to deliver him to some intergalactic death cult. Death’s Head pulls out his gun, but Darkhawk cuts the gun in half with his wing and tells Death’s Head to stop for a moment. Darkhawk then asks him if he knows where to find the Fraternity of Raptors and if he has a space ship…!

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