Review: Darkhawk (2021) #2

Series: Darkhawk (2021)
Writer: Kyle Higgins
Artist: Juan Ramirez
Colorist: Erick Arciniega
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Released: September 29, 2021
Received: Own

Guys, I still can’t believe this is real. Am I reading an all-new Darkhawk series? Yes, yes I am! This latest series had handed the mantle to a new hero, and I am all sorts of here for it. Granted, at this point, I would have been willing to accept almost any change if it meant Darkhawk would grace the pages once again…

Darkhawk #2 is the second issue in Conner Young’s story, and naturally, things are about to start ramping up for the young hero. In the last issue, we got a chance to see his world before his life was changed forever. Now? It’s time to see how he handles that new power.

Thanks again to Marvel, Kyle Higgins (writer), Juan Ramirez (artist), Erick Arciniega (colorist), and VC’s Travis Lanham (letterer) for giving us the chance to read this series. I know I can’t be the only fan out there who is ticked by this.

Writing

Once again, there’s a lot to unpack in Darkhawk #2. Given that we’re essentially seeing an entire origin story unfold throughout five issues, that probably shouldn’t be so surprising. But it certainly is impressive.

I love the way that Kyle Higgins has created Conner’s character. More than that, I respect how he’s portraying Conner’s illness. (Minor spoiler warning incoming) I love that Higgins is not romanticizing illness (MS) while being as delicate as possible with how it shows on the pages. I imagine that this is a fine balance.

Also, I’m just going to say it, I always have and will always love it when heroes make surprise appearances in other series. In this case, having another hero show up helps add some legitimacy to the new Darkhawk and his adventures. At least, that is how I’m seeing it.

As for that conclusion? Talk about an emotional gut-punch. I’m both looking dreading and looking forward to finding out the truth of what just happened (hey, a girl can hope, right?).

Artwork

Unsurprisingly, the artwork in Darkhawk #2 is fantastic. I love Juan Ramirez’s portrayal of the characters (surprise cameo included), the abilities, and the drama. Because yes, there is quite a lot of drama happening within these pages. There’s also no denying the violence of it all, thanks in part to the way Ramirez sets the scene.

Erick Arciniega’s colors also lend a hand in that department while making the issue, so fun to read. The shading in this issue is captivating, especially for certain panels that require the readers to look up. Likewise, I still love how vibrant the panels are whenever Dawkhawk makes an appearance.

Finally, VC’s Travis Lanham’s letters are the icing on the cake. His work is some of my favorites, as he knows how to lead the reader’s eyes around the page. It’s impossible to miss any details.

Conclusion

Darkhawk #2 was an intense addition to this new series. I’ll admit that I hadn’t expected it to get so dark (though I should have). Likewise, I wasn’t expecting the cameo. However, I love that the series already surprises me while working hard to pull readers in.