Review: Darkhawk (2021) #3

Series: Darkhawk (2021)
Writer: Kyle Higgins
Artist: Juan Ramirez
Colorist: Erick Arciniega
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Released: November 3, 2021
Received: Own

The bright side to being incredibly behind on the times is that I get to binge (almost) an entire series at once. Given how much I love Darkhawk, this is pretty awesome. Also, given the cliffhanger from the last issue, I’m extra happy that I didn’t have to wait to see how things turned out.

Darkhawk #3 continues the tale of Conner Young, the new Darkhawk. For a brief moment there, it looked like his life was perfect. Now readers know the truth. His life has taken an especially dark turn lately, and it’s hard not feeling for the guy. Hopefully, things will take a turn before the series comes to an end.

As a huge Darkhawk fan, I am extremely grateful that we’re getting a new series here. So thank you, Marvel Comics, Kyle Higgins (writer), Juan Ramirez (artist), Erick Arciniega (colorist), and VC’s Travis Lanham (letterer) for bringing this series to life.

Writing

Wow. So Darkhawk #3 is rough, I’m not going to lie. And no, I don’t mean rough as in ‘poorly written.’ It’s more of a ‘this issue is going to hit you like an emotional train wreck, so prepare your soul now.’

Once again, Kyle Higgins has done it. He’s created an emotionally compelling origin story. And better yet, it has a little bit of everything. Action, drama, remorse, coming-of-age confusion, and even a superhero/villain fight. Yes, please!

This issue also raises many interesting questions about how the suit works and what it is (or isn’t) doing to Conner. I hope these questions will someday be answered. Though I understand that many of them are too complex to tackle in the two issues we have left. Maybe that means we’ll get another series someday soon? One can hope.

While I love everything on the Conner side of the story, I wish there was more going on with the antagonists. I understand they are a threat (clearly), but something feels lacking in their presence. I can’t quite put my finger on what it is.

Artwork

I’m noticing a trend here: each issue, I spend whole paragraphs gushing about the artwork in Darkhawk. Well, I’ve got news for you: Darkhawk #3 is no different. I loved every detail that made it onto the pages here.

Juan Ramirez’s lines are brilliant, and his characters are so passionate. It breaks my heart at times if I’m being completely honest here. Given that emotions are the driving force of this issue, that’s a pretty big deal. Ramirez’s sense of motion enhances the impact of battle sequences, leaving me eager to see the next scene.

As per usual, the colors are divine. Erick Arciniega’s colors flawlessly support the story and characters here. I feel the colors particularly stand out during fight scenes, but that might just be my bias showing.

VC’s Travis Lanham’s lettering is perfect, as always. It’s easy to underestimate the value of lettering, but it is critical. Especially here.

Conclusion

Darkhawk #3 is arguably the most emotional issue of the series, which is saying something. It’s clear that this is not a series willing to pull punches, and oh wow, is it a lot. Yet that also makes for one of the better origin stories I’ve read in quite some time, so no complaints here!