Origin

Chris Powell's father, Mike Powell, was a member of the Cabal, a group of current and retired police officers turned vigilantes. By utilizing bribes garnered from major crime bosses, the Cabal had financed a suit of powerful armor called Savage Steel. Chris spied upon his father as he was receiving his final payment from crimelord Philippe Bazin and assumed his father was criminal himself. Chris was found by Bazin's henchman but accidentally came upon the amulet. He transformed into the android form and defeated Bazin's men.

With more time, Chris discovered that his armour was in fact an autonomous android. When Chris would grab the amulet it actually caused his body to switch places with Darkhawk though his mind still remained in control.

With even more time, Chris and Darkhawk would split in two different entities with the armour would be updated. This new version gave Darkhawk new powers. Such things like a forcefield around his armour, the ability to construct a gigantic force-field shaped like a hawk and being able to summon weapons from Osch.

By the end, Darkhawk and Chris re-emerged, no longer needing the amulet to switch bodies.

Darkhawk was soon shown back in his original form, without any of his upgraded powers. No explanation was given about that fact, causing an inconsistency in Darkhawk's continuity. The reason for the change seems to be for recognition. Phil Urich {the former Green Goblin} was able to take the amulet and transformed into a "Goblinized" version of the Darkhawk. Chris Powell managed to tap into the amulet by touching it on Phil's chest, allowing him to summon his second, upgraded armored form. Although Phil Urich retained the amulet itself. After the amulet was retrieved, he used it to change back to his first form.

Powers

Darkhawk's amulet on his chest was the source of his power. He could create a force blast, a shield, a Wolverine-like claw, a grapple cable, glider wings. When his amour upgraded, his new powers included flight, boosted vision and strength and an image underneath his helmet which was meant to scare his enemies.

Alternate Realities

Earth-6215

On Earth-6215 Darkhawk is a member of the League of Losers.

Earth-398

In this reality Darkhawk was known as Falconer and was a member of the Queen's Vengeance.

CREATORS

Darkhawk was created by Tom DeFalco and Mike Manley.