War of Kings
War of Kings is a comic book story arc that first appeared in Secret Invasion: Inhumans #4
After the events of Annihilation and Secret Invasion, the Inhumans retaliation will make them face the Shi'Ar Empire.
War of Kings is a massive cosmic event that plays out of the events in both Annihilation and Secret Invasion and follows the Inhumans response to the Skrull Invasion which puts on a direct collision course with the Shi'Ar Empire. We'd love to say some more but Marvel is trailing this event very carefully and we don't want to give too much away at this point.Reading List
Prelude to War
Prelude to War
Secret Invasion: Inhumans #4 (Jan 09)
Guardians of the Galaxy #7 (Jan 09)
X-Men: Kingbreaker #1 (Feb 09)
Guardians of the Galaxy #8 (Feb 09)
X-Men: Kingbreaker #2 (Mar 09)
Guardians of the Galaxy #9
Secret Invasion: War of Kings
Associated Issues
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The hunt for Black Bolt concludes – launching the Inhumans into their new destiny in the Marvel Universe! It's sister vs. sister, cousin vs. cousin, Kree vs. Skrull! The loyalty lines are redrawn within the royal family as the Inhumans’ mission reaches critical mass! Can Medusa and her tribe get it together to save their once and future King? Or has it all been for nothing? The seeds for the WAR OF KINGS are planted right here!
Summary:
This is the end of the Invasion. Finally, Medusa's quest is over and she and the rest of the Royal family are able to rescue Black Bolt from the treacherous Skrulls. But the aftermath of this attack will mark a new era for the Inhumans. Back in the safety of Attilan, the Royal Family will be finally together, and not only with the return of their King, but with the presence of Maximus as a member of it. Furthermore, the Inhumans will no longer be the victims of wars they didn't ask for. Now, it's time for retaliation, it's time for the Inhumans wrath. This is the begin of War of Kings.
A new story-arc! A new line-up! And Star-Lord…missing! The shocking revelations made at the end of their Secret Invasion adventure have ripped the team apart! Is there anyone left to continue the task of guarding the galaxy? Who are the new additions to the team? Is this issue going to be packed full of shocks and surprises? This is DnA and Pelletier...so what do you think?
After the terrible defeat of the X-Men at the hands of the Emperor Vulcan, a new future emerged for the Shi'ar Empire. And the first step in Vulcan's destiny is the expansion of his empire. That means to take over the galaxy and destroy everyone in his path.
In the meantime, the Galactic Council gathers to discuss the aftermath of the Annihilation wave and the lack of aid of the Shi'ar during the armageddon and also their aggressive expansion throughout the galaxy. Nevertheless, all hope to reason with the mighty Shi'ar Empire will find no echo as they are blinded with Vulcan's promise to regain their past glory.
But not everything is lost. The remaining forces of the Starjammers led by Lilicandra are using guerrilla warfare to hurt the Shi''ar army in order to find their fallen comrades. But Vulcan placed his brother, Polaris and the rest of the Starjammers on the very edge of the Empire where they are victims of the more vicious acts of torture. Summers vs Summers, and Havok has still one ace up to his sleeves.
After finding out that the skrulls infiltrated Knowhere, Starlord sent a message to Hala to prevent them against a possible invasion. But Ronan was fully aware of the threat and not only got rid of the infiltrators, but use them to power up the Babel Spire that the Phalanx left on Hala. After a fight between the Accuser and a very upset Starlord, Quill was banished into the Negative Zone, where Blastaar was the new king and had some plans to expand his new kingdom.
Meanwhile, the Guardians of the Galaxy defeated the new weapons of the Badoons, but this new enemy may have an ace up to their sleeves, as Major Victory suggest. And what are the plans of Adam Warlock with the Universal Church of Truth?
Empires are about to collide in a War of Kings, and if you've missed the events that lead to this interstellar clash, check this issue out with every event summarized like House of M, Silent War, World War Hulk, X-Men: Emperor Vulcan, Annihilation until Secret Invasion and an outstanding chronology of Marvel's Cosmic Universe.
It’s finally here…WAR OF KINGS! The Secret Invasion may be over, but the Inhumans are still reeling from the terrible wounds inflicted on them by the Skrulls. And this time, the Royal Family and their massively powered people have been pushed too far! You have never seen the Inhumans like this – and it’s only the beginning! Plus: How will the empire-expanding Vulcan react to these recent universe-shaking developments? Before this double-sized shocker is over, vengeance will be had, daring alliances will be forged, and the first shots in a destiny-changing battle will be fired! The acclaimed team of writers Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (NOVA) and artist Paul Pelletier (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY) unite to revamp heroes, reveal villains and rock the universe!
Marvel Girl, Korvus and Lilandra are the only resistance to Vulcan’s reign, but Vulcan aims to end their rebellion. With Havok, Polaris and rest of the Starjammers in prison, they don’t stand to get much help. The Shi’Ar Empire is expanding under Emperor Vulcan’s reign
Star-Lord...trapped in jail...in the Negative Zone Prison...under attack from King Blastaar and his barbarian hordes! Will Rocket Raccoon and his new Guardians arrive in time to save their leader? Given their recent run of luck, probably not! Plus, cool art by Star Wars penciler Bong Dazo staggering revelations about Adam Warlock – as events continue to build to WAR OF KINGS! Surely you must be there for the next chapter of the series that has WeeklyComicBookReview.com raving: “If you aren’t reading GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY yet, now is the time to get a taste of the awesome that is Rocket Raccoon and the gang
The fuse has been lit in the Shi'Ar Empire and an intergalactic powder keg is about to explode. After the shocking events of last issue, the rest of the universe just found out how dangerous Vulcan is... but right now Vulcan is more concerned with a now free HAVOK and POLARIS. And as the ruthless new Imperial Guard hunts down MARVEL GIRL, everything begins to converge. Will there be any X-Men left to fight the WAR OF KINGS?
The drums of battle thunder in the Negative Zone – building to WAR OF KINGS! Rocket Raccoon and the Guardians face down Blastaar’s barbarian horde as Star-Lord fights for his life in 42, the besieged Initiative prison! And if our cosmic misfits fall – Earth is next!
Join the Nova Corps…or suffer the consequences! Worldmind begins the mass transformation of human recruits to fill the ranks of his new Nova Corps--and brands anyone who stands against him a criminal! Richard Rider is powerless to stop the process...but he’s going to try anyway, even if it means fighting alone! New characters, razor-sharp plot twists, jaw-dropping cliffhangers…no wonder Aint It Cool News says “NOVA, more than any other series, has me chomping at the bit for the next issue.”
This is it – the big fight for all the cosmic marbles! Shi'Ar vs. Inhuman! Black Bolt vs. Vulcan! Who will rule? The fate of two intergalactic civilizations teeters on the brink, and the outcome of this conflict will send shockwaves throughout the Marvel Universe! Don’t miss the climactic chapter in what IGN.com calls: "Action-packed but intimate and character driven…this could very well be the textbook definition of how to execute major superhero storylines."
The royal women take center stage as we spotlight Crystal and Lilandra! When a group of disgruntled Kree launch a series of bombings aimed at the Inhumans Royal Family, Crystal is charged with quelling the violence - but can she bring the guilty to justice without causing civil war? Plus: a flashback story to one of Lilandra's earliest adventures, as the future Empress of the Shi'Ar must face a trial by fire ignited by the Brood! It�s two brand new stories that spotlight key players in the War of Kings!
A WAR OF KINGS TIE-IN! It’s the final showdown between Nova with the surviving members of the Nova Corps against the most ruthless members of the Shi'Ar Imperial Guard! Can Rich survive and can he save the life of his brother, Robbie, who finds himself caught between the ruthless Ravenous and murderous Strontian? Be there and find out why ComicPants.com raves: “The level of writing, creativity and just the sheer level of comic book joy that each issue holds amazes me every single time.
A WAR OF KINGS TIE-IN! In order to save the universe, Adam Warlock takes desperate action and seeks the help of allies you won’t believe! This must-read issue will have profound effects not only for the Guardians of Galaxy, but for the very Marvel cosmos itself! It’s more mind-blowing galactic action from the book Ain’t It Cool News describes as “just damn cool…Lanning and Abnett continue doing cosmic right.”
When the smoke settles from WAR OF KINGS #6, who will claim the throne? In the wake of the final clash between Black Bolt and Vulcan, the fates of Kree Empire and the Shi'Ar Imperium must be decided! And if the war is truly over, what are the threats swarming in the shadows? The Inhumans... the Starjammers...Darkhawk...Nova...the Imperial Guard...learn all of their fates in this special epilogue that reveals how Marvels' cosmic universe has been altered forever! And it's all brought to you by the acclaimed creative team of WAR OF KINGS, the event that IGN.com called "pure, unfiltered awesomeness...a landmark example of how to do an event story line right!" Plus, handbook extras of the major War of Kings players!
Overview:
Chris Powell is late for work. He runs through the house, only to be grabbed by his mother who wishes to see more of him now that he's home. Chris apologizes and promises he'll make more time. He then rushes to work at Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S. where he is employed as security chief. As soon as he arrives, he has to deal with Vector who is attempting to escape his confinement. When Chris tackles him, Vector reaches for his amulet. This causes the gem itself to react, making Chris smash Vector down hard. Chris realizes what he's done, but when Dr. Necker tries to calm him down, she brushes her hand past the amulet and Chris assults her, too. Realizing the danger to everyone around him, Chris takes off and heads straight to where his old friends are having a meeting of Excelsior. Mickey Musashi is talking to the group and informing the new recruits what happened in Los Angeles. As she talks about being let down by friends, Chris makes himself known, and both Johnny and Mickey turn on him for betraying their cause. Chris understands their anger, but explains that he needs their help. The amulet is playing up again. Mickey calms down and asks how bad it is. Chris explains what happened at Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S. and Mickey asks why he hasn't asked them to look at his armor. Chris tells her that he doesn't wish to become a lab rat. The pair of them head off, and start to become friendly again. When they reach Chris's home, the amulet begins to play up again, and suddenly, a new Darkhawk appears, crash-landing in their garden. Chris has no idea what's going on, and his problems are exacerbated when a second explosion rocks the house.
Full synopsis:
(Long Island)
Chris Powell isn’t happy, which isn’t good for someone with anger issues. He runs through the house, pulling on his clothes after oversleeping due to the alarm not going off. He’s gonna be late for work. Not that it’s too big a deal, but with him, things tend to escalate. He loses control and ends up hurting the people he cares about… the people he loves. He eyes a photograph of himself with Mickey Musashi and another one of his family. A while ago he decided to do something about it and he changed his environment, moving from Los Angeles back to Long Island.
His mother calls him to breakfast and he rushes downstairs to find his two brothers, Jason and Jonathan already there. He tells her that he’s late, but she insists he eat something. His brothers reckon it took him long enough to get there. They reckon he was out last night beating on the Rhino. Chris admits that there were no babes or super-villains last night. Part of the deal he made with him mom when he returned was ‘no more secrets.’ His secrets tore his family apart once. He won’t allow that to happen again. He shoves a slice of toast into his mouth and prepares to dash, and his brothers want to see him transform. It was a big step trusting his younger brothers with the fact that he is a super hero.
He tries to leave but his mother collars him and insists that he kiss her goodbye. She moans that they’ve just got Chris back into their lives, but he’s so busy at work they never get time to spend together. Chris apologizes and assures her that he’ll take a day off soon and make it up to her. “Promise?” she asks. Chris promises and tells her that he loves her before giving her a peck on the cheek.
Chris leaves the house. He doesn’t want to dwell over regret. They’ve put the past behind them. Some things, though, he did embrace. He changes into his Darkhawk armor which is all thanks to a crazy amulet which he found years ago. He fought alongside the New Warriors and Spider-Man but then tried to leave his old life behind and grow up. However, he was soon back in the armor and it took over his life - making him lash out at those closest to him. He might have lost control before, he thinks, but now he has his life in order. He’s Darkhawk, and finally, all is good in the world.
He takes to the air and makes his way to Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S. Working here as security chief has helped Chris to control his anger by focusing on other people’s problems for a change. In an exotic energy research lab which also houses several super-villains, problems are never in short supply.
He is greeted by Dr. Necker who informs him of a breakout by a couple of the U-Foes. Another Skrull booby-trap helped shut down their containment grid for a few seconds allowing their escape. She adds that X-Ray was last seen in the basement. Before she can explain where Vector got to, he appears, smashing through the floor, demanding to be let out.
Darkhawk leaps into action immediately and confronts the villain, telling him it’s time for school. Vector punches his face mask, but Chris informs him that his armor just breaks the knuckles of those stupid enough to punch him. He adds that it’s also good at burning off unfortunate tattoos. “Care to sample?” He unleashes a blast from his chest plate which forces Vector to take to the air. Darkhawk follows and the pair of them tangle in mid-air. Vector reckons that the facility has underestimated him for the last time. Does Darkhawk think that he doesn’t know the source of his powers? He makes a grab for Chris’s amulet, and sparks start to fly.
Without even thinking about it, he blasts smash Vector away and he falls to the ground with his chest smoking. Chris can’t believe it. The amulet took over again and went nuts. He looks at Vector, lying on the ground with his mouth wide open. He chastises the gem for acting up after all this time. He had everything under control, but now, because of the gem, he’s got more blood on his hands. As his mind runs wild, Dr. Necker places her hand on his shoulder, but instinctively, the amulet takes over again, forcing Chris to sweep her aside with force using his wing.
Chris looks around and can’t believe what he’s done. He apologizes to Dr. Necker who realizes what’s going on and tries to get him to remain calm. He informs her that the gem is reacting on its own, and the doctor asks him to let them study it. Chris doesn’t wish to hurt anyone else and instead takes to the skies, leaving Dr. Necker calling for him to wait. Once airborne, Chris doesn’t want this to happen ever again. Unfortunately, the funny thing about leaving the past behind is that no matter how far you run, it always catches up with you… or you to it.
(later, the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Manhattan)
Mickey Musashi introduces herself to Excelsior as the former hero known as Turbo. They each respond with a hi. She’s set up the group in New York after leaving Los Angeles behind. She tells them that she is glad they could make it, and understands that some of them had doubts. They probably asked themselves the same questions she did. How could they let this happen to them? Why bother to continue meeting? What’s the point anymore? Unfortunately, she adds, there are no easy answers, but they’ll find them together. For the new faces amongst the group, she offers an explanation of what happened in Los Angeles. She informs them that they tried to give up the costumes and secrets, and to rely on each other to keep themselves honest. Unfortunately, they were betrayed again, and this time it wasn’t their powers that ruined their lives. They were betrayed by their friends!
She looks around at Julie and Johnny as Chris loiters in the shadows, listening to every true word. Mickey says that it’s hard when someone you know changes right before your eyes until you barely recognize them. You can’t help wondering if, somehow, it’s your fault. Chris decides the time is right to present himself. “It wasn’t Mickey,” he whispers, “It was mine.”
Johnny immediately tells him that he should turn around and leave right away. Mickey follows suit, asking Chris how he dare show his face after he turned his back on them and went back to wearing his precious costume. Chris tries to get a word in edgeways, but Mickey asks if he’s come back to gloat… to feel better about himself. “Help,” Chris replies, “I need your help.” He explains that it happened again and he lost control. Mickey calms down and asks how bad it was. Chris replies that it was real bad. Someone got hurt. Mickey touches his cheek tenderly, and hugs him. It makes Chris feels safe, but only for a second.
Chris informs her that he hurt a villain. He was just doing his job, but he tried to rip the crystal from his costume and the suit went crazy. It acted on instinct - like it was scared. Suddenly, he was back in control as if nothing had happened. When he saw the looks on people’s faces and realized what he had done… He apologizes but didn’t know who else to turn to. Mickey was always able to help him. The rest of the group look on with interest as Mickey assures Chris that she’ll always be there for him.
With the meeting over, the pair of them head away. Mickey points out that he works at a government lab that specializes in alien energies. Did he never ask them to study his armor? Chris replies that he never wanted to be a lab rat. Mickey tells him to get over himself. This isn't about him. It's about the people who care about him. Isn't this why he left in the first place? He can try all he can to change the world, but nothing is going to be different if he doesn't change himself. She adds that the Darkhawk armor and the amulet are a part of the problem. He should have it looked at - go get some professional help. "Do it for the family you came back for," says Mickey, with sincerity. "Do it for me."
They take the train and Chris thinks about how Mickey has always helped him through the dark times... always been there for him and helped him get back in control. This feels like old times again. They reach Chris's house and he asks Mickey if she'd like to come in and meet the family. Mickey reckons it's a little early for all that. Family's not something she does on a first date. Chris asks if that's what it was; a date? Mickey almost blushes and replies that it's more of a first step. Chris reckons that's not such a bad thing. They almost kiss, but Mickey holds back, asking Chris to get his suit checked out before they go any further. It's okay, she assures him. She's not going anywhere.
As Mickey brushes her hand over his chest, the amulet kicks off again and Chris clutches his chest in agony. Mickey asks what's wrong. Chris informs her that the amulet is red hot and burning him. He plucks it from his chest and Mickey asks if this has ever happened before. Chris replies that it's been acting strange for a while, but not like this. He feels... As he speaks, they both look up and see something strange rocketing through the sky towards them. It then crashes heavily behind his house with a huge explosion. They rush to the scene and discover something surprising. There, in the smoking rubble, lies another Darkhawk, only this time their amulet glows blue. Chris is astonished. It looks like Darkhawk, but his is the only amulet left! The new Darkhawk speaks, weakly, informing Chris, "That's what you were... led to believe... designate Powell."
Chris notices his mom and the kids appear at the door and he asks her to take Jason and Jonathan back inside the house, lock the door, dial the emergency Initiative number and tell them Code Black! Chris turns back to the stranger and he asks what they want. "I'm here to save you..." he replies. Chris asks from what!He can't even save himself! The new Darkhawk reaches for the red amulet and blue energies surround his arm. "I cannot," he replies, "Which is why I am here. Only together can we save ourselves!" Chris is suddenly transformed and stands there with his armor on. He demands to know how the stranger did that. He replies that there is so much that he doesn't know. As he speaks, something rockets towards them at high speed. Whatever it is, it's already found them. Chris's mom appears at the door again having heard something. Chris anxiously tries to get her to go back indoors, and then it hits the ground hard, causing yet another huge explosion.
The cosmic heavyweights come out swinging! Black Bolt ! Gladiator! The Inhumans! Vulcan! The Starjammers! As Kree outworlds burn, Shi'Ar forces move in for the kill—as first blood goes to Vulcan and the Imperial Guard! Can anything withstand the military juggernaut of Vulcan's Imperium? And are the lines of allegiance drawn as clearly as it first appears? The major players make their big moves as the battle that will reshape the cosmic power structure rages on!
Who is Talon? What does he want with the young Earthman that ‘90s comic junkies know as Chris Powell? What is the shocking truth that connects the hero called Darkhawk not only to the Shi’Ar, but to the larger cosmos? And how does it all lead to a confrontation with Annihilus’ forces in the Negative Zone? It’s secret-revealing sci-fi action from the creative team that AintItCoolNews.com said has made NOVA “a great, fun book that brings back memories of fun superhero comics I read as a kid”!
A WAR OF KINGS tie-in! The guns of the Kree and the Shi\'Ar have thundered — and there will be hell to pay! Star-Lord’s Guardians spring into desperate action in an attempt to stop the planet-shattering battle, but will either side listen? If they don’t, the walls of the galaxy will disintegrate! It’s more mind-blowing cosmic heroics from the book that made CBR.com rave “if comics were movies, this would be the one people would be talking about all summer!”
A WAR OF KINGS tie-in! As the Shi’Ar and the Kree’s cataclysmic battle explodes across the cosmos, Richard Rider is forced to fight the one opponent he never wanted to: the ancient power that made him Nova in the first place! Yes, it’s time for another of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s trademark jaw-dropping plot swerves! Plus: Please welcome new series artist Andrea DiVito (ANNIHILATION) to the book that Aint It Cool News says is packed with “twists and turns, thrills and scares, cool stuff and awesomely jaw-droppingly cool stuff!”
Marvel’s next sci-fi spectacular rages on! Emperor Vulcan cuts loose, but will final victory depend less on military might and more on actions of the conscience? And how will the Inhuman known as Crystal and the Imperial Guardsman named Gladiator factor in to the escalating events? The balance of power in the Marvel Cosmos will change in the interstellar battle that IGN.com calls “the fight of the year”!
Who are the Raptors? What have they done to Darkhawk? What is their connection to the Shi’Ar and the larger Marvel cosmos? The acclaimed creative team behind NOVA unveils more secrets and revelations about characters that will play key roles in WAR OF KINGS!
The Nova Corps rushes to the front line of the terrible conflagration between the Shi’Ar Imperium and the Kree Empire—and gets decimated! To save them, Richard Rider must wrest control of the Nova Force from no less than the Worldmind itself!
A WAR OF KINGS TIE-IN! The savage battle between the Shi’Ar Imperium—ruled by Emperor Vulcan—and the Kree Empire—controlled by Black Bolt—explodes across the universe! The Guardians of the Galaxy know they’ve got to stop the war before it shakes the cosmos apart at the seams, but will any of these heavy hitters listen to a rag-tag bunch of self-appointed galactic protectors who spend half their time quarreling amongst themselves?
The Shi’Ar/Inhuman war reaches its most savage level yet! Emperor Vulcan goes for the kill strike, but does he have more enemies on the field of battle...or at home? Meanwhile, Black Bolt discovers that the Inhumans are not quite the happy family he thought they were!
Across the brutal landscape of the distant planet of Sakaar, there is only one law: kill or be killed. Bloodthirsty and cruel, the monsters and barbarians bow only to the deadly SKAAR, SON OF HULK. The planet does not welcome strangers, especially those with their own deadly agendas. So, when Gorgon of the Inhumans and Starbolt of the Imperial Shi'ar arrive on the savage world bringing their own intergalactic WAR OF KINGS, they risk the uncontrollable rage of the green-skinned warrior! Will Skaar be dragged into the Kree/Shi’Ar fight? Or will the deadly planet Sakaar, prove more dangerous than the battlefield?
A WAR OF KINGS TIE-IN! The true purpose of Darkhawk…finally revealed! But is this sinister secret more than Chris Powell—or the entire galaxy—can take? Can he rise to greatness, or will this crushing weight pull Darkhawk down into the abyss? It’s shocks aplenty from the storyline CBR.com calls “…an angst-filled adventure that will have repercussions for months to come”!
A WAR OF KINGS TIE-IN! He’s back! Nova Prime goes to war! It’s high tech, full throttle sci-fi combat mayhem as the Human Rocket blasts into the firestorm to find and rescue the Corps centurions swept up in the catastrophe! And one of them is a certain Robbie Rider...missing and presumed dead! It’s not too late to join the latest cosmic event in a jump-on-board issue of the book Aint It Cool News calls “a new classic in Marvel’s line-up."
A WAR OF KINGS TIE-IN! Caught between the Shi’Ar and the Inhumans, how can our heroes pretend to be the Guardians of anything if they can’t even defend their own headquarters Knowhere? With nothing less than the entire future of everything at stake, it’s the defining moment for the book Aint It Cool News calls “an overdose of cool”!
The high impact, critically acclaimed sci-fi epic rages towards its explosive climax! Last issue’s jaw-dropping cliffhanger has everyone scrambling! Vulcan’s once unbeatable and vast war machine is grinding to a halt! Black Bolt’s forces are struggling to survive! It’s all coming down to the final clash, king vs. king! But where will the other power players place their loyalty, and can anyone imagine a solution as extreme as the one Medusa is proposing? The Universe is about to change forever in what IGN.com calls “a veritable dream for science fiction/fantasy fans…War of Kings is event comics done right.”
A WAR OF KINGS TIE IN! What shocking event sent Gladiator on his path to becoming the leader of the Shi’Ar Imperial Guard? Christos Gage (AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE) and Mahmud Asrar (NOVA ANNUAL #1) reveal a life-changing moment in the early days of this infamous X-foe! Plus: What is Blastaar’s grand plan, and how far will he go to succeed? Christos and Carlos Magno show you why you will bow to the living bomb blast! Yes, it’s two stories in one issue that spotlights key players in the War of Kings!
Doom, Thor, Black Bolt, Black Panther, Ka-Zar, Namor...There are many monarchs in the Marvel Universe, but only one so powerful and so reviled that he had to be written out of history. He is THE UNSPOKEN. And his return will have dire consequences on both our world and worlds beyond. The start of a new storyline that will bring dishonor for one Mighty Avenger, redemption for another, a family reunion, and ties to both DARK REIGN and WAR OF KINGS.
The future begins-and ends-here! Caught between the Shi'Ar and the Kree, and desperate to stop a conflagration that could implode the universe itself, Star-Lord leads the Guardians on their most reckless and deadly mission yet! But does the "Future Tense" of the enigmatic Starhawk and the original Guardians really hold the secrets our ragtag team seeks...or is it a really, really bad idea? Be there for a key War of Kings chapter in what CBR.com says is "... the one book that delivers every month."
Rocketing into the thick of the merciless cosmic action, Nova Prime battles to rescue the novice Corps centurions caught in the crossfire! Most of all he’s desperate to save Robbie Rider, who’s missing in action! But the danger’s coming from all sides: Ravenous! Blastaar! Strontian and the Praetorians! Not everyone’s going to walk away from this clash, so pull on your helmet and find out why ComicsBulletin.com calls NOVA “...one of the best titles being produced by Marvel right now.”
What happened at the end of WAR OF KINGS #3, and what did Darkhawk have to do with it? Only Chris Powell knows the terrible deeds the Fraternity of Raptors will carry out to protect their so-called “Great Purpose”, but who will believe or trust the paranoid warnings of a lone young Earthman? The entire universe thinks he’s committed an appalling crime—and now Darkhawk is cosmic enemy #1!
The road to the WAR OF KINGS is paved here! The X-Men cosmic event of the year ends with a bang as the X-Men and Starjammers face the collective might of the Shi’Ar Empire. It’s a family affair as Havok fights his brother Vulcan and Lilandra takes on her sister Deathbird. Can the X-Men and Starjammers dethrone the mad Emperor?
In the aftermath of the Secret Invasion, Black Bolt has led the Inhumans on a shockingly savage path to restore their strength and security. But that path has brought them into direct confrontation with the Shi’Ar Empire – and their mad ruler Vulcan! Who will get in the first strike? Who will fall on the bloody battlefield? Who will rule? The Imperial Guard, the Starjammers, the Inhuman Royal Family and more of your favorite sci-fi characters are locked on a collision course…and it all starts here! Join the acclaimed team of Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (NOVA) and Paul Pelletier (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY) for a pivotal turning point in Marvel’s
cosmic history!
If Captain Marvel is no more, how is he here? With War of Kings about to explode across the galaxy, two of the Guardians face death itself! Drax and Quasar journey beyond the veil of life in a desperate quest to find Moondragon. But what is waiting for them on the other side, and will it ever let them return? It's a double shot of cosmic horror - that plants the seeds for where GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY is heading next!
War of Kings brings a new status quo...and a new penciler Andrea DiVito (Annihilation)! Who is the new Protector of the Universe? Stripped of his Nova powers and facing death, Rich Rider must stop the Worldmind’s plans before it’s too late. But he needs power to do it, which may come from a source that will change his very identity! It’s another unpredictable episode of the comic Ain’t It Cool News calls “awesomely jaw-droppingly cool stuff.”
If Captain Marvel is no more, how is he here? With War of Kings about to explode across the galaxy, two of the Guardians face death itself! Drax and Quasar journey beyond the veil of life in a desperate quest to find Moondragon. But what is waiting for them on the other side, and will it ever let them return? It's a double shot of cosmic horror - that plants the seeds for where GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY is heading next!
Overview:
Chris Powell's house has been destroyed and his mom is badly injured.
Before he knows what's happening, he and the stranger are attacked by
what the stranger, named Talon, calls a Hunter Drone. They manage to
take down the creature after Darkhawk switches armor to form a strike
suit, but Talon warns that more will be on their way. Chris heads to
the hospital to check on his mom who lies in a coma. Mickey has a long
dig at him for not giving up the armor sooner, but Chris tries to
explain that it's a part of him and he cannot give it up. Talon then
shows up and Chris attacks him. Their fight quickly comes to a halt as
Talon explains exactly why he is there. He has come to join the only
other member of the Fraternity of Raptors - namely 'Designate Powell.'
They are the only remaining raptors and they have a duty to bring order
to the chaos that is taking over the cosmos. Chris reckons that's a
pretty tall order. He takes time out to attend a meeting of Excelsior
and explains the situation. Mickey understands and promises to watch
over his family while he's away. Chris then heads outside, joins Talon,
and enters a stargate.
Full synopsis:
(Long Island)
A massive explosion has torn apart the home of Chris Powell: Darkhawk.
He tries to remain calm, but it's not really in his personality these
days. However, if there was ever a time to be angry, now's the time.
Chris looks around at the devastation and then remembers that his family are somewhere in the mess. He finds his mom who lies under some burning timber and grabs her, along with his two younger brothers. He thanks God that they're breathing and he flies away from the house, asking Mickey to call 911. She asks what that thing was that crashed into his house, but before he can answer, the stranger informs 'Designate Powell' that it would be better for them if they left the area, now. He should listen to the datasong. It says that the Hunter Drone that was chasing him is still alive. Chris turns to him and orders him to get away from his family. "Who the **** are you?" he asks. "I am Talon," replies the stranger.
The pair of them are hit by a blast of energy. Chris asks what just shot at them, before looking around and seeing a massive creature with red eyes and large claws; seemingly metallic in composition. "What is that?" he asks. Talon informs him that it's a Drone Hunter, sent to eradicate their kind. "Our kind?" Chris asks. Talon explains that they are the Fraternity of Raptors. Does he not know what he is? Chris replies that he doesn't know anything. He crashes into his backyard and then this monster levels his home. What the **** is going on, and how does he keep his family out of it? He blasts the creature but doesn't even scratch it. It powers up and assaults him again, only this time, Chris somehow manages to reconfigure his costume subconsciously. He is surprised by the change. He's never been able to do that before.
Talon says that the datasong was wrong about him. His bond to the amulet, though faulty, is deeper than anyone could have suspected. He calls Darkhawk Designate Powell again, and tells him to make haste. He should use the strike suit he's reconfigured and coordinate his attack with his own. Chris struggles to understand what just happened, but Talon asks him to save his questions for later. They need to survive the next few seconds. Chris feels supercharged, and Talon suggests he use that energy against the Hunter. Target its weapons array while he immobilizes it. "You can control the change?" asks Chris. Talon informs him that strike suit mode should serve their purpose against this foe.
He asks Chris to stay airborne and says that he can hit the Hunter with a micromunition assault (rockets) while it's distracted. Chris asks Talon, whatever he's doing, to do it fast. He doesn't like the way this Hunter is looking at him. Talon's missiles strike home, and Chris celebrates, for a moment, before realizing that the creature is still alive. It grabs Chris in its massive golden claws and Chris is forced to cut himself free. Talon then asks Darkhawk to follow him in. They will target the Hunter together. With their combined weapons, they attack the creature one more time, and this time the explosion tears the Hunter apart. "Nicely done, Designate Powell," remarks Talon. Chris asks why he keeps calling him that. Talon explains that he is a designate; a novice. A raptor in training. Chris has no idea what he's talking about, and asks once more how he changed his armor like that. Talon explains that it's called reconfiguration - his amulet's ability to draw variant armors for use. All he needs to do is to focus on his old armor and he will transform back. Chris tries but it doesn't seem to work. Talon asks him to relax and feel the amulet's pulse. The armor then disappears, leaving Chris in his human form.
Mickey is still there to see his transformation. Talon informs him that his armor responded when he was surprised... another subconscious reaction which he finds puzzling. He tries to continue speaking but Mickey interjects, telling him now isn't the time. Chris asks about his mom and his brothers. Mickey tells him that the paramedics are there. His brothers are stable, but him mom... she's sorry. Chris asks to be taken to her, but Talon thinks that there are more pressing matters. Chris warns him to leave him alone. He brought all this down on them. As soon as his family's safe, he is owed some serious answers.
(Long Island Hospital - later)
Mickey informs Chris that his brothers are okay. The doctor's say they
have mostly cuts and scrapes. She got them some hot chocolate from a
machine. They must be fine as they're arguing over who gets the
marshmallows. Chris looks at his mom who is lying comatose in a
hospital bed. He counts slowly, trying to reign in his anger. Mickey
doesn't think that his anger management techniques are working too
well. Chris asks what that
means. Mickey asks if he's going to get angry with her now. Fine. She's
outta there. Mickey chases after her, but Mickey tells him that she's
waited long enough. She knows that he has anger issues, but
she's tired of excuses. He's always telling her that he's got it under
control, that he's got a new technique and that he's a new person, but
then he flips out again and goes crazy. Everything seems to set him
off. Every last thing. She's sick of hearing his excuses. Can't he see
that he's making excuses and blaming everything but himself? She points at Chris and says it's him. It's all him. It's the armor. From the moment he found it it's messed him up.
Chris tries to speak, but Mickey is on a roll, furious at Chris for messing up, not only his life, but those of his friends and family, too. The armor makes him angry, and crazy. He's got to get rid of it before it ruins his life completely. Chris replies that he can't. It's bonded to him. he can't let go of it. "Can't you?" asks Mickey, "Can't you really? Or is that just the addiction talking?" Chris says it's not like that, but Mickey replies that it is. She thinks he loves the power and the rush of being a big, angry tough guy. "No," replies Chris, but Mickey says in that case, give it up! Give it up and be a normal guy. Or, he can go get help, maybe from Talon. Chris balks at the idea. Talon's the reason his mom is in a coma! Mickey asks him to listen to himself. Talon was on his side; fighting on his side.
Chris holds his head in his hands and feels his anger brewing. He changes into his Darkhawk costume and looks out the window to see Talon hovering there. Mickey gets out of the way quickly as she knows things are about to kick off. Darkhawk crashes through the window in anger, and Talon informs 'Designate Powell' that his friend is advising him not to fight. Chris hates being called Designate Powell and warns him not to call him that. Talon asks what he should call him. "Darkhawk," replies Chris. "I'm Darkhawk! He takes a shot at Talon using his chest plate, but it misses and Talon tells him that he is an angry child playing with toys he doesn't understand. He responds in kind, blasting Chris and sending him hurtling backwards. Talon informs him that he's come a great distance and at great cost to find him. The Fraternity of Raptors is needed now, more than ever. The galaxy needs them and they are the only ones left. He punches Darkhawk who reels from the power.
Chris replies that he's talking crap, but Talon says he came to teach him about what he is. He came to find his last comrade in arms. He came to help save the future. Chris takes a swipe at Talon and tells him it doesn’t mean anything. Talon vehemently replies that it means everything. He needs to help him untangle his mind. The raptor armor wasn't built for humans. He has never properly bonded with it, and its alien presence in his head is driving him insane. See for yourself, he adds. With that, Chris's amulet emits images of events unknown to Chris. Black Bolt, Lilandra, Vulcan and other raptors are shown alongside massive space ships.
"Wh-what was that?" Chris asks. Talon informs him that it's the past, the future, a glimpse of the memories stored in his armor. A predictive flash of the variables that wait to be aligned. "Aligned?" asks Chris. Talon continues to add that they need to be aligned by the raptors. He showed him the chaos in his head. The overload of data has been pouring into his head since he and his armor were first joined. He's tried to shut it out, explain it away or ignore it. All the time it's been there - driving him crazy and making him angry. "Because the armor wasn't built to fit humans?" asks Chris. Exactly, replies Talon. He found the armor by accident, but it was never intended for him.
Chris asks about the Hunter Drone that they just fought. Talon informs him that it was sent by their enemies; those who oppose the work of the raptors. He should understand that the Hunter was the first of many. So long as he is bonded to the armor, they will keep coming for him and his family will be caught in the crossfire. Chris asks if he can be taught how to use the armor and fit it. Talon says this is why he came across half a cosmos to find him.
(later, the basement of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Manhattan)
A meeting of Excelsior is taking place. Johnny, Chris, Namie, Mickey
and Julie are in attendance, as well as two other males. As is the
custom, Chris introduces himself to everyone and they all say hi. Chris
tells them that he appreciates them coming out on such short notice,
and he knows that he's caused them a lot of trouble recently. He hasn't
exactly been a model member of the group. Johnny asks how his mom is.
Chris tells him she's okay, but she's still in the I.C.U. At least the
doctors are hopeful. That's actually why he came tonight. He wants to
keep this simple.
He explains that he became Darkhawk by chance. The armor's given him some great adventures and friends. There've been some amazing times, he confesses. However, it's also damaged him. It's been screwing with his head; some sort of 'incompatibility' problem between alien tech and human software. He knows that they might not believe him, but it's the truth. So, he adds, he's sorry for all the pain he's caused. The group listens patiently as he continues to inform them that he now has a chance to learn how to become Darkhawk for real. It's make or break time. He masters it, or he gets rid of it forever. It seems to be so important. The Darkhawk armor is tied to something so big, he barely gets it. Mickey, standing with her arms folded, asks if he's going away. Chris shrugs and replies that if he remains, he'll put others at risk. There are things hunting him and last night one of them almost killed his mom. He can't be here, drawing these things to his family.
He adds that he needs to go away and sort out this mess. He doesn't want to leave his mom and brothers, but they're safer without him right now. He was hoping, maybe, if he could ask them to keep an eye out for them while he's gone. "You know it," Mickey assures him, before giving him a big hug. Chris thanks her. "Come back," she says. "I will," he replies, "For you." Chris then departs, leaving Excelsior behind. Once out the door he transforms into Darkhawk and sees Talon flying above him outside the church. He asks when they start. Talon tells him right now, if he's ready. Chris asks what he is. What is 'Designate Powell.' Talon informs him that he is a raptor, one of two in existence. The raptor armors were forged eons ago to equip those who would serve as architects of the universal fate. "That's a pretty vague job description," quips Chris. Talon adds that raptors are sworn to use all their considerable skills and powers to safeguard the advance of galactic culture. They influence, they adjust, they shape and they improve. They are the curators of history and the custodians of the future.
Again, Chris jokes that there's no pressure, then. Talon continues to explain that there have been no raptors at work in the galaxies for millennia. He has only recently awoken from dormancy. Without the stable, guiding hand of the raptor fraternity, universal culture has been sliding out of control. They are needed, now more than ever. "To do what, exactly?" replies Chris. Talon spreads his wings wide, and informs him that war is about to reshape the landscape of the cosmos. They need leverage; influence, if they are going to perform their role for the greater food. They will start in a place called the Negative Zone. Chris says that he's heard of it, but how do they get there? Talon takes to the air, and asks him to follow. Darkhawk takes off in pursuit, heading skywards until they disappear into some kind of stargate.
My name is Chris Powell. I'm Darkhawk, and everything I thought I understood, just changed.
| Story Arc: | War of Kings |
| 1st Appearance: | Secret Invasion: Inhumans #4 |
| Appears in: | 42 issues |
| Publisher: | Marvel Publishing |
