By Tim Stevens
On May 13, writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, in collusion with artist Wellington Alves, will shock readers once again as WAR OF KINGS: ASCENSION #2 lands on shelves.
Just as fans may have been growing used to the idea that Chris Powell's
Darkhawk armor came from the Raptors, a race of heroic cosmic warriors who had been dormant for many years, the writing duo knocked them off their feet with another twist: the Raptors stood not for good, but evil. In the issue's climax, Powell seemingly disappeared as Razor, the original wielder of the armor, retook control. But where does that leave Chris?
"Not in a happy place," teases Lanning. "Chris has been ousted—his symbiotic 'timeshare' with the Darkhawk armor is over. His body, soul and mind have been kicked out. Issue #2 will reveal the horrifying truth of
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what happens to an organic entity when it's ejected from the amulet-link. This is going to be Chris's worst nightmare."
While Chris contends with that horror, the cosmos must deal with not one, but two Raptors plotting and planning. They could be the most dangerous force in WAR OF KINGS, but, as the duo points out, no one knows about them or what their agenda might be.
"The Raptors traditionally operated with a degree of secrecy, like cosmic ninjas," Abnett explains. "Also, you have to remember that apart from Chris on Earth, there haven't been any active or operational for a long time. There's probably no one alive right now who even remembers them being around."
This coupled with their long period of inactivity means that
Talon and Razor feel the need to make up for last time.
"They've slept for too long and there are things to do," Abnett says, describing their mentality at the present.
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What that means for the players in WAR OF KINGS or space as a whole remains unknown for now. However, when revealed, Lanning and Abnett assure readers the Raptors' plans will not be good news.
"[They will be involved] in cunning and twisted ways," promises Lanning. "The Raptors are tied into one of the event's main threads, and they are arch manipulators, fixers. They will be behind the scenes, pulling strings."
WAR OF KINGS: ASCENSION #2 flies into stores on May 13. Not a subscriber to Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited yet? Join now!
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