Shadowhawk #2 1992 Image Comics

Condition: Raw - Read

Era: Modern

Edition: Newsstand (Second Print Cover)

Publisher: Image Comics

Writer(s): Jim Valentino, Richard Horie, Eric Stephenson

Illustrator(s):   

Inker: 

Penciller: 

Cover Artist: 

Artitsts:   Jim Valentino, Eric Vincent, Kurt Hathaway, Richard Horie, Danny Miki, Norm Rapmund, Paul Scott

Year: 1992

Key Issue: 

Shadowhawk #2, published by Image Comics in October 1992, is a pivotal issue in the early wave of creator-driven comics that defined the Modern Age. Written and illustrated by Image co-founder Jim Valentino, this action-packed installment continues the gritty origin of Paul Johnstone, a former police officer turned vigilante who dons the powered exosuit of Shadowhawk to wage war on crime. This issue features the explosive conclusion of "A Good Night for Arson," where Shadowhawk confronts the pyrotechnic villain Arson—only to accidentally trigger a fatal explosion. The story takes a dark turn as Arson survives the blast, mutating into a molten, fire-based creature, setting the stage for an even deadlier rematch.

Beyond the main feature, Shadowhawk #2 includes "Awakenings Part Two," a compelling backup story spotlighting Infiniti, another hero in the Image Universe, written by Eric Stephenson and Richard Horie with art enhanced by inkers Danny Miki and Norm Rapmund. This multi-layered narrative enriches the shared universe and showcases the collaborative spirit of Image's early days. The issue also marks a significant crossover moment with a notable appearance by Spawn, making it a must-have for collectors of both Shadowhawk and Spawn memorabilia. With a total of 36 pages of intense storytelling and dynamic artwork, the comic delivers substantial value and narrative depth.

Visually, the issue is defined by Jim Valentino’s bold cover art, available in multiple variants including a direct edition with a glow-in-the-dark cover and a newsstand version with striking metallic ink. The wraparound cover design and visceral interior art capture the raw energy and noir tone that characterized early Image titles. Shadowhawk #2 not only solidified the character’s reputation as one of comics’ most uncompromising antiheroes but also stands as a cultural artifact of the 1990s comic boom. Its themes of justice, identity, and transformation continue to resonate, making it a prized addition to any serious comic book collection.

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