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Nighthawk (Marvel Comics)

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Nighthawk is the name of several characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. There have been several versions of the character: two supervillains-turned-superheroes from the mainstream Marvel Universe continuity (Earth-616), Kyle Richmond (who belonged to the Squadron Sinister) and Tilda Johnson (the former Deadly Nightshade); two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, Jackson Norriss and Joaquin Pennyworth; five from alternate universes, who belonged to various incarnations of the Squadron Supreme, including Kyle and Neal Richmond of Earth-712, and an African-American version of Richmond from Earth-31916 who primarily kills white supremacists and mentors Tilda upon traveling to Earth-616; and a simulacrum of Richmond created by Mephisto and programmed by the Power Elite to serve as a member of the Squadron Supreme of America under the command of Phil Coulson.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Scoot McNairy plays impersonator Jackson Norriss in the live-action short film All Hail the King (2014), with A. J. Bowen playing the real Norris in the web series WHIH Newsfront (2016).

Publication history

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Kyle Richmond, the original Nighthawk, debuted as a supervillain in the final panel of The Avengers #69 (October 1969). This story is the first chapter of a three-issue story arc by writer Roy Thomas and penciller Sal Buscema. The arc introduced the supervillain team the Squadron Sinister, whose four members were loosely based on heroes in DC Comics' Justice League of America, with Nighthawk based on Batman.[1]

Following this arc, Nighthawk pursues a solo career, next appearing in Daredevil #62 (March 1970). Here, Richmond attempts through underhanded means to tarnish DD's reputation and supplant him. Daredevil tricks Richmond into revealing his criminal activities to the public and, after a battle atop a subway, Nighthawk makes good his escape.

Nighthawk next appears in the superhero team title The Defenders #13–14 (May–July 1974), he goes to the titular supergroup for help against his former teammates, and joins the team the following issue. Defenders writer Len Wein said that adding Nighthawk to the group "gave me a character to play with who didn't have a whole lot of previous history ... [a] character I could do anything I wanted to without worrying about how it would affect any other titles that character might appear in."[2]

Nighthawk appeared on a regular basis in The Defenders and a number of other Marvel titles. A long-range story arc in The Defenders, beginning in 1979, has Nighthawk under criminal investigation. Writer Ed Hannigan later revealed he planned to end this story arc with Nighthawk being put in prison "for good", but his run on the series ended before he could bring this to fruition.[2]

Defenders writer David Anthony Kraft said, describing Nighthawk's role in the team, "Nighthawk so desperately wanted to be the leader. He would be telling everyone what to do, but no one would listen to him! He may be wealthy and can buy all these toys, but he still gets no respect!"[2]

Nighthawk apparently sacrifices his life in The Defenders #106 (cover dated April 1982). The supervillain Dead Ringer impersonates him in Captain America #429 (July 1994). In the three-issue miniseries Nighthawk (September–November 1998) Richmond is revealed to be alive, but in a coma and brain dead. Through supernatural means, he is revived and resumes his crime-fighting career. He co-starred in the 12-issue run of The Defenders vol. 2 (March 2001–February 2002) and the miniseries The Order #1-6 (April–September 2002). Nighthawk formed a short-lived version of the Defenders, with Colossus, the Blazing Skull, and She-Hulk, as part of the Initiative, depicted in the miniseries The Last Defenders #1–6 (May–October 2008).

Fictional character biography

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Kyle Richmond

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Nighthawk
Nighthawk #1 (September 1998), featuring Nighthawk in various costumes.
Art by Richard Case.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceThe Avengers #69 (October 1969)
Created by
In-story information
Alter egoKyle Richmond
SpeciesHuman mutate
Team affiliations
Abilities
  • Superb athlete
  • Mild superhuman strength
  • Enhanced agility and durability from dusk till dawn
  • Jet-powered artificial wing system
  • Artificial claw tips
  • Use of lasers and projectile weapons

Kyle Richmond was born to two wealthy parents and was brought up by his governess while his father is away. When Kyle's mother dies in an accident, his father sent him to boarding school. Due to his family's money, Kyle enrolls in Grayburn College, where he became involved with Mindy Williams. One night, Kyle is caught in a drunk-driving crash in which Mindy was killed, and he is kicked out of school. Kyle attempt to join the army, but was rejected due to a heart murmur. Afterwards, Kyle is told that his father died in a plane crash and that he has inherited Richmond Enterprises. Kyle turns to finding a cure for his heart murmur and physically training himself.[3]

While drunk, Kyle Richmond concocts an alchemy serum that he found in an alchemy volume. The serum enables Kyle to gain enhanced strength at night. Kyle takes on various sports activities to strengthen his natural abilities and eventually becomes Nighthawk.[4]

After apparently sacrificing his life to stop an organization bent on decimating the people of the Soviet Union, Richmond turns up alive but comatose. He has a vision of an angel that facilitates his healing and bestows on him a "second sight", which enables him to see criminal acts before they are committed. Richmond becomes Nighthawk once again and fights crime until forced into a confrontation with Daredevil, whom he kills. The "angel" reveals itself to be the demon Mephisto, who transports Nighthawk and Daredevil's corpse to Hell, intending to claim Daredevil's soul. Nighthawk battles demons and manages to revive Daredevil, and together they escape.[5] A sorcerer later purges him of Mephisto's gift.[6]

After encountering teammate Hyperion, apparently resurrected after being thought dead, and a new Doctor Spectrum (Alice Nugent), Nighthawk briefly joins the New Thunderbolts. Upon discovering he is being used for his fortune, Nighthawk leaves the group and rejoins the Squadron Sinister.[7][8]

Jackson F. "Jack" Norriss

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Nighthawk
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceThe Incredible Hulk #126 (January 1970)
Created by
In-story information
Alter egoJackson F. Norriss
SpeciesHuman
Team affiliationsS.H.I.E.L.D.

Jackson F. "Jack" Norriss and his wife Barbara worked with the original Nighthawk and the Defenders.[volume & issue needed] He later became a S.H.I.E.L.D. file-clerk,[volume & issue needed] and then agent often going by the codename Nighthawk.[volume & issue needed] He then went on to be a TV reporter for Inside America.[volume & issue needed] He helped psychiatrist Andrea Sterman uncover a conspiracy involving Roxxon Oil, the Commission on Superhuman Activities, S.H.I.E.L.D., Nomad, and the Thunderbolts.[9]

Joaquin Pennyworth

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Nighthawk
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceThe Last Defenders #1 (May 2008)
Created by
In-story information
Alter egoJoaquin Pennysworth
SpeciesHuman mutate
Team affiliationsDefenders
Abilities
  • Highly trained agent
  • Olympic-level athlete
  • Wears special high tech suit

After Richmond joins the US government's Fifty State Initiative of registered heroes as Nighthawk,[10] he meets Joaquin Pennyworth, an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. from the future and the son of the one-time leader of the Sons of the Serpent. Richmond asks him to commence training to become the new Nighthawk before retiring.[11]

Squadron Supreme of America version

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A new version of Kyle Richmond is a member of the Squadron Supreme of America.[12] He is revealed to be a simulacrum created by Mephisto and programmed by the Power Elite to obey Phil Coulson. As a civilian, Richmond is a U.S. congressman elected to the House of Representatives to represent Washington, D.C..[13]

Tilda Johnson

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Main article: Tilda Johnson

After meeting the Nighthawk of Earth-31916 and helping him defend Chicago from a group of white nationalists called the True Patriots, Tilda Johnson decides to reform her image as the supervillain Nightshade. She trains under Nighthawk and later joins the Avengers.[14][15]

During the Secret Empire storyline, Johnson is revealed to have become the new Nighthawk after the Nighthawk of Earth-31916 was killed by Hydra soldiers.[16]

Powers and abilities

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Nighthawk is a skilled athlete who, courtesy of an alchemical potion, possesses enhanced strength and increased agility and durability from dusk until dawn. He has also used several costume aids, such as a jet-powered artificial wing system, artificial claw tips, lasers and projectile weapons.

Other versions

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Kyle Richmond (Earth-712)

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Roy Thomas and penciller John Buscema created an alternate-universe team of heroes called the Squadron Supreme, who debut in The Avengers #85 (February 1971). After an initial skirmish with four Avengers, the teams unite to stop a common threat.[17] The characters (including Nighthawk) are identical in name and appearance to the Squadron Sinister.

Richmond later retires as Nighthawk, feeling that he can better serve the public good as a politician, eventually becoming President of the United States. However, Richmond is attacked by the Overmind, who embarks on a campaign of world domination while posing as him. Richmond is rescued by a psychic entity from Earth-616 with ties to that world's Kyle Richmond. When the other Squadron members are controlled by the Overmind, Hyperion and Nighthawk recruit the Defenders to help free the Squadron and defeat the Overmind.[18]

The Squadron's Earth is left in shambles after the Overmind's attempt to conquer the world. Led by Hyperion, the Squadron assumes control of the United States and transforms it into an utopia.[19] Nighthawk opposes the Squadron's policies and forms a group called the Redeemers to combat them.[20] A brutal battle ensues in which several members of both teams are killed, including Nighthawk. In response, the Squadron disbands and relinquishes control of the United States government.[21]

Neal Richmond (Earth-712)

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When the remnants of the Squadron Supreme returns to their home universe in the one-shot Squadron Supreme: New World Order, they encounter a new Nighthawk, adopted son of Kyle Richmond and biological son of Kyle's foe the Huckster.[22] Nighthawk later joins the Squadron.[23]

Earth X

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In Earth X, Kyle Richmond is an elderly retired superhero who Mephisto gave the ability to see into the future. He dictates what he sees to his colleague, Isaac Christians, so that a record can be kept of what will become of history.[24][25]

Ultimate Marvel (Earth-1610)

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The Ultimate Marvel alternate universe title The Ultimates features a version of Nighthawk who is the leader of a version of the Defenders. The group initially lack superpowers before being given powers by Loki.[26][27]

Kyle Richmond (Earth-31916)

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The Marvel MAX imprint showcases the adventures of the Earth-31916 version of the Squadron Supreme. This version of Kyle Richmond, an African-American, first appears in the limited series Supreme Power, and utilizes his wealth to train and develop advanced weaponry and devices to aid in his campaign on crime as a vigilante.[28]

After the 2015 "Secret Wars" storyline, Richmond was transported to Earth-616. In 2016, Marvel published a six-issue limited series featuring the character.[29][30][31][32][33][34]

Nighthawk and Tilda Johnson later encounter Hawkeye and Red Wolf.[15] He is killed shortly afterwards and succeeded as Nighthawk by Johnson.[16]

In other media

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Television

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  • The Kyle Richmond incarnation of Nighthawk appears in The Super Hero Squad Show episode "Whom Continuity Would Destroy!", voiced by Adam West.[35][36]
  • The Kyle Richmond incarnation of Nighthawk appears in Avengers Assemble, voiced by Anthony Ruivivar.[37][36] This version is an alien and tactical strategist who thinks of his team as nothing more than tools; considering himself the architect to Hyperion's hammer.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

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Several characters inspired by Nighthawk appear in media set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Video games

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The Kyle Richmond incarnation of Nighthawk appears in Marvel Super Hero Squad Online.[36]

Collected editions

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Title Material collected Published date ISBN
Earth X Trilogy Omnibus: Omega Nighthawk (vol.1) #1-3 and Paradise X: Heralds #1-3, Paradise X #0-12, Xen, Devils, A, X, Special Edition, Paradise X: Ragnarok #1-2 March 2019 978-1302916220
Supreme Power: Nighthawk Supreme Power: Nighthawk #1-6 July 2006 978-0785118978
Squadron Supreme: Hyperion Vs. Nighthawk Squadron Supreme: Hyperion Vs. Nighthawk #1-4 July 2007 978-0785124344
Nighthawk: Hate Makes Hate Nighthawk (vol. 2) #1-6 January 2017 978-1302901622

References

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  1. ^ Interview with Roy Thomas and Jerry Bails in The Justice League Companion (2003) pp. 72–73
  2. ^ a b c DeAngelo, Daniel (July 2013). "The Not-Ready-For-Super-Team Players: A History of the Defenders". Back Issue! (65). TwoMorrows Publishing: 3–16.
  3. ^ The Defenders #32 (February 1976)
  4. ^ The Avengers #69–71 (October–December 1969)
  5. ^ Nighthawk #1–3 (September–November 1998)
  6. ^ The Defenders (vol. 2) #2 (February 2001)
  7. ^ New Thunderbolts #15–18 (January–April 2006)
  8. ^ Thunderbolts #100–101 (May–June 2006)
  9. ^ Thunderbolts #49 (April 2001)
  10. ^ Avengers: The Initiative #1 (June 2007)
  11. ^ The Last Defenders #1–6 (May–October 2008)
  12. ^ The Avengers (vol. 8) #10 (November 2018)
  13. ^ The Avengers (vol. 8) #18 (April 2019)
  14. ^ Nighthawk (vol. 2) #1 (July 2016)
  15. ^ a b Occupy Avengers #3–4 (January–February 2017)
  16. ^ a b Occupy Avengers #8–9 (June–July 2017)
  17. ^ The Avengers #86 (March 1971)
  18. ^ The Defenders #112–114 (October–December 1982)
  19. ^ Squadron Supreme #1 (September 1985)
  20. ^ Captain America #314 (February 1986)
  21. ^ Squadron Supreme #12 (April 1986)
  22. ^ The Avengers (vol. 3) #5–6 (June–July 1998)
  23. ^ Squadron Supreme: New World Order (September 1998)
  24. ^ Marvel Encyclopedia Volume 6: Fantastic Four (November 2004)
  25. ^ Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes 2005 (September 2005)
  26. ^ Ultimates (vol. 2) #6 (August 2002)
  27. ^ Ultimate Comics: New Ultimates #1 (May 2010)
  28. ^ Supreme Power #1-18 (January 2003–October 2005)
  29. ^ Betancourt, David (September 8, 2016). "What Marvel Canceling Nighthawk Means for Superheroes of Color". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 5, 2016. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  30. ^ Johnson, Victoria (August 30, 2016). "Marvel's Nighthawk Cancelled, Writer David Walker Speaks Out". Inquisitr. Archived from the original on October 5, 2016. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  31. ^ Marston, George (May 23, 2016). "Marvel's Nighthawk: A 'Black Superhero in a Country Infected by the Disease of Racism'". Newsarama. Archived from the original on October 5, 2016. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  32. ^ Narcisse, Evan (May 31, 2016). "Marvel's Version of Batman Comes Back Angrier than Before". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on October 6, 2016. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  33. ^ Jones, Wil (May 31, 2016). "Marvel's Nighthawk Is a Superhero Who Destroys Racists While Wearing Yeezys". Complex UK. Archived from the original on October 6, 2016. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  34. ^ Johnson, Jim (May 26, 2016). "Nighthawk #1". CBR. Archived from the original on October 5, 2016. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  35. ^ Parkin, John (July 14, 2010). "TV stars invade Marvel Super Hero Squad". CBR. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved July 18, 2010.
  36. ^ a b c "Nighthawk Voices (Marvel Universe)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved May 16, 2025. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  37. ^ Hope, Stan (February 2, 2017). "CW Press | the CW | Frequency |". The CW Press. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved January 24, 2017.
  38. ^ "First Clip from Marvel's All Hail the King Features a Defenders Easter Egg"[permanent dead link]. Flickering Myth. January 15, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2018.
  39. ^ "Watch: Captain America: Civil War "Attack In Lagos" Viral Clip". Cosmic Book News. May 3, 2016. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
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