Darling, Frank
Personal Information
Name: Lieutenant/Captain Frank Darling
Real Name: See above
Former Aliases: N/A
First Appearance: Savage Dragon #1 (Of 3)
Death Issue: Savage Dragon #145
Cause of Death: Blown up by the photon blast of the OverLord armour, fired off via remote control by Octopus and OpenFace
Group Affiliations: The Chicago Police Department
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 220 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Hair: N/A, formerly grey
Date of Birth: November 20, 1951
Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois
Base of Operations: Chicago, Illinois
Other Distinguishing Features: Frank is missing his left arm
Marital Status: N/A
Known Relatives: Mildred Darling (wife), Frank Darling Jr (son), Fred Darling (cousin, deceased)
Powers: N/A
History
Back when the Dragon was found in a burning lot, the first person he had any contact with was a lieutenant in the Chicago Police Department. Frank Darling questioned this new freak and learned about his unique form of amnesia. He saw potential in this superhuman and sought to help him out, setting him up with a job at his cousin’s warehouse.
After Chicago’s premiere superheroes Mighty Man and SuperPatriot were put out of commission, Frank decided to seek out Dragon for some help. He initially failed to recruit Dragon onto the police but after Fred was killed during a Vicious Circle operation, Dragon changed his mind. The anonymous tip that sent the criminal organization to target this business is discovered to have actually come from Frank himself, hoping to convince Dragon to join the force should he witness villains in action firsthand.
The Vicious Circle learned of this fact and blackmailed Frank into keeping Dragon away from their operations. When his authority was usurped by Captain Stewart, Frank was placed under greater pressure. His pregnant wife’s leg was broken before Strongarm was sent to rough up Frank, only to be taken down by the Dragon.
Frank Darling confessed his sins to Dragon and a plan was put into place. The alien shape-shifting robot Lurch was used to pose as Frank and his death was faked when OverLord incinerated it. Frank took advantage of the situation to flee to New Orleans with Mildred. Their child was soon born but their location was found by the Vicious Circle after Lurch reformed in their headquarters.
SkullFace was dispatched to eliminate Frank which led to a desperate chase through New Orleans where the resourcefulness of the hunted policeman came to light. He used his knowledge of the surrounding to his advantage and defeated the vastly superior SkullFace. When an arrest warrant was made against OverLord, Frank returned from hiding and went back to work.
After CyberFace conquered the planet, the police force was left scattered. Frank refused to enforce the laws of this villain and instead set up a general store in Chicago to help out the population that had not fled the city. He became something of a savior to the people and remained in this role right up until Dragon arrived on his quest to overthrow CyberFace.
When CyberFace was finally eliminated, Chicago was one of many locations around the United States that underwent massive reconstruction. Once the police department was re-established, Frank Darling was installed as captain of his old precinct. He remained a frequent ally to Dragon and often called upon his old friend to assist in dealing with the Vicious Circle and other threats.
After a deadly battle between Solar Man and Dragon left Solar Man dead, the Dragon became a picture of hatred for the population. Frank repeatedly approached Dragon about a return to the force to help out not only his damaged reputation but also with the resurgence in the Vicious Circle’s activities. Dragon’s appointment was considered an act of war and the Vicious Circle detonated a bomb that blew up the entire precinct. Dragon emerged from the wreckage and as he sifted through the debris, he was horrified to discover the charred corpse of Frank Darling.
Appearances
MIGHTY MAN
Oneshot
SAVAGE DRAGON
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (Disguise), 8, 10, 12 (Disguise), 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 38, 39, 42, 44,46, 48, 49, 50, 51,52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 69, 70, 72, 74, 75,90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99, 100, 105, 106, 112, 113 (B/U), 114, 115, 122, 123, 125, 126, 132, 142, 144, 145, 146 (F/B) 159 (F/B),264 (AU F/B)
SAVAGE DRAGON MINI-SERIES
1, 2, 3
SAVAGE DRAGON/DESTROYER DUCK
Oneshot
SUPER FREAKS
One-shot (B/U)
SUPERMAN/SAVAGE DRAGON: CHICAGO
Oneshot