Darkstone — Michael Hiebert

Crescent City: A madman has escaped from the asylum and threatens to destroy the city. Only one person can bring him to justice: A superhero known as Darkstone. While studying the path to enlightenment, Buddhist monk, Kelsang Ananda, is bestowed a different blessing than he expects. Instead of eternal peace, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas grant him super abilities. In his transformed state, Kelsang Ananda uses his gifts to help mankind by doing things he can't do as a monk: take on the evil forces constantly threatening the city he calls home. Now, the shadow of an insane super villain called the Helix has been cast over Crescent City, and Darkstone must not only confront this maniac, but also grapple with his own past if he hopes to put a stop to this terrible scourge. Will Kelsang Ananda succumb to the pressure of having an almost split personality, being a quiet monk while secretly living the life of a superhero? Or will he give into the explosive horror threatening to blow Crescent City to pieces all around him? The real question lies in his faith in Buddha. Is it strong enough to hold him together while he lives this double life? Only time will tell. And time is rapidly running short.