Jack Boniface was a jazz player who became empowered by a mysterious organization, the Coven, with the "Darque" power to fend off the sinister, Master Darque. When the night falls he becomes the Shadowman gaining super-strength, fearlessness, and is driven to help others.
Initially he does not know what but he feels more comfortable in the dark. Nettie gave him a present: his new uniform as Shadowman.