Origin

Father David Capitaini, known in the supernatural world as Deathmatch, was born and raised in a small town in Italy. From a young age, he was exposed to the mystique and traditions of the Catholic Church, but he was more fascinated by the untold secrets lurking in the shadows than the church's teachings. David was often drawn to the mysterious and spiritual aspects of life that surrounded him. He would wander the shadowed halls of the local church, mesmerized by the flickering candlelight and the solemn rituals performed by the priests. The ancient stories of angels, demons, and saints captivated his imagination, fueling a deep curiosity about the unseen world. It was not uncommon for David to claim he saw glimpses of otherworldly figures in the dim corners of the church or the dense forests nearby, where he would sometimes venture alone. These early encounters with the spiritual realm, whether real or imagined, sparked a lifelong fascination that eventually led him to explore the darker, more profit-driven aspects of the supernatural as an adult.As a kid his family moved to America, settling down in Chicago. Despite his family's devout faith, David was drawn to the material world, seeking wealth and influence as his primary motivators, but he also still longed to join the priesthood. While

At eighteen, David Capitaini joined the US Army, serving as a chaplain in various conflict zones across the globe. Though his military career was brief, consisting of just one tour, it proved to be a defining period in his life. During a deployment in the Middle East, David experienced a harrowing event that would forever change his perception of the world and his place within it.

One night, while stationed at a remote outpost, David found himself in the midst of a fierce battle. However, the enemy he faced was not human. Amidst the chaos and gunfire, he witnessed an entity unlike anything he had ever seen—a towering creature with skin the color of deep, fiery red, surrounded by an aura of scorching flames. Its eyes glowed with fierce intensity, and its horns curled menacingly from its forehead. The creature's body was muscular and powerful, adorned with long, clawed hands and feet, and it possessed wings of blackened flame.

Instinctively, David grabbed his gun, his hands shaking as he fumbled with the weapon. Despite his fear, he began to pray fervently, seeking divine intervention against the monstrous figure that approached him. As the gunfire around him subsided, the creature drew nearer, its presence radiating a terrifying yet mesmerizing power. Despite his panic, David recognized this being as what could only be described as a demon, a manifestation of the dark forces he had long heard about but never truly believed in.

In a desperate act, David fired his weapon at the demon, but the bullets had no effect. They seemed to pass through the creature as though it were made of smoke and fire. When his ammunition ran out, he continued to pray, reciting every passage and prayer he could remember. The demon halted its advance, studying him with a curious gaze, as if acknowledging his faith and resolve. Then, without a word, it unfurled its wings and soared into the night sky, leaving David alone amidst the devastation.

When the battle finally ended, David emerged to find his comrades either dead or injured, their faces etched with fear and disbelief. The survivors all recounted the same story, describing the demon that had descended upon them. Yet, when the military investigated the incident, they quickly classified it, fabricating a cover story about insurgents attacking the camp to conceal the truth. David was left with haunting memories of the encounter and a deep understanding of the supernatural forces at play in the world. This pivotal experience cemented his fascination with the occult and set him on a path that would eventually lead to his transformation into Deathmatch, the demon-hunting priest.

He left the Army, but his time in the military taught him discipline, strategy, and combat skills that would later serve him well in his supernatural pursuits. Disillusioned by the horrors of war, but impressed at the effectiveness of religious practices against these dark forces. David returned to Chicago and went to seminary, but while learning more about Catholicism and he was also a fixture at occult bookstores learning about the supernatural and eventually, through overhearing conversations and spying on certain people, he discovered a lucrative side of dealing with the supernatural underworld. Selling blood and body parts of supernatural creatures. With his his ambitions extending far beyond The Church's walls, a few years later he became a priest. Driven by a desire to capitalize on these opportunities, David formed the Sanctus Venators, a group posing as religious exorcists but operating as mercenaries who hunted supernatural beings for profit.

Story Arcs

In Darc! issue one, Deathmatch is seen making an unspecified deal with David Rhoades, a mysterious figure with ties to the supernatural underworld. This deal may have set off a chain of events leading to the attack involving Dominique.

Powers and Abilities

Deathmatch, relies on his exceptional combat skills and tactical expertise rather than supernatural powers. His extensive military training has made him a highly skilled hand-to-hand combatant and a proficient user of both conventional and mystical weapons. His strategic acumen allows him to plan and execute complex operations against supernatural entities with precision. Additionally, Deathmatch possesses deep knowledge of demonology, mystical artifacts, and ancient rituals, which he uses to exploit the weaknesses of his adversaries. His charisma and leadership abilities enable him to command the Sanctus Venators effectively, while his resourcefulness and adaptability ensure he can handle unpredictable situations with ease.