Being Carter Hall

The Savage Hawkman v.1 Announced (Again)

2012-01-30T09:17:00.000-05:00

From The Source, DC has updated the listing for all of the first round of the New 52 collected editions. Hitting the shelves in October 2012 is the first collection of The Savage Hawkman. Here's what we have so far:

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN VOLUME 1: DARKNESS RISING TP
Writer: Tony S. Daniel and James Bonny
Artist: Philip Tan
Collects: THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #1-8
$14.99 US, 192 pg

I don't remember what this was originally solicited as, 6 issues or 8. Looking at the future of this title as we know it, 8 issues is the correct length for collection. The first four issues obviously are the Morphicius storyline, then no.5-7 deal with the Gentleman Ghost. Issue #8 evidently will have the return of Aksana and introduce more alien characters, and then Rob Liefeld comes in at #9. Beyond the simple fact that #9 is the creative team change (meaning that the entire Daniel/Bonny/Tan run will be collected in one volume), since I expect the series to take something of a right turn (or left turn if you prefer, I'm not picky) when Liefeld takes over the writing chores, it makes sense to stop there.

13 of the 52 (25% for the mathematically challenged) are collecting 8 issues; of course, the 6 cancelled titles are part of that number. And additional 19 titles collect the first 7 issues, meaning that less than half of the New 52 are being collected as the "traditional" (ha!) 6 issue trade paperback. Is this the start of a trend for DC with how they handle their collected editions? While I understand the concept of getting one story arc in a trade, I have to admit that I do like trades where you get two full stories, or perhaps two stories and a done-in-one or something. To me that adds "re-read value" to a trade. A lot of the collections for Hawkman volume 4 are like this and make for an enjoyable reading experience -- to this fanboy, anyway.

Also, 8 issues for $15 is a pretty darn good value I think. Of course the cynic in me wonders if DC expects low sales for this volume and is putting it out there as a low cost purchase to spur some impulse buys. Either way, I'm not buying it because I don't double-buy comics; I don't have the budget nor the inclination for that.

Waiting In The Wings -- 1/25/2012

2012-01-25T22:44:00.002-05:00

The Savage Hawkman #5 -- It's Hawkman versus the Gentleman Ghost and an army of the undead! Sounds like a "can't miss" to me! You can check out the preview right here.

Hawkman by Geoff Johns Omnibus v.1 -- This tome collects Hawkman v.4:no.1-25, plus JSA #56-58 and Hawkman Secret Files. I have all of these issues in trade already, but if I can find a good price on this I will pick it up just to 1) have everything in one book and 2) support the idea of Hawkman Omnibuses (Omnibi?). In any event I very much enjoyed most of these issues so I heartily recommend this collection to someone wanting to get a big chunk of modern Hawkman stories to read (along with JSA v.3, "The Return of Hawkman").

Savage Hawkman #5 Preview!

2012-01-23T21:27:00.003-05:00

Over at Pop Matters, we have an interesting opinion piece comparing Tony Daniel's work on The Savage Hawkman with the old Gold Key science fiction books, as well an exclusive preview of issue #5!

The author, shathly Q (an alias, I assume!), raises some interesting points regarding how Hawkman compares to some classic science fiction archetypes. I don't think I would have compared Savage Hawkman to either Flash Gordon or Turok, Son Of Stone, but it's an interesting conceit. So check it out, and the preview, though I typically avoid previews of books I am definitely buying!

Thanks to Matt Orr (@Hawkmanfans on Twitter!) for the find!

CBR Interview With Rob Liefeld

2012-01-22T21:12:00.003-05:00

Another day, another hype piece from incoming Savage Hawkman scribe Rob Liefeld, this one from CBR.

For Carter Hall, it's all about discovery. He's just beginning to get the hang of this Hawkman gig when he is throttled from all sides by multiple challengers looking to control the Nth metal. His comfort level is radically disrupted. How he responds to these challenges will reveal more about his character.

Not a whole lot about Hawkman but worth reading. It seems that the promotion of Bob Haras may have a good deal to do with Liefeld's new assignments, which makes sense at least.

Right now I am waiting for the issues of Hawk and Dove which Rob is writing to really develop a solid opinion on his writing. Because, being honest here, I am not sure I have ever read anything the man has written, only heard bad things about it. I wouldn't want to be judged by work I did 20 years ago, either, so a fair shake is the least I can do.

Rob Liefeld Interviewed, Talks The Savage Hawkman

2012-01-18T16:46:00.000-05:00

Newsarama has an interview up with Rob Liefeld regarding his upcoming stints on Deathstroke, Grifter, and The Savage Hawkman. Some insights are provided, including the confirmation of my suspicion that he will have a co-writer on Hawkman, which is something of a relief for me. Except that co-writer will apparently not be Tony Daniel; it's TBD.

He's an open book as far as direction is concerned. The Nth metal armor, which Carter possesses, is in huge demand. It's power, and the secrets it possesses are desired by dangerous players, from our world as well as other worlds and dimensions. He is surrounded by danger and opponents who appear to have him outnumbered, and yet he fights back with a vengeance and takes matters into his own hands.

The other big news out of this article is the exit of Philip Tan on art, replaced with Joe Bennett from Deathstroke. I'm not sure if I have ever read a title with him on the pencils, but a quick Google search indicates that he will be a big change from Tan. Of course pretty much anyone would a big departure from Philip Tan.

I am still not really thrilled with this turn of events, but I have to call it as I see it: the hints which Liefeld drops are a mix of typical hype and what sounds like a reasonable connection to what this series has been established as in the first arc. The Nth metal armor evidently plays a big role, and makes Hawkman a target; this seems to be in line with the Daniel stuff. And Liefeld's desire to have Hawkman soar higher (to steal a phrase from commentor Joseph, whom I still need to respond to... sorry, about that Joseph...) certainly sounds good, but every comic creator says this when they come on a book.

I don't care for Liefeld's rendering of Hawkman in this article. Something about the helmet and belt doesn't look right to me.

Of course, we must still play the "waiting game" on this new direction for the Winged Wonder.

The Savage Hawkman #8 Solicitation

2012-01-17T14:13:00.000-05:00

From The Source we have a solicitation to go with the previously revealed cover to The Savage Hawkman #8.

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #8
Written by TONY S. DANIEL and JAMES BONNY
Art and cover by PHILIP TAN
On sale APRIL 25 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Hawkman has a violent encounter with a past adversary: the beautiful alien shapeshifter Askana, who once tried to kill him! But his time she needs his help, claiming that agents from her homeworld have tracked her to Earth to terminate her. How can Hawkman trust her – or help her?

Sounds like a fun story, to be completely honest. The Savage Hawkman as a title is pushing the science fiction/aliens among us angle and this story sounds like it will fit right in with that motif.

Image: The Savage Hawkman #8, 2012, Philip Tan.

New Poll On Being Carter Hall

2012-01-16T20:11:00.002-05:00

Like the subject says, we have a new poll here on the blog. Short and sweet: "Rob Liefeld on Savage Hawkman, what do you think?"

Please click through and vote! Thanks!

Analysis: Liefeld Taking Over Plots For Savage Hawkman

2012-01-16T15:29:00.000-05:00

Alright, so as we all know by now, Rob Liefeld is taking over the plotting duties on The Savage Hawkman starting with issue #9. After sleeping on it for a few days, I am still not happy about it.

First off, I have to ask the question: Why is DC putting so many eggs in one basket? If the "New 52" was an opportunty to get new voices and faces on their comic properties, why is one guy taking over three books in one month? A full 5.5% of the DC "New 52" comics will be plotted by Rob Liefeld, an artist who is not known for being a crossover guy. I solicited opinions from my friends on Twitter and got everything from "DC execs are grown up X-Force/Youngblood fanboys" to "Rob blackmailed Dan DiDio." Frankly, I'd buy any of those explanations at this point because I cannot figure it out personally.

This to me raises the question of desperation. That is, is DC getting desperate with some of these titles? Are Savage Hawkman and company books which are essentially dead in the water and they'll throw anything out there to keep them going for a few more issues? DC made no bones about the fact that the lower selling titles would bite the dust at issue #8; was putting Liefeld on these books an effort to keep that number at 6 titles rather than 9? After issue #12 will we get three new "Wave 3" titles replacing Savage Hawkman, Grifter, and Deathstroke? Wouldn't surprise me in the least.

The most dispiriting thing about all of this for me is that it seems that The Savage Hawkman is destined to be yet another failed Hawkman solo series, another aberration in the long and winding history of the character. The "New 52" represented a great chance to reinvent and streamline Hawkman and tell new and exciting stories with him. But right now all I can think is that this will all be soon forgotten.

Of course, there is always an upside when your monthly comics are cancelled: Less new comics means more time to read old comics. And I have tons of old comics to read.

So what are you thoughts on this turn of events?

Rob Liefeld Talks His Hawkman Assignment

2012-01-16T11:10:00.000-05:00

From IGN, we have an interview with newly announced Savage Hawkman scribe Rob Liefeld, where (amongst other topics) describes his take on the Winged Wonder.

IGN: In the past, Hawkman has been notable for a rather convoluted history. Is there a difficulty in paring down a character like that to keep the New 52 mantra of accessibility at the forefront?

Liefeld: I agree and here both Carter and the reader will share his journey to learn his heritage and that of the Nth metal as he travels the globe in pursuit of the truth. We learn as Carter learns and as he is attacked from all sides, he becomes the aggressor, he wants answers and wants control of his life and he is going to get it no matter who stands in his way.

I am still not enthusiastic about this news and this interview does not change that feeling. I have a bad feeling that Hawkman will become even more of a berserker, all fighty-fighty-run-run moreso than anything else. But time will tell I suppose.

Rob Liefeld Joining The Savage Hawkman

2012-01-13T18:05:00.003-05:00

According to The Source, Rob Liefeld is joining the team of The Savage Hawkman as a plotter starting with issue #9.

Liefeld will be plotting THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN, catapulting the story into the intergalactic arena and pitting the Thanagarian warrior against alien foes in extreme gladiatorial combat. HAWKMAN fans can look forward to a cosmic mystery with plenty of action.

Can honestly say I am not thrilled with this news. I didn't mind Liefeld's art on Hawk and Dove, but bringing in a new plotter four issues after bringing in a co-writer seems to stink of desperation. And when you consider that co-writer is another artist, and one who is not exactly known for being a solid writer, it seems that this may be a bad sign for The Savage Hawkman. I am digging the book as it is and I am not thrilled with changes like this coming down the pike.

We'll have to wait and see how this plays out, Hawkfans. Right now I am not optimistic.

Read: The Savage Hawkman #4

2012-01-12T12:24:00.000-05:00

Issue: The Savage Hawkman #4
Title: "The Black Plague"
Published Date: Dec 2011
Generation: New 52 Carter
Retcon Status: In continuity

Summary: At Dr. Kane's lab, Hawkman and Morphicius duke it out while Aksana battles the Plague beasts. Morphicius claims to be stronger than ever thanks to Hawkman bringing the Plague back to him last issue, but Hawkman battles furiously, cutting off one of the alien's hands and driving him back. But Aksana warns that the Nth metal weaponry are actually helping Morphicius; the alien taunts that the Nth metal properties he absorbed has made it impossible for Hawkman to hurt him. Morphicius also mentions that the Nth metal is Thanagarian, which surprises Hawkman.

Elsewhere in the lab, Dr. Kane has located the still ailing Waker, demanding to know how to stop the Plague...

Back in the battle, Aksana is overwhelmed, but saved from the tide of Plague by Hawkman. In the middle of that, Morphicius has made his exit, tracking Dr. Kane (who took the time to save his alien genetic samples) to the stairs. The alien easily overcomes Dr. Kane, and begins to absorb his life essence. Hawkman makes the save, even though he tells Dr. Kane he should let him die. The Winged Wonder batters Morphicius back, and knocks him through a wall to the cryo-chamber room. There, Hawkman tells Morphicius that he figured out it was the freezing depths of the ocean which kept him contained, and uses a liquid cryogenics agent to freeze Morphicius solid. Waker suddenly appears, claiming to be a friend, and tells Hawkman that while he has stopped Morphicius, he must stop Dr. Kane from escaping with the samples. As Hawkman jets to the roof to put the kibosh on Kane, Waker muses to himself that he holds the key for... Katar Hol.

A few days later, Carter meets up with Emma while at ConEd getting his lights turned back on. They talk about how Carter dropped the alien samples off with Professor Ziegler, and Carter tells her that he is going to stick around for a while. The happy moment is short lived, though, as Carter takes off his sunglasses and sees that everyone on the street now looks like a walking corpse!

Review: Well, as befitting a comic with the title of The Savage Hawkman, the blowoff to the first story arc is a viscious brawl. (Even the title, as it is parsed on the first page is "The Savage Hawkman vs The Black Plague.") Daniel looks to be enjoying writing a bruiser like Hawkman and letting loose with some of the brutal back and forth between him and Morphicius. It's very satisfying to get some real action here, especially after a fairly tame third issue.

Tan's art, for the most part, really shines. The panels of the battle between Hawkman and Morphicius are fantastic, with lots of damage being done to both sides. There's a sequence where Morphicius slashes Hawkman's face, damaging his helmet in the process. Hawkman returns the favor to bashing the alien's hand off using the spiky side of his axe. Yeeouch! There is one incredibly awkward panel of Aksana jumping while attacking Plague with each limb. I'm still not 100% sure what that was supposed to be.

Daniel's script is for the most part fairly straightforward. There's an alien monster and Hawkman fights it. Not the deepst plotline, and the script doesn't do much to elevate it. There's a lot of macho talk on both sides, which seems appropriate so I can't complain too much. But there's several little bits dropped here and there which make this a little more meaty. For one thing, when fleeing, Dr. Kane tells his pilot to take him to New Hampshire, saying "You know where." A secret base for the NLAS perhaps? Also, when Dr. Kane is reviving Waker, there is another chamber next to Waker's. Who's in there? And what's the deal with Waker anyway?

The big one of course is Waker dropping that he holds the key to Hawkman, and calls him Katar Hol. Combined with Morphicius's statement of the "Thanagarian Nth metal," what does this mean? Is Carter really Katar? Is Waker telling the truth? And if so, what is the connection between them? There's a lot of mysteries afoot which hopefully we will see explored in the coming issues of the title.

Overall, I liked this issue. It was a little quick due to all the fighting, but I found it a satisfying read and conclusion to the first story. Speaking of, as a launching point this was something of an odd duck for the new Hawkman title, but I can honestly say that I enjoyed every issue and am very much digging this team. There's been some things I didn't like -- Carter's surliness is pretty off putting, for one, and the dialogue still tends to get heavy-handed at times. But no book is perfect, and all I ask for is to be entertained, which I certainly was. I am hoping that the addition of Jim Bonny as a co-writer will only help take the book even higher. This is a new spin and a new direction for Hawkman, and for right now I am just along for the alien-smashing ride.

Image: The Savage Hawkman #4, 2011, Philip Tan.

Acquired: Imaginext Hawkman!

2012-01-10T08:35:00.000-05:00

Well, shows me what complaining gets me.

A few weeks ago, astute readers will recall that I whined about not being able to find the Imaginext Hawkman toy anywhere, despite Target taunting me with it under plexiglass. Well, it turns out I should have just gone over to Walmart, where a chance trip down the "Little Guy" toy aisle lead me straight to this two pack!

Man, what else can a guy ask for? A Superdeformed two pack of my two favorite DC heroes? And Hawkman armed with a mace to boot? Can't wait to open these guys up and play with them! Heck I can get my older boy in on the fun too!

Image: Imaginext Hawkman & The Flash, 2011, image retrieved from Go Figure Action Figures.

Read: The Savage Hawkman #3

2012-01-09T11:14:00.000-05:00

Issue: The Savage Hawkman #3
Title: "Razing Kane"
Published Date: Nov. 2011
Generation: New 52 Carter
Retcon Status: In Continuity

Summary: At Prof. Ziegler's lab, Carter Hall examines Morphicius's containment unit, when it mysteriously opens up and a hologram is displayed. A judge from the High Council explains that Morphicius and his plague have been released, but the hologram shorts out before the judge can explain what the alien's weakness is.

At Dr. Hogarth Kane's lab, Morphicius is strapped down to a lab table, where Dr. Kane explains that he is his latest experiment. Morhpicius claims that he will kill Dr. Kane, but Kane's assistant Aksana cuts into the beast's chest with a giant saw.

Carter heads to the home of Emma and Prof. Ziegler, and finds out that the only person who had unfettered access to the lab besides the Professor was Terrance. Hawkman tracks down Terrence, who is being attacked by one of Morphicius's plague beasts. Hawkman stops the creature and interrogates Terrance, who offers to take him to Morphicius.

At Dr. Kane's lab, the autopsy is complete, and all that is left is the head and brain. Kane is excited because it appears that the cellular organisms in Morphicius's body can both heal and destroy. Hawkman arrives, leaving Terrance on the roof. Before he can get inside, though, Morphicius's head comes back to life! Aksana changes form into a humanoid reptile to intercept him, but Hawkman crashes into the lab, and the two begin to tangle. As they fight, Terrance changes into a Plague beast and shambles to the head of Morphicius, where the alien is reborn!

Review: This is a fairly fast moving issue, with a lot of jumps here and there. The scenes with Dr. Kane and Aksana in the lab are the most interesting parts of the first half, as the scene with Carter seeing the hologram of the judge doesn't really answer many questions. It's still a little confusing to me what the deal is with Morphicius and his Plague, which is annoying. Sometimes you get a "middle issue" and that's what this one is -- the pieces have to be moved together for the finale in the next issue. Daniel's dialogue fares somewhat better than his story, without some of the clunkiness in the non-costumed scenes we got previously. I liked Carter's line to Emma of "Actually, I smelled coffee..." quite a bit. I like Tan's art style, and having him drawing alien monsters and dudes in armor fighting is a strong suit!

Overall, this issue is the least one so far of this series. I didn't dislike it, but it was not nearly as fun to read as the first two. Still, if you liked what Daniel and Tan did on the first two then you will be on board for this one as well.

Image: The Savage Hawkman #3, 2011, Philip Tan.

Justice League Hawkman Animated GIF

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Much thanks to Matt Orr (AKA @HawkmanFans on Twitter) for posting this awesome animated GIF of the Winged Wonder going to town on Justice League Unlimited! It's too bad that Hawkman only appeared on two episodes (plus a cameo in the finale) because I really liked his portrayal and voice on the show. Oh well, at least we got tons of Hawkgirl. (Woo!)

Image: Justice League Hawkman animated GIF, image retrieved from Tumblr.

Just Read: The Savage Hawkman #4

2012-01-04T18:06:00.002-05:00

I got my box from DCBS tonight, and of course I immediately got out my copy of The Savage Hawkman #4 to read!

Well, the first story arc is wrapped up in an action packed manner, which is not unexpected but still appreciated. We get some answers about Morphicius, but none about Dr. Kane, Waker, or Aksana. And one piece of information makes us even question who our hero really is. Tan's art generally looks fantastic although some of his battle shots look a little awkward (there's a panel with Aksana doing... something which I have yet to figure out, and at this point am willing to chalk up to her alien physiology). Daniel's writing is straight-forward and straight ahead, very bold and macho, and certainly not subtle. Upon first reading I am giving this issue a reserved thumbs up. I want to read the issue again and then the entire first arc once more.

More detailed review to come... right after I do one for #3!

Savage Hawkman #8 Cover Revealed

2012-01-04T10:37:00.000-05:00

DC has not released the next set of solicitations yet, but they have released a few covers on The Source, including this one to The Savage Hawkman #8.

Looks like Hawkman will continue to tangle with Dr. Kane's assistant Aksana, if this cover is any indication. So the alien angle looks to be an ongoing thread in this series.

Image: The Savage Hawkman #8, 2011, Philip Tan.

Flying To New Heights

2012-01-04T10:29:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I know, I sort of vanished there for a while. As a comics blogger, that is sort of how we do things. Every now and again, we disappear for a spell and then come back onto our blogs and make posts like this.

I'd like to say that my jet-setting lifestyle was ramped up during the holidays and that I couldn't possibly take time away from the intense and utterly naughty activities in which I was participating to post here, but the truth (as usual) is much more mundane: busy with the holidays, busy with a sick infant, busy with work, busy with travel.

So anyway, that having been said, I should be getting my new box of comics today (according to UPS, anyway), contained within will be The Savage Hawkman #4. Now I know what you are saying (hopefully you are not reading this at work...) "Luke, you lazy bum, you haven't done a full review of #3 yet!" Yeah. I know. I'll get on that this week. Just a matter of putting my foot down and writing the dang thing. So that should be hitting shortly.

Here's to Being Carter Hall in 2012! Let's soar higher than ever!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T11:54:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from Being Carter Hall! Have a fun and safe holiday!

Acquired: Hawkworld, DC Direct

2011-12-19T11:11:00.000-05:00

I headed up to Charlotte yesterday, meeting up with my Green Lantern-obsessed friend Joe and general comics lunatic Adama, and we hit the Charlotte Comicon. All told this was a great little trip, and this is a fun small one day Con. It's worth the trip up to Charlotte if only because it means I get to visit with my friends as well.

Plus, it's always nice to pick up some new Hawkman swag!

I picked up three issues of Hawkworld -- #22, 30, and Annual 3 -- for fifty cents apiece. I already have the majority of this series, and these three issues leave me with a single issue left to have the entire run, #29. This series should make for interesting reading. Makes me reconsider my reading/blogging order which I have going on here, but that is a post for another time.

My other Hawk-related purchase was a much bigger one, both from a dollar standpoint and a size standpoint. The DC Direct Hawkman and Hawkgirl boxed set features the Winged Wonders in classic DC Direct style. What makes this set so cool (besides the fact that it's Hawkman and Hawkgirl!) is the swappable helmets which allows you to display them in either Golden Age or Silver Age style! Pretty snazzy, and hopefully I'll get the chance to open this (along with the long promised Hawkgirl vs Gentleman Ghost two-pack...) after the holidays.

I did leave one item behind which I considered buying. At three different booths, I found very clean copies of Hawkman v.1:no.5, the second full appearance of Shadow-Thief. And as I went down the line, the prices got cheaper and cheaper! However, I decided to pass, but at some point I might start buying these Silver Age Hawkman books, so watch out!

Definitely a fun Sunday afternoon talking and buying comics!

Funko POP Vinyl Hawkman

2011-12-12T14:49:00.000-05:00

So I cruised over to Big Bad Toy Store this morning to check on the availability of my GI Joe preorders (as I have said before, I almost have GI Joe on the brain), and what do I see linked on the front page? Hawkman! So needless to say I had to click through on that, and now I have this cute vinyl Hawkman sitting on my Pile Of Loot, waiting to be shipped to my home (much to my wife's dismay I am sure).

I had seen these Funko POP Vinyl figures before, mostly at Target, but never had much interest in them because I don't need a funky statue of Captain America or whatnot. But a funky statue of Hawkman? Now you're speaking my language!

These guys remind me of Mighty Muggs (another line which was in desperate need of a Hawkman), and both of them remind me of the design aesthetic of the "Super Deformed" sort of candy and capsule toys which are commonplace in Japan, only larger. Since I have a little collection of those as well (both in number and stature), this is not exactly a huge leap purchase for me.

Here's to more inane Hawk-merch in 2012!

Image: Funko POP Vinyl Hawkman (Artist's Rendition), 2011, image retrieved from Big Bad Toy Store.

Gentleman Ghost Temporary Tattoos!

2011-12-08T13:11:00.000-05:00

The Irredeemable Shag sent me these a while ago, and I thought I had posted them but evidently not! So thanks to Bearer of the Honor Wings Shag!

Hey Luke! I stumbled across some Batman: The Brave & the Bold temporary tattoos, and they feature both Firestorm and Gentleman Ghost!

It's no coincidence to me that Gentleman Ghost, probably the most well known of Hawkman's admittedly obscure rogues gallery, was a breakout bad guy on The Brave & The Bold as well as the only Hawkfoe to get any real extra-media attention, plus the first classic Hawkfoe to pop up in the New 52. Looks like "Gentleman" Jim Craddock will be hanging around for a while!

Gentleman Ghost's design from the show was clean and sleek, not unlike his appearance in Justice League Unlimited. His classic look is very straightforward so there is not really much you need to do to jazz it up. The logo is clearly a play on the TB&TB logo, not something I would normally associate with the Ghost, but I like the color.

You can also check out Shag's own superhero site, Firestorm Fan, for the latest on DC's Nuclear Men!

Image: Gentleman Ghost Temporary Tattoo, 2011, image provided by The Irredeemable Shag.

Imaginext Hawkman... Just Out Of Reach!

2011-12-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Target, why do you torture me?!

I was at Target yesterday and took this photo of their Imaginext display case, a plastic half cylinder which holds all of the Imaginext people you can buy... along with some you cannot, like this Hawkman! Arrgh! It's RIGHT THERE! LET ME GIVE YOU MONEY FOR IT!

At this point I'm down to either trying to talk to the manager of the department into letting me have it when they take it down or breaking into the case and taking the damn thing. Which I would never do... yes... never do...

Image: Imaginext Hawkman, 2011, From my cellphone.

Just Read: The Savage Hawkman #3

2011-12-06T21:55:00.002-05:00

Got my box from DCBS this evening, which means it's time for Savage Hawkman #3!

This issue plays "middle chapter" as the players move around the board for the finale. This is alright, though, because we finally get some answers to a few questions! Not all of them, but some of them, along with some other questions being raised (of course). Overall a lesser issue than the first two, but I enjoyed it. Tan's art continues to look great, and Daniel's story is nicely paced and informative without being data dump. All in all I am still jazzed about this story and can't wait to read the big finish!

A more detailed review to come!

Savage Hawkman #3 Incoming

2011-12-06T09:21:00.000-05:00

Well folks, my box from DCBS has shipped, which means I should have my copy of The Savage Hawkman #3 in my hands shortly. As previous, I would expect a quick review followed by a more in-depth post. Very much looking forward to this issue and seeing where things go from where we were last time!

A lot of folks on the Internet seem dead set on declaring the New 52 a failure or otherwise point out the mistakes which DC has made. And don't get me wrong, there have been some big stumbling points so far on the relaunch. But on the other hand, the New 52 has reignited an excitement in me for characters who I had either cooled on, were reading more out of routine, or never really considered. I mean, I am excited every month for a new issue of Wonder Woman and Hawk & Dove! The Flash is firing on all cylinders again in a way it hasn't done in almost a decade! Aquaman is one of the best selling comics on the stands! There are two new, monthly War comics! For all the things DC is getting wrong, I swear to Synnar that they are getting a lot of stuff right as well!

Sometimes it pays to take off the cynical cap for a while and put on your mark out hat, folks.

Read: Hawkman v.2:no.5

2011-12-06T09:13:00.000-05:00

Issue: Hawkman v.2:no.5
Title: "The Lionmane Diversion"
Published Date: Dec 1986
Generation: Silver Age Katar and Shayera
Retcon Status: Out of Continuity

Summary: Down on his luck archeologist Ed Dawson is haunted in his dreams by the spirit of Lionmane, and envisions himself tearing Hawkman apart...

In the waking world, amid a rally in support of Hawkman and Hawkwoman, a meeting of the Midway City Museum board of directors is taking place, with Joe Tracy leading the opposition to the Halls and George Emmett marshalling the defense. Also in attendance is Dawson, whom Carter has suggested be his replacement should he be asked to step down as curator. The meeting is interrupted by Gerald Trent, newspaper tycoon and father of the murdered Mavis Trent. He informs the board of his intentions to sue the museum for liability in the death of his daughter, unless the Halls resign. The board calls for a vote and the non-members must leave, leading to a confrontation between Joe Tracy and Carter in the hallway, with Carter berating Joe for how he is ruining the memory of Mavis by drinking himself into a raging stupor. The Hawks wing off to get some air, where they discuss leaving Midway City to more effectively battle the Thanagarian invasion.

Meanwhile, a Thanagarian plot is underway. While the spy Coral ropes Dawson to the basement, three Thanagarian agents move on the board room. In the basement, Coral shows Dawson a Mithra Meteorite, which will turn him into Lioname. Dawson resists, but is forced to touch the meteorite by two Thanagarians, and transforms. But, the beast is uncontrollable, and he rips apart the two alien toughs. Upstairs, the other three agents force themselves into the board room to kidnap Emmett, but the old man puts up a fight, taking out two of them before he is subdued.

Lionmane rages upstairs right as the Hawks return. Joe Tracy is freaking out because Coral was downstairs with the creature, and runs off to find her. The Hawks fight Lionmane, but he gets stronger as they do, developing more of his powers until he is able to knock Shayera unconscious. She wakes in a daze, but then finds Hawkman with a spear jammed into his chest!

Review: Wow! After the silly fun of the previous issue, this one is back into the main story with gusto. I really dig what Isabella is doing here with the main plot. The idea of "superheroes creating an unsafe environment" is cliche now, but seeing it put to such effective use as far back as 1986 is indictative of where DC was in this Post-Crisis era. The use of Gerald Trent is a nice touch as well, because we as readers can not only understand his position but sympathize with it as well (same as Carter does, for that matter). Lionmane is a suitably savage villain and him being used as an unwitting -- and unwilling -- pawn of the Thanagarians is a nice mix of old and new. I have maintained for a while that he would be a great modern foe for Hawkman and this story just reinforces that. And you can't beat a good cliffhanger.

The art is something of a mixed bag, as has been the norm for this series. Howell's pencils are concise and clean, but they are not really helped any by Don Heck's inking. They are not hurt, either, as Heck's work brings a sort of 60's Marvel aesthetic to the artwork, especially in the board room sceces. It's perfectly good art for the story though. The cover has a sort of Barry Windsor-Smith feel to it, as if Lionmane was fighting Conan or something. Another note about the cover: Lionmane is colored white, making him more like the Wendigo than anything else.

In the pro-Hawks protest outside the musuem, someone is holding a sign which says "Free The Kirby 8000!" That's a stumper to me, anyone out there have any thoughts?

Image: Hawkman v.2:no.5, 1986, Richard Howell.

Read: Hawkman v.3:no.6

2011-11-29T11:16:00.000-05:00

Issue: Hawkman v.3:no.6
Title: "War Cry"
Published Date: Feb 1994
Generation: Modern Katar and Shayera
Retcon Status: In Continuity

Summary: The battle between the Hawks and Wonder Woman against Count Viper and his allies continues. Airstryke is game against Wonder Woman, but he is still injured, and otherwise outmatched against the Amazon. Shayera, in the old man's body, faces down Bloodwynd, but the mystical hero is able to break Viper's mental control, and helps fight the Eradicator. This leaves Katar (in Shayera's body) to confront Count Viper (still in Katar's body... you with me?), and the two strike furiously at each other. Katar beats Viper into unconsciousness, and the heroes take him to Katar's mother Naomi Carter (despite Eradicator's desire to kill Viper for controlling him).

After a quick flashback of Katar's parentage, Naomi puts Katar and Shayera into a trance, where they find themselves in the spirit world. Immediately they are confronted by the spirit of Count Viper, which has taken the shape of a giant serpent. Katar's spirit forms into that of a hawk-man and attacks Viper. Naomi's voice filters in, and she tells Shayera that her spirit is not that of a hawk, but of a predator -- a wolf. Shayera's spirit becomes a wolf-woman, and together the two heroes tear apart Viper's spirit. They wake up back in the real world... and back in their correct bodies. Katar and Shayera embrace and kiss, the ordeal finally over.

Review: Jan Duursema is greatly missed this time out. Liber's pencils are good in the spirit world sequence, but his fights and the flashback don't look all that good, really. I don't know if it's his pencils or rick Magyar's inks over them, but they are much less visually interesting to me. Still, the final sequence looks good, and the art is still clear and understandable, so that's good enough for me. Ostrander's story is very dense, with a lot of information crammed in there -- this definitely would have been three modern issues -- but he handles all of it nicely, without reading like a data dump. The final page is a nice send off to Ostrander's run on Katar and Shayera, as well. Although, it's not clear what happened to Count Viper, I can only assume he is in the old man's body now?

Looking back on the first arc (which, oddly, lasted 6 issues... writing for the trade, huh?), I thought it was good. It went in a lot of different directions, and kept me guessing. The body swapping bit is a gimmick, but it's Count Viper's gimmick, so I can't knock it too much. Overall, I liked these books more than I thought I would, but it's not surprising that this series was not a runaway hit when it was first published.

Image: Hawkman v.3:no.6, 1994, Steve Lieber.

Turkey Day Hangover!

2011-11-28T10:11:00.000-05:00

Alright folks, Turkey Day was a heck of a thing, with my infant son being sick and plans having to change at the last minute. So needless to say, Hawkman blogging was sadly low on the priority list. So I am hoping to get back on track shortly.

-- The Savage Hawkman #3 should be in my hands early next week, thanks to DCBS not shipping until this week. Expect a review shortly after I get it!

-- I will have a review of the next issue of Volume 3, the conclusion of the opening story arc of that volume, later in the week.

-- Also this week I am hoping to get a chance to open up the long awaited two-pack of DCUC Hawkgirl and Gentleman Ghost. Maybe I'll save Gentleman Ghost for when he reappears in a few months?

-- Finally, go check out Shag and Rob Kelly's Fire And Water Podcast episode 8!

Thanks for your patience, everyone!

Savage Hawkman #2 Sales Figures

2011-11-17T15:45:00.000-05:00

Sales figures for the comic book direct market have been published for the month of October, and The Savage Hawkman has cracked the Top 50 for the second straight month.

According to Comichron, Savage Hawkman #2 sold 42,987 units, enough to place it in 49th spot for the month. In September, Savage Hawkman #1 sold 50,359 issues, which put the title in 41st spot. This represents a 14.6% dropoff from #1 to #2, which seems about average if not a little higher than average. Still, it is not unexpected to have a decrease in sales from #1 to #2 of any series.

For reference, volume 4 of Hawkman, released in 2002, had sales of 52,298 for #1, which placed it an amazing 15th position for the month of March '02. Issue #2 moved 44,459 units, a drop of... 14.9%. Pretty close huh?

Also, it's pretty telling that moving 52k units in 2002 netted a Top 20 book, but moving that many books last month would have placed the title in 33rd spot.

Anyway, it's still too early to tell what the future holds for the title, but one thing is for sure -- The Savage Hawkman is certainly not a flop, nor is it one of the breakout books of the New 52. It's right where I figured it would be -- in the middle.

All sales figures from Comichron!

Savage Hawkman #3 Preview!

2011-11-17T10:06:00.000-05:00

Comic Vine has an exclusive 4 page preview of The Savage Hawkman #3!

Carter Hall, better known as THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN has embarked on a crazy solo adventure since the start of DC's 'New 52,' and in the upcoming third issue written by Tony S. Daniel and illustrated by Philip Tan, Hawkman will have to do a little bit of detective work.

I am not checking out the preview, but please feel free to do so! Hawkman doing detective work? Are we back in the Silver Age all of a sudden?

The Savage Hawkman #3 is due out November 23rd!

Image: The Savage Hawkman #3, 2011, Philip Tan.

The Savage Hawkman #6 Advanced Solicit!

2011-11-14T15:49:00.000-05:00

DC has released a preview of their February solicitations for most of their titles, including the one starring our very own Winged Wonder! (Thanks to Newsarama!)

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #6
Written by TONY S. DANIEL and JAMES BONNEY
Art and cover by PHILIP TAN
On sale FEBRUARY 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Hawkman comes face to face with Jim Craddock, a.k.a. the Gentleman Ghost, a malevolent spirit obsessed with finding an ancient relic called the Mortis Orb. Can Hawkman stop Craddock from using the power of the Orb to unleash hell on Earth?

Wow! That's the new Gentleman Ghost? Definitely a different take on the traditionally spectral foe. I am guessing he is tied in with the zombies on the cover to #5? The how and the why of this new "Gentleman" Jim Craddock definitely has me itching to read this story. Readers of this blog will remember that Gentleman Ghost was one of my predictions for classic Hawkfoes who would show up in the new series sooner rather than later, and it looks like I was right on that front.

Philip Tan is really knocking it out of the park on these covers. I'd really like a "Savage Hawkman Cover Gallery" special. What do you say DC?

Also, James Bonney is once more credited as a co-writer with Tony Daniel. How long will this collaboration last? We'll have to wait and see!

Image: The Savage Hawkman #6, 2011, Philip Tan.

Hawkman by Joe Jusko

2011-11-10T05:15:00.002-05:00

I first became aware of Joe Jusko back in the 90s with the Marvel Masterpiece trading card sets. For those who don't know, they were a set of fully-painted cards and was Marvel's first "prestige" card set. So whenever I hear Jusko I think of Marvel Masterpiece. But here we have a rather striking Convention Sketch of the Winged Wonder!

Man, can you imagine Jusko on a Hawkman series? Would be something to see!

Joe Jusko Thursday

2002 Unused TV Guide Birds of Prey Cover Art @ DC Bloodlines

1999 Wonder Woman painting @ Diana Prince

2009 Zatanna Convention Sketch @ Justice League Detroit

Image: Hawkman, 2011, Joe Jusko, Image Retrieved from Comic Art Fans.

First Savage Hawkman Collection Announced

2011-11-09T14:32:00.000-05:00

DC has announced the first round of collected editions of the New 52 (well, mostly... Wonder Woman is missing for some reason...Frank, get on this!), including The Savage Hawkman!

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN VOL. 1 TP
Writer: Tony S. Daniel and James Bonney
Artist: Philip Tan
Collects: THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #1-6
$14.99 US, 144 pg

Collecting six issues for $15 is pretty standard, so that's no surprise. Makes me wonder if the zombie threat introduced in #5 will be wrapped in #6, thus not ending in the middle of a story. Or perhaps #5 and #6 are stand-alone stories? (Also note that Jim Bonney is listed as a writer; according to solicits for #5 he is credited on that issue. We'll have to see if he continues on beyond that.)

For what it's worth, the first collection of Hawkman v.4 featured 6 issues for $15, and was a 4-part story followed by a 2-part story.

Besides the omission of Wonder Woman (which by most accounts seems to be a popular title), the strange part of this announcement to me is the mix of softcovers and hardcovers. 14 of the 51 are hardcovers, and most of them are the usual suspects: Justice League, Batman/Detective, Superman/Action, Green Lantern, Flash. Clearly these are the big "money maker" titles for DC so putting them into the more prestigious HC format makes sense. What's worth mentioning is some of the other titles which make the HC cut, including Aquaman, Batwoman, Batgirl, and nearly all of the supporting Bat-Family and GL-centric books. Clearly DC still has faith in the Bat and GL brands and feels they can sell these HCs.

I also wonder if the books will have similar trade dress (something related to "New 52") or will each one be branded uniquely? Maybe some combination thereof? And will the HCs eventually be put out in TP format as well (seems like a no-brainer to me).

What are your thoughts on how DC is collecting the New 52?

Read: The Savage Hawkman #2

2011-11-03T10:59:00.000-04:00

Issue: The Savage Hawkman #2
Title: "Wings of Darkness"
Published Date: Oct 2011
Generation: New 52 Carter
Retcon Status: In Continuity

Summary: Morphicius is trying to absorb all of Hawkman's life force and the Nth metal, but it is burning him severely. Finally, the metal erupts into a fiery bird of pure energy, knocking the alien back. Hawkman faces Morphicius again, but the alien teleports outside of the building. Hawkman gives chase and the two clash once more. Morphicius is already beginning to take control of the Nth metal he has absorbed, and the metal begins to retreat from Carter's skin! Unarmed and unarmored, Carter can do nothing as Morphicius leaves the wrecked scene.

Meanwhile, at the Manhattan office of the Non-Lethal Alternative Studies (NLAS), Mr Hogarth Kane is called upon by two federal agents who want an update on his progress. He shows them his primate experiments, which involve temporarily erasing the memories of combatants on the battlefield, when his assistant Aksana tells him he has a phone call. The call involves a loose "subject," but Dr. Kane puts his best hunter on the project.

At the hospital, Carter meets with Emma, Prof. Ziegler, and Terrence, and they talk about the men who died at the lab. Prof. Ziegler gives Carter some pictures of the markings on the craft to translate. A nurse tells Carter than the police want to see him, but he makes an escape out the window before they arrive, the Nth metal creating his costume once more.

We then catch up with Morphicius, who is struggling with his newly acquired Nth metal powers when suddenly he is mentally pulled to the ground by a pale skinned man. Morphicius claims that the only beings who could invade the mind of a Xenusian such as himself is a Vexaphonian, but that they are all dead. The pale man, who's name is Waker, claims to be the last Vexaphon, and that he has been sent to save Morphicius's life.

At Carter's apartment, our hero finds the landlord evicting him, but is able to bribe him with a chest of valuable artifacts. Carter studies the pictures of the alien markings, and strangely, the longer he looks at them the more sense they make. Emma shows up with dinner in tow. Emma asks some questions trying to figure out why Carter was so eager to jump into danger to save the men at the lab, and the two end up fighting, with Emma leaving angrilly.

Back at NLAS, Dr. Kane has Morphicius in a tube, while Waker says that Morphicius's vitals are slowing down as if he had been poisoned. He says they must act quickly, but Dr. Kane says that he can get what he needs from an autopsy. Waker disagrees, but he is quickly disabled by Aksana, who's arm has changed into a large black claw. Dr. Kane says that they may now get to work on their project: The Extinction Virus.

Review: Well, there's no shortage of stuff going down in this eventful issue! I had expected to get a brawl between Hawkman and Morphicius, but instead we get a short encounter between the two and then a whole lot of new plot developments and characters. Who are Dr. Kane, Aksana, and Waker, and what connection does the NLAS have to the government? Why is Dr. Kane creating an "Extinction Virus?" What is going on with the Nth metal in the first place? Lots of questions are raised and none are answered.

Everyone's motivation seems to be shrouded in darkness for the time being. Daniel is building up a bigger storyline here so everyone has to behave in mysterious fashion. The inclusion of another alien character (Waker), along with a character who may or may not be an alien (Aksana), is giving this series a definite science fiction feel, a big change from the more historical and mystical sort of vibe which permeated a lot of Volume 4. Hawkman has been a sci-fi character before so these elements are not unwelcome to me, and the use of all of these new characters is keeping me guessing as a reader, which is always good. I just hope that Daniel brings it all together satisfactorily. This issue is a dense one and had a lot of plot and a lot of action, but definitely is a "middle chapter" kind of story. It does have it's own little arc with Waker and Morphicius, so it's not completely a "middle chapter" but you do need to have read the first one.

Tan's art is pretty excellent throughout. The double page spread of the Nth metal firebird is pretty insane, really. The only negative I can find is the end of the battle between Hawkman and Morphicius. Morphicius says that the "Nth metal is giving up on you," but it's not entirely clear what is going on. Is the metal retreating into Hawkman's body? Or is it sloughing off and going to Morphicius? I can't tell for sure.

Still, I am enjoying this story and now I am eager to see what the heck Kane and his compatriots are up to, and how the Nth Metal is effecting Carter. So bring on #3!

Image: The Savage Hawkman #2, Philip Tan, 2011.

Quick Thoughts: The Savage Hawkman #2

2011-11-02T10:50:00.000-04:00

I got home late last night (I went to the WWE Smackdown! taping at the Bi-Lo Center... look for me on Friday night on SyFy, I'll be the guy wearing the Big Show t-shirt), but I did get my box from DCBS and did get a chance to read The Savage Hawkman #2.

Quick Thoughts: After the first issue, I was expecting something totally different than what we got. Tony Daniel is building up to something but at this point I have no idea where it could be going. Philip Tan's art is still fantastic. I liked the issue but definitely leaves the reader with more questions than answers. Very eager to see where the heck this story goes next.

A more full review will be forthcoming!

Philip Tan on The Savage Hawkman

2011-10-27T10:59:00.000-04:00

Artist Philip Tan sat down with the good folks at Newsarama to talk about The Savage Hawkman, complete with some exceptional artwork! Check it out!

Image: Savage Hawkman interiors, 2011, Philip Tan.

Waiting In The Wings -- 10/26/2011

2011-10-26T09:24:00.000-04:00

The Savage Hawkman #2 is in stores today!

Hawkman was in a bad way at the end of the last issue, seemingly drained of his life force by the mysterious alien creature Morphicius. But the Winged Wonder has never been one to back down from a challenge, and with his strange new Nth-metal derived powers, I'm willing to bet that the Savage Hawkman will come back swinging! Tony Daniel and Philip Tan continue their new direction for Hawkman and you can see it all today!

Pick up your copy of Savage Hawkman #2 in your LCS today! Or, if you are like me, start fretting angrily as you wait for your mail order box to ship!

Image: The Savage Hawkman #2, 2011, Philip Tan.

Read: Hawkman v.4:no.21

2011-10-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

Issue: Hawkman v.4:no.21 (Reprinted in Hawkman v.3: Wings of Fury)
Title: "The Headhunter Part 2: Taking Off The Mask"
Published Date: Jan 2004.
Generation: Modern Carter and Kendra (See Note below)
Retcon Status: In Continuity (See Note below)

Summary: Kendra is just finishing up the movie she and her date were seeing (Buster Keaton's The Cameraman) when she sees emergency vehicles speeding towards her apartment complex. She gives chase, while inside the apartment the Headhunter has Hawkman at his mercy. Ranting to himself about the ability of Hawkman's spirit to survive, Headhunter is about to decapitate our hero when Kendra bursts in. She lays into Headhunter, including burying a hatchet in his mask, but the mysterious villain throws a strange dust in the air and escapes. Kendra angrily demands to know why Hawkman is in her apartment, but he has no answers for her before he leaves, taking the Headhunter's Hawkman voodoo doll.

Later, temporary Professor Carter Hall gets a phone call from Ray Palmer, who informs him that the dust used by the Headhunter is actually finely ground Nth Metal. The voodoo doll is covered with traces of embalming fluids and soil, which leads Ray and Carter to deduce that it had been in a graveyard recently. Inspecting one of St. Roch's above ground graveyards, Hawkman is ambushed by Headhunter once more. The masked foe throws Carter's rubbings of his former graves at him, claiming that he now controls all of Hawkman's past lives. Headhunter throws a series of bones into the earth, and the decayed forms of all of Carter's former lives rise up to kill him!

Review: The danger level gets pumped up a notch in the middle chapter of the story, with things going from bad to worse for the Winged Wonder. I like the angst we get from Kendra as well, and cameos from the Atom are always welcome. I thought the close-quarters combat in Kendra's apartment was well handled and not overlong, but the best part of this issue (to me anyway) was tying the stand alone issues from earlier in the run with the present. Those single issue stories where Carter learned about his past lives were nice, but it made me happy to see that information used again, revealing them to be actual foreshadowing and not just filler. Strong installment with a great cliffhanger.

At this point I don't think I can add anything more about Rags Morales on this series other than we get to see a bit more full body shots of the Headhunter and he certainly looks menacing. Something like a South Pacific tribal witch doctor mixed with a Caribbean voodoo priest. Watson's cover is super striking as well, with the blood and gore put to great use.

Note: In light of the New 52 relaunch, Generation and Retcon Status are going to be getting new categories very soon. Keep watching this space to stay informed!

Image: Hawkman v.4:no.21, 2004, John Watson.

Savage Hawkman #2 Preview

2011-10-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to io9, we have a sweet preview of The Savage Hawkman #2, which is due in stores on October 26. I have posted the cover but if you want the preview pages then click here and check it out!

Image: The Savage Hawkman #2 cover, 2011, Philip Tan.

Read: Flash Comics #21

2011-10-20T15:19:00.000-04:00

Issue: Flash Comics #21 (Reprinted in The Golden Age Hawkman Archives v.1)
Title: "Menace From Space"
Published Date: Sep. 1941
Generation: Golden Age Hawkman
Retcon Status: In Continuity

Summary: Hawkman is on patrol when he spots a space ship crashing! Investigating, he finds a race of giants on board, along with a mysterious egg and a journal -- half in an alien language and half in English. He learns that the egg is the gestating infant of the giants, who are from Neptune. Carter takes the egg home to study it, but Shiera plays a prank on him by swiping it, and the egg eventually winds up in the hands of Noel Ratchford, who is also experimenting with growing things inside eggs.

Eventually the egg hatches, and a Neptunian boy emerges. Noel begins to train the boy to be his tool for destruction, claiming to be Carter Hall so that the boy will commit acts of carnage in his name. Noel sends the boy on a killing spree, using the electrical fire-beams from his eyes and destroying buildings. Hawkman swoops in with a spear, blinding the giant in one eye and forcing him to take him to his master. Finding Noel, the giant boy tries to kill both of them, but Hawkman kills the alien and gets Noel arrested, clearing himself in the process.

Review: There's some insane moments in this story, from the very concept of a giant baby hatching from an egg, to his eventual rampage through New York, including stomping a woman under his foot! It's like something from a daikaiju movie. Beyond that, this is a rather out-there science fiction story. The whole concept of a giant blue skinned alien from Neptune shooting electronic beams from his eyes is pretty darn awesome. Unfortunately the Noel plot takes up too much time and takes away a lot of panels from Hawkman fighting a giant humanoid alien. Hawkman gets to act fairly barbaric here, including spearing the alien in the eye, and then stabbing him in the back of the neck to kill him! Pretty fun short story all told.

As usual, Moldoff gets in some glamorous panels of Shiera even if she is partly responsible for the Neptunian's appearance. Moldoff's cover is also one of the best I have seen so far in this series.

Image: Flash Comics #21, 1941, Sheldon Moldoff.

Hawkman #5 Advanced Solicit

2011-10-17T12:59:00.000-04:00

Thanks to The Source, we now have solicits for issue #5 of The Savage Hawkman!

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #5
Written by TONY S. DANIEL and JIM BONNY
Art and cover by PHILIP TAN
On sale JANUARY 25 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The appearance of an otherworldly visitor to the city sets in motion a series of horrifying visions of the dead walking the streets of New York City. But only Carter can see them, causing him to question his own sanity. Can Hawkman unravel the mystery before it consumes him?

Hawkman fighting the living dead? How trendy! If I can speculate, it seems as if the Morphicius storyline will wrap up in #4, opening the door for this story. Although from the solicit, I suppose that this could be tied to that storyline as well.

I really dig Tan's cover, with Hawkman battling a group of zombies. I think the Winged Wonder is about to open a can of whoopin'!

Image: The Savage Hawkman #5, 2011, Philip Tan.

Savage Hawkman Tidbit From NYCC

2011-10-17T08:50:00.000-04:00

Not much in the way of news from this past weekend's NYCC, but we did get this nugget from the DC Justice League panel:

[Tony] Daniel pointed out the "incredible job" Philip Tan is doing on the artwork. He said the core essence of the title is "action," "excitement," and "character development of Carter Hall." The art shown was from issue #3, and Daniel pointed out a new villain, and said he wanted to give him some formidable rogues.

Unfortunately, Newsarama did not show the aforementioned artwork, but new villains are always welcome. I think that Daniel's statement about the title's core being action and excitement is a good fit for Hawkman, so hopefully we will get that kind of book as we go forward.

Read: Hawkman v.1:no.2.2

2011-10-11T10:16:00.000-04:00

Issue: Hawkman v.1:no.2.2 (Reprinted in Showcase Presents: Hawkman v.1)
Title: "Wings Across Time"
Published Date: Jun/Jul 1964
Generation: Silver Age Katar and Shay-era
Retcon Status: Changed Generations / Out of Continuity (See below)

Summary: An underwater archaeologist (wha... ?) off the coast of Crete discovers a set of wings made from wax and feathers, and determines them to be the wings worn by Icarus in the days of Ancient Greece! Midway City Museum press secretary Joe Tracy thinks the wings will be a perfect centerpiece to their fundraising activities for the new wing they want to build, and sets up a photo op where curator Carter Hall will fly with the wings. Carter is bemused by the idea, and makes sure to fly a little awkwardly so that no one will suspect that he is actually Hawkman. After the publicity stunt, Hawkman takes the wings to his spaceship to run tests on them to determine if they are in fact Icarus' wings.

Back on Earth, Hawkman stumbles upon a truck robbery in progress. Giving pursuit, the Pinioned Palladin is able to disarm two of the thugs, but the third one, Eddie, shoots Hawkman with a strange bazooka like gun, destroying his wings and knocking the hero out. With his anti-gravity belt on full, Hawkman rapidly ascends into the atmosphere. Awoken just outside of low-Earth orbit, Hawkman makes his way back to the ship. There, he equips himself with the Icarus wings (proven to be so by the Thanagarian instruments) and an ancient Grecian battering ram. Returning to Earth, Hawkman makes quick work of the thieves, and has the Midway City PD donate the reward to the Museum, which helps fund the new wing.

Review: Overall a very weak second story for this issue. Anderson's art is fine, but the story takes what should be a novel idea -- Hawkman using the mythological wings of Icarus -- and essentially squanders it. We never learn what exactly the weapon does, only one of the crooks even gets a name, and we don't get even get to see Hawkgirl! The lead story from this issue was not one of the best from this era, but it's head and shoulders better than this tale, unfortunately.

I am sort of scratching my head over the Retcon Status of this issue. Some elements of this story seem to fit really well with the Earth-2 Hawkman (the wings of Icarus, a Grecian battering ram), while the reliance on Thanagarian technology and the Hawks' space ship make it a hard for a Generation change. So while I suppose the Golden Age Hawks might have acquired a fully equipped Thanagarian space ship at some point, that doesn't really make a lot of sense to me. This is one of those stories which doesn't fit neatly into either category, which, considering it's quality, is not the end of the world.

Image: Hawkman v.1:no.2, 1964, Murphy Anderson.

Savage Hawkman Sketch by Philip Tan!

2011-10-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Check out this awesome piece of Savage Hawkman art straight from Philip Tan's Tumblr page! Click to SAVAGE-IZE! (Of you better believe I am going to run that gag into the ground!)

While I have heard some mixed reviews on Tony Daniel's story, so far everyone seems to dig Tan's artwork, myself included. And it's no surprise when he churns out pieces as swank as this one.

Image: Hawkman Sketch, 2011, Philip Tan, image retrieved from Designosaurus.

Savage Hawkman Revealed!

2011-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

This is Philip Tan's awesome full page reveal of the new Hawkman from The Savage Hawkman #1! (Click to make it SAVAGE-IZED!)

There has got to be a way to make this a poster!

Image: Savage Hawkman revealed, The Savage Hawkman #1, 2011, Philip Tan.

Read: The Savage Hawkman #1

2011-10-07T13:18:00.004-04:00

Issue: The Savage Hawkman #1
Title: "Hawkman Rising"
Published Date: Sep 2011
Generation: New 52 Carter (note: new designation)
Retcon Status: In Continuity

Summary: Carter Hall drives out into the middle of the woods, and digs a small pit, into which he dumps his Hawkman costume and equipment. He sets the uniform on fire, claiming that if one of them was going to die. Suddenly, the flaming Nth metal twists and changes into a fiery bird, which envelopes Carter in it's grasp...

Carter then wakes back in his ill-kept brownstone, seemingly alright save for some burns on his hands and a broken window. He tries to figure out how he got home (while naked, even) when his coworker Terrence shows up. Professor Ziegler and his daughter Emma have found an alien shipwreck several hundred years older than the Titanic, and Carter is needed for the examination. Carter goes with Terrence, but not before noticing that his hands are now fully healed.

At Ziegler's facility, the examination is under way. Inside the wreck, the Professor has found several pods, each containing an alien mummy! But as two of Ziegler's men examine one of the pods, they are attacked by an inky substance coming from inside the mummy. The men are quickly consumed and become slimy humanoid beasts. Carter gets everyone out and leaps to attack the creatures, thinking that this will be his last fight. But his skin begins to burble, and the Nth metal erupts from his skin, arming and armoring him as the hero Hawkman once again! Hawkman attacks the main creature, who calls himself Morphicius, and claims that he consumes and expends energy. The two warriors brawl back and forth with neither able to get the upper hand. Morphicius finds Hawkman's life force strangely resistant, but he begins to absorb his foe's life force, giving his alien form wings and golden armor, while Hawkman is a drained husk!

Review: The Savage Hawkman is here! And it's a pretty powerful debut at that. In short order we are introduced to Carter Hall at his lowest, and then he is thrown in a strange new direction right as a new alien menace rears its head.

Philip Tan's art is excellent. I thought his stuff on Outsiders was the cat's pajamas, and if anything this book looks better. The full page reveal of Hawkman's new gear is screaming to be a poster. I really dig the morphing weapon, which starts out as a short handled axe, and then becomes a morningstar. The spiked kneepads add a layer of welcome barbarism and even the shoulderpads work for me. The helmet is also suitably "savage." About the only thing which would have been really cool would be if the wings were metallic as well, but the feathered wings are so classic that it is hard to fault them. I really hope Tan can keep on deadline because his Hawkman is one I want to see.

Now, what about Tony Daniel's story? Frankly, I liked it. After I read the issue, I wanted to read it again. Seeing Carter at the absolute bottom ties in so strongly with the end of Brightest Day that it seems that, in some way shape or form, that the Hawks' story still went down. And much like I said at the end of that book, a Hawkman without Hawkgirl to ground him is a dangerous individual. The idea of Carter working as a cryptologist is a twist on the classic museum curator/archaeologist riff, and it looks like Daniel is introducing a new supporting cast with some potential. I like the mysterious appearance of Morphicius and am very curious what his origin is. The little bit about "alien mummies" made me grin too. Plus its one heck of a cliffhanger!

To me the most controversial aspect is the Nth metal becoming seemingly a part of Carter himself. It's very similar to how Iron Man's armor currently works, oddly enough. I think it's certainly going to streamline his powers since he doesn't have to "gear up" before heading out, and it opens the door to stories of just what the heck the Nth metal has done to him. This sort of approach is preferable to me than the sort of vague, "He's spent a lot of time around Nth metal" excuse for various odd happenings. So at first blush I am cool with it.

Overall, I was very satisfied with this issue and am now champing at the bit for #2. This is a new Hawkman for a new universe, and hopefully this clean slate and new direction will be one which will last for a good long while!

I also really marked out for the "Hawkman created by Gardner Fox" credit. Keep it up DC!

Image: The Savage Hawkman, #1, 2011, Philip Tan.

Just Read: The Savage Hawkman #1

2011-10-04T22:13:00.001-04:00

The initial feeling:

Oh Hell yeah.

More to come!

The Savage Hawkman #1 Incoming!

2011-10-04T09:25:00.000-04:00

Well folks I SHOULD be getting my DCBS box tonight, which means that I will get my copy of The Savage Hawkman #1! Unfortunately it looks like I will be on a business trip tomorrow so I may not be able to post my thoughts about it! Arrgh! Doesn't DC and DCBS know that I have a blog to run here? I'll try and get some thoughts posted tonight if I can, so watch this space...

Philip Tan & I on Twitter

2011-09-30T09:12:00.000-04:00

Here's a short conversation I had with Savage Hawkman artist Philip Tan on Twitter last night:

@philipsytan: To every1 who said so much flattering things, beyond what I deserve, about Hawkman, THANK YOU VERY MUCH..To 1's who didnt like: hang around!

@ljacone: @philipsytan Philip, I get my comics mail order, so I should have Hawkman on Monday. Can't wait! #savagehawkman

@ljacone: @philipsytan In the meantime please check out my Hawkman blog, http://t.co/wyquT660 Thanks! #hawkman

@philipsytan: @ljacone awesome!!!!! ;)

@philipsytan: RT @ljacone: @philipsytan In the meantime please check out my Hawkman blog, http://t.co/wyquT660 Thanks! #hawkman

Thanks a ton, Philip! The Retweet is much appreciated and hopefully will bring some new eyes here to Being Carter Hall.

You can follow Philip on Twitter at @philipsytan, and you can follow yours truly at @ljacone. Go ahead and join the conversation!

Savage Hawkman #1 Review Roundup!

2011-09-29T11:06:00.000-04:00

The reviews of The Savage Hawkman #1 are starting to come in!

IGN

CraveOnline

Cosmic Book News

Read/Rant!

iFanboy

Nerds on the Rocks

More to come!

Savage Hawkman #1 Teaser

2011-09-28T15:19:00.000-04:00

The following teaser for The Savage Hawkman #1 just showed up on The Source...

"How long have I been here? How long have I been frozen like this?"
–Carter Hall in THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #1

Ooooooh...

Image: Savage Hawkman #1 teaser, 2011, Philip Tan.

The Savage Hawkman #1 In Stores Today!

2011-09-28T09:11:00.000-04:00

I knew I forgot something!

The Savage Hawkman #1 -- Today's the day! After months of speculation and impatience, the fifth volume of Hawkman comics starts today. I don't know what else I can say at this point which I have not said already other than GO OUT AND BUY THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN!

Waiting In The Wings -- 09/28/2011

2011-09-28T09:07:00.000-04:00

Time for the last wave of the New 52 from DC Comics!

All-Star Western #1 -- Jonah Hex in Gotham City? Sounds like a novel idea. Definitely interested in seeing where this one goes. Want To Check Out.

Aquaman #1 -- I'll always give Aquaman a peek, he's a great classic hero and it seems like he is primed for his push to the top of the card. Picking Up.

Batman: The Dark Knight #1 -- I have yet to figure out why this book exists. Pass.

Blackhawks #1 -- The counterpart to Men Of War, this one looks a little but more like Military Fantasy in the vein of GI Joe, which is awesome. Picking Up (Mail Order).

Flash #1 -- It's the Flash, so of course I am going to check it out. Time for Barry Allen to shine. Picking Up (Mail Order).

Fury of Firestorm #1 -- Shag has talked me up enough on this one, coupled with the awesome Firestorm storyline in Brightest Day. Picking Up.

Green Lantern: New Guardians #1 -- There certainly are a lot of Green Lantern books on the stands now, huh? Pass.

I, Vampire #1 -- I dismissed this book out of hand when I saw the cover, thinking it was shooting for a twinkling vampire effect. The interiors seem to suggest a more serious horror book, so now I am torn. Want To Check Out.

Justice League Dark #1 -- *sigh* Pass just on the title.

Superman #1 -- Superman by George Perez? Color me intrigued. I have my concerns with Action Comics but Superman looks like it might be fun. Picking Up.

Teen Titans #1 -- I am really hopeful that this book will be a success, because I think the DCU needs a good team of Teen Titans. But I have not had an interest in them in a long time. Pass.

Voodoo #1 -- The only Wildstorm book I have ever liked was the reboot of Wetworks. I don't think the WS characters are going to be integrated very well into the regular DCU, and Voodoo is not a character I am interested in anyway. Pass.

Well, that's all of them... right...?

Savage Hawkman #1 Preview

2011-09-26T12:58:00.000-04:00

It's coming! In just two days The Savage Hawkman #1 will be on comic shop shelves all over the country! And we now have the first preview of the book courtesy of UGO!

I have NOT read this preview and I will not; I try not to read previews for books I am buying, especially ones which I have been anticipating as much as this one. So please keep that in mind if you make any comments.

Of course, I will have to wait a few days beyond that to read the issue as I will have to wait on my shipment from DCBService.com. I am seriously considering not ordering this title mail order just so I can get it faster. Stay tuned.

Image: The Savage Hawkman #1, 2011, Philip Tan.

Waiting In The Wings -- 09/21/2011

2011-09-21T08:26:00.000-04:00

We have to wait one more week for The Savage Hawkman #1, which means once more than yours truly will be running through the New 52 titles for this week!

Batman #1 -- Scott Snyder is handling the writing chores on this book, and thanks to the Batman Minimum Appreciation Index, I have a mild interest in checking this out. Mildly Interested.

Birds of Prey #1 -- Katana has had some bad costumes in her day, but this one takes the cake. Pass.

Blue Beetle #1 -- Jaime is a good character but this is not my scene. Pass.

Catpain Atom #1 -- Eh. Not feeling it. Pass.

Catwoman #1 -- I am glad to see Selina have her own title in the New 52. But that doesn't mean I am buying it. Pass.

DC Universe Presents #1 -- I like anthologies, and I like secondary characters, and I dug Boston Brand in both Wednesday Comics (remember that?) and Brightest Day, so this one has my attention. Want to Read.

Green Lantern Corps #1 -- Like the other GL titles, I was not reading these titles beforehand so I have little interest in reading them now. Pass.

Legion of Superheroes #1 -- Not doing anything for me. Pass.

Nightwing #1 -- Isn't this something of a backwards move for Dick Grayson? I am sure his fans don't mind too much though. Especially his fans of the, ahem, female persuasion. Pass.

Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 -- The most irritating of all the New 52 to me, because this is the title which is replacing Outsiders. Right down to the format of the title, this is the book which is taking the place of a title which I liked a LOT before this reboot. And to make things worse, it's got a cast of characters I do not want to read. Pass.

Supergirl #1 -- I started to really like Supergirl while I was reading the "New Krypton" epic. This series apparently jettisons all of the stuff I liked. Pass.

Wonder Woman #1 -- I can't explain my attraction to Wonder Woman (oh not that type of "attraction" and you know it) but the chance to get in on the ground floor with her is very intriguing to me. And Cliff Chiang's artwork looks fantastic. Want to Read.

Still fairly slim but more books than last week, anyway!

Also:

Showcase Presents: All-Star Comics v.1 -- Reprinting All-Star Comics #58-74 and Adventure Comics #461-466, these Bronze Age stories feature the Earth-2 Justice Society of America, including Hawkman and Hawkgirl. The Hawks don't feature in every story but Carter does rate the cover. If you are interested in hearing about the Justice Society of America, I recommend the Tales of the JSA podcast from the Two True Freaks! network.

More Cosplay From DragonCon 2011

2011-09-20T14:20:00.000-04:00

Here we have two cosplayers from DragonCon -- photos courtesy of The Irredeemable Shag, who came back from Atlanta this year with over 700 pictures! Thank Hashut for digital cameras, huh? You can head on over to either Flickr or The Unique Geek to check out all the pics!

Anyways, the Hawkman

Hawkman looks suitably beefy for the Winged Wonder. His shield is hiding his trunks so I am going to assume they are red. The shoulder armor is nice and readily identifies this as the modern Hawkman as well. But the shield is actually my favorite part of this costume. You don't always see Hawks armed with a shield in cosplay but this is a very nice looking piece, properly weathered as it is.

The Hawkgirl cosplayer I think I have seen before. I like her angelic wings (though they seem to be sagging in this picture) and her belt, plus her proper looking stomach for Kendra's midriff bearing costume. The mace and wrist bracers are nice touches, too.

Good as always to see the Hawks getting some love at DragonCon!

Image: Hawkman cosplayer at DragonCon 2011, 2011, image obtained from The Unique Geek.

Image: Hawkgirl cosplayer at DragonCon 2011, 2011, image obtained from The Unique Geek.

Savage Hawkman #4 Solicits

2011-09-19T11:17:00.001-04:00

DC Comics has released the solicitation copy for the Justice League titles coming out in December, including The Savage Hawkman #4:

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #4
Written by TONY S. DANIEL
Art and cover by PHILIP TAN
On sale DECEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The exciting conclusion to the Savage Hawkman's first adventure is here! Hawkman battles his way through Dr. Kane's compound, where the alien monstrosity known as Morphicius is sheltered. But in his quest for alien knowledge, Dr. Kane unknowingly jumpstarts what Morphicius refers to as the Black Plague. Can Hawkman contain this deadly outbreak, or will New York soon become infected with lethal, fast-spreading alien organisms?

Is Dr. Kane the new archenemy which we have heard reference to previously? Will New York being Hawkman's regular stomping grounds? Does Morphicus have any connections to Thanagar or Hawkworld ala Brightest Day? Plus how awesome do Hawkman's wings look on that cover? Questions, questions.

Oddly, the first story arc of Volume 4 was also four issues long. Coincidence?! I think... so, mostly likely.

Image: The Savage Hawkman #4, 2011, Philip Tan.

Waiting In The Wings -- 09/15/2011

2011-09-15T16:09:00.000-04:00

Well, we're still waiting on Savage Hawkman #1, so once more it's time to look at the REST of the DC New 52 titles!

Batman And Robin #1 -- The dynamic with Bruce and Damien should be interesting, but I'm no Batman reader. Pass.

Batwoman #1 -- I read the first issue of her last series, with the same team I think, and didn't care for it. Glad to see she is starring in her own title still, though. Pass.

Deathstroke #1 -- It's like Zero Hour all over again! Pass.

Demon Knights #1 -- DC is calling this a "sword and sorcerty" title; I'll believe that when I see it. Pass.

Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE #1 -- This is one of those concepts which one would think would appeal to me but does not. Pass.

Green Lantern #1 -- Well, I wasn't reading it before. And evidently this is simply a continuation of that stuff. Pass.

Grifter #1 -- Just... pass.

Legion Lost #1 -- No interest whatsoever in the Legion, let alone them getting two monthlies still. Pass.

Mister Terrific #1 -- Not a bad setup but while I like Mr. Terrific, there are other JSAers I would rather have seen in this slot. Pass.

Red Lanterns #1 -- This title is aimed at a very specific market. I am not it. Pass.

Resurrection Man #1 -- I guess I should have seen this one coming after his cameo in Brightest Day. Pass.

Suicide Squad #1 -- I don't see this lasting very long. Pass.

Superboy #1 -- More of the "reimagining" of the Superman family which falls on my deaf ears. I just finished reading The Death And Life of Superman by Roger Stern. That's Superboy. Pass.

Yup, not interested in a single book this week! Yikes!

Hawkman and Hawkgirl Cosplay At DragonCon

2011-09-08T09:02:00.000-04:00

This past weekend in Atlanta was DragonCon, and as every year, DragonCon was filled with cosplayers. Hawkman and Hawkgirl are not easy costumes to put together, but there's always a few who take the challenge, as we see here. I got this particular image of Hawkman and Hawkgirl from io9.

I think these two have put together a nice pair of costumes. I like the Rags-esque lenses on Hawkman's helmet, along with the pouched belt which clearly identifies this as the Volume 4 era Hawkman. Hawkgirl looks more like the Silver Age Shayera than Kendra, with her solid yellow top and no midriff. But the belt and weapon suggest Kendra or the reborn Shiera, so I guess this is sort of a hybrid. Also, I really like that she put the earrings in there!

My associate Shag has promised me that there will he has more Hawk cosplay pics from the show, so those will be coming soon!

Image: DragonCon 2011 Hawkman and Hakwgirl cosplayers, 2011, image retrieved from io9.

Waiting In The Wings -- 09/07/2011

2011-09-07T09:45:00.000-04:00

The New 52 has Begun!

...but we have to wait until the end of the month for Savage Hawkman #1. So instead I'm going to offer some commentary on the other DC books out this week. I know, I know, once more here at Being Carter Hall we're breaking NEW GROUND that NO ONE on the Internet has ever done before. Heh. For the ones I am definitely buying, please head over to today's post over at The Bunker.

Action Comics #1 -- The concept sounds good (Superman just starting out as a hero), but Grant Morrison is extremely hit or miss for me, and the conceit of "social justice" in the modern sense has be pre-emptively rolling my eyes dramatically. I am on something of a Superman kick lately because I am reading the Roger Stern novel The Death And Life of Superman, but somehow I don't think this will satisfy that trend. Pass.

Batgirl #1 -- Not interested in the character nor the creative team. Major Pass.

Batwing #1 -- Clearly this was a better choice for DC's relaunch than a new Outsiders book. Pass.

Detective Comics #1 -- Of the multitude of the Batman books populating this relaunch (and there are plenty of them), this one has the most interest from me. Not enough to buy it outright but I might check it out. Awaiting Judgement.

Green Arrow #1 -- This one was on my short list of which books to preorder. Definitely want to check it out, but my Green Arrow loving buddy Adama is buying them, so we might have a comic reading party down the road. Because that's how us playboy types kick it. Want To Read.

Hawk And Dove #1 -- See the Bunker post.

Justice League International #1 -- I have never read any of the Bwa-ha-ha League other than their tussle with Doomsday (does that even count?), so there is no nostalgia factor here for me with this title. Others seem really excited by it, though, so more power to you. Pass.

Men of War #1 -- See the Bunker post.

OMAC #1 -- See the Bunker post.

Static Shock #1 -- I have a soft spot for the Milestone characters, Static included. If this had been Icon or Hardware getting a shot instead of Virgil, this would be a must buy for me. But as it stands this sounds like a good stage for Static to play on, especially getting him into NYC and out of Dakota. Want To Read.

Stormwatch #1 -- This one just baffles me. On the one hand, I want to read about the Martian Manhunter (hi, Frank!). On the other hand, I know nothing about Stormwatch or The Authority other than things I have read about in magazines and such, and all of that sounds incredibly awful. Coming off of Brightest Day, to see the Manhunter shuffled off into a 2nd (or 3rd!) tier book is a major disappointment for me, because I thought the point was to groom him for another solo series. Instead he plays straight man to a team of insane characters whom I am not convinced even belong in the DCU. Undecided.

Swamp Thing #1 -- I like monster comics as a general rule, so I will see how this one plays out. Awaiting Judgement.

Those are my thoughts... what are yours? To quote Cody Rhodes, "You have a voice... use it."

This Past Labor Day Weekend...

2011-09-06T10:46:00.000-04:00

... was not spent at DragonCon. It was spent at my in-laws in Florida. And on Thursday, I will be heading to New York to visit my family. So things are going to be a little light for a spell. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Frenemies of Hawkman: New Green Arrow Blog

2011-08-29T12:58:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time, my good friend Adama (and yes, that's almost completely his real name) ran a Green Arrow blog entitled Dispatches From The Arrowcave. That site was one of the handful of blogs which inspired me to start this blog. Well, Real Life tends to be the bane of these superhero blogs, and Dispatches eventually fell victim to said Real Life.

Well, lucky for us blog fans, another Green Arrow fan has stepped up and started a new Green Arrow blog: Aaron has launched similarly-named-but-different The ArrowCave. As a Hawkman blogger, I feel it is my responsibility to help point any time someone has a Green Arrow blog if only because without frenemies, where would we be?

Welcome aboard Aaron!

Savage Hawkman Tidbit From Fan Expo '11

2011-08-27T22:52:00.002-04:00

From Newsarma's recap of DC's "New 52" Panel

Tony Daniel showed off a new Savage Hawkman, someone able and very willing to use his brutal weaponry to deal with equally dangerous threats. He also said that he wanted to address niggling continuity concerns that have cropped up over the years, from reincarnation and Egyptian motifs (those are gone), to where he keeps his wings when he's not on crime-fighting duty.

This is a little confusing to me: which is gone? Reincarnation or Egyptian motifs? We'll have to wait and see at this point!

Read: Hawman v.2:no.4

2011-08-25T09:42:00.000-04:00

Issue: Hawkman v.2:no.4
Title: "For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite" (No, seriously.)
Published Date: Nov 1986
Generation: Silver Age Katar and Shayera
Retcon Status: Changed Generations?

Summary: In Midway City, something bizarre flies through the skies -- a pterodactyl! It's actually a powered glider created by Saul Ready for the Fifth Annual Festival of Flight, which Hawkman and Hawkwoman are the MCs for. Also on display will be the Golden Eagle, an ancient treasure found by Ed Dawson. While Hawkman contemplates why he has to make a speech, Zatanna pops in to visit her friends. She helps motivate Katar to make his part of the speech, and then entertains the crowd with her magic. But while this is going on, the dastardly Kite-Man makes his move to steal the Golden Eagle!

Having his accomplice create a distraction, Kite-Man takes off with the Eagle. The Hawks swoop in to stop him, but Kite-Man has attached a remote control device to Saul's pterodactyl, and it is menacing the crowd! As the giant monster bird flies lower and lower to the ground, the Hawks have to let Kite-Man go in order to stop the giant glider. Kite-Man thinks he is off scott-free until Zatanna floats up to block his path. Kite-Man pulls a gun, but Zee turns the bullets into flowers, and then freezes his glider, sending him crashing to the ground. Hawkwoman is able to remove the remote control while Hawkman uses his anti-gravity belt to stop the glider safely.

Meanwhile, Joe Tracy bemoans to Coral that the Hawks do not deserve their accolades, when suddenly the pair is joined by the father of Mavis Trent, who vows to avenge his daughter!

Review: Well this is definitely a change of pace. From The Beatles reference title to the Superman tease opening to the fact that the villain is Kite-Man, this issue is like a bowl of sorbet after the main course that was the Shadow War and the opening story of this series. The inclusion of Zatanna (itself a reference to her appearance in Hawkman v.1:no.4, which is given a footnote) and the general Silver Age-y-ness of the story just adds to the weirdness. The cover is even a Silver Age turn, with Murphy Anderson lending a hand. It's not all goofy fun, though, as we do get the introduction of Mr. Trent, who shall no doubt be a thorn in the side of the Hawks. Overall though I liked this issue. It was a light throwback to an earlier age and acted as a nice break from the normally heavier subject matter in this series.

Image: Hawkman v.2:no.4, 1986, Richard Howell & Murphy Anderson.

Waiting In The Wings -- 08/24/2011

2011-08-24T08:50:00.000-04:00

This is the last week before the "New 52" Universe starts, so we have a few more loose ends to tie up before move into the new timeline.

Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search For Swamp Thing #3 -- Has anyone been reading this? Is Hawkman involved? The cover swaps have confused me and gotten me all mixed up.

Flashpoint: Lois Lane and The Resistance #3 -- Hawkgirl might pop up in this issue, but if she does I imagine it won't be much of an appearance.

Looks like pretty slim pickings, and as far as Hawk-related stuff it will be slim pickings until the end of next month! But, hey, it's an ongoing Hawkman book so I am willing to wait.

Tan Interior Art for Savage Hawkman #1

2011-08-23T15:15:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Newsarama, we have our first peak at Philip Tan's interior art for The Savage Hawkman! Definitely in line with his style which I was very fond of on Outsiders!

There's a second image, which is somewhat more mundane, which can be seen here.

Image: Savage Hawkman #1 interior art, 2011, Philip Tan.

Savage Hawkman Logo Revealed

2011-08-23T11:28:00.000-04:00

As revealed on Newsarama last night, we now have a logo for The Savage Hawkman. Certainly a major departure from any previous Hawkman logo! The font in general is impactful, and incorporates the Hawk sigil which was used on Volume 4. It has a sort of art deco vibe in some of the curvatures as well. Overall, I like it.

I wonder if the red color will change or stay constant?

Image: Savage Hawkman Logo, 2011, Image retrieved from Newsarama.

"Pleasure Chests" Hawkman

2011-08-18T08:27:00.000-04:00

Okay, you can assign the blame for this one Frank over at the Idol-Head, but I guess what's good for the Martian is good for the Thanagarian (or what-have-you).

Although, considering that one of my biggest traffic drivers are the folks over at the Shirtless Superheroes blog (*waves!*), I guess this is audience appropriate!

Image: "Pleasure Chests" Hawkman, "Christian A.," 2011, image retrieved from Comic Art Fans.

"New 52" Commercials

2011-08-17T10:28:00.000-04:00

DC has released :30 second and 2:00 minute commercials for the upcoming "New 52" initiative (which I am going to be using in place of the groan-worthy "DCnU" (ugh) here and elsewhere). The two commercials hype the upcoming relaunch of the line and give special attention to the "Big Three" plus Green Lantern. But lesser characters make the cut too, especially in the longer one. You can see the spots over at the Hero Complex blog of the Los Angeles Times.

The short spot is going to air like a movie trailer in theaters. Pretty nifty little bit of advertising in my opinion, but I want to see it on Prime Time, too!

No internal artwork of Hawkman, but the cover to Savage Hawkman #1 does appear in both spots.

Enjoy!

Waiting In The Wings -- 08/17/2011

2011-08-17T10:03:00.000-04:00

With the reboot looming, these lists get pretty thin each week. Come to think of it, I imagine that for a while these lists will be pretty thin after the reboot, since I doubt Hawkman will be an in-demand guest star, and evidently will be playing only a minor role in Justice League. I may need to rethink this post.

Flashpoint: Wonder Woman And The Furies #3 -- As one of the titular Furies, Hawkgirl has a chance of appearing in this series. Still no interest in this title, or any of the Flashpoint books for that matter. I'm looking forward to the "New 52" if only because it means no more shipping lists bulging with Flashpoint books.

Hawkman by Geoff Johns Omnibus

2011-08-16T08:14:00.000-04:00

Besides the solicitation for The Savage Hawkman #3, we Hawkfans got this tasty tidbit in DC's November listings yesterday:

HAWKMAN BY GEOFF JOHNS OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC
Written by GEOFF JOHNS and JAMES ROBINSON
Art by PATRICK GLEASON, RAGS MORALES, SCOT EATON, DON KRAMER, ETHAN VAN SCIVER, JOSE LUIS GARCIA-LOPEZ and others
Cover by ANDREW ROBINSON
On sale JANUARY 25 • 688 pg, FC, $75.00 US
Geoff Johns's complete, acclaimed run on HAWKMAN, from issues #1-25, are collected in hardcover for the first time, along with JSA #56-58 and HAWKMAN SECRET FILES! These stories, also featuring the talents of James Robinson, Rags Morales, Patrick Gleason and many others, reintroduced Hawkman into the DCU as he tries to reunite with Hawkgirl.
But with no memory of their past lives together, Kendra wants nothing to do with Hawkman – that is, until she learns that the deaths of her parents years ago were actually murders, and she is forced to enlist Hawkman's help in unlocking the mystery and finding their killer!

While it pleases me greatly to see DC have enough faith in Hawkman to give him an oversized hardcover, I have to pass on this one since I already own all of the issues collected here, most of them already in softcover collections. Only the first two arcs (#1-4 and #5-6) do I have in single issues. So while I am tempted to buy it just to have it on the shelf, right now I am going to have to pass because frankly that is a bit rich for my blood (and my budget).

Anyone else suspect that this release is at least partially due to the Flash by Geoff Johns Omnibus?

Maybe I will see how much it is if I order it through DCBS and sell my trades...

Image: Hawkman by Geoff Johns Omnibus, 2011, Andrew Robinson.

The Savage Hawkman #3 Solicitation

2011-08-15T14:43:00.000-04:00

We haven't even gotten the first issue yet, but here is the advance solicitation for The Savage Hawkman #3, courtesy of Newsarama:

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #3
Written by TONY S. DANIEL
Art and cover by PHILIP TAN
On sale NOVEMBER 23 * 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T
Using his unique gift for deciphering alien symbols, Carter Hall learns the secrets knowledge of his new foe, Morphicius, even as his deadly power continues to grow! Unraveling this mystery is Hawkman's only chance to
defeat Morphicius before he becomes unstoppable.

Still hard to figure out exactly who or what Morphicus is from these covers, but that's the point so I am cool with that. Notice, however, the elements of Hawkgirl's helmet on Morphicus. A Thanagarian connection perhaps? Also, notice as well that Hawkman seems to be wielding a katar and claw weapon combination, much like he did in Volume 3.

Still totally digging on Tan's artwork. The chin of Hawkman's helmet may take some getting used to, but the harness and wings look excellent.

The first issue of The Savage Hawkman is scheduled to hit shops on September 28th; #3 is due in November.

Image: The Savage Hawkman #3, 2011, Philip Tan.

Waiting In The Wings -- 08/10/2011

2011-08-10T09:42:00.000-04:00

Well folks, once again there is nothing on the DC list of new releases this week which relate to Hawkman and Hawkgirl. And frankly, looking over the list, there's nothing on here which I am even buying. Maybe there's something to this reboot after all.

Not that the lack of buying interest is entirely bad mind you. I am sure my bank account is happy about it. I tend to go on spurts where something captures my interest and I buy a lot of stuff relating to it. So shutting down my over-active enthusiasm is healthy for me. One reason I like blogging (and podcasting) is that they are both extremely cheap, financially speaking. I get a good ROI on them because I (generally) enjoy creating them and I don't pay anything to do it.

The fact of the matter is that the longer I spend in this hobby and involved with the online fan presence of this hobby, the less in common I have with my fellow hobbyists. Again, it doesn't matter. The impetus is on me to get what pleasure and enjoyment I will out of this hobby and let others do the same.

I'm really pontificating lately, huh?

Heads Up JSA!

2011-08-09T07:15:00.000-04:00

This adorable little cartoon is drawn by "jbrant047," and you can check out their work over on DeviantArt.

So cute!

Image: Heads Up JSA, ????, "jbrant047," image retrieved from DeviantArt.

DC Books To Be Assigned A Week

2011-08-08T16:36:00.000-04:00

Interesting tidbit from the "DCnU" (ugh) FAQ over at Newsarama:

NEW: The release schedule for The New 52 appears set at 13 titles per week on a four week month. What are DC's release plans for months with five Wednesdays?

Our plan for five week months is to maintain The New 52 at 13 titles per week for each of the first four weeks of the month, and schedule some of our other DC Comics and Vertigo titles in the fifth week. Our goal is to have each of The New 52 go on sale the same week of the month each and every month.

I like this approach in theory. For instance, Savage Hawkman right now is scheduled for week #4 in September and October. So at the end of each month I know that Hawkman will be on the shelves. Readers who buy their comics weekly know about what to expect each time they go to the shop. All well and good.

Do I think they will be able to keep this schedule?

...

Ahhh, no.

But hey, it's a good place to start and if DC is serious about deadlines and schedules then this is another carrot-and-stick scenario they can use. Get the books out, do it on time and on budget. Shouldn't be so hard, right? *wink*

Nothing In The Wings -- 08/03/2011

2011-08-03T11:18:00.000-04:00

No Hawkman or Hawkgirl stuff seems to be coming out this week, folks! We're in the final straightaway before the debut of Savage Hawkman at the end of next month, and I find myself in a weird position with DC Comics. I just got my box from DCBS (if you want to mail order your comics, these guys are a great choice for both price and service), and the only DC Comics books in there were the DC Retroactives of Flash and Wonder Woman for The 70s, Action Comics, and Tiny Titans. And of those four books, two of them are one-shots and one of them is a book I am getting for one story arc (Reign of the Doomsdays). So while the comics world is gearing up for the "DCnU" (ugh), it seems that my vestment in DC Comics is at a very low point.

This evident lack of interest carries forth when I examine the list of DC titles I am picking up in September.

(For the purposes of this discussion I am going to not talk about Tiny Titans; that title is not being relaunched and is entirely disconnected from the rest of the lineup.)

The rundown:

The Savage Hawkman

The Flash

Hawk and Dove

Blackhawks

Men of War

...and that's it.

Only 5 titles total of the new ones interest me enough to actually buy them, and 40% of them are non-superhero titles which, let's face it, are going to be treading some rough terrain to be on the schedule this time next year. (It seems to this blogger that DC is trying to cash in on some of the success which IDW is having with their GI Joe titles; I applaud this approach and hope that they can get some crossover readers.) And of the three superhero books, one of them is for a character who has been primarily defined by how unrelatable he is, one of them is still spinning his proverbial wheels dating back to before Infinite Crisis, and the last set is a concept which has never sustained an ongoing series for any real length of time. So while I am excited for these titles, its very clear that my main feeling for the balance (a better term would be "large majority") of the new titles and creative teams is ambivalence.

So while I appreciate that DC is going in a fairly drastic direction and restarting the universe (sort of), it seems that I am even more out of touch with what they are peddling than ever before. This is a feeling I have had with Marvel dating back to Avengers: Disassembled, it now it seems that I can mark this point for DC's passage into that territory.

If this new initiative is to be successful, then DC needs to reach out to the market which is energized and excited by these new titles and teams. They need to tap into existing readers and get them to try something new. They need to find those always elusive "new readers" and lure them in with digital downloads and Jim Lee costume designs. And of course, they need to deliver to those readers, old and new, strong and compelling stories which have been the cornerstone of DC Comics for as long as I have been reading them.

They should not, and frankly, cannot worry about guys like me. Myself and readers like me are not going to make or break this effort. We've crossed the proverbial Rubicon, and our prime days of comic book fandom are on the decline. Doesn't mean I don't love comics or that I won't be buying them. But I -- and those like me -- can't be the target if you really want to develop and grow the market and make money.

Ultimately, if DC gives me stories with the characters I like which are exciting and fun, then I will be happy. But they really need to go capture others besides the dyed-in-the-wool set, and I for one hope they suceed with flying colors.

Oh, and that Hawkgirl shows up at some point. That would rock.

Read: Hawkman v.3:no.5

2011-08-02T09:29:00.000-04:00

Issue: Hawkman v.3:no.5
Title: "A Rage Of Hawks"
Published Date: Jan 1994
Generation: Modern Katar and Chayera
Retcon Status: In Continuity

Summary: Katar (in Shayera's body) is flying Shayera (in an old man's body) back to his loft. Old Man Shayera tells Katar about how Count Viper came to possess her body, while Katar tells her about how he was saved from the cataclysmic battle (which ended Hawkworld) by Carter Hall. After getting the intelligence they need from Dr. Moon, Old Man Shayera dresses in a Wingman's uniform and the Hawks set out to stop Viper.

At the JLA HQ, Count Viper (still in Katar's body) has enthralled Wonder Woman and soon takes over Bloodwynd, although he almost loses control of Diana in the process. When the Hawks arrive, Viper and his thralls attack. Katar is able to snap Wonder Woman out of Viper's control but appealing to her sense of justice and mercy, while Bloodwynd is able to telepathically communicate with Shayera but is unable to control his body. Count Viper calls in Airstyke as backup, but Wonder Woman makes short work of him. And as Katar is bearing down on Viper, the Count summons his ace in the hole, whom he had taken control of earlier...

Review: This issue serves the primary purpose of catching the reader up on how Shayera's body was taken over by Count Viper as well as bridging the gap between the end of Hawkworld and the start of this volume. From there, it's fight, fight, fight! And its a pretty solid fight as well, with Viper controlling two of the more powerful JLAers but struggling against Wonder Woman's will the entire time. Steve Lieber does a good approximation of Duursema on the pencils, including a very nice panel of Diana breaking free of Viper's control as well as an amusing shot of Old Man Shayera wearing a Wingman's uniform. Nice little adventure but between the flashbacks and the cliffhanger, is definitely part of the larger story.

Image: Hawkman v.3:no.5, 1994, Jan Duursema.

Hawkman "Cover Tryout" by Steven Butler

2011-07-28T09:56:00.000-04:00

This image is drawn by Steven Butler, a prolific penciller who has worked on titles as varying as Superman, Spider-Man, Badger, and Sonic The Hedgehog.

The image is described as a "cover tryout," for an unknown Hawkman series. Judging from the katar and the 1995 date, that puts it squarely in volume 3 territory. The feeling it gives me, though, is a volume 4 take, with the pouches on the belt plus the overly muscular body... never mind the feathered wings. Go figure. Of course it could be from the retractable wings period, too.

Anyway, while as a cover this would make a dramatic and striking finished product, in it's current state it looks somewhat over-rendered, especially in the forearms. But I like the overall design of the cover quite a bit, and the wings and helmet look fantastic. The weapons also stand out very well. The right gauntlet is a nice touch as well.

Disclaimer: I do not own or possess this sketch. I am reposting it from the credited site.

Image: Hawkman cover try-out, ????, Steve Butler, image obtained from Collectingfool.com

Waiting In The Wings -- 07/27/2011

2011-07-27T11:15:00.000-04:00

Any Hawk-related goodies in the comic shops this week? Let's find out!

Blackest Night: Rise of the Black Lanterns -- The Blackest Night issue of The Atom & Hawkman is collected in this volume, and Black Lantern Hawkman even makes the cover. I only read two of the issues collected here -- the other one was Weird Western Tales, which, oddly enough, ended up being important if you were reading Outsiders -- so I don't know if it is worth picking up or not. I know that the two I read I enjoyed. The Atom story is a good pickup for Ray Palmer fans for sure.

Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing #2 -- Hawkman popped up on the cover to #1 but evidently did not play a role in the story, so who knows? I am not really interested in Swamp Thing presently so I am holding off on this series.

DC Retroactive: Justice League of America: The 70s -- Well, Hawkman's on the cover and both Hawks were members of the League in the 70s (one earlier than another...), so I figure at least one of them should appear in either the new story or the reprint. I am not getting this particular issue but in general I like this concept and am looking forward to reading the ones I did pick up, including the ones for Flash and Wonder Woman.

Flashpoint: Lois Lane and The Resistance #2 -- Hawkgirl being one of Wonder Woman's Furies means that she might appear in this issue -- another series I am not buying. Still just not feeling Flashpoint, folks.

Read: The All-New Batman: The Brave and The Bold #9

2011-07-26T14:28:00.000-04:00

Issue: The All-New Batman: The Brave and The Bold #9
Title: "3:10 To Thanagar"
Published Date: Jul 2011
Generation: Silver Age Katar and Chayera? I guess?
Retcon Status: Out of Continuity

Summary: Hawkman and Batman stop the Thanagarian criminal Byth in his tracks (with a little help from The Atom!), and imprison him in an energy cell to transport him back to prison. While in flight to Thanagar, Byth's compatriots attack the ship. At first Byth brags that he is going to be set free, but soon it becomes clear that his fellow gang members are out to make sure that he doesn't talk! Hawkman puts on a Thanagarian space suit and attacks the ships directly, while Batman fights them ship-to-ship. After a quick power failure, Byth escapes, but Bats disables him once again. With the attackers defeated, Hawkman checks in with Hawkgirl on Earth, who has decided to have a "Girl's Night" of crime-fighting with some friends!

Review: Fun little TB&TB romp for The Dark Knight and The Winged Wonder. Hawkman looks like he did on the show, with the Honor Wings on his helmet plus the hawk silhouette. He looks powerful and colorful, the way he should in this series. The last page features Hawkgirl and her "girlfriends" including Wonder Woman and Supergirl, plus lots of classic Hawkfoes including I.Q., Fadeaway Man, Shadow-Thief, and Matter Master. The actual cover also features the excellent tagline "Showdown In Space!" Not the deepest story you'll ever read but worth picking up to get a classic sort of Hawk adventure. Big thanks to Mr P (Your Honor Wings are in the mail...) for letting me know about this one!

Hawk Tidbits From SDCC, Part 2

2011-07-23T18:16:00.002-04:00

From the DC Saturday panel at SDCC, thanks to Newsarama once again, here is Tony Daniel on The Savage Hawkman:

"...this is a really fun project for me, I'm taking a character with a very complicated history, and streamlining him a bit, making it a good jump on point for new readers, but old readers will be able to recognize the character"

"My artist Philip Tan is doing amazing, amazing art. I've never seen someone so excited to draw..."

"We're gonna bring some new characters into Hawkman's world, introduce some new foes, a new nemesis who is an enemy equal to him"

"It's his Lex Luthor. his Joker."

Jim Lee also added "[H]e draws all his pages in Starbucks, so all his pages are very caffeine driven."

Sounds like Daniel is really jazzed to be working on this series. I have high hopes that this new take on Hawkman sticks and that the character soars to new heights (pun intended!).

Hawk Tidbits From SDCC

2011-07-23T10:41:00.002-04:00

From the DC Justice League Panel yesterday, thanks to Newsarama, Philip Tan had this to say regarding The Savage Hawkman:

Tony Daniel wants Hawkman to be like Indiana Jones. We wanted a more organic/carapace armor. He's going to face new villains. Some of the classic rogues Hawkman has, he's going to fight them in a very different way. He's not going to be the Hawkman we've seen...

Well, at least the traditional Rogues are not going away entirely. Sort of a pat answer but at least jives with the general relaunch and what Daniel himself has said about his take on the Winged Wonder.

Also, this:

A fan asks if Hawkgirl will be in HAWKMAN series. Phil Tan: "I can't talk about it."

Sounds to me like Hawkgirl will play some role in some capacity, sort of admission through omission.

Still eagerly awaiting September, folks!

Waiting In The Wings -- 07/20/2011

2011-07-20T08:41:00.000-04:00

Any new Hawkstuff this week? Let's find out!

Flashpoint: Wonder Woman And The Furies #2 -- Even though Hawkgirl did not play a role in the first issue, she might pop up in this one. While parts of the "DCnU" (ugh) relaunch have me excited, I cannot work up much interest in Flashpoint. I've read some synopsis and commentaries and I just feel blase about the entire event. I feel like I am just waiting out until the new books arrive at this point. Do you folks feel the same?

Hawkman Article on Newsarama

2011-07-18T09:36:00.000-04:00

Nice article over on Newsarama -- Agent of STYLE: The Maces and Masks of Hawkman!

Author Alan Kistler runs down the various nuances and appearances of Carter Hall and Katar Hol over the years as we build up momentum to the September re-launch. A bit long but definitely worth reading.

Savage Hawkman #2 Solicit!

2011-07-14T16:48:00.000-04:00

Over at Newsarama, we have our first peek at the solicitation copy for issue #2 of the upcoming Savage Hawkman! Check it out:

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #2
Written by TONY S. DANIEL
Art and cover by PHILIP TAN
On sale OCTOBER 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
When the alien creature known as Morphicius starts draining the life force from Carter Hall, a.k.a. Hawkman, he learns that there's more to his new victim than meets the eye. The mysterious properties of the Nth Metal protect Hawkman – but in the process, they are also making Morphicius powerful! With innocent lives in the balance, can Hawkman turn the table on his enemy, or are Morphicius newfound powers too powerful to stop?

Morphicus? Interesting. Looks like a mix of Man-Bat and a Dominator, but that seems unlikely. Certainly doesn't look like anything Thanagarian in origin, but maybe this guy could be related to Hawkworld from Brightest Day? We have to wait with bated breath until the books comes out!

So what do you think? Does this second issue get you more or less excited about Savage Hawkman?

Image: Savage Hawkman #2, 2011, Philip Tan.

90s Katar Hol Rocking It Hardcore

2011-07-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the crummy post... but man, this is a cool image of Hawkman circa the early 90s, huh?

Well I thought so!

Image: 90's Hawkman, ????, ????

Waiting In The Wings -- 07/13/2011

2011-07-13T09:50:00.000-04:00

As we continue to count down to the DCnU (ugh), is there anything with Hawkman or Hawkgirl gracing the stands? Let's find out!

Blackest Night TP -- In case you missed it in single issues, then on the second printings, then on the Hardcover, you can now get Blackest Night in this softcover collection. I'd really like to pull the books out and read them again -- maybe that is a project for later in the summer? Of course considering how far behind I am on other projects that may not be a great idea.

Waiting In The Wings -- 07/07/2011

2011-07-07T10:26:00.000-04:00

Any chance of finding something with the Winged Wonders this week? Let's take a peek!

DC Direct Brightest Day Hawkman -- As I mentioned a while back, I got the Black Lantern Hawkman and Hawkgirl toys for my birthday, so if I can find their Brightest Day counterparts I might pick them up. Toy space is always a premium in my bonus room but Hawkman toys are always welcomed.

Uh yeah...

2011-07-05T12:53:00.000-04:00

...about the last few weeks...

Sorry folks, started a new project at work and between that and taking care of several projects around the house before the holiday, my blogging availability has been extremely scarce. I hope to get back into the full swing of things either this week or next. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Waiting In The Wings -- 06/22/2011

2011-06-22T08:13:00.000-04:00

In this strange intermezzo, will Hawkman or Hawkgirl appear on the shelves this week? Let's see.

Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search #1 -- I passed on this series when it was initially solicited since it didn't sound like it had much at all to do with Brightest Day. So of course when they updated the solicits to include Hawkman, it was a bit too late for me to order it. So I am going to hold off and just buy the trade at this point. Because you know there is going to be a trade, there always is. Although, knowing DC I might have to get this in HC if I want to read it at some reasonable point in the future, but hey that's why DCBS is here.

Hawkman to Pick Up After Brightest Day

2011-06-21T08:40:00.000-04:00

Thanks to commenter Ryan, we have the following little tidbit from Bleeding Cool via the DC Retailer Summit:

...DCU Presents, Green Arrow and Hawkman are picking up where Brightest Day left off.

Which is not surprising at all. I would add Firestorm and Aquaman to that list, most likely, from what we have seen from the early information. And as I said, its not surprising at all considering that Johns sketched all of these arcs out for the Brightest Day guys (and Krul wrote the BD stuff for Green Arrow). Again, as I have said before, I wasn't sure about how to take Hawkman after the end of Brightest Day, I am glad that my initial concerns of "why did I buy Brightest Day?" are evidently baseless.

Also interesting to note:

Most of the released solicitation images for the DC Relaunch are not the covers for the first issue – so look forward to all those being announced soon as well.

Interesting! Some of those more iconic images not being the covers to the #1s is a strange approach, but who knows? Maybe the actual covers will be even more iconic.

Thanks again, Ryan!

Read: Hawkman v.4:no20

2011-06-21T07:59:00.000-04:00

Issue: Hawkman v.4:no.20
Title: "The Headhunter, Part 1"
Published Date: Dec 2003
Generation: Modern Carter, Kendra
Retcon Status: In Continuity

Summary: During a tenement fire in St. Roch, Hawkman and Hawkgirl save a trapped family from the flames. The next day, Carter Hall is filling in at the University for the missing History professor, much to the delight of the starry-eyed female students. After class, Kendra tells Carter that she is re-enrolling in school... and going out on a date with a fellow film student. She is apprehensive, but Carter encourages her to go.

Later, Hawkman patrols the city with The Atom, and winds up at Kendra's favorite diner, claiming that he "felt like a burger." Later, Hawkman sits perched in the rain keeping watch over Kendra's apartment. When he spots a man in another apartment beating his wife, the Winged Wonder swoops in and takes him down. But he suddenly finds himself racked with pain as the Headhunter makes his appearance, stabbing a Hawkman voodoo doll. They fight up to Kendra's apartment, and Hawkman counterattacks, but ends up hurting himself as he his the doll. Headhunter retreats, biding his time, while Kendra returns to find Hawkman bleeding out!

Review: The new story arc kicks off with a bang this issue, as Johns and Rags bring their A-Game to this issue. Headhunter is a dangerous and evil new foe, and reading this story makes me super eager to read the next installment (even though I have read the arc several times at this point). This is the sort of story I like to read in modern superhero comics, in that it takes the basics of the heroes involved and pits them against a new threat, which fits in well with what has already been established. The Indiana Jones reference made me laugh, and was a nice juxtaposition with the grim scenes later on. After a few low key issues, this one is a winner.

Interesting note, the cover image actually does occur in the issue, a novel twist in the modern comics scene. Also, the wife beater is wearing a Strong Bad "Fhqwhgads" shirt!

Image: Hawkman v.4:no.20, 2003, John Watson.

Waiting In The Wings -- 06/15/2011

2011-06-15T08:39:00.000-04:00

As we roll on towards the September relaunch, is there any Hawkmerch in stores this week to help keep us occupied? Let's have a look and see.

Flashpoint: Wonder Woman And The Furies #1 -- Judging from the cover, Hawkgirl is one of the Amazing Amazon's Furies. Which, considering her predilection for bashing people's brains in, makes sense to me. I may pick up the mainline Flashpoint title but these periphery books don't hold much interest for me. And even that potential of the main book is only because it's rebooting the entire freaking universe.

Justice League: Cry For Justice -- Now, I made no bones about the fact that while this series initially turned me off, after getting a few issues for free (my brother had bought them and let me have them after reading them), I started to warm up to it. By the end I was really digging what Robinson and friends were doing here. Hawkgirl has some appearances as part of the Justice League but the main star here is Hawk Frenemy Green Arrow, who takes center stage. Let me put it this way: this comic made me buy a Green Arrow comic, something nothing and no one had been able to do prior.

CBR Interview With Tony Daniel

2011-06-14T08:23:00.000-04:00

Yesterday on Comic Book Resources, we got an interview with Tony Daniel, where he discusses his new Batman title as well as The Savage Hawkman. You can read the entire interview right here.

The copy for the first issue reads very much like an origin story. Is that the case? And if so, was it necessary to do an origin due to the character's long, and sometimes convoluted, backstory?

It's not an origin story, but the approach is, as if we're meeting this guy for the first time. He's already Hawkman. He's already lost the love of his life. It took me several months to work through his initial arc. It was very, very hard work. He's setting up new roots in NYC. I'm establishing a supporting cast of characters. Some are human, some are more than human. Some friend, some foe. I didn't feel I had the luxury of a great rogues gallery, such as the likes of The Flash or Batman. I need to make challenges for Carter Hall/Hawkman from the ground up.

My first priority was to introduce a character who will eventually be his nemesis. His arch-enemy. I'm very excited about that.

Another arch-enemy? I understand the desire to rejigger everything and introduce new characters. But a newly introduced nemesis seems a bit excessive, and they never seem to work out. But if Shiera is not there then having someone other than Hath-Set as the Big Bad makes sense.

Regarding the Rogues Gallery, yeah, Hawkman doesn't have the strongest or most recognizable band of baddies, I still think that some of the old school foes need to stick around. shadow-Thief, for one. I.Q. is still around and availbe now that Doom Patrol is over. Lion-Mane would be great, especially considering the new "savage" approach. Can't you see the two of them tearing into each other? And of course the Gentleman Ghost. Everyone loves Gentleman Ghost. The solicitcations seem to suggest that his new foes will be alien in origin, which is fine with me.

My main hope is that Daniel keeps some of the stronger characters from older stories.

You mentioned he's already lost the love of his life. So may I ask, what role, if any, does Shiera Saunders/Hawkgirl/Hawkwoman play in this series?

For now I can't say a whole lot. People will have to wait and see how things develop this fall.

Expecting any information on this development in this interview is silly. Sooner or later we'll get Hawkgirl, but for the time being the Winged Wonder is going to be flying solo.

We have to wait and be patient. I feel like I am talking to my 2 year old.

As an artist yourself, can you break down the strengths of Philip Tan? As the book's writer, what do you feel he brings as a collaborator?

I'm very excited about Philip Tan's incredible artwork. People are about to have their socks knocked off when they see what this kid is doing. He's come of age here. Philip has been dying to do a Hawkman book for a long time. He has so much built up energy and excitement for this book. He's worked many, many hours working on character designs, layouts, cover ideas and that was way before he even had a finished script.

The passion he has is definitely translating onto the page. He's doing a great inkwash technique that is mind blowing. So he brings a lot to the table as an artist. This is important to him and he's working his butt off with the art. I'm happy I have him as my artist.

I really dig Philip Tan's work. Very dynamic and very energetic. I have said it before but my main issue is his timeliness. Hopefully he can get ahead enough that we can avoid too many fill-ins like we did on Outsiders (before they just said the hell with it and brought in Kieth Giffen). His take on the Savage Hawkman looks good in the single image we have seen, and Tan is very good at detailed costumes like this one, so I am definitely eager to see his sequential work.

What else can you tell us about "The Savage Hawkman" as it appears much more Indiana Jones in style than the gritty Bat-books you're known for?

Maybe a bit more Sherlock Holmes, the Robert Downey Jr. version, than Indy, but some of that too. Plus some savage beatdowns. It's going to be very exciting. Lots of adventure. Lots of fun characters being introduced.

Is it sad that I own the Robert Downey Jr. version of Sherlock Holmes and have yet to watch it?

So we should take note of the word "Savage" in the title?

He'll be savage when he needs to be, which could be a lot.

I suspect that he'll be Savage quite frequently, yes.

Overall, a good interview. Daniel saying that this was not his pitch suggests that this was Johns new direction for Hawkman as planned by Brightest Day. Just that Daniel is actually performing the story. I enjoyed Battle For The Cowl, but have never read his stuff on Batman. I feel pretty good about him taking on Hawkman because I think Tony Daniel will write straight forward, earnest superhero Hawkman stories, which is what I am looking for in this title. And Philip Tan will definitely bring a visual flare to the character which will certainly be unique amongst the lexicon of Hawkman comics. So now the waiting game begins, as we anticipate September 28th and the bowing of the fifth Hawkman series.

A Thanagarian Green Lantern Toy?

2011-06-13T08:13:00.000-04:00

I was at Walmart the other day, and on a whim, decided to flip through the new Mattel Green Lantern toys. Mostly, I was looking for a Larvox, since I have it on good authority that he is in the film, and he is a favorite mine from the days when I collected the DC Cosmic Teams trading cards. While I was out of luck on that front, I did come across this reptilian looking guy, and read the back of his card.

So needless to say I was surprised that this Isamot Kol was in fact a Thanagarian!

One quick trip to Wikipedia revealed that Isamot is a Lizarkon, and a veteran of the Rann-Thanagar War. Which is odd to me, because a Lizarkon would most likely be a Downsider, and I don't know that we have ever seen Downsiders actually fighting in a Thanagarian military force, only Wingmen. So who knows. The character was introduced in Green Lantern Corps: Recharge and has been a minor character since. But having a Thanagarian Green Lantern is such a novel thing for me, that I may go back and buy his toy.

Can you imagine Hawkman with a Green Lantern ring? Yeah, me neither. With the way things went down at the end of Brightest Day I am thinking Red Lantern, personally.

Image: Isamot Kol toy, 2011, image retrieved from ToysRUs.com.

Classic "Hombre Aquila" Pog

2011-06-10T13:45:00.000-04:00

Hawkman is back! In POG form!

Image: "Hombre Aguila" Pog, ????, image obtained from eBay.

Read: Flash Comics #20

2011-06-09T09:10:00.000-04:00

Issue: Flash Comics #20 (Reprinted in The Golden Age Hawkman Archives v.1)
Title: "The Mad Bomber" (suggested title)
Published Date: Aug 1941
Generation: Golden Age Carter
Retcon Status: In Continuity

Summary: A remote-guided bomb strikes at a high rise in New York. The next day, a notice appears from the bomber, saying that he can strike anywhere he wants at any time. As Hawkman patrols the skies, he is nearly struck by one of the remote bombs! Following it to its target, he is able to save the intended victim -- Big Frenchy, a gangster boss. Frenchy agrees to work with Hawkman to find out who tried to kill him. As the Winged Wonder and the racketeer investigate, they discover that the bomber, a madman named Sathan, is working with Frenchy's men to eliminate the boss so that he can take over his racket.

Independently, Shiera has tracked down Sathan and tries to take him into custody. She is subdued by his men and thrown into the incinerator chute! Just then, Hawkman and Frenchy arrive. While Frenchy faces off with Sathan, Hawkman saves his lady. Together the heroes take down the bomber. On Hawkman's suggestion, Frenchy gives up a life of crime and becomes a policeman, helping with the interrogation of Sathan which leads to his conviction.

Review: Oh boy, this is definitely a lesser entry in this series so far. Despite the title, the remote bombs disappear very early in the story, and the main plot revolves around Frenchy and his eventual redemption. It's not exactly thrilling material. The main strength I can give the issue is Moldoff's art, as usual. I have really grown to appreciate his style and it continues to impress.

Insanely, when Hawkman is saving Shiera from falling to a burning death in the incinerator, he calls her an "idiot" and considers letting her fall as a punishment! The Golden Age, ladies and gentlemen...

Image: Flash Comics #20, 1941, Everett E. Hibbard.

Waiting In The Wings -- 06/08/2011

2011-06-08T09:06:00.000-04:00

Is there any Winged Wonder swag available today? Let's find out!

Brightest Day Series 1 Hawkgirl Action Figure -- Seeing as I just got the DCUC Hawkgirl, I don't think I will be picking this one up any time soon. Although I have to to ask the questions (as opposed to asking The Question): why the heck is "Series 1" of the Brightest Day toys only coming out now? We've been seeing advertisements for these guys for a LONG time, and it's not like the Blackest Night toys which had endless Black Lantern variants to keep folks interested. I mean, yes, there is the potential for White Lantern variants but are those going to sell nearly as well as Black Lanterns? I doubt it. Seems like DC should have gotten these to market during Brightest Day in order to maximize their exposure. Still, at some point I will pick this figure up in order to increase the pathetic amount of Hawkgirl merch I own!

Acquired: DCUC Hawkgirl vs Gentleman Ghost

2011-06-07T10:06:00.000-04:00

In all the Savage Hawkman and "DCnU" (ugh) news over the last few days, a personal item from me slipped through the cracks.

Picked up at Walmart for a cool $21 on clearance, I got the DCUC Hawkgirl versus Gentleman Ghost two-pack! What I find amazing is that I found this set on clearance, yet never actually saw them for sale normally. How does that work?

In any event I have not had a chance to open them up, but for that price I was not going to pass them up. Hawkgirl especially seems to go for Big Bucks (Big Bucks Big Bucks No Whammies STOP!) online. Plus they both just look so darn cool!

New Poll on Being Carter Hall... Again.

2011-06-02T21:48:00.002-04:00

Okay, the poll has been updated following the release of information on The Savage Hawkman. Click through and vote!

The Savage Hawkman by Daniel and Tan!

2011-06-02T11:23:00.000-04:00

Looks like we got SWERVED!

Straight from The Source:

Batman writer Tony Daniel will team up with artist Philip Tan (GREEN LANTERN: AGENT ORANGE, THE OUTSIDERS) for THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #1. Carter Hall's skill at deciphering lost languages has led him to a job with an archeologist who specializes in alien ruins – but will the doctor's latest discovery spread an alien plague through New York City? No matter the personal cost, Carter Hall must don his cowl and wings and become the new, savage Hawkman to survive. The cover to issue #1 is by Philip Tan.

Tony Daniel instead of James Robinson, huh? Interesting! I don't have a particular problem with Tony Daniel, as I have only ever read a handful of his stuff, but he seems well suited to writing straight superheroics. This pretty much confirms that we'll be sticking with Egyptian Prince and not Space Cop, too.

And the title, The Savage Hawkman? Certainly an evocative name! Phillip Tan's mega-macho depiction certainly fits with it. Although I am not sure what the heck is going on with that axe -- no culture from Earth that I am aware of had weaponry like that! Maybe the "alien ruins" bit is a hint?

Let the anticipation begin, folks...

Also, I guess my poll is outdated now. I'll put a new one up later.