Every month, DC's Justice League solicits are the first ones posted, which means we get an early look at both Savage Hawkman and Earth 2 covers and teases. So without further adieu...
THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #17
Written by FRANK TIERI
Art and cover by JOE BENNETT and ART THIBERT
On sale FEBRUARY 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
• THE SHADOW THIEF makes his first appearance in The New 52!
• Hawkman's mission to uncover the secrets of Thanagarian weapons on Earth leads him into the path of a deadly of Xerxes!
The wonky grammar in the last sentence not withstanding, there is a lot of stuff to whet one's appetite in this solicitation. First off, the Shadow Thief! Man oh man, do I like the Shadow Thief. And this version of Hawkman, a very... hands-on sort of hero, will be double frustrated by the Thief's lack of dimensionality. Will it be Carl Sands, or will it be a new Thief? We have to wait and see.
The second bit is the presence of secret Thanagarian weapons on Earth. I am assuming this is spinning out of the events of "Hawkman: Wanted," and sounds like a good story engine to me. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that the Thief's powers will be the result of Thanagarian tech (Dimensiometer, anyone?)
Finally, Xerxes is sticking around. I for one approve. I like his look and I like Hawkman getting a new bad guy who is not a reiteration of an older one. We got some of this in Volume 4, and back in Hawkworld/Volume 3, so I hope that Xerxes can make a good enough impression to stick around for a bit. (Any chance of St. Bastion coming back as well?)
Now then, on that other Earth...
EARTH 2 #9
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art and cover by NICOLA SCOTT and TREVOR SCOTT
1:25 B&W Variant cover by NICOLA SCOTT and TREVOR SCOTT
On sale FEBRUARY 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
• As a new story arc begins, DR. FATE makes his Earth 2 debut!
• Supernatural powers are emerging on Earth 2, and that means new heroes on the scene—not to mention new villains!
• Plus: The debut of the new Wotan!
Well there you go. Dr. Fate! To say I am excited to see a new Dr. Fate is a bit of an understatement. I imagine that Juan over at the Tower Of Fate is equally excited. I have been in the mood for some magical comics lately so hopefully this will help me scratch that particular itch.
Of course, Hawkman makes one more appearance in these solicits as well...
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by DAVID FINCH
On sale FEBRUARY 6 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
• The march toward TRINITY WAR begins with part one of "WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS"!
• Green Lantern! Green Arrow! Catwoman! Katana! Vibe! Hawkman! Stargirl! They aren't the world's greatest super heroes—they're the most dangerous! But why does a team like the JLA need to exist? What is their ultimate mission? And who is pulling the strings?
• Plus: Find out why Martian Manhunter is the most dangerous of them all. Period.
The new Justice League of America debuts in flashy fashion, with 52 variant covers -- one for each state of the union! (You'd better believe I intend to buy the SC one!) What brings this team together is anyone's guess, and what Hawkman's connection will be has be intrigued.
In addition, we also have solicits for the new team over on the book of Hawk frenemy Green Arrow, Katana's solo book bowing (with a reference to the Outsiders?!), and Vibe's starring turn. Sounds like some strange things are afoot in the DCU!
Image: The Savage Hawkman #17, 2012, Joe Bennett.
