Art by Prentis Rollins (2017, Commissioned by Tim Board)

Nov 13, 2023

Now Just a Hawkworld Minute: Wings!


#002: Wings! Strap-On or Organic?
   Hawkman's wings have been different over the years. From 1939 -1994, they were strapped on his back. the Golden Age Carter Hall I, Silver to Bronze Age Katar Hol I, and Hawkworld's Katar Hol II all had strap-on wings. When Katar Hol II merged with Carter Hall I and the Hawk avatar, he had organic wings that emerged from his back for the first time. New Earth's Carter Hall II (Geoff Johns' version, 2001-2011) also had strap-on wings. The New 52 Katar Hol III (2011-2017) had the Nth metal in his body, much like Venow in Marvel Comics, and his wings, costume, and weapons automatically came out whenever it sensed that he needed it. 
   The most recent Carter Hall III (2017-present) controls his Nth metal with a medallion attached to his chest. He has complete psychokinetic control over the Nth metal. His costume appears instantly, the wings come out of the harness, and the mace even appears much like the Star Wars lightsaber. The current Hawkgirl (Kendra Saunders II) and Hawkwoman (Shayera Hol II) also have wings that come out of their body. Going back to the beginning, Ktar Deathbringer and Shrra the Herald had wings attached to their backs, but they could not retract them.
   Which version do you prefer; strap-on wings or organic wings? Or maybe Hawkman's current version that comes out of his chest medallion! Either way, the Nth metal wings make the Hawks truly unique in the world of comics.

Flash Comics #1
(January 1940)

The Brave and the Bold #43
(August 1962)

Hawkworld #1
(August 1989)

Hawkman Vol. 3 #0
(October 1994)

JSA #23
(June 2001)

The Savage Hawkman #0
(November 2012)

Hawkman Vol. V #1
(August 2018)


2 comments:

  1. I actually always Kind of like the idea of organic wings. There's a few issues in "All Star Squadron" that showcase Carter hiding his wings under his clothes (kind of similar to Marvel's "Angel" from X-Men and I just love that concept of trying to hide it but always ready to whip them out. Needing to stretch them and take them for a flight from time to time. (But I have no problem with strap on wings. I just don't prefer the metal wings. I like some feathers)

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  2. i could never get how they controlled the strap on wings. there arms were always busy. did they use back muscles? but in the end i put it out of mind because i just wanted action and adventure

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