Art by Prentis Rollins (2017, Commissioned by Tim Board)
Showing posts with label DC Comics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DC Comics. Show all posts

Mar 6, 2024

Hawkworld News (January-February 2024)


   Two months of 2024 have already passed, but things have been pretty quiet in Hawkworld. Unfortunately, there has been zero news about Hawkman, Hawkwoman, or Hawkgirl coming up in the comics. There may be tiny cameos here and there, but nothing has been really worth checking out. There appears to be some sort of bounty hunter called "The Thanagarian" (or so I've been told) in a (where else?) Batman book, but it is probably completely unrelated to any of the Hawks. I guess DC didn't have enough material for the two dozen Batman books so they have started strip-mining other heroes' properties for stories. 
   News has been slow about the Superman Legacy movie has well. I guess they have started filming or will be soon. There are a few articles about Isabel Merced working out or trying on her Hawkgirl helmet for the first time but that's about it. There are the usual comics sites' top ten whatever lists, and Hawkman shows up on those sometimes but it's pretty easy reading. About a month ago, Aldis Hodge was doing the interview rounds for his new movie and he got the inevitable questions about Hawkman. The only news we got was that there is nothing happening at the moment, and that he would love to move on and play Green Lantern John Stewart if he could. It looks like the Aldis Hodge-Hawkman ship has sailed. A quick Hawkman news search will bring those up if you want some extremely light articles. I'll list a couple of links to the articles that have come out in the last month or so. 
   We may hear something later on in the year, but so far, the solicitations for comics up through May have revealed nothing. The wait continues. 
   In the meantime, there are some great Hawkman and Hawkgirl stories out there. I've compiled a list of all the Hawkman and Hawkgirl trades with the contents listed as well, so if you want to know what to look for, check out the list. If you haven't read Robert Venditti's Hawkman series yet, it's alvailable in four volumes. I can't recommend this one enough. As for the recent Hawkgirl series, the trade is supposed to come out in April, but I do not, repeat, do not recommend it unless you're a completist and must have it for your comics collection. 
   If you see Hawkman or Hawkgirl pop up somewhere in the comics, let me know in the comments and I'll try to let all the Hawkfans know. Hawkworld on Facebook has passed over 9200 members, and Hawkworld on Threads is slowly climbing to 1,000 followers (745 at the time of this writing). Come join or give Hawkworld a follow if you haven't already. 
   As Better Midler would probably say, the fans are the wind beneath Hawkman's wings, so it's up to us Hawkfans to keep Hawkman and Hawkgirl soaring. Jim Lee won't be at the top forever, and it's always the darkest right before the dawn. Or in DC's case, after the Dawn. Keep soaring! 

Aldis Hodge Has Bad News for Hawkman Return in James Gunn's DC (Exclusive)

Art by Prentis Rollins (Commissined by Tim Board)

Jan 15, 2024

8th Anniversary of Hawkworld!

 

Commission by Prentis Rollins (Made specifically for Hawkworld)

     Hawkworld is celebrating our 8th anniversary today! It all started on Facebook on January 15, 2016. It's been eight years of ups and downs, but overall it has been an amazing time. It's been one of the most unbelievable experiences of my lifetime, and it has soared higher than I ever imagined when I started it. Of course, it would have never gotten off the ground and it wouldn't have lasted this long without all the fellow fans who have joined, followed, and contributed their art, cosplays, figures, comics, and opinions. So much has happened over the last eight years and I'm sure to forget some things but here's a look back at the highlights. 

Dec 30, 2023

Nighthawk and Cinnamon in Superman #9


   For those of you who know Hawkman and Hawkgirl's history, or if you read my History of Hawkman, you know that Nighthawk and Cinnamon are past lives of the Winged Wonders. The two make a surprise entrance in Superman #9 so we definitely want to check this out. Many thanks to Hawkworld Facebook member Ruben Rex Gomez for bringing it to my attention! Link: Superman #9 (League of Comic Geeks) 

Dec 29, 2023

Tim Board's Review of Hawkworld 2023

Hawkman and Hawkgirl by Bo Hampton 2023

   For Hawkman, Hawkgirl, and Hawkwoman fans, 2023 was a year of teases, endless waiting, cameos, and possibly the worst series featuring a Hawk character since Hawkman's debut in 1939. Here's a quick rundown of the year and a list of the comics where Hawkman, Hawkgirl, and Hawkman made some sort of appearance. 

Dec 20, 2023

Hawkgirl Review #6 by Tim Board

   

Amancay Nahuelpan

Derrick Chew

Jess Taylor

   The place where Hawkgirl ended up at the end of this series isn't bad, but my gawd what a convoluted way to do it. I tried to put out a review for issues #1-4, but I finally just skipped issue #5. I'm doing this review more as a way to wrap up what has turned out to be the absolute worst series involving any Hawk character in history. So if you thought this series was in any way good or competent, you might want to skip this review. I'll try to make it brief. 

Nov 20, 2023

The Complete History of Hawkman, Hawkwoman and Hawkgirl by Tim Board

   To celebrate Hawkman Day, I started writing a history of Hawkman, Hawkwoman, and Hawkgirl in the comics. The only problem is, I started writing it in 2021! Life can get busy and this project got shoved aside many times over the last 2 and a half years. I'm not a professional writer. The only things that I have to offer are my knowledge of the characters as I have seen them in the comics, and my love for the characters. I'm sure there are many mistakes and omissions in this history. I hope to add and fix it eventually, but I wanted to finally get this out for Hawkman Day this year so here it is. It is rather long and I will try to break it up later, but if you are a Hawksfan, I hope you enjoy going through their history and that the references will help you find what you are looking for. I don't know how much longer I will be able to do Hawkworld, but I'm glad I was able to finish this and get it out for Hawkman's 84th anniversary of his first appearance in Flash Comics No. 1, way back on November 20, 1939. Feel free to leave some comments after you finish reading. Thanks for always supporting Hawkworld! 

The Complete History of Hawkman, Hawkwoman and Hawkgirl by Tim Board

Nov 16, 2023

Now Just a Hawkworld Minute #004: Friend or Foe

 

   The friendship of Hawkman and Atom (Ray Palmer) is well-known among DC Comics fans. Ever since they first met back in Atom #7 in 1963, the heroes' friendship has been one of the strongest in the DCU. Hawkman values his friendships greatly. We have seen it in his friendships with Adam Strange and Barry Allen as well. But something very unexpected was revealed in Hawkman Vol. V #16 (Nov. 2019). 

   Through reincarnation, Hawkman is practically immortal. He has lived life after life through thousands, possibly millions of years. He has had to say goodbye to countless friends and family, again and again and again. That much loss has to take a toll, even if he is Hawkman. 

   In the issue written by Robert Venditti, Carter Hall teamed up with The Shade (Richard Swift) to defeat the Gentleman Ghost. After their victory, Carter presents Richard with a gift, a cane with a handle that looks like a Hawk. At first, Richard refuses, but Carter insists he take it and calls him a friend. 

   Venditti mentioned in an interview that Carter desired a friend who wouldn't die on him. A friend that would be around as long as he will be. When they defeated the Gentleman Ghost, Carter sensed some good in Richard, and here was someone who could be a friend whom he would not have to say goodbye to. Carter's desire to have a long-lasting friendship and his gift to Richard Swift is an unexpectedly endearing moment in the long history of Hawkman. 

Hawkman Vol. V #16
(November 2019)


Nov 14, 2023

Now Just a Hawkworld Minute! #003: It's All in the First Story

#003: It's All in the First Story   

   Hawkman and Hawkgirl first appeared in Flash Comics No. 1 (released on November 20, 1939), and they have evolved in many ways over the years. Yes, their costumes, weapons, and even origins have changed in some ways, but if a comics fan ever wants to understand the basics of the characters, they can go to the very first story by Gardner Fox. In this very first story, we can find the origin and keys to every Hawkman story. Carter Hall (Prince Khufu) and Shiera Sanders (Chay-ara) appeared together and reincarnation was introduced as a focal point of their story. A variation of similar-sounding names has continued to connect them to the silver age of comics and beyond. Carter Hall was introduced as a wealthy research scientist and archaeologist who owned a huge collection of ancient weapons and artifacts. We were also introduced to the origin of Hawkman's costume, powers, and weapons. Hawkman was the first DC Comics hero to fully have the power of flight, even before Superman or Green Lantern. The Nth Metal (Ninth Metal) which gives Hawkman his powers also made its first appearance in the very first story. It served as a memory trigger that would later be used in future stories. Their very first villain made his debut here as well. Hath-Set (Anton Hastor) would continue to show up and battle the Hawks over the years. Seeing how the foundation of Hawkman has remained mostly intact throughout the decades, you can see the genius of the creator.

Flash Comics No. 1 
(January 1940)

Golden Age Archives Hawkman No. 1
(February 2006)


Famous First Edition
(August 1975)

Secret Origins No. 11
(February 1987)

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. 

Nov 12, 2023

Hawkman and Hawkgirl News and Info (November 5-11)

The updates on Hawkman and Hawkgirl during the week of November 5-11!


Ranking the Best and Worst of the Total Justice and JLA Action Figure Lines (Batman News) 
The Hawkman figure of the line comes in at No. 23 and No. 9. The No. 23 version is everywhere. I've never seen the No. 9 version. 

No. 23!

No. 9!


8000 members! (Hawkworld Facebook)
Hawkworld Facebook reached 8000 members a few days ago. Hawkworld has several groups on multiple sites, but this is the first group of Hawkfans to reach 8000 members! It took eight years, but the group is as active as ever. 


November 10 was the third anniversary of the final issue of Robert Venditti's Hawkman series being released. There has been very little for the Hawks in the last three years. Click the link to see where they have appeared during the last three years. 


Hawkman Day (Hawkworld) 
Hawkman Day was started back in the first year that I started Hawkworld (2016), and many sites have acknowledged November 20 as Hawkman Day since Hawkman appeared for the first time in the comics on November 20, 1939. Hawkman Day has even been mentioned in the biography of Gardner Fox by author Jennifer DeRoss. DC Comics has yet to acknowledge it in any way shape or form. While numerous DC heroes and villains have received a 20th, 75th, or 80th-anniversary issue to celebrate the special day, Hawkman and Hawkgirl have not. I doubt DC even realizes that it passed them by.  Click the link for the article I posted on the 80th anniversary 4 years ago. Also, the collage is what I put together to celebrate the event. 


That's it for this week. There have been some sites going over the same James Gunn Hawkgirl news but right now, the pickings are slim for Hawkfans. However, there are always back issues! Here are the series I definitely recommend for you to dive into if you haven't yet. Good luck in finding them! 

Hawkman Vol. 1 (27 issues)
1964-1968

The Shadow War of Hawkman 
and Hawkman Vol. 1 (22 issues)
1985-1987


Hawkworld Vol. 1 (3 issues)
1989

Legend of the Hawkman 
3 issues (2000)


Nov 11, 2023

Three Years Ago: The Hawkman Vol. V Run Came to an End

    

   On November 10, 2020, Hawkman Vol. V by Robert Venditti came to a close. It started in June 2018, ran for 29 issues, and gave Hawkman (Carter Hall III) and Hawkwoman (Shayera Hol II) a fantastic reunion and a wonderful future. It expanded on Hawkman and Hawkwoman's origins, their relationship, Hawkman's friendship with Atom and even The Shade, and gave new abilities and even a new ship. It has become many Hawkfans' favorite Hawkman series of all time. So what has happened during the last three years? 

Nov 8, 2023

Hawkworld Facebook Reaches 8000 Members!

 

It all started on Facebook on January 15, 2016. I started Hawkworld Twitter (currently 7600 members) and it just...took off. I was expecting/hoping for 500 members, but the Facebook site reached 8000 members today. It's great for characters like Hawkman and Hawkgirl to see that much support while DC is practically ignoring Hawkman while putting out what is arguably the worst Hawk series in their 84-year history. Hawkfans are resilient if nothing else. There have been many highlights over the last eight years. Many thanks to all the members, Hawkfans, creators, and even the family members of the creators (GardnervFox, Joe Kubert, etc.) for such an amazing flight. Let's keep soaring! 

Oct 21, 2023

Hawkgirl #4 Review by Tim Board

 

   (Spoiler Alert) 

   OK, let me try to go through the basics of the story. Vulpecula goes into Galaxy's past for unknown reasons. She reveals her true form of a Fox and opens up a doorway to the Nth world to release a dragon. The dragon attacks Metropolis. Supergirl and Steel show up but the dragon easily wipes them out. Galaxy forms a protection around Hawkgirl with her past lives so that she can use some kind of light sword and cut off the dragon's head. Kendra is exhausted after the battle and suddenly furious at Carter and Shayera for getting their reward. Vulpecula suddenly shows up and goes into Kendra's past. To be continued. 

Oct 15, 2023

Hawkman and Hawkgirl News and Info (October 8-14)

 

Here is where the Hawks showed up this week! 

The Secret Files and Origins: Hawkman (October 2002)

10 Most Surprising Professions of Justice League Members in DC History (Gobookmart)
   About 15 heroes were listed, and the Hawks as museum curators were on the list as well. This was kind of surprising because the Hawks' use of weapons and their knowledge of archaeology made them perfect for the job. Even Shayera says in a Superman team-up story that she knows more about archaeology than most of the Ph.D.s on the planet. But the article does note that the job was a perfect fit for them. 

Oct 8, 2023

Hawkman and Hawkgirl News and Info (October 1-7)


   Things are a bit slow in Hawkworld at the moment, so news-worthy updates are a bit hard to come by. The Hawks are still popping up here in there, mostly in CBR's Top Ten lists and updates-that-aren't-really-updates on Hawkgirl in Superman Legacy articles. If alert Hawkfans notice something in the news, throw me a message here or on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, or Mastodon and I'll add it to the next update! Keep soaring! 

Black Adam (2022)

Sep 27, 2023

Follow Hawkworld!

   Give Hawkworld a follow! I've never made this request for the Hawkworld blog before, but with social media going through constant changes (ex. Xitter), I want to solidify Hawkworld's support so fans can keep up with Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Hawkwoman, and the other Hawkworld characters through this site. If you haven't done so already, I've provided some ways to show your support for Hawkworld. 

1. Subscribe 
    I've posted two Subscribe links provided by Blogger on the blog. There is a button near the top right and also near the bottom right. Try that and see how it works for you. 

2. RSS
    Many people still use their RSS feed to follow their favorite sites. Add Hawkworld for updates!

3. Follow 
    To show your support for the site, please click the FOLLOW button near the bottom right of the page. Before putting out the word a couple days ago, there were only eight followers, but after a post on some sites, the number has been going up! My goal (for now): 1000 followers! Let's show the comic community the Hawkfans' love for the characters! 

If there are other ways that you follow Hawkworld, let me know in the comments section and I'll add it to the list for other fans. As always, thanks for supporting Hawkworld! 

Sep 19, 2023

Hawkgirl #3 Review by Tim Board

 

   (Spoilers! You have been warned.)

   Just some random thoughts after reading the third issue of Hawkgirl. 

   Ever since Kendra Saunders appeared in 1999, she has been a bit of a tortured soul. She is that way for good reason, but after 24 years, you start to wish she could start to get a handle on things, especially the things in her head. That is not the case in this series. She is carrying all kinds of self-doubt and hard feelings. We keep getting shots of her curled up in a fetal position on the floor by a couch. The only things she seems to have going for her are her Nth metal and her anger.