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

Hawkman and Hawkgirl News and Info (November 12-18)

Here are the news and articles we got for Hawkman and Hawkgirl last week! 

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)

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)

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. 

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. 

Three Years since Hawkman Vol. V ended (Hawkworld) 

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)

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? 

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! 

Hawkman and Hawkgirl News and Info (October 22-28)

 

Here are the places Hawkman and Hawkgirl showed up this week! 

Hawkman and Hawkgirl News and Info (October 15-21)

Here are the news and articles that featured or included the Hawks this week. 

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. 

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. 

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)

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! 

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. 

The Timeline of Hawkman and Hawkgirl Comics

Here is the timeline for Hawkman and Hawkgirl fans that I made today for my fellow Hawkfans. The print is a bit small, but I wanted to fit everything on it. If you click the pic, you can see it a bit better. If you want the original PDF file, e-mail me at houseofhawkman@gmail.com, and I'll send it to you the first chance I get. 

Hawkgirl #2 Review by Tim Board

 

   This review is full of spoilers, so if you haven't read it yet, then please come back after you do. Also, if you're a fan of the writer of this book, you might want to skip this as well. Sorry, gotta be honest. Anyway, let's take a look.

CBR Article: Writer Gardner Fox May Have Been DC's Version of Stan Lee.

   CBR put out an article about who would be DC's Stan Lee, and it basically concludes that Gardner Fox contributed just as much or even more to the world of superhero comics as Stan Lee did. The multiverse, the first superhero teams, and many superheroes are just a few of Gardner Fox's contributions to comics. He may not have created a character as big as Spider-man, Superman, or Batman, but his many creations continue to appear in the comics and movies today. Hawkman, Flash, Doctor Fate, Sandman, and Zatanna are just a few of his creations. There is no doubt that the world of comics would look very, very different without Gardner Fox. I think it's high time he gets the recognition that he deserves. This article is a small step, but very needed. Here's the link to the article.

    If you want to read about Gardner Fox, Jennifer DeRoss wrote a fantastic biography on his life and work in 2019. "The Forgotten All-Star: A Biography of Gardner Fox" is a great account of not only Fox's life, but also a great record of the history of comics itself. Every comic book fan should own a copy. She even managed to mention yours truly in the book as well! An honor I'll never be able to wrap my head around! Here's a link to order the book! 

CBR Article: DC's Couples Ranked (Guess Who's No. 1?)

Mikel Janin

    DC Comics has many iconic couples, most going back decades. Their love and commitment to each other is a constant theme through their stories. There may be times when they fall away from each other, but they always find their way back to each other. Hawkman and Hawkwoman are one of those couples. Geoff Johns (JSA, Hawkman Vol. 4), Bruce Tim (Justice League Unlimited) and other writers have tried to destroy their love story and put them with other heroes, but it hasn't worked. Carter Hall/Katar Hol and Shiera Sanders/Shayera Hol have always ended up back together. 
    As with Superman and Lois Lane, or with Oliver Queen and Black Canary, you cannot tell the story of Hawkman and Hawkwoman without the other. Their story started together back in 1939 (Flash Comics No. 1) and it continues 84 years later. DC Comics may be ignoring one of their great love stories and promoting Hawkgirl/Kendra Saunders, who may or may not be bisexual with no real partner in her new mini-series, but when a writer who respects their history and the fans of the characters writes Hawkman and Hawkwoman, you can be sure that they will be together again. 
    In a recent CBR article, Cailyn Szelenski attempts to rank the couples of DC Comics. This is a bold attempt, and it may ruffle some feathers of fans of other heroes, but it's nice to see the Hawks be spotlighted in this way. Let's hope that DC Comics will wake up and give them a home for fans to go visit them once again. 

ARTICLE LINK

DC Comics 2023 October Solicitations

   After searching through an insane amount of Batman comics, I found two comics that Hawkfans can look forward to in October 2023! Here's the list and links to the League of Comics page! 

Hawkgirl #4 (October 17): The fourth issue of the Hawkgirl series. We're already in the last half of the series. There appear to be one cover and two variants. LINK

Amancay Nahuelpan

Sweeny Boo

Derrick Chew

Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #1 (October 17): Hawkgirl is on the main cover and Hawkman is doing his Where's Wally imitation on a variant cover. LINK

Christian Duce

Alan Quah

Here is the full list of Batman Comics October solicitations! LINK