Hawkgirl #1: I Can Fly Higher Than An Eagle…

Following the events of Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, and the dissolvement of the Justice League, DC launched a new initiative, the Dawn of DC, that’s using the branding to establish a whole cavalcade of new titles dedicated to luring in new readers as well as revitalize excitement from older fans. The Dawn of DC features a solid mix of A-listers, like Williamson & Campbell’s Superman, King & Sampere’s Wonder Woman, Taylor, and Scott’s Titans, to this week’s Hawkgirl by Jadzia Axelrod and Amancay Nahuelpan. Like the rest of the books that have already dropped, as well as those still to come, we see the main character starting from scratch as they try to get their lives together and move on. 

Following the events of Dark Crisis, Kendra is finally back, this time setting up shop in Metropolis, as she attempts to make sense of the mess that is her continuity. We meet a friend from her past, as well as setting up a new threat that’s linked to Nth Metal, which, unless you’ve never read a single Hawkman-related comic, knows that’s where they derive their power of flight, super strength, healing, factor, etc., and from the looks of things Axelrod and Nahuelpan are going to be adding to the mythology of this mysterious metal. Since the first Dark Nights: Metal event, DC has been slowly building up the importance of this metal in the DC universe, making it the equivalent of Vibranium. 

DC’s decision to elevate this metal’s importance is a novel idea. They don’t have a metal that’s of this exact equivalent only because what was once considered a scarce metal in the Marvel universe it’s changed a lot since Black Panther has been elevated in his role of the Marvel cosmology; it seems what once was a scarce metal is now found in almost every hi-tech device every other month. The same thing might happen to Nth metal, but for now, I’ll enjoy its somewhat limited exposure, especially with the new unnamed villain who looks to have some connection to the metal. There’s a subplot involving this new character who’s tying Kendra’s grandmother, that’s connecting the metal to Kendra, and her bloodline, which, if you’re a fan of the Hawks, you’ll know that bloodlines and the act of reincarnation are heavily tied into their mythos. I can’t wait to see where the team goes from here.

Amancay Nahuelpan is on art duties here and pulling out all the stops. Kendra and her new digs, as well as her new friend, look great. The way he draws Kendra and the other characters, they come across as alive, with natural chemistry. Plus, the way he renders Galaxy and his new friend/possible upcoming trans breakout star, Abilene, gives Kendra a fresh start from the drama and baggage she’s amassed since the Rebirth era began. Not everything hits, though. There are a few scenes where the proportions are just a tad wonky, but otherwise, it’s a solid start for this mini.