Customer Reviews

Hawkman: Allies & Enemies (Book 2)

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"Starman" by James Robinson was my favourite comic for many, many years. In fact, it was the book that introduced me to the fascinating world of DC Comics' "Golden Age" and its colourful characters. I was genuinely distressed when it ended some years back (and I'm not alone, check out the reviews on the many "Starman" TPBs to see that). Therefore, I am genuinely thankful that James Robinson is continuing his magic (with Geoff Johns, another of my favourite writers) on the newly revived "Hawkman" title.

While the first volume ("Endless Flight") helped to introduce us to the characters and the city of St. Roch, this second volume is where the book actually takes flight. Those who loved "Starman" for its many "Times Past" storyline will be pleased to know that the same thing is happening here in "Hawkman" with its "Lives Past" (the first of which is reprinted here with Hawkman/Hawkgirl in the old West). This volume also reintroduced the "Gentleman Ghost" Jim Craddock, a Golden Age villain who bears comparison to the great character of The Shade in "Starman". All in all, like "Starman", we again have a book that is truly modern and yet is rooted in history - paying homage to the work of "Times Past".

Further bonus: The Atom guest stars in this book, Hawkgirl discovers the truth behind her parents' murder and we see some real developments in the relationship between Hawkman and Hawkgirl. Finally, the whole package is presented to us by the breath-takingly beautiful art of Rags Morales (inked by Michael Bair) and Don Kramer. The equally gorgeous painted covers by Andrew Robinson and John Watson are included in the back of the book.

This book is heartily recommended to everyone who loves the romance, chivalry and rich history of superhero comics.

Hawkman and the Atom work well together, and a surprise betrayal that you don't see coming. Robinson's artwork is very nice, too. This is more of the eternal triangle of love, death and assassination that Hawkman, Hawkgirl, and their enemy Hath-Set have been trapped in for thousands of years. This time it comes from a very unlikely source.

Reprinting #s 7-12 of the current "Hawkman" series, "Allies & Enemies" covers a lot of ground, the various issues within taking on different ideas and being different kinds of books while still maintaining the coherency of the series.

Number 7 is the 'Past Lives' issue, covering a pair of Hawkman and Hawkgirl's previous incarnations in the DC Universe, those of Nighthawk and Cinnamon in the Old West, two characters who actually previously existed in the DC Universe but, I believe, hadn't been used for years and years and who I don't think ever had any connection to the Hawks until this current series. It's amazing how the Hawkman creative team is taking old and seldom-seen characters and making them into big parts of this series. Great issue for Hawkman fans, great issue for those who bemoan the scant existance of Western comics (once so plentiful on the scene) on the scene today, great book period. My only complaint is I would have liked the 'Past Lives' thing to run a few more issues, each book tackling a different period and set of incarnations. There's so much to the backhistory (spanning thousands of years!) of these eternally reincarnated characters yet to tell - just one more reason to hope the series makes it to # 500 and beyond, to have room to fit everything in.

Numbers 8 and 9 are both 'junction' issues (tying in a number of plotlines - pre-established ones and hints of upcoming ones) and interpersonal issues, with The Atom getting feature treatment along with the regulars in # 8 (very fitting, since he and Hawkman once shared an ongoing title on a regular basis and Dr. Fate joining the stars on center stage in the ninth. Both are dramatic, moving and exceptionally well done. Number nine is also getting into increasingly disturbing territory, as details of Hawkgirl's harrowing past (in this lifetime) begin to come out. Neither is going to over well with readers who prefer for every issue of each series to be all fighting and action, all the time. I love the mammoth battles as much as anyone, but I love the kind of thing we get in these issues too. Neither would be as effective without the other; the different atmospheres and different tones within a series play off one another and make the whole much better.

For numbers 10-12, there's less one can say without giving away plot points of earlier issues, both those in this book and in the previous 6 issues (aka the "Hawkman: Endless Flight" Trade Paperback). Suffice it to say they're more high adventure-oriented, they continue the trend of taking the Hawkman series to locales less seen in the DCU by going to the Himalayas and yes, the yetis are here. Some of the best-looking yetis ever drawn, ensorceled by evil magic into a deadly fighting force.

Needless to say (if you're familiar with the series at all) the art is impeccable. The supporting cast continues to grow and come more and more alive with each issue. And the Hawks are becoming as integral a part of the overall DC Universe as Superman and Batman.

Outstanding; extremely recommended.