Hawkman (vol.4) #1 (May, 2002)
"First Impressions"
Story - Geoff Johns & James Robinson
Pencils - Rags Morales
Inks - Michael Bair
Colors - John Kalisz
Separations - Heroic Age
Letters - Bill Oakley
Assistant Editor - Morgan Dontanville
Editor - Peter Tomasi
Cover Price: $2.50
If you've ever thumbed through this blog, you might've noticed the lack of Hawkman material covered here... and there's a reason for that! I really can't bring myself to care about the character. Well, I take that back... I've only ever cared about the character once, and it was during the era we're going to be discussing today.
Now, don't take what I just said as a sign that I don't like the character... I do. I think he's great as a hard-ass member of a team, and don't mind him making guest appearances in other books... I just don't care enough about his trappings nor his janked history to follow an actual series wherein he is the star. Except... for the era we're going to discuss today.
This spins out of one of my favorite series's's's's of all-time, JSA. It was during The Return of Hawkman (which we really ought to get to here at the blog), that I started to dig the character. Stood to reason that I'd dig the ongoing as well, and so... I gave it a shot.
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We open in New York City. There is a small passenger plane in the midst of being hijacked... but, they don't get all that far before Hawkman and the JSA arrive on the scene. Carter doesn't waste any time before bashing his way into the cockpit.
The pilot loses control of the small rig, but Hawkman is able to right the flight with his might! He tosses the baddies out, and they are snagged by members of the Justice Society. Power Girl calls out to Carter for a job well done... but he doesn't seem to be in the mood for talking at the moment.
We shift scenes to Ironwood, Michigan where Speed Saunders is repairing his hot air balloon... while it's in the middle of a flight! Now, Speed Saunders is an oldie... actually made his first appearance way back in Detective Comics #1 (March, 1937), if ya believe it. He is the cousin of Shiera Saunders (the original Hawkgirl), and is the grand-uncle to Kendra Saunders (the current Hawkgirl). Speaking of Kendra, she's just arrived to chat Speed up about the Stonechat Museum in St. Roch, Louisiana.
Speed recognizes St. Roch... it's the city where Kendra's parents were murdered. Kendra starts having doubts as to whether or not Speed has always been on the up and up with her regarding the passing of her folks... and begins questioning a lot of what he's told her. She decides to look into it herself... and asks that her grand-uncle does not contact Hawkman. She wants to do this herself. Naturally, no sooner is she out of panel, than Speed is on the phone with Carter.
Next, we're introduced to the city of St. Roch. As far as I know, this is it's first appearance (though, I could be mistaken). It's a port town, reminds me of New Orleans... which, I'm pretty sure it's supposed to. Carter's narration describes it as being culturally and politically divided... and dirty.
We rejoin Hawkgirl inside the Stonechat Museum. She's looking for a man named Danny Evans. She tries to get some answers out of someone who appears to be in charge... but doesn't get far. The fella doesn't believe she is who she says she is. He's met Hawkgirl, ya see. Just then... Hawkman struts in, and suddenly everyone's doubts are lifted.
Carter greets the gentleman. Turns out he's Oliver Evans, Danny's father. Hawkman explains the Hawkgirl situation... which only seems to make Kendra's blood boil. I get it... I think many of us have been in a situation where our credibility is questioned... until someone perceived as being credible vouches for us. It's humbling... and holy cow, is it frustrating.
Anyhoo, Kendra hands over a telegraph from Danny Evans to her parents, Michael and Trina Saunders... warning them not to pursue an exhibit. Oliver explains that Danny is an archaeologist, and is currently on an expedition in Punjab, India.
Also... that they haven't heard a peep out of him in over two days. Looks like Danny might be in some trouble.
We shift scenes to the posh estate of a man with a meticulously manicured mustache. He receives a call about the Hawks snooping around the Museum... which he doesn't seem to be a fan of. Oh, he also really wants The Third Eye of Shiva... which just so happens to be the relic Danny Evans is currently after. Before hanging up, he orders that Bloque be called in to take care of the birds.
Back in St. Roch, Hawkgirl is getting ready to fly off to India in order to track down Danny. Hawkman isn't so sure it's a good idea. As he goes to take off after her, he is grabbed by the ankle and slammed into a nearby car. This baddie... is Bloque. His powers seem to be that he can block (bloque?) out the senses of whoever he's fighting. First he blocks Carter's ability to hear.
Then... his ability to see!
Just as he's about to go in for the kill... he is struck on the side by a crazy-looking knife. Then... he's crushed by a car. Turns out, Hawkgirl hadn't made it all that far yet.
Together, the Hawks beat the hell out of Bloque. The police arrive and refer to the big guy as the "Most Wanted Hitman in St. Roch". When I think of "hitmen", I don't think about someone dressed quite as loudly as this fella. Well, unless he's a Canadian pro-wrestler, I guess. Anyhoo, he's hauled away.
We wrap up with Carter and Kendra deciding to head to India together. Working together suits them... even if it's not as the fabled lovers we might be used to.
Odd note: We learn that Shiera didn't like hamburgers. What's not to love about burgers?!
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A pretty good opener... and one that really side-steps much of the mishegas regarding Hawkman's tortured (and fractured) history. You don't need to know all that much to pick this issue up and enjoy it. It's an issue where a conflict is established, a mission statement is (sorta) said, and we get a bit of action so the characters can flex their wings.
The dynamic between the Hawks here is really neat. I love the idea of Kendra bucking tradition/fate/legend/whatever. She doesn't just fall into this romantic relationship simply because she's told she has to... or that she's supposed to, because it's the way it's always gone down. A lot of interesting story spurs to travel down here.
Gotta say, that scene where old man Evans ain't buying Kendra's story until Carter vouches for her? That one kinda hit me where it hurts. I feel like I've been in just that situation a time or two... and it always burned my ass. I'm not a terribly egocentric guy... but, at the same time, the thought of having my credibility questioned (when it's unnecessary) makes my teeth itch.
I like the addition of St. Roch to DC's fictional United States of America. I've always been a sucker for made up city "analogues". Not sure why... maybe it helps me to disconnect from the real world a bit easier.
While I enjoyed this quite a bit... it's really just a set-up issue, which means there isn't a whole heckuva lot to say about it. I'd say that this (and the JSA arc that proceeded it) might be one of the easier ways to "get into" Hawkman. I know it worked for me... unfortunately though, it turned out to be the only take that really clicked for me.
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Starman (vol.2) #1 (November, 1994)
"Sins of the Father, Part Two: Oil (Paint) and Water"
Writer - James Robinson
Pencils - Tony Harris
Inks - Wade Von Grawbadger
Letters - John Workman
Colors - Gregory Wright
Assistant Editor - Chuck Kim
Associate Editor - Jim Spivey
Editor - Archie Goodwin
Cover Price: $1.95
I sit here today... one aching unit. Thanksgiving turned out to be a fourteen hour sprint... and, who am I kidding, I loved every minute of it. It was a wonderful day at the palatial Christate... and I hope you and yours had a great one too!
Speaking of great... today we're going to take a look at Starman (vol.2) #1... and the first thing that pops into my head is "Man, how ticked off would I be if I bought this not knowing there was an issue zero?"
Well, let's find out...
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We open with a shadowy (shadowy) gentleman writing in his shadowy (shadowy) journal. He waxes poetic about Opal City and conducts himself in a fancy manner. As this is going down, news reports are lit up about a rash of crimes happening all over the City. Smaller crimes... to distract from the bigger ones... which distract from the even bigger ones. It looks like Opal might be just about to bloom into a full-blown riot situation.
Meanwhile, Jack Knight is visiting his father in the hospital. They have a pretty contentious discussion... which isn't entirely without precedent. Jack clues his Pop in that he just had a bullet removed from his leg... a claim that is backed up by a trio of carrot-topped officers... the O'Dares.
The Knight men keep talking... and arguing about, well... a lot of things. Tonight's events have dredged up a whole lot of bitterness between the two. Jack mocking his brother for taking the mantle of Starman... how the "junk dealer" survived, when the hero did not. Hell, even new business like losing Pemberton's Cosmic Belt. He tells Jack that the "Cosmic Rod" he holds isn't even the real deal, only a "Gravity Rod"... complete with 1940's era technology, which... ya know, kinda fits Jack's style.
Jack heads outside the hospital room, and runs into yet another O'Dare... Hope. She tries cheering Jack up... by posing like she's in an ad for blue jeans, and attempting to instill within him how important family is. Well, it's the thought that counts.
She begins to tell a story... and in a really neat bit, Jack flat out tells her he doesn't want to hear it. I feel like that sort of thing doesn't happen enough in comics. Characters are usually more than happy to let a perfect stranger drone on, so long as it provides a bit of exposition. As neat as it was, though, Hope tells the story anyway. Ya see, back in the 1940's, Starman (Jack's dad) saved the Elder O'Dares' life while he was on patrol. Ever since, the O'Dares have sworn to help Starman/Starmen, no matter what.
Suddenly, Ted Knight receives a call... a very threatening one, and one that informs him that both of his sons are dead. Of course, we know better. Also... outside the hospital, it looks like the entire City is on fire!
The caller tells Ted that he's going to take everything away from him. His sons... his home... his science... the safety of his City... and next, the memory of his dead wife. It's clear that Ted recognizes the caller...
Jack asks who it was... and, duh... it was The Mist. Ted insists that Jack get outta dodge. Since The Mist thinks both Knight boys are dead, it would be best for his unheroic son to git while the gittin' is good. He also doesn't seem all that worried about The Mist's latest threat, after all... his wife was cremated. No body to desecrate. Jack hesitates, but finally leaves.
We rejoin Jack at the bus station. Over the news, it's reported that the Opal County Museum has just been attacked... more specifically, the Adele Knight wing. Did ol' Ted really not see this coming? C'mon pal, I know you've had a night, but still.
Turns out, this was the last bit of prodding Jack needed to enter the fray. He lights up the gravity rod, and flies into action.
He arrives atop the museum (or at least a building near the museum) and proceeds to pounce on a masked goon. Onlookers are shocked, and celebrate the fact that the rumors of Starman's demise appear to have been exaggerated. Our shadowy (shadowy) friend, however, knows better.
Jack continues kicking butt, until Kyle Mist shows up. If you recall, he's the one who blew up Jack's Junk Shop last issue. Jack flees, but winds up in the drink. Seems a little bit odd, but I suppose we'll allow it. Kyle and his goons give a half-hearted chase, but decide not to dredge the waters to find him.
Inside, even more goons proceed to loot the place, stealing artwork and whatnot. Our shadowy (shadowy) friend is there looking on, before deciding to reveal himself as being... The Shade. He manifests a beast which eats some of the baddies, all the while reveling in his own purple prose. This is definitely not a dude I'd wanna be stuck in an elevator with.
We wrap up with Jack (at least I think it's Jack... I don't think they've settled on an actual model for him yet) pulling himself out of the water... and coming to the decision that he will not leave Opal City.
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I sometimes stop to think about "bubbles" in fandom. Or really, in all walks of life. Could be career/trade-specific jargon, could be "inside-baseball"... there's just certain bits of verbiage that you've gotta be "inside" to fully appreciate... or, heck, understand at all. As a pro-wrestling fan, I cringe at what the uninitiated must think a "Triple H" is.
What I'm talking about here is... this is the first issue of a new ongoing series, correct? Does it seem like a new-reader friendly outing to you? Now, this is not an indictment on the quality of the story contents... this is more an observation as just how backwards the comics industry can be. Catering to "the bubble"... the already-fans who knew issue #0's could (and would) be "a thing".
Actually, take new-readers (of the day) out of it altogether. Imagine being comics-curious today, and happening across this issue in the bins. You might've heard good things about this Starman series (because, really... who hasn't?), and you snap it up... take it home... annnnnnnd, you're completely lost! That shouldn't be the case, especially not when you're holding a book with a "#1" atop it.
I could segue into kvetching about how many inaccessible #1's we've gotten in the past decade... but, I'd probably only rile myself up... and devolve into writing in all-caps with no vowels or something.
Onto the issue itself. It was another good one... Robinson is definitely just as interested in building the world of Opal City as he is in developing Jack Knight's character... it's a wonderful marriage of concepts, and really scratches me where I itch. I've given lackluster stories a pass because of how ambitious the world building behind it was... so, having this be so good on top of all that? It makes for a really good time... and a great read.
Tony Harris... wasn't really my jam back in the long ago, however, I really couldn't think of a better artist for this series. The character models are kind of all over the place at this early point, but the "mood" of Opal City cannot be denied. This is a great tandem, Robinson and Harris.
Overall... I mean, what can I say? This is a book any fans of DC Comics should go out of their way to check out. Just remember to start with #0! This issue is available digitally.
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Starman (vol.2) #0 (October, 1994)
"Sins of the Father, Part One: Falling Star, Rising Son"
Writer - James Robinson
Pencils - Tony Harris
Inks - Wayne Von Grawbadger
Letters - John E. Workman
Colors - Gregory Wright
Associate Editor - Jim Spivey
Editor - Archie Goodwin
Cover Price: $1.95
There's that odd mix of pumpkin and meat in the air... March of the Wooden Soldiers is on the tv... and my back and feet already ache. Why, that's gotta make today Thanksgiving, doesn't it?
Happiest of Thanksgivings to everyone... hope you all have a wonderful day (whether you celebrate or not).
Some friendly advice from your bloggy brother, there are two things you never discuss around the family dinner table... variant covers and decompressed storytelling. Family is forever, remember not to turn on each other over the small stuff!
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We open with a (somewhat syrupy) introduction to Opal City... which I'm sure I slurped up with a straw the first time I read this as a teen-agery type person. It's also here we meet... Starman, David Knight. He looks down upon Opal, and smiles with the knowledge that he is the only Starman. Will Payton is dead... and he assumes Mikaal Tomas is too. Dave triumphantly goes to fly...
... he does not make it far.
This takes us into flashback land. It's earlier that night, and David is arguing with his brother Jack about some "old stuff" Jack's trying to buy from him. Their father, Ted Knight (the Golden-Age Starman) stands by, and doesn't seem terribly enthralled by the conversation. The discussion shifts to David inheriting the mantle, to which Jack is all "I didn't want it anyway... oh, and also... you look stupid." This comment seems to have burrowed under Ted's skin, and so, he gives him the boot... til Sunday dinner, of course.
From here, we follow Jack as he goes about his business. He picks up a package from a dry cleaner, chats up a tattoo artist, and grabs some goods from a barber shop. It's revealed here that Jack's kind of an old soul... really stuck on "old things", so much so that he runs an old junk shop. He enters, and thinks to himself how much he loves the smell of "old things"... I feel like we comics enthusiasts can second that emotion.
Time passes, and Jack receives a phone call from his father... and learns that his brother David was killed. Ted warns his son to keep vigilant, just in case this was a sort of personal vendetta. He continues, saying that there is a Cosmic Rod, and also a Cosmic Belt (that used to belong to Sylvester Pemberton) among some documents he'd given to Jack for review. Jack argues that he doesn't want to use 'em...
Ted hangs up and heads out to the morgue to identify his son's body. No sooner does he leave, than his observatory explodes! During the blast, Ted is struck by a brick.
Back at Jack's Junk Shop, a strange man enters... and inquires about some precious stones. Jack doesn't have many, but can refer him to a dealer who might. He then asks about weapons... which triggers our fight scene.
The man starts blasting the hell out of the place. It looks like this particular pistol shoots both bullets... and fire? Okay. Anyhoo, as Jack attempts to flee to the back room (where that Cosmic Rod is supposed to be), he winds up taking a bullet in the back of the leg.
The strange man follows... and decides to keep the Cosmic Belt for himself. What's more... he recognizes it!
He then takes aim, and goes for the killing shot(s) on Jack. Fortunately, in the time it took for this weirdo to admire the Cosmic Belt, Jack was able to back-flip into the flames and procure the Rod.
The stranger decides to just go all-in... figuring there's no way Jack would survive the fire anyway... he drops a grenade in the shop.
Jack manages to get out just in the nick of time.
We shift scenes over to a brother and sister... they are Kyle (the weirdo from the store) and Nash, a young woman with a stutter. It's made plainly clear that these two are responsible for wrecking all'a the havoc on the Knight family this evening...
... and they are doing so on behalf of their father... (the Golden-Age villain) the Mist! They're sure both Knight boys are dead... but have not killed ol' Ted.
We wrap up with Jack trying to get his bearings. We can tell he's thrown for a loop, since he refers to his brother here as "Danny" instead of David. That's gotta be worth a "No-Prize", right?
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We've talked a time or two before about series' that... while they hold a special place in our hearts, they're somewhat difficult to return to. My mind immediately goes to something like Peter David's Young Justice when I think of that. Starman (vol.2) might be another.
I missed out on this the first time around, and so, when they started releasing trade paperback collections, I scooped 'em up, devoured 'em, and loved 'em! These were the sorta lousy "incomplete" trades before they added all of the niceties we have these days. I've tried time and again to return to them over the years, and for whatever reason, just can't get as into it. I usually only make it through the first trade, before putting Jack and Company back on the shelf.
That said, I had a really good time with this issue. Sure, it's a bit "purple" in places, though... I'm pretty sure that's due to who our narrator will eventually be revealed to be, so it makes sense. If that's not the case, and I'm remembering wrong... woof, this is a li'l bit o' preciousness in the narration here.
Let's talk about Jack. He's not entirely likable here, though it's somewhat easy to see his position. He's part of a family with an established "business", which he is reluctant to join. Nothing we haven't seen before, but done incredibly well. Jack's got his passions, and superheroics/superheroing are not among them.
As a person who is perhaps a bit too nostalgic for his own good (including things I wasn't even around for), I can identify with Jack... as, I'm sure, can many comics enthusiasts. He mentions the "smell" old things have... and, c'mon... what's more intoxicating than the smell of decomposing newsprint? If I could bottle it, I would. There's a certain magic to it... so much history, so much passion... it's really one of the best things ever.
I've often thought about when nostalgia became capital... we see Jack's Junk Store, and realize that people do make their livings helping people relive their past... or at least reclaim old treasures. I've solicited opinions on the subject from a bunch of people (and did a fair amount of reading as well), and one of the more popular points of view is that nostalgia became "a thing" around the time oldies stations popped up on the radio.
Never before were entire generations able to imbibe in the sweet taste of yesteryear with such ease. I think there might be something to that. I started this portion of the discussion be admitting to having difficulty revisiting books of either a certain vintage... or ones I discovered at a certain age. I cited Young Justice and this book... which, I'm almost positive I discovered around the same time. Nostalgia (good and bad) is a funny thing... can really skew your perceptions, and alter your point of view.
With the rise of digital everything... I shudder at the thought of the potential age of arrested development we might be on the cusp of entering! Why move forward when everything in the rear view was so much fun?
Okay, now I'm just babbling... when I ought to be basting (the turkey, that is). I'll just leave it there. This is a wonderful title that I'd recommend anyone and everyone pick up. I think I'm going to try and revisit a few more of these in the coming days... see how rose-colored my glasses might become! This series has been collected eight ways to Sunday (hell, it'll probably get a ridiculous and unnecessary DC Black Label branding soon enough... if it hasn't already), and is available digitally (for a buck!).
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