Endless Flight

Combines the first 6 issues of the current volume, and part of the Secret Files #1. Written by Geoff Johns, and drawn by Rags Morales. I knew next to nothing about the character and his complex history, but had high hopes in the creative team. Hawkman is now a favorite character of mine! He's conservative, and he's not afraid to swing a big hammer at bad guys -- what's not to love about that? Here's the skinny on Hawk... he has been reincarnated several times throughout history, along with Hawkgirl. They both have a love for history (and usually each other). They both have unique powers (including flight) that come from the planet Thanagar. Until this most recent reincarnation, they have retained the memories of previous lives, but this time HG doesn't remember ever being in love with HM. Green Arrow (DC's idealist liberal) has a 2-issue crossover, and it's brilliant. This is an outstanding "Indiana Jones meets Stargate" type comic. HIGHLY recommended.

I'd like to preface this review by saying that I have this material, but not in this format; I have the original comic books reprinted in this Trade Paperback, and the Secret Files book, part of which is reprinted herein. I highly urge anyone who buys this to get the full "Hawkman Secret Files # 1" comic as well; I find the DC Secret Files books to be indispensable in getting the full impact of the series they cover (besides which, they're tremendous reads on their own merits). In Hawkman's case, the full Secret Files is even more necessary than usual, due to the characters's admittedly convoluted histories. However, everything you need to know is condensed into the files for the main characters, which is not to say you may not want to go back and read the previous stories anyway. On to the main focus: the first six issues of the current (and brilliant) ongoing "Hawkman" series are here, all of them rating a perfect 10/10 except for # 4, whose sole flaw was that it should have been longer; it's as if the creative team had to cram 2 comics worth into a single issue, although it remains stronger than it should have been if that were indeed the case. The 2-issue Green Arrow arc (nos. 5 & 6) is one of the very best 2-issue arcs I've read in over two decades of reading comic books. Some random thoughts: Hawkman himself, while never straying from being a noble defender of the innocent and persecuted, is truly the most savage hero the DC Universe has ever seen. The creative team, led by co-writers Geoff Johns & James Robinson and penciller Rags Morales, are so good they can make even a character like the Gentleman Ghost seem not only intriguing but downright intimidating; meanwhile the new incarnation of Copperhead could carry a whole horror movie (or franchise) on his own. Ace colorist John Kalisz is turning in the work of his career here. The use of locales lesser seen in the DC Universe (Louisiana; India; etc.) pays off in spades. Series develops a great supporting cast right from the get-go - that's a must, no series Ever succeeds on title character alone. And of course, the strange relationship between Hawkman and Hawkgirl.... Highest possible recommendation.

Superheroes are, ultimately, romantic fantasies of heroism. Here, we have a character with old-world chivalric values living in today's world. And in this book, we see superhero romance done right. Geoff Johns writes with passion. He obviously loves these characters. Rags Morales is one of the best artists in comics today. And together they have delivered a superhero story with heart - as in a "broken" one. Hawkman returns from oblivion in the "Return of Hawkman" JSA storyline only to find that the Hawkgirl of this incarnation doesn't even recognize him. She "knows" that he is her husband from all previous incarnations but she just doesn't "feel" that he is. That kind of corny stuff. But done right. With just the right amount of irony and heart-wrenching dialogue - "Partners. That's all we will be. Try to go further than that and I'll fly away so far away that you'll never find me. EVER.", Hawkgirl warns Hawkman.The second part of the book features a meeting between Green Arrow and Hawkman. These two are the successful revamps of the recent years. And their meeting is a laugh-out riot! I can't wait for DC to release further TPB collections of HAWKMAN.

Even if I hadn't written the profile pages for this tpb I'd still go out of my way to tell people that it rocks. The introduction by Johns alone is worth the price of admission. Hawkman has been given a new lease on his four-color life and has never flown straighter nor looked better (with art by RAGS MORALES predominantly, the listing up there for Patrick notwithstanding). This is a trade collection that you'll go back to time and again for adventure and mystery.

Geoff Johns is perhaps the best comic book talent to surface in a looooong time. His passion for characters and story telling are never more apparent than in this collected edition of Hawkman. Following the Winged Wonder on his newly reincarnated adventures, these stories will entrance you with mystery and enthrall you with a unique romance. If you missed out on these books, pick up this trade. You will enjoy the flight!