In the latest ‘Dawn of DC’ series by writer Jadzia Axelrod, Hawkgirl brings the hero and her real-world problems into the spotlight in a series that wastes no time in telling you exactly what kind of hero Kendra Saunders is. Hawkgirl has a voice, and she is going to use it.
The Hawk-characters’ years of canon can be hard to decipher for those unfamiliar. Heck, even for those familiar, it is a challenge not lightly undertaken. Axelrod makes the smart choice of telling you exactly what you need to know in the opening pages. This is Kendra Sunders, Hawkgirl. She has Nth metal wings and an Nth metal hammer (which she is happy to use); she is strong, has just moved to Metropolis, is fresh out of a relationship, and is suffering. Easy? Easy.
The issue itself is what most first issues are – an introduction to our cast and setting and a tease of what is to come. Axelrod doesn’t do anything to deviate from this formula, and she doesn’t necessarily need to. Our characters’ personalities do a lot of heavy lifting to keep readers engaged. It’s been so long since Hawkgirl has been front and center, and rest assured, she is making up for the lost time.
DC Comics
However, Hawkgirl isn’t the only character we meet. There is Vulpecula, a mysterious fox-vampire (?) woman making deals with children; Maureen, one of those aforementioned children; Abilene, Kendra’s friend outside of superheroics; and, of course, Galaxy.
Taylor Barzelay of the planet Cyandii, AKA Galaxy from Jess Taylor and Axelrod’s graphic novel Galaxy: The Prettiest Star, makes her first “mainstream” DCU appearance. I’d recommend anyone needing to read Galaxy immediately pick it up. Mini-review within a review: the comic is a stunningly beautiful story of self-discovery, our internal struggles with our identities, and what it means to be yourself. It is (in my humble opinion) one of the best comics of 2022.
Seeing Galaxy, a truly unique character, interact in the world of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Hawkgirl is a treat; even better that she feels so at home there. Axelrod’s strength at giving each character a defined voice that feels real is on full display here. From the whimsical fairy tale narration to the battle cries of the Helioans, everyone feels authentic. The tremendous lettering of Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou elevates these voices.
Otsmane-Elhaou breathes life into the, occasionally, exposition heavy dialogue. When characters yell and whisper, the right moments are highlighted. A talented letterer’s skill can often go unnoticed, but Otsmane-Elhaou is making sure you know just how talented he is. The text consistently elevates and stands out amongst the chaos of the action-heavy opening.
Artist Amancay Nahuelphan and colourist Adriano Lucas do solid work throughout the first issue. Large, exciting, full pagers and quieter, more muted personal moments are balanced throughout. It can, at times, be tough to follow the action during the opening fight. However, all is forgiven because they also gave a perfectly drawn Kendra. Ripped and super tall, just as God intended.
DC Comics
Like its titular hero, Hawkgirl is loud and unapologetically true to itself. It knows what it wants to say and doesn’t waste any time saying it. Kendra is here, and she is taking control of her own story. The opening issue feels like a breath of fresh air with interesting and original characters, well-defined voices and tones, and exciting teases for what is to come. Hawkgirl #1 soars very high.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.