|
HAWKMAN #2
"Into the Sky"
Recommended (8/10)
|
DC Comics
Writers: James Robinson & Geoff Johns
Pencils: Rags Morales
Inks: Micahel Bair
Colors: John Kalisz & Heroic Age
Letters: Bill Oakley
Editor: Peter Tomasi
Price: $2.50 US/$4.25 CAN |
While the role of James Robinson in this series means that many may be expecting a quiet, Starman-esque title, the creative team is already serving notice that Hawkman isn't going to be that kind of book. This is pure high adventure, along the lines of Indiana Jones or John Carpenter movies, with some interesting personal dynamics between the two leads. Though I missed seeing more of St. Roch in this issue, I enjoyed the return of some classic Hawk-foes, and I really enjoyed the stunning artwork that Morales and Bair are serving up on this book. Hawkworld, with its science-fiction and
political spin, was my favorite take on these characters, but this creative team
seems ready to give it a run for the money.
I've always been a fan of
Rags Morales, from back in his Valiant days, but I don't think he has ever
looked quite this good. Whether it's small details, like the trinkets in the
Hawks' warehouse or the subtle expression that crosses Hawkman's face when he
hits the throttle, or larger ones, like the amazing rendition of the Thanagarian
craft and the designs for the villains on the final page, there's a ton of
detail and imagination packed into the work. There's also clear attention to
important details, like the jungles, marketplace and temples of India and some
terrific action sequences, with Hawkman and Hawkgirl both showing off a very
physical side in combat.
Johns and Robinson have
delivered a fast-paced action story in this issue. The chase to a remote temple,
an attack by three familiar foes and the intervention of military force makes
for a rapidly shifting story, and I thought the writers did a very good job of
getting the two leads involved in a hunt for treasure, when they aren't really
motivated by that sort of archaeologists' instincts anymore.
While the focus is on action,
adventure and mystery, that doesn't mean that characterization is absent. The
relationship between Hawkman and Hawkgirl, and the strain caused by their
different mental states about reincarnation, is full of interesting potential. I
also quite enjoyed the supporting cast that is slowly being developed in the
museum, complete with a mysterious set of ghostly hands that serve as one of the
first mystery subplots for the book.
With a potentially fascinating base of operations in St. Roch, a rich backstory full of past lives and a globe-trotting style, Hawkman has all the
basic tools of a good ongoing series. I look forward to seeing what the future
has in store for the lead characters.
Email Randy Lander comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board. |
