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View Full Version : Just completed the Johns/Rags and Graymiotti Hawkman run


Billage
11-18-2007, 11:04 AM
First of all these include:

Endless Flight
Allies and Enemies
Wings of Fury
#28-36 (Fate's Warning,and other done in ones not collected)
Rise of the Golden Eagle

Writers:Geoff Johns,James Robinson,Justin Gray,Jimmy Palmiotti
Artists:Rags Morales,Ryan Sook,Joe Bennett

For anybody wanting to get into the character,this 45 issue run is essential and probably definitive in terms of Hawkman.Out of all the big guns of the DCU,this run is highly underrated and probably the best ongoing run.

The history of Hawkman may seem confusing,but Johns explains it all with much ease and makes the whole reincarnation idea one of the main themes of this run.He uses it with alot of tragedy and sadness,Hawkman has had to deal with losing his loved ones over and over again,this is why he fights so hard to save lives.It's also why he questions the need to love people,when he knows he will just pass them by.

Johns explores many of these past lives to really build the character and it's just beautiful to read.It really puts the whole interest in archaeology into perspective,Carter is simply interested in gathering all the things he left behind in his past lives.From visiting different countries to see his gravestones to keeping a box of pictures of all the loved ones he has lost in these past lives,Johns really brings out Carter's character.

There are many supporting roles and cameos here.Hawkgirl,Green Arrow,Ray Palmer,Dr.Fate,and many more.Many of these relp's are examined thoroughly and really fleshed out.

In terms of action,it comes in boatloads.This is one of the defining aspects of Hawkman that really separates his from the other big guns of the DCU.The idea of when he puts the helmet on,he becomes this brutal merciless warrior who uses nothing but deathblows.Carter is constantly struggling with his savage nature and does not always keep it in check.The entire run,the Johns/Rags in particular,has that real sense of old school global adventure.Whether it's mace smashing hidden races,street thugs,or supervillains,it's all here.

The main thing to love about this run,is the perfect combination of superhero action,character study,deconstruction,heavy use of recurring themes,adventure and emotional investment.

If you ever were curious about Hawkman's character,looking for a truly solid read or looking to see what makes Hawkman one of a kind in the DCU,look no further than this run.

Highly recommended.

rwe1138
11-18-2007, 05:36 PM
I love all those issues. Dude, pick up #27 as well, by Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips. It's worth it. Trust me. ;)

Zero Hunter
11-18-2007, 06:02 PM
I loved Johns run on the book. They lost me for a little while right after he left, but by the time the Golden Eagle story started I was back on full time with the book. It was such a shame that this book tanked so hard after OYL and it became Hawkgirl.

CYOTI
11-18-2007, 10:32 PM
A casuality of Infinite Crisis unfortunately.

Christopher Cross Is God
11-19-2007, 10:03 AM
I love all those issues. Dude, pick up #27 as well, by Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips. It's worth it. Trust me. ;)

Issue 27 was definitely great. I'm one of the select few who usually doesn't like Brubaker's work, but that issue was gold.

And I agree with the original poster's assessment of Hawkman as a title. Fantastic stuff, and it's sad it seemed to be under-the-radar. I was mainly into the Geoff Johns run (And that solo Brubaker issue), as I read an issue or two past the Johns run, and didn't like them.

Suzanne
11-21-2007, 12:26 AM
Those were the good ol' days....Geoff & Rags run back then was the first time in years I had bought a superhero comic. Since it made such a strong first impression on me, they're the definitive Hawk team in my book.

Billage
11-25-2007, 09:26 PM
was able to find the Brubaker issue while out of town this weekend in one of the most stocked yet messy comic chops I've ever been in

can't wait to read it