DCU Comic Book Reviews

HAWKMAN #2

Into The Sky

June 2002

Written by Geoff Johns & James Robinson

Pencils by Rags Morales

Inks by Michael Bair

Cover by Andrew Robinson

Synopsis

Hawkman and Hawkgirl are on the trail of Danny Evans, who might have knowledge of what happened to Kendra’s parents.  Danny is in India trying to locate the Eye of Shiva as it might be the artifact that could save his father’s museum in St. Roch.  The Stonechat Museum is in danger of being bought by Kristopher Roderic, who is also chasing after the Eye of Shiva.  In India, the hawks find Jayita Sahir, who is helping Danny.  She leads them to Danny’s location.  At that moment Danny has stumbled upon the location of the artifact, but has also been found by Roderic’s henchmen.  The hawks save Danny.  As the hawks fight the henchman, Danny and Jayita open the door to the artifact.  Elsewhere, soldiers call Roderic to tell them what is happening.  Roderic orders them to bomb the site.  The explosion reveals the Eye of the Shivas, but also unleashes sword-wielding elephantmen.

Review

This issue rushed right past as all of the various characters had to move around the playing field in order to get them all to the same exact place:  at the Eye of the Shiva.  As such, it is not really a bad issue, but it also does not accomplish much other than to set up the next.  The various players are split up into various good guy and bad guy combinations with a horde of swordsmen barring down on them, presumably to kill them all for violating to the lair of the Eye of the Shiva.  The key to whether or not this issue will get anyone to buy the next one may lie with the presence of the elephantmen.  It is either an interesting sight or it will make you giggle uncontrollably.  Look, Dumbo as a ninja! 

The key function to the first set of any new series is to establish the lead character and to establish the supporting players.  While I like the adventure feel to the series and the quick pacing of events so far, I hope at some point Johns and Robinson slow it down a little and allow for a little bit more characterization of Hawkman and Hawkgirl.  I realize that a lot of that has been accomplished within the pages of JSA, but if there was ever a place to do it more in depth, it would be this book.  Only so much can be down in a group book like JSA.  Since Hawkman and Hawkgirl are established characters, I will give the book some slack to kick it into gear before settling down.

As for the supporting characters, it looks as if Roderic will be the key villain who will “hire” other villains such as the Shadow Thief to help him.  The Stonechat Museum with its inhabitants will also play a key role.  I wonder if Danny will make it through this initial story arc and what kind of role he will play.  As an adventurer akin to Indiana Jones, his character would be a great way for the Hawks to explore their past.  We saw a little of the future with the ship, a certainly visits to Thanagar are warranted, but the exploration of the past lives is certainly a good way to go. -- MRB

ïPREVIOUS	Main		Page	NEXTð

Home ●  Blog ● Who Are We? ● Site News
Alive and Well since April 16, 2006

 DC Universe Reviews.  All Rights Reserved
  Characters, trademarks, brands are property of DC Comics

For problems or questions regarding this website, please contact our kindly webmaster.
Last updated: 08/06/11.