Golden Age Hawkman + Hawkgirl (post-Crisis)

Hawkman is a legendary DC Comics hero who first appeared in 1940, in the same issue as the original Flash. The original feature (spelled "Hawk-Man") made liberal homage to the popular "Flash Gordon" comic strip. That strip introduced Hawk Men in 1934. They were aliens from the planet Mongo and DC's writer and artists were transparently inspired by those characters' large wings, winged helmets, weapons, and even the Mannerist style of Flash's famous cartoonist, Alex Raymond.

The Hawk Men of "Flash Gordon" were remade into the Hawkman of Flash Comics.

Today, the character also has a legacy of continuity changes that have left it with the reputation of 'confusing to follow.' This is due to the continuity that followed the Crisis on Infinite Earths. When all timelines were unified, creators oddly chose to eliminate the Silver Age (Earth-One) version of Hawkman — not the originals as had been the case for other heroes with multiversal duplicates.

The result was that the Golden Age Hawkman and Hawkgirl were used to 'take the place' of the Earth-One pair (who were aliens from Thanagar) as well. So Carter and Shiera Hall were the Hawks of the Justice Society and the Justice League.

Meanwhile, the Thanagarian Hawks were reintroduced to the current day post-Crisis lore, and their story was all-new.

None of these things happened in a streamlined or planned manner, however, and so many continuity gaffes were made over the years. The first story to really explain the changes was Hawkworld Annual #1 (1991). After that, things fell to disarray again when the two post-Crisis Hawkmen plus Hawkgirl were merged during another Crisis, the "Zero Hour" (Hawkman vol. 3 #13, Sept. 1994). This did nothing to improve the character's appeal and so Hawkman was killed off within two years, in Hawkman vol. 3 #33 (July 1996).

Hawkman was left on the editorial shelf to rest peacefully until David Goyer and Geoff Johns invented a plan to return Carter Hall from the dead (JSA #23, June 2001). The new Carter was youthful again, reborn on Thanagar, and possessed all the memories of his past lives. Shiera did not return. Instead, Shiera's neice, Kendra Saunders became the new reincarnation of princess Chay-Ara, the new Hawkgirl.

Prince Khufu

The lives of Hawkman and Hawkgirl began millennia ago, as the lovers in 19th Dynasty ancient Egypt, Prince Khufu and Chay-ara. They lived during the prosperous reign of Ramses II and defended Egypt alongside other great champions like Nabu and Thet Adam. Their powers were generated by the anti-gravity metal called "Nth Metal," which was scavenged from a crashed Thanagarian spaceship. Once, Chay-Ara was even paid a visit by her future self, Kendra Saunders (Hawkgirl II). She, Mr. Terrific and Captain Marvel had been thrust back in time and helped the Egyptians battle Vandal Savage and the Metamorph.

Khufu and Chay-Ara were murdered by Hath-Set with a blade made from the Nth metal. The mystical properties of the metal cursed Khufu and Chay-ara's souls to eternal reincarnation. This cycle also afflicted the soul of Hath-Set. They were both forever blessed: to meet and love again for eternity; and forever doomed: to die at the hands of Hath-Set.

c. 1260 B.C. Ancient Egypt, 19th Dynasty, reign of the Ramses II After defeating Johnny Sorrow by stranding him in the Speed Force, Jay Garrick is thrown back in time to ancient Egypt, where he encounters Prince Khufu (who will one day be reincarnated as Hawkman I). JSA #20)

In battle against the Nebula Man, Stripesy is thrown back in time to ancient Egypt, where he is made a slave. He is rescued by the Justice League and Justice Society, and aided by the young Prince Khufu. Justice League of America #100-102 (8-10.72); Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. #9)

A Thanagarian starship crashes in Egypt and is recovered by Khufu, his advisor Nabu the Wise, and Teth-Adam. The dying pilot warns them of evil from Thanagar. Nabu recovers a portion of the anti-gravity metal that powers the ship, called "Nth metal" by a dying Thanagarian. JSA #22)

After defeating Johnny Sorrow by stranding him in the Speed Force, Jay Garrick is thrown back in time to ancient Egypt, where he encounters Prince Khufu. JSA #20) Still stranded in ancient Egypt, Jay Garrick discovers the wreckage of the crashed Thanagarian starship, more than 3000 years before the first known contact between Earth and Thanagar. JSA #21) Nabu and Teth-Adam use a portion of the Thanagarian Nth metal to forge a war gauntlet called the Claw of Horus, which they say will be instrumental in a battle to be fought thousands of years in the future. Jay Garrick returns to his own time. JSA #22)

The priest called Ahk-ton discovers a meteor, from which he fashions the Orb of Ra. He attempts to use this power to overthrow the pharoah, Ramses. He is captured, but before he can be executed, he is transformed by the meteor into the Metamorph. (Batman & Outsiders #17-18 (1-2.85), Metamorpho vol. 2 #1 (Aug. 1993)

Ahk-ton slays Teth-Adam's family: sons Gon and Hurut and wife Shiruta. JSA #44 (3 2003)

Via Black Barax's Time Cube, Mr. Terrific, Hawkgirl and Captain Marvel travel back in time. They are greeted by Vandal Savage, who weilds the Orb of Ra and controls the Metamorph. NOTE: This is the only issue which correctly states the time period: Ramses II, 19th Dynasty. JSA #42)

The 20th Century JSAers prepare to do battle with Savage alongside their ancient counterparts. Hawkgirl meets... herself (as Chay-ara)! JSA #43 (2 2003)

With the help of the sun-god, Ra, Vandal Savage is reduced to infancy. Teth-Adam slays Ahk-ton. The JSA members are placed in suspended animation, to be revived thousands of years hence. JSA #44)

In Egypt, Prince Khufu Maat Kha-Tar and his beloved Chay-Ara are murdered by the mad priest Hath-Set. The lovers are fated to be born again forever; 3,500 years later, they are reincarnated as Carter Hall and Shiera Sanders. (Flash Comics #1, Secret Origins vol. 2 #11 ) NOTE: The date of these events, not stated in the original version of the story, was said to be 1567 B.C. (Secret Origins #11). Some accounts (Hawkman vol. 4 #9, JSA #43) incorrectly cite the 15th Dynasty

The Reincarnations of Khufu

There have been numerous references to Khufu and Chay-ara's reincarnated selves. Those which have been explicitly described include:

1. c. 1260 B.C., Ancient Egypt, 19th Dynasty: Prince Khufu Maat Kha-Tar and Chay-Ara (Flash Comics #1)
2. 5th Century, Britain: Brian Kent (Silent Knight) (Hawkman vol. 3 #??)
3. 14th Century, Germany (1483–1514): Koenrad Von Grimm, son of a blacksmith (Hawkman vol. 4 #18)
4. 15th Century, Japan (Ashikaga Bafuku): Unnamed; he had no memories of his past during this life. (Hawkman vol. 4 #18) NOTE: The writer, Geoff Johns, explicitly placed this life after Von Grimm, but put John Smith's (next) birth too close to be reasonable.
5. 16th Century, England (1519–1631; this lifespan is incredibly long): Captain John Smith. (Hawkman vol. 4 #18)
6. 17th Century, Japan: Unnamed Ronin warrior; mentioned by the Atom. (Hawkman vol. 4 #46). NOTE: Ronin were active in Japan between 1600–1850.
7. 19th Century, America: Hannibal Hawkes and Katherine Manser (Nighthawk and Cinnamon) (Hawkman vol. 4 #)
8. 1917: James Wright, a detective with the Pinkerton agency, and his lady love, Sheila Carr, die at the hands of Big Louie Moretti. They had no memories of their past in this life. Presumably, Carter Hall and Sheira Sanders were born very soon after this. (Hawkman vol. 4 #27)
9. 20th Century, America: Carter Hall and Shiera Sanders (Hawkman and Hawkgirl) (Flash Comics #1)
10. 21st Century America: Carter Hall and Kendra Saunders (Hawkman and Hawkgirl II)

Others were been depicted in cameo, but not named:

• Ancient Greece: Icarus (may be a hawk avatar and not a past life) (Hawkman vol. 2 #??)
• Ancient Rome: A Christian Slave Gabriel (may be a hawk avatar) (Hawkman vol. 3 #??)
• Romans/Germanic/Nordic Warriors: (Hawkman vol. 4 #15)
• Asians: (Hawkman vol. 4 #15)
• Africans: (Hawkman vol. 4 #15)
• 13th Century, France: (Hawkman vol. 4 #16)
• 19th Century, America: Revolutionary Soldier? (Hawkman vol. 4 #15)
• 17th Century, America: Native Americans (Hawkman vol. 4 #9)
• 17th Century, France: "Musketeers"(Hawkman vol. 4 #9)
• Europe: Jack (and the Beanstalk) (The Flash vol. 2 #191)
• 16th Century, South America: Incas? (Hawkman vol. 4 #??)
• 19th Century, America: two Slaves
• The Future: Technohawks (Hawkman vol. 4 #9)

The Original Hawkman: Carter Hall

In post-Crisis continuity, Hawkman's original Golden Age history remained pretty much the same.

Thanagarian agent Paran Katar arrives on Earth and, using the name Perry Carter, befriends Carter Hall (Hawkman I). Paran Katar surreptitiously helps Carter develop his ninth metal (alternately, "Nth metal") harness, which allows him to defy gravity. NOTE: This Annual contains an essay on changing continuity by Mike Gold. Hawkworld Annual #1 (1991)

October 6, 1939: Carter Hall, the reincarnation of Prince Khufu, encounters Shiera Sanders, the reincarnation of Khufu's lover Chay-Ara. Wearing artificial wings and a belt of ninth metal, he becomes Hawkman I, battling and apparently slaying Dr. Anton Hastor, the reincarnation of Hath-Set. NOTES: Hawkman was the only character to appear in every Golden Age issue of All-Star and Flash Comics. His origin was retold in Secret Origins #11, which also established the date of his debut. Flash Comics #1 (Jan. 1940), Secret Origins #11 (Feb. 1987)

Eventually, one pair of reincarnated souls would repeatedly break this cycle. That pair met in late 1939, when archaeologists Carter Hall and Shiera Saunders became lovers and began adventuring as Hawkman and Hawkgirl. Hawkman was a founding member of the Justice Society and Hawkgirl a frequent ally.

JSA, which battles Professor Elba. During the course of the adventure, Shiera Sanders once again aids Hawkman as Hawkgirl. All-Star Comics #8)

February 22, 1945: Hawkgirl and Hippolyta defeat another of Stalker's disciples near Iwo Jima, with a little help from Hawkgirl's cousin, "Speed" Saunders. NOTES: This story establishes Hawkgirl's relationship as Speed's cousin, and the eventual retcon of her last name from "Sanders." in Hawkman vol. 4 #1 (May 2002) Speed first appeared in Detective #1 (1935). Sensation #1 (May 1999)

A "New" Silver Age

Infinity, Inc.

Hector Hall, Lyta Trevor, Al Rothstein, and Hawkman's godson Norda of Feithera decide to adopt costumed identities and apply for membership in the Justice Society. Infinity, Inc. #1 (Mar. 1984)

Infinity, Inc. holds a press conference in Los Angeles. The Silver Scarab reveals his true identity and those of his parents (Hawkman and Hawkgirl I). The Star-Spangled Kid, Jade, Obsidian, and Nuklon also unmask. The Huntress reveals that she is Batman's daughter. Power Girl and the Huntress leave to rejoin the JSA. NOTES: First appearance of Ted Grant's goddaughter Yolanda Montez (later Wildcat II). Originally included the Earth-2 Huntress. Infinity, Inc. #12 (Mar. 1985)

A vast army of super-villains, led by Earth-1's Lex Luthor and Brainiac, attempts to seize power on the five partially merged surviving Earths. Hawkman I is severely wounded by Dr. Phosphorus. Crisis #9 (12.85)

Mekanique and the goddess Aphrodite, who have been using their powers to hold back the full effects of the Crisis for their own purposes, allow the Crisis's reality-changing effects to take hold. All characters except the Psycho-Pirate lose their memories of the pre-Crisis history. The Earth-2 Aquaman, Batman, Green Arrow, Huntress, Robin, Speedy, and Wonder Woman, the Golden Age Captain Marvel and Marvel Family, and Earth-1's Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman cease to exist, along with all memory of their existence. All-Star Squadron #60 (July 1986), Legend of Wonder Woman #4 (Aug. 1986)

At Skyman's insistence, Lyta Trevor goes on maternity leave from Infinity, Inc. She encounters the new female incarnation of Hawkman's old enemy Hath-Set and discovers that the Silver Scarab is now her pawn. Infinity, Inc. #42 (9.87)

The JSA attends a public celebration of their return from Limbo, but the ceremony is cut short when the Sandman has another stroke. The team returns home intending to retire, but afterwards, Flash and Green Lantern decide to return to active duty. Note: This was the first time that Hawkgirl was introduced as a member of the JSA, the first time she has been so described. David Goyer, co-author of the current JSA series, said online (Nov. 1, 1998): "Our position is that Hawkgirl was indoctrinated into the JSA at some point — we've just never seen it." Justice Society of America vol. 2 #1 (Aug. 1992)

Starman rejoins the JSA to free Hawkman and Hawkgirl from the control of Kulak. Hawkman and Hawkgirl rejoin the JSA. Justice Society of America vol. 2 #10 (May 1993)

For a time, Carter and Shiera settled in Midway City, Michigan, and acquired a spaceship. In this era, they became space adventurers as well. (Hawkman vol. 1 series)

Their enhanced longevity (from exposure to chronal energies in 1942) extended their careers, and they were both also early members of the Justice League. Following one of the JLA's earliest team-ups with the JSA, the Hawks began serving as liaisons between the two teams (JLA: Incarnations #2). They remained active with both teams until the first great "crisis." At that time, they and the rest of the Justice Society willingly entered into Limbo to wage an eternal cyclic battle to prevent Ragnarok (the Norse version of judgment day).

Zero Hour for Hawkman

Two other Thanagarians also came to Earth during the Halls' absence. Katar Hol and Shayera Thal were sent to Earth as goodwill ambassadors and the news media quickly dubbed these two Hawkman III & Hawkwoman II. (Hawkworld vol. 2 #1) Carter and Shiera did eventually return from Limbo (Armageddon: Inferno #4) and to adventuring. Sadly, they also discovered that Hector had died in their absence. (Spectre vol. 3 #20) Their return was short-lived: Carter and Shiera were merged, along with all other "hawk avatars" into the form of Katar Hol during the Zero Hour. Shiera did not survive this merge. (Hawkman vol. 3 #13) Upon her death, Shiera's soul came to rest in the body of her cousin, Kendra Saunders (Hawkgirl II).

For the first time, as Shiera, Chay-ara had escaped murder at hands of Hath-Set. In addition, her soul came to rest inside Kendra upon the moment of Kendra's attempted suicide. Kendra did not acquire Shiera's memories (or Chay-Ara's for that matter) and it seemed possible that these events might have permanently disrupted the cycle of reincarnation for Chay-Ara.

The matter is more complicated (if that's possible!) for Carter. After his merge with Katar Hol, Hol was transported by the mage Arion to the "realm of the Hawk God." (Hawkman #33)

Their physical forms were forfeit and Katar and Carter's souls drifted there until Hawkman was recalled to life on Thanagar by Kendra and the Justice Society. This time, Katar's soul did not survive this reincarnation, but Carter Hall lives again in a young new body (now with Katar's dark hair). (JSA #23)

His new life was difficult without Shiera, especially since Kendra did not return his affections. Regardless, the pair began working as partners in the city of St. Roch, Louisiana, and became fast friends. Around this time, Hector Hall was also reborn as Dr. Fate (IV). (JSA #3) Hector was one of the first to caution the Hawks to be wary of the hands of Hath-Set, and to question the bonds of love that had been their doom for so many millennia.

When Black Adam assembled his own rival team to the JSA and set out to free his homeland of Kahndaq, he called on Hawkman not to interfere (as the two had been allies in ancient Egypt). For his complicity in this mission, Hawkman was asked to resign from the JSA. (Hawkman vol. 4 #23-25, JSA #56-58)

Infinite Crisis

Kendra and Carter eventually did grow closer together, but cosmic events conspired to obstruct their destiny. When Thanagar went to war with the planet Rann, the Hawks were summoned by Adam Strange to help stop the conflict. (Hawkman #46) Strange hoped the Hawks could successfully mediate between sides, but Carter and Kendra were forced to ally with Adam against Thanagar. There, they were reunited with the Thanagarian Hawkwoman, Shayera Thal, who joined them against her own people. (Rann-Thanagar War #1-2)

In the escalation, they discovered that Thanagar was being led by the resurrected Onimar Synn and Shayera was killed by Blackfire (who sought to claim Rann for her own people). (#5) Eventually, the Hawks and their allies were able to defeat Synn, but they had no time to celebrate. Not only did Thanagar intend to continue its plans of conquest, but a great cosmic rift opened up in the Polaris (Thanagar's) galaxy. (#6) The Hawks enjoyed only a brief rest from battle — at which time they consummated their growing feelings for one another. (Hawkman #49)

Hawkman ultimately decided to remain on Thanagar to help with reconstruction, and Kendra returned to Earth. Carter focused on trying to gather evidence against Blackfire, to expose her maneuvering against the Thanagarian people. He knew that her "alliance" was a ruse to claim the planet for her own people. Carter gathered his evidence in a "Testament Pod" and secretly left it for safe keeping with Kendra in St. Roch. Blackfire learned of the Pod and sent after the Hawks. Together, they captured Blackfire and removed her powers with the alien Absorbascon. (#57-59, JSA Classified #21-22)

Alas, a true reunion was not in the cards for these ancient lovers. Kendra was now being warned by the spirit of Shiera Hall to break the Hawks' pattern of death and rebirth. To this end, Kendra gave Carter the cold shoulder and the couple separated. (Hawkgirl #60)

Also during the Crisis, Carter's son Hector and his wife, Lyta, died (again). After being cast into Hell by the Spectre, Fury called upon their son Daniel to carry them off to the land of the Dreaming. (JSA #80)

Solo

Both Kendra and Carter dealt with their break-up by returning to teamwork. While Carter rejoined the Justice Society (JSofA vol. 3 #2), Kendra took part in the first case of the newly reformed Justice League and joined thereafter. (Justice League of America vol. 2 #1-7)

Carter and Shiera also have a godson, Norda Cantrell (Northwind), and Shiera is the cousin of adventurer Cyril "Speed" Saunders.

Notes

Hawkman may have the most confusing continuity in all the DCU, but the revisions have been quite fully explained. In post-Crisis universe, Carter Hall (the Golden Age Hawkman) was the the first Hawkman, who joined both the JSA and the Justice League of America . His wife, Shiera Saunders Hall, also served on both teams as Hawkgirl. (JLA: Incarnations #2, JSA Secret Files #2) These two effectively took the pre-Crisis place of Katar and Shayera Hol of Thanagar, who in post-Crisis continuity did not arrive on Earth until many years later.

The Spectre #54 (June 1997) erroneously depicts Carter and Katar together in a Justice League of America /JSA team-up. Possibly an editorial blunder, this story was nonetheless written by John Ostrander — the same writer as the Hawkworld series. Also, Legends of the DCU #12-13 and JLA 80-Page Giant #2 (11.99) both erroneously depicted Katar as the JLA's Hawkman.

"Inside DC" #36 also verifies that in post-Hawkworld continuity, the impostors Fel Andar and Sharon Parker were the pair that appeared in the J.L. International vol. 1 #10, 19-24 and Action Comics #588.

A Secret Origins letters page claimed that Khater, Power Girl's brother, was a previous incarnation of Carter Hall. This can not be true, since this origin of Power Girl has been revealed as false.

Geoff Johns Says:

"Hawkman is one of the most visually impressive characters in comics to me. His wings, helmet, mace and blood-stained uniform say it all. Like I’ve said before, he’s a flying Conan. But meaner. It’ll be interesting to see him interact with Hawkgirl…I really like what Brad did in Justice League of America #9." (from Newsarama)

Powers

Hawkman and Hawkgirl use the power of the Thanagarian Nth metal to various ends. Most notably, the metal allows the user to defy gravity. The Hawks wear life-like wings to help control their movements during flight. The metal also extends a modest level of strength, invulnerability and healing ability to the user.

They also have the benefit of lifetimes' worth of experience in battle. Both Hawks are expert hand-to-hand combatants and draw upon fighting techniques and weapons from dozens of cultures.