Board Review of Hawkman No. 26: Hawks Eternal Conclusion: Death of a Thousand Hawks

The soaring journey of exploration and discovery across time and space with Hawkman and Hawkwoman has come to an end, and another has begun. What an amazing journey it has been so far. Starting from the islands of Greece, we saw ancient Egypt, the Feitheran's Dinosaur Island, the floating cities of Thanagar, Atom's Microverse, the Hawktastic Soarship, the destruction of Krypton, a battle for Earth over London, an endless war on Nebulen, the dark Shadowlands, the familiar Midway City, the gargantuan tomb of Titan Hawk, and finally the temple of the Lord of the Void on Qgga.

The adventure began as a story about death, but it became a story about life. Robert Venditti took a character with 80 years of histories stacked one on top of the other and gave him an origin, foundation, and reason that brought everything together. Hawkman was a bringer of death and became a protector of life. Hawkwoman was missing in action for so long, but we found out that it all began with her. Carter and Shayera were finally reunited as they always should have been and we saw the power of their love and commitment to one another. 

In the final issue, Hawkman and Hawkwoman overcame all odds and defeated an unbeatable god with the power of their life and love. The way they defeated the evil entity wasn't a huge surprise but it was very satisfying. That moment will stay with me for a long time. The scene where Atom and Adam Strange could have been a little longer but Ray's tears for his best friend were touching. He knew his friend had finally achieved his purpose. I hope they can meet again someday. 

Venditti has the ability to keep the dialog to the necessary minimum and avoid dragging the story down. The scene with Ktar and Shrra was to the point and it made the scene that much more rewarding. They have thought about this day for so long, there isn't much to say. And Carter finally hears the words he has longed to hear for so long,  "I release you into peace." Venditti writes Carter as introspective and thoughtful, while Shayera is a woman of action. I loved it when Tim Truman gave the Hawks those characteristics in Hawkworld over 30 years ago, and I'm loving it here. This is the blueprint for the Hawks and Venditti uses it perfectly. 

The art of this issue was once again spot on. I'm repeating myself, but the team of Fernando Pasarin, Oclair Albert, Wade Von Grawbadger, and Jeromy Cox has been nothing short of phenomenal. I'm glad this team was here for such a monumental period of Hawk history. Nothing lasts forever, but I hope we get to see them together on Hawkman as long as possible. Mikel Janin's covers have also been outstanding. He has the ability to come up with something completely different each time. When someone says "Mikel Janin," they have my attention! 

Hawkman Vol. V No. 1-26 is instantly one of the definitive stories of Hawkman. If you want to know about the Hawks, start here. Although there was a feeling of finality and a strange sense of melancholy as the issue came to a close, I also felt thankful to all involved for bringing us such a great addition to the legend of Hawkman.  As the series continues, Hawkman and Hawkwoman start out on another journey together and who knows where they will go from here. If we've learned anything, it is to expect the unexpected when it comes to Hawkman.

Art by Sebastian Fiumara

Hawkman Vol. V No. 26

Writer: Robert Venditti

Pencils: Fernando Pasarin

Inks: Oclair Albert, Wade Von Grawbadger

Colors: Jeromy Cox

Letterer: Rob Leigh

Editors: Andrea Shea, Alex R. Carr

Cover: Mikel Janin

Variant Cover: Sebastian Fiumara

Rating: 10/10