HAWKWORLD: 5th Year Anniversary of Hawkman Vol. V

House Ad for Hawkman Vol. V (June 2018)

Time flies as fast as Hawkman! The first issue of Hawkman Vol. V by Robert Venditti was released on June 13, 2018, 5 years ago today! The most recent Hawkman series continued for 29 issues, ending on November 10, 2020. In the series, it gave us a new origin for Hawkman, introduced us to numerous former lives of Hawkman, such as Catar-Ol of Krypton and Katarthul of Rann, and brought Hawkman and Hawkwoman truly back together for the first time since the Brightest Days series in 2010. The art by Bryan Hitch, Pat Olliffe, Fernando Pasarin and others made it one of the best Hawkman series ever. Since it's conclusion, it has often popped up on comic book reviewers' lists of the best series in recent DC Comics history.

Issue #5

Issue #24

Issue #6

Venditti gave many interviews for the series during its run, but one comment he made has always stood out in my mind. He said he once gave the book to his 11-year-old son to read. Venditti said his son was able to understand and enjoy the story, even though he had no previous knowledge of Hawkman. There was nothing "confusing" about it. That's what Venditti did for Hawkman and Hawkwoman in this series. He brought all of their former lives together, explained why Carter and Shayera are together, and gave comic book readers a Hawkman story that they can enjoy without feeling "confused." He also gave future writers of Hawkman a huge stage to write their stories. They now have a foundation upon which to create amazing adventures without having to tear down the hero and start over.

Hawkman Vol. V No. 1

It's been almost three years since the series ended. Let's hope DC Comics will realize what a treasure they have in their hands and will be able to let Hawkman soar once again. The series is available in 29 issues or in 4 trade paperbacks, so go look for a copy and enjoy a great superhero story that is quickly becoming a classic!