Continuing a countdown of the final five additions to the Hawkgirl/Covergirl Collection. Next up…
Hawkman #27A (November 2020) NM $3.99
Since I do not expect to find any more Hawkgirl covers that I have not either already purchased or I cannot afford, what is left are a few recent issues where the Pinioned Princess(es) grace the cover.
Within the current DC universe continuity there are two “Hawkgirls“. There is a reincarnated Egyptian Princess named Kendra Saunders who goes by the name of Hawkgirl and then there is a Thanagarian Empress named Shayera Thal who goes by the name of Hawkwoman. The first one appears in the current Justice League (2018) series and until recently the latter appeared in the now finalized Hawkman (2018) series. Although Kendra Saunders first appeared in Secret Files #1 (August 1999) while the Shayera Thal character appeared first in the Hawkworld #1 (August 1989), their characters are descendants of much older versions of the character.
The Kendra Saunders character is a descendent of the Golden age Hawkgirl (Shiera Saunders) who first appeared in Flash Comics #1 (January 1940); while the Shayera Thal character is a descendent of the Silver age Hawkgirl (Shayera Hol) who first appeared in the Brave and the Bold #34 (March 1961). Both characters have long and complicated histories and I have written a number of posts on this subject.
The Golden age Hawkgirl was associated with the Justice Society of America since the Forties and in retcon, a member of the group starting in the 1970s. When the Kendra Saunders character first came along, she was a member of the Justice Society of America but later made appearances in the Justice League and is now a member of the current Justice League.
The Silver age Hawkgirl was associated with the Justice League of America since the Sixties and became a full-fledged member of the group in Justice League of America #146 (September 1977).
This is what makes the cover of Hawkman #27 so fascinating. It’s Hawkwoman who graces this cover and not the other Hawkgirl who is normally associated with the JSA.
Hawkwoman is in the Justice Society of America and Hawkgirl is in the Justice League. It will take a little bit to get used to, but I like where this is going.
From the Solicitation: Final Justice: Part 1 – Written by Robert Venditti. Art by Fernando Pasarin, Oclair Albert and Wade von Grawbadger. Cover by Mikel Janin. Hawks reborn! Hawkman and Hawkwoman receive the precious gift of life one last time and return to the past where they were happiest—back with the Justice Society of America! But nostalgias not all its cracked up to be with the Injustice Society on the loose! And whos the mysterious figure plotting to cut Hawkmans final life short from the shadows? 32 pages, full color. Rated T+ Cover price $3.99. Grade: Near Mint
Ximoc 