Written by Geoff Johns & James Robinson
Art by Rags Morales; Michael Bair; John Kalisz; Heroic Age; & Bill Oakley
Cover Art by Andrew Robinson
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for September 2002, this standard-length issue is the first half of a two-parter entitled “Slings & Arrows.” Newly moved to St. Roch, Louisiana, Hawkman (Carter Hall) and 20-year old Hawkgirl (Kendra Saunders) investigate the unsolved double-homicide of Kendra’s parents. At St. Roch’s Mardi Gras-like celebration, the celebrity grand marshal is targeted by a sniper impersonating Green Arrow. Hawkman finds the real Green Arrow is also in town, as they quickly resume their personal feud.
Upon meeting Hawkgirl, Green Arrow reveals to the Hawks that a series of premeditated slayings are linked to a group of business investors he was once associated with. Green Arrow & Hawkgirl encounter the likely culprit, who has a grudge against the Emerald Archer.
REVIEW:
In more ways than one, this issue is a dynamite team-up. The chemistry shared between the Hawks and Green Arrow won’t disappoint fans. To their credit, co-writers Geoff Johns and James Robinson clearly grasp the trio’s shared history. In particular, Kendra’s ambivalence teaming with Carter smartly sets up Green Arrow’s later jabs re: Carter’s own hardened personality quirks. The scene where Green Arrow tries baiting Hawkman into removing his helmet is a gem between these Silver Age icons.
Another terrific element is how Ray Palmer’s Atom and Dinah Lance’s Black Canary are included (off-screen) in the back-and-forth dialogue, which further enhances the Hawkman-Green Arrow quarreling. Hawkgirl’s role subtly buffering them is also well-played.
Beyond an excellent script, the art squad (especially artist Rag Morales) delivers superb visuals. The same applies to a spot-on cover image. Hence, this issue’s art quality is a precursor to the stellar work that Morales provided DC’s Identity Crisis a few years later. With a DC creative unit at the top of its game, Hawkman # 5 is a gem worth re-discovery.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
