Written by William Messner-Loebs.
Art by Steve Lieber; Curt Shoultz; Albert DeGuzman; & Matt Webb.
Cover Art by Steve Lieber; Rick Magyar; & Matt Webb.
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Godspawn: Conclusion – Into the Dark Aether,” DC Comics released this Zero Hour crossover for September 1994. In Chicago, as Zero Hour’s time ripples impact Earth, the half-Thanagarian/half-Native American Katar Hol soars into the heavens seeking out his prime suspect: the enigmatic Hawkgod. Though Shayera “Hawkwoman” Thal chases after them in a jeep, she knows an outmatched Katar is fighting a losing battle.
Pulled away by Waverider during Zero Hour # 4, the original Hawkman and Hawkgirl (Carter Hall & Shiera Hall) are instinctively compelled to intervene. The same applies to Katar’s reluctant ally, Mongrel. A subsequently massive explosion reveals a new, darker Hawkman. This storyline shifts to Zero Hour # 3 (as that mini-series is numbered in reverse-order).
Note: This Hawkman title was canceled with Issue # 33 in 1996.
REVIEW:
Continuing DC’s in-progress Hawkman reboot, the issue’s best asset is its art squad’s reliably good visuals. Unfortunately, writer William Messner-Loebs’ muddled storytelling makes for a generally blah read. This issue’s climatic twist tries to resolve ongoing confusion (i.e., Thanagarians Katar Hol & Shayera Thal’s co-existence with the Golden Age Hawkman & Hawkgirl), but the idea of a Hawkman amalgam does not cure Messner-Loebs’ creative stalemate.
It is unsurprising that DC Comics took another seven years to tweak Hawkman’s character before his triumphant 2001 return in JSA. If only for its artwork, this lackluster Hawkman # 13 merits a bargain bin find.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is a two-page letters-and-answers column. Lastly, “DC Universe # 19” is a full-page hyping potential plot twists (no matter how absurd) for Zero Hour.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars
