The First Life Of Hawkman Revealed In Hawkman #7
by Josh Davison
[*Mild Spoilers Ahead!]
Hawkman’s first life is revealed at last. Eons ago, Ktar Deathbringer was the general of the Deathbringer army. He is supported by his lieutenant and close friend, Idamm. The Deathbringer army ravages the stars, acquiring sacrifices for their god so that it may enter our universe in physical form. However, Ktar is beginning to have second thoughts despite Idamm’s zealousness. Plus, Ktar begins seeing a red-haired woman on each world he attacks.
Hawkman #7 is Carter Hall’s first life explored. We now know the life that predated any existence on Thanagar or as a pharaoh in ancient Egypt. It is a dark and cruel existence, with Carter Hall being responsible for countless deaths.
We join Ktar when is doubts have already set in, which is less than ideal for an origin like this. Seeing Ktar when he was a zealous Deathbringer or even an eager sadist would better contextualize the more somber character we see.
That said, it is a solid read, and it’s impressive that it is a one-issue tale. The breakdown of Ktar we do see is paced and represented well, showing a man breaking under the horrific acts he’s committed. That doesn’t remotely absolve what he’s done, but that is what Hawkman does now. He works to make up for his cruelty.
Relatively speaking, it makes more sense than Hawkman’s reincarnations being some sort of curse. It doesn’t explain why Shiera/Kendra factor into the mix, even with the obvious allusion to Shiera we see in the comic. Perhaps that will be explained later.
Bryan Hitch continues to render the book in glorious and at-times gritty detail. He is able to balance the sleek sci-fi aesthetics and the grittier warrior image with seemingly effortlessly. Hitch and Andrew Currie bring neat and defined inking to the linework, and Jeremiah Skipper’s color work is moody and well-balanced.
Hawkman #7 is another damn good installment of the Winged Warrior’s series. While there are some complaints to be had, they are far outweighed by the storytelling acumen and visual skill on display. This one, of course, earns another recommendation. Give it a read.
Hawkman #7 comes to us from writer Robert Venditti, artist Bryan Hitch, inkers Bryan Hitch and Andrew Currie, color artist Jeremiah Skipper, letterer Richard Starkings and Comicraft, cover artist Bryan Hitch with Alex Sinclair, and variant cover artist Julian Totino Tedesco.
