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{{Short description|DC Comics superhero}}
{{Articleissues|refimprove=June 2012|no footnotes=June 2012|rewrite=June 2012}}
{{Infobox comics character
{{Infobox comics character
<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|character_name = Hawkman
|character_name = Hawkman
|image =[[File:Hawkman v3 0.jpg|300px]]
|image =[[File:Hawkman Alex Ross.jpeg|230px]]
|caption = Cover to ''Hawkman'' (vol. 3) # 0.<br> Art by [[Lee Weeks]].
|caption = Hawkman with [[Atom (Ray Palmer)|Atom]].<br>Art by [[Alex Ross]]
|alter_ego = Katar Hol
|full_name = Katar Hol
|publisher = [[DC Comics]]
|publisher = [[DC Comics]]
|debut = The Brave and the Bold'' # 34 (February–March 1961):<br>''Post-Hawkworld'': 'Hawkworld: Book One'' (1989)
|debut = ''[[The Brave and the Bold]]'' #34 (February 10th 1961)
|creators = [[Gardner Fox]]<br>[[Joe Kubert]] <br>'''Revamped by''':<br> [[Timothy Truman|Tim Truman]]
|creators = [[Gardner Fox]]<br>[[Joe Kubert]] <br>'''Revamped by''':<br> [[Timothy Truman]]
|homeworld = [[Thanagar]]
|homeworld = [[List of DC Universe locations#Planetary systems|Thanagar]]
|species= Thanagarian-Human hybrid
|species= [[Thanagarian]] <small>(current)</small>
[[Human]]<ref>''The Brave and the Bold'' #34 & #43 (1961-1962)</ref>/[[Thanagarian]] hybrid <small>(originally)</small>
|alliances = [[Wingmen of Thanagar|Elite Hawkmen Force]]<br>[[Justice League]]
|alliances = Elite Hawkmen Force<br/>[[Justice League]]<br/>[[Justice_League_International#Expansion|Justice League America]]<br/>Justice League of America<br/>[[Justice League United]]<br/>[[Justice League International]]
|aliases= Carter Hall (pre-''Hawkworld'')
|aliases= Carter Hall
|powers= Flight; super strength; Hawk Cry; Nth metal mace that can produce lightning channeled by Hawkman's inner power and that can also resist magic; enhanced vision and hearing; ability to converse with and summon birds telepathically; ability to endure electricity.
|partners= [[Hawkwoman]]<br/>[[Atom (Ray Palmer)]]<br/>[[Adam Strange]]
|powers=
* Flight (via artificial wings and anti-gravity belt)
* Enhanced strength, vision, and endurance
* Able to communicate with and summon birds
}}
}}
'''Katar Hol''' is a [[DC Comics]] [[superhero]], the Silver Age '''[[Hawkman]]'''. Created by [[Gardner Fox]] and [[Joe Kubert]], he first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' # 34 (February–March 1961).
'''Hawkman''' ('''Katar Hol''') is a [[DC Comics]] [[superhero]]. He is the [[Silver Age of Comic Books|Silver Age]], [[Bronze Age of Comic Books|Bronze Age]] and [[New 52]] '''[[Hawkman]]'''. Created by [[Gardner Fox]] and [[Joe Kubert]], he first appeared in ''[[The Brave and the Bold]]'' #34 (February–March 1961). There are two versions of Katar Hol, the Silver Age/[[Pre-Crisis]] version and the post-''[[Hawkworld]]''/[[Post-Crisis]] version.

==Publication history==
The Silver Age Hawkman (Katar Hol) was first introduced in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #34 by artist Joe Kubert and writer Gardner Fox. At this time DC had already rebooted many of its characters such as the [[Flash (comics)|Flash]] and [[Green Lantern]]. Hawkman's first appearance sold well and spawned five more tryout issues in ''The Brave and the Bold''. During these issues, he teamed up with his wife, [[Hawkwoman|Hawkgirl]], to battle foes on earth as well as on his home planet Thanagar.<ref>''The Brave and the Bold'' #34-36, #42-44 (1961-1962)</ref> [[File:Brave_and_the_Bold_36.jpeg|thumb|right|''The Brave and the Bold'' #36 (1961). Art by [[Joe Kubert]]]]

After Hawkman had concluded his appearances in ''The Brave and the Bold'', he starred in a side strip within ''[[Mystery in Space]]''. He appeared in four issues of this series, and teamed up with [[Adam Strange]] in some of these adventures.<ref>''Mystery in Space'' #87-90 (1963)</ref>

In 1964, Hawkman was given a bi-monthly solo title. [[Murphy Anderson]] took over the art for this series with Gardner Fox continuing as writer. Hawkman occasionally teamed up with [[Atom (Ray Palmer)|Atom]] and Strange in his title. Together, Hawkman and Hawkgirl battled such enemies as the [[Matter Master]], the [[Shadow Thief]] and [[Lion-Mane]]. Hawkman's comic book continued for less than five years before it was canceled at issue #27.<ref>''Hawkman'' #1-27 (1964-1968)</ref>

After declining sales forced the cancellation of his solo magazine, Hawkman teamed up with the Atom and starred in ''The Atom and Hawkman'' for seven issues. This series was canceled as well.<ref>''The Atom and Hawkman'' #39-45 (1969-1970)</ref>

During the 1970s and early 1980s, Hawkman continued to appear as a member of the [[Justice League of America]], which he had joined back in 1964.<ref>''Justice League of America'' #31 (1964)</ref> He also made regular appearances in ''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' and ''[[Detective Comics]]'', along with a three-issue story in the pages of ''[[Showcase (comics)|Showcase]]''. It was not until the mid-1980s when Hawkman received his own title again. In 1986, DC published a four-part miniseries called, ''The Shadow War of Hawkman''.<ref>''The Shadow War of Hawkman'' #1-4 (1986)</ref> Due to the decent sales of this series, Hawkman received another monthly solo series. It lasted seventeen issues and one ''Special'' before it, too, was cancelled.<ref>''Hawkman'' (vol. 2) #1-17 and ''Special'' #1 (1986-1987)</ref>

In 1989, [[Timothy Truman]] decided to reboot the Silver Age Hawkman in a three-book series titled ''[[Hawkworld]]''.<ref>''Hawkworld'' books #1-3 (1989)</ref> This was the start of the post-''Hawkworld'' version of Katar Hol. While this series was originally meant to just be a retold origin of Hawkman, it spawned yet another Hawkman series. In 1990 DC created the ''Hawkworld'' monthly series. This series had two volumes, but was eventually canceled.<ref>''Hawkworld'' vol. 1-2 (1990-1993)</ref>

During the mid 1990s–2010s Hawkman had more on-and-off series. However, none of them were of much importance. With all of the different series, Hawkman had been part of, his origin and story had become rather complicated and confusing. At the end of his 3rd series, Hawkman was physically dissolved into nothing.<ref>''Hawkman'' (vol. 3) (1993-1996)</ref> Eventually Hawkman came back, but this time, rather than being the [[Extraterrestrial life|alien]] [[policeman]] that he was in the previous series, he was [[Hawkman (Carter Hall)|Carter Hall]], the reincarnated Egyptian prince. However this added even more complexity to Hawkman, and the series was canceled.<ref>''Hawkman'' (vol. 4) (2002-2006)</ref>

In 2011, the Silver Age Hawkman was rebooted again as part of ''[[The New 52]]'' reboot. His new comic book was titled ''The Savage Hawkman''. Although this Hawkman was the most simple version of the complex character, the series sold poorly and ended after twenty issues.<ref>''The Savage Hawkman'' #0-20 (2011-2013)</ref> In 2016, Hawkman returned again as part of the ''[[DC Rebirth]]'' relaunch, in a series titled ''The Death of Hawkman'', which concluded after six issues.<ref>''The Death of Hawkman'' #1-6 (2016-2017)</ref>

A new ''Hawkman'' title, by Robert Venditti and Bryan Hitch, debuted in June 2018. The series focuses on Carter Hall, the reincarnated Egyptian prince version of Hawkman, rather than Katar Hol.


==Fictional character biography==
==Fictional character biography==

===Silver Age version===
===Silver Age version===
'''Katar Hol''' was the imperial prince of his home planet of [[Thanagar]]. His father was Paran Katar, renowned ornithologist and inventor.
'''Katar Hol''' was the imperial prince of his home planet of Thanagar. His father was Paran Katar, renowned ornithologist and inventor.
When Katar Hol was eighteen, an alien race called the [[Gordanians]] invaded Thanagar and began looting the planet. Paran sent young Katar Hol to infiltrate their nest and bring back information on the aliens. Using this information, Paran created containing advanced technology like his "Nth metal". Katar used this hawk-suit and Paran's advanced weaponry to drive the Manhawks away from Thanagar.


When Katar Hol was eighteen, an alien race called the Manhawks invaded Thanagar and began looting the planet. Paran sent young Katar Hol to infiltrate their nest and bring back information on the aliens. Using this information, Paran created a hawk-like battle suit containing advanced technology like his "Nth metal". Katar used this hawk-suit and Paran's advanced weaponry to drive the Manhawks away from Thanagar.
That, however, was not the end of the problem. Some Thanagarians had learned the concept of stealing from the Manhawks. Due to the amount of crime, the Thanagarian government created a police force. In honor of Paran Katar and his achievements, the new police force began using his hawk-suit and equipment. Paran headed this new police force, named the Hawk-Police (or [[Wingmen of Thanagar|Wingmen]]), and his son became one of the first recruits.


That, however, was not the end of the problem. Some [[Thanagarian]]s had learned the concept of stealing from the Manhawks. Due to the amount of crime, the Thanagarian government created a police force. In honor of Paran Katar and his achievements, the new police force began using his hawk-suit and equipment. Paran headed this new police force, named the Hawk-Police (or Wingmen), and his son became one of the first recruits.
Katar soon became one of the most skilled of the Hawk-Police. When a group called the Rainbow Robbers began committing crimes, Katar was teamed up with rookie [[Hawkwoman#Shayera Hol|Shayera Thal]] to track and apprehend the criminals. During the case, Shayera saved Katar's life, and the two soon fell in love. A few weeks later, Katar proposed to Shayera and the two got married, working together as partners-for-life in the Hawk-Police.


Katar soon became one of the most skilled of the Hawk-Police. When a group called the Rainbow Robbers began committing crimes, Katar was teamed up with rookie [[Shayera Hol|Shayera Thal]] to track and apprehend the criminals. During the case, Shayera saved Katar's life, and the two soon fell in love. A few weeks later, Katar proposed to Shayera and the two got married, working together as partners-for-life in the Hawk-Police.
After ten years of marriage and in the force, the pair were sent to [[Earth]] in 1959 to capture the shape-shifting Thanagarian criminal [[Byth]]. During their mission, they meet George Emmett, commissioner of the [[Midway City]] Police Department, and told him their alien origin. With Emmett's help, the pair took over his retiring brother Ed's place as [[museum]] curators. They adopt the identities as Carter and Shiera Hall. After capturing him and sending him back to Thanagar, they elected to remain on Earth to work with authorities to learn human police methods. The two acted publicly as the heroes '''Hawkman''' and [[Hawkwoman#Shayera Hol|Hawkgirl]] (later Hawkwoman).


After ten years of marriage and in the force, the pair were sent to Earth to capture the shape-shifting Thanagarian criminal [[Byth Rok]].<ref>''The Brave and the Bold'' #34 (1961)</ref> During their mission, they meet George Emmett, commissioner of the Midway City Police Department, and told him their alien origin. With Emmett's help, the pair took over his retiring brother Ed's place as [[museum]] curators. They adopt the identities as Carter and Shiera Hall. After capturing him and sending him back to Thanagar, they elected to remain on Earth to work with authorities to learn human police methods. The two acted publicly as the heroes '''Hawkman''' and [[Shayera Hol|Hawkgirl]] (later Hawkwoman).
The rest of Hawkman's supporting cast consist of [[Mavis (DC Comics)#Hawkman|Mavis Trent]], museum naturalist and diorama artist who flirts with Katar; Joe Tracy, the museum's publicist; his commanding officer Andar Pul; a large red hawk named Big Red who lives nearby Hawk Valley; and teenage orphan Charley Parker, [[Golden Eagle (comics)#Pre-Crisis|Golden Eagle]]. Katar gained a variety of unique villainous opponents such as the [[Shadow Thief]], [[Matter Master]], Ira Quimby (I.Q.), Konrad Kaslak, Chac, the Raven, the Criminal Alliance of the World (or C.A.W.), [[Lion-Mane]], [[Kanjar Ro]], [[Hyathis]], the [[Fadeaway Man]], and the [[Gentleman Ghost]].
[[Image:KatarHol.jpg|thumb|right|180px|The Silver Age Katar Hol in ''Hawkman'' #12 (February–March 1966). Art by [[Murphy Anderson]].]]
The rest of Hawkman's supporting cast consist of Mavis Trent, museum naturalist and diorama artist who flirts with Katar; Joe Tracy, the museum's publicist; his commanding officer Andar Pul; a large red hawk named Big Red who lives in nearby Hawk Valley; and teenage orphan Charley Parker, the [[Golden Eagle (comics)#Pre-Crisis|Golden Eagle]]. Katar gained a variety of unique villainous opponents such as the [[Shadow Thief]], the [[Matter Master]], Ira Quimby (I.Q.), Konrad Kaslak, Chac, the Raven, the Criminal Alliance of the World (or C.A.W.), [[Lion-Mane]], [[Kanjar Ro]], [[Hyathis]], [[List_of_Hawkman_enemies#Silver_Age_enemies|Fadeaway Man]], and [[Gentleman Ghost]].


Katar joined the [[Justice League|Justice League of America]], where he befriended the [[Atom (Ray Palmer)|Atom]]. As Hawkman was a conservative, he frequently verbally sparred with his fellow Leaguer [[Green Arrow]], a left-wing liberal.
[[Image:KatarHol.jpg|thumb|left|180px|The Silver Age Katar Hol in ''Hawkman'' # 12 (February–March 1966). Art by [[Murphy Anderson]].]]
Katar joined the [[Justice League|Justice League of America]] in the early 1960s, where he befriended the [[Atom (Ray Palmer)|Atom]] and frequently sparred with [[Green Arrow]] with whose "question authority" outlook the lawman frequently disagreed.


Hol left the Justice League for a time when Thanagar was hit by the Equalizer Plague, which caused all Thanagarians to change so that their physical and mental talents, and even their heights, became the same. With the help of the JLA, he was eventually able to reverse the effects of the plague.
Hol left the Justice League for a time when Thanagar was hit by the Equalizer Plague, which caused all Thanagarians to change so that their physical and mental talents, and even their heights, became the same. With the help of the JLA, he was eventually able to reverse the effects of the plague.


However, in the wake of the plague, Thanagar adopted an expansionist outlook, and went to war with the planet [[Rann]], which orbits [[Alpha Centauri]]. This forced Katar and Shayera to choose to fight for or against their own planet, and they elected to oppose Thanagar, becoming exiles on Earth. Around this time, Shayera herself joined the JLA, and took the name Hawkwoman.
However, in the wake of the plague, Thanagar adopted an expansionist outlook, and went to war with the planet [[Rann (fictional planet)|Rann]], which orbits [[Alpha Centauri]]. This forced Katar and Shayera to choose to fight for or against their own planet, and they elected to oppose Thanagar, becoming exiles on Earth. Around this time, Shayera herself joined the JLA, and took the name Hawkwoman.


Following the truce between Thanagar and Rann, Thanagar began to secretly try to take over the Earth. Hol opposed their efforts in a furtive "secret war" for several years.
Following the truce between Thanagar and Rann, Thanagar began to secretly try to take over the Earth. Hol opposed their efforts in a furtive "secret war" for several years.


Following the events of DC's miniseries, ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'', the histories of Earth-One and Earth-Two are merged. As a result, both Golden Age and Silver Age versions of Hawkman and [[Hawkgirl]]/Hawkwoman live on the same Earth. Initially, the Silver Age Hawkman and Hawkwoman were kept in continuity unchanged. They took Superman to Krypton (now a gas planet),<ref>''Superman'' (volume 2) #18 "Return to Krypton"</ref> briefly joined [[Justice League International]], teamed-up with Atom,<ref>''Power of the Atom'' #4</ref> and helped [[Animal Man]] defuse a Thanagarian bomb during ''[[Invasion! (DC Comics)|Invasion]]''. However, DC reversed this decision and [[reboot (fiction)|rebooted]] Hawkman continuity after the 1989 ''[[Hawkworld]]'' miniseries. Originally, ''Hawkworld'' retold the origins of Silver Age Hawkman and Hawkwoman, but following its success, DC Comics launched a ''Hawkworld'' ongoing series set in the present, resulting in a complete reboot of Hawkman continuity. By doing so, several continuity errors regarding Hawkman and Hawkwoman's Justice League appearances needed to be fixed.
Following the events of DC's miniseries ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'', the histories of [[Earth-One]] and [[Earth-Two]] are merged. As a result, both Golden Age and Silver Age versions of Hawkman and [[Hawkgirl]]/Hawkwoman live on the same Earth. Initially, the Silver Age Hawkman and Hawkwoman were kept in continuity unchanged. They took Superman to Krypton,<ref>''Superman'' (vol. 2) #18 "Return to Krypton"</ref> briefly joined [[Justice League International]], teamed-up with Atom,<ref>''Power of the Atom'' #4</ref> and helped [[Animal Man]] defuse a Thanagarian bomb during ''[[Invasion! (DC Comics)|Invasion]]''. However, DC reversed this decision and [[reboot (fiction)|rebooted]] Hawkman continuity after the 1989 ''[[Hawkworld]]'' miniseries. Originally, ''Hawkworld'' retold the origins of the Silver Age Hawkman and Hawkwoman, but following its success, DC Comics launched a ''Hawkworld'' ongoing series set in the present, resulting in a complete reboot of Hawkman continuity. By doing so, several continuity errors regarding Hawkman and Hawkwoman's Justice League appearances needed to be fixed.


===Post-''Hawkworld'' version===
===Post-''Hawkworld'' version===
Katar Hol was [[reboot (fiction)|reboot]]ed in 1989 in the prestige format miniseries ''Hawkworld'' by [[Timothy Truman]]. A regular ongoing series of the same name followed from 1990 to 1993, which was then followed up by ''Hawkman'' (vol. 3) from 1993 to 1996.
{{main|Hawkworld}}
Katar Hol was [[reboot (fiction)|reboot]]ed in 1989 in the prestige format [[miniseries]] ''Hawkworld'' by [[Timothy Truman]]. A regular ongoing series of the same name followed from 1990–1993, which was then followed up by ''Hawkman'' (vol. 3) from 1993-1996.


[[Image:Hawks Nolan.jpg|180px|right|thumb|Katar Hol and Shayera Thal. Art by [[Graham Nolan]].]]
[[Image:Hawks Nolan.jpg|180px|left|thumb|Katar Hol and Shayera Hol. Art by [[Graham Nolan]].]]


In this new version '''Katar Hol''' was a young police officer on the planet Thanagar, and a child of a privileged family being the son of Paran Katar. Thanagar was a planet which conquered and mined other worlds for their resources to maintain its high standard of living, and Hol realized that this was wrong. He rebelled against the system and favored the old days of Thanagar. He became a student of history and archaeology, and admired Thanagar's legendary hero Kalmoran. Hol became addicted to a recreational drug, and was manipulated by the renegade police captain Byth into killing his own father, and was sent into exile in the Isle of Chance.
In this new version, '''Katar Hol''' was a young police officer on the planet Thanagar, and a child of a privileged family being the son of Paran Katar. Thanagar was a planet which conquered and mined other worlds for their resources to maintain its high standard of living, and Hol realized that this was wrong. He rebelled against the system and favored the old days of Thanagar. He became a student of history and archaeology, and admired Thanagar's legendary hero Kalmoran. Hol became addicted to a recreational drug, was manipulated by the renegade police captain Byth into killing his father, and was sent into exile in the Isle of Chance.


During that time, he found one of the island residents in robes fashioned a pair of wings. Katar, disillusioned, killed him and took his wings. He learned the wings were meant for Hol and that the robed man had natural wings on his back. Horrified on what he's done, the brother of the man he killed help him deal with withdrawal symptoms from his drug addictions and made peace with himself.
During that time, he found one of the island residents in robes fashioned a pair of wings. Katar, disillusioned, killed him and took his wings. He learned the wings were meant for Hol and that the robed man had natural wings on his back. Horrified on what he has done, the brother of the man he killed helped him deal with withdrawal symptoms from his drug addictions and he made peace with himself.


When his sentence was up, Hol was sent to Downside. However, he managed to escape and uncover and defeat Byth, who had gained shape-shifting abilities. As a result, he was reinstated in the force and given a new partner, Shayera Thal - a young woman from a lower class of society.
When his sentence was up, Hol was sent to Downside. However, he managed to escape and uncover and defeat Byth, who had gained shape-shifting abilities. As a result, he was reinstated in the force and given a new partner, Shayera Thal - a young woman from a lower class of society.


Just after [[Hawkman (Fel Andar)|Fel Andar]] left Earth, Katar and Shayera were sent to Earth, where they served as goodwill ambassadors for their homeplanet and remained for some time fighting both human and [[Extraterrestrial life|alien]] criminals in places like Chicago's [[Netherworld (DC Comics)|Netherworld]]. Dubbed by the press as '''Hawkman III''', Katar and Shayera, Hawkwoman II, had a tempestuous working relationship, and eventually Shayera broke away from Katar, who continued alone.
Just after [[Hawkman (Fel Andar)|Fel Andar]] left Earth, Katar and Shayera were sent to Earth, where they served as goodwill ambassadors for their home planet and remained for some time fighting both human and alien criminals in places like Chicago's [[Netherworld (DC Comics)|Netherworld]]. Dubbed by the press as '''Hawkman III''', Katar and Shayera, Hawkwoman II, had a tempestuous working relationship, and eventually, Shayera broke away from Katar, who continued alone.


Katar met [[Hawkman (Carter Hall)|Carter Hall]] and [[Hawkgirl#Golden Age|Shiera Sanders]] who returned from Asgard with the rest of the [[Justice Society]]. He learns that his father came to Earth during [[World War II]], under the alias "Perry Carter". The golden age Hawks, Carter and Shiera Hall, were friends with Paran, and were the inspiration of the Wingmen. In one adventure, Carter took an injured Katar to be healed by an old friend, a Cherokee shaman named Naomi ("Faraway Woman"). Katar discovers that she had known Paran Katar, his father. She and Paran fell in love, and the two eloped with the Halls serving as witnesses. Thus, Naomi is his birth mother and Katar is a hybrid Human-Thanagarian.
Katar met [[Hawkman (Carter Hall)|Carter Hall]] and [[Hawkgirl#Golden Age|Shiera Sanders]], who returned from Asgard with the rest of the [[Justice Society]]. He learns that his father came to Earth during [[World War II]], under the alias "Perry Carter". The Golden Age Hawks, Carter and Shiera Hall, were friends with Paran, and were the inspiration of the Wingmen. In one adventure, Carter took an injured Katar to be healed by an old friend, a Cherokee shaman named Naomi ("Faraway Woman"). Katar discovers that she had known Paran Katar, his father. She and Paran fell in love, and the two eloped with the Halls serving as witnesses.


During the ''[[Zero Hour (comics)|Zero Hour]]'' event, Katar Hol was merged with Carter, Shiera, and a "hawk god" creature in a new Hawkman version—a living avatar of the hawk god who adventured for a brief time, continuing to prey on criminals and deal out his own brand of fierce justice. He later went insane (tormented by the voices of all previous hawk avatars in his head), until he was eventually banished to limbo by the combined skills of [[Arion (comics)|Arion]] and the [[Martian Manhunter]].
During the ''[[Zero Hour: Crisis in Time!]]'' event, Katar Hol was merged with Carter, Shiera, and a "hawk god" creature in a new Hawkman version—a living avatar of the hawk god who adventured for a brief time, continuing to prey on criminals and deal out his own brand of fierce justice. He later went insane and was banished to [[Limbo (DC Comics)|Limbo]] by [[Arion (character)|Arion]] and [[Martian Manhunter]].


Because of Carter Hall's return from the dead prior to ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'', it has been stated that Katar Hol's soul dissipated from the Limbo/Realm of the Hawk God and is now deceased. Carter Hall currently inhabits a reconstructed version of Katar Hol's post-Zero Hour body, which mostly resembles Carter Hall, but with darker hair and a more barbaric frame.
Because of Carter Hall's return from the dead prior to ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'', it has been stated that Katar Hol's soul dissipated from the Limbo/Realm of the Hawk God and is now deceased. Carter Hall currently inhabits a reconstructed version of Katar Hol's post-Zero Hour body, which mostly resembles Carter Hall, but with darker hair and a more barbaric frame.


===The New 52 version===
===''The New 52'' version===
As part of DC's 2011 company-wide title relaunch, ''[[The New 52]]'', Katar Hol was re-established as the DCU's Hawkman, using the name Carter Hall. His origin has yet to be fully explained since he appears to not know his alien heritage, believing himself to be human. Issue #0 explains that Katar Hol was once a proud member of the [[Thanagarian]] race, adopted son of their king Thal Provis and lover to the princess [[Shayera Thal]]. Unlike other Thanagarians, he was a pacifist; desiring to find an end to centuries of war, he convinced the king to hold a peace conference. However the Daemonites took advantage of this to spread a deadly disease that quickly destroyed all Thanagarians' wings and killed their king. The new ruler, son of Provis and Katar's adoptive brother, Corsar, came to believe that only the [[Nth Metal]] could save them, but this desire for power sacrificed hundreds of lives, which was apparently rewarded when Katar was accidentally fused with it creating a full body armor and regenerating his wings. But seeing his brother's increasing insanity, Katar refused to let the metal power be distributed, leading to fighting between them and the death of Corsar. Shayera then vows to hunt down Hawkman, also blaming him for her father's death. He runs away in a stolen ship that ends up crashing on earth.<ref>''The Savage Hawkman'' #0</ref> During the ''Rotworld'' storyline Animal Man travels to a post-apocalyptic future where he is attacked by a Rot-corrupted Hawkman; this version is killed by [[Steel (John Henry Irons)|Steel]], [[Beast Boy]], and [[Black Orchid (comics)|Black Orchid]].<ref>''Animal Man'' (vol. 2) #13 (October 2012)</ref>
As part of DC's 2011 company-wide title relaunch, [[The New 52]], Katar Hol was re-established as the DCU's Hawkman, using the name Carter Hall. His origin has yet to be fully explained since he appears to not know his alien heritage, believing himself to be human.

=== Death of Hawkman ===
Thanagarians attack the royal house of Rann and seemingly murders [[Sardath]]. With assistance from Hawkman, [[Adam Strange]] determines that the real culprit is [[Despero]]. Using his psionic powers, Despero controls the citizens of Rann, Thanagar, and Kalanor as part of a plan to attack Earth. Hawkman sacrifices himself to defeat Despero, who is banished to the edge of the universe. Later, the Absorbascon device creates a mindless clone of Hawkman to attack the Justice League.<ref>''Justice League'' (vol. 3) #14 (April 2017)</ref>

==Powers and abilities==
{{Main article|Hawkman#Powers and abilities}}


==Other versions==
==Other versions==
* An alternate universe variant of Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in ''[[Justice (DC Comics)|Justice]]''.
The Silver Age Katar Hol has made some appearances in out-of-continuity series.
* The Earth-One incarnation of Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in ''Legend of the Hawkman''.
* In [[Alex Ross]]' Silver Age-toned ''[[Justice (DC Comics)|Justice]]'', Katar Hol is a member of the Justice League; he is married to Shayera - also a member of the Justice League and works as a curator of the Midway City Museum. He is mostly referred to as "Carter", even by Shayera. In the climax of the series, he wears a suit of armor that resembles the Hawk-God. He also appears in ''Secret Origins'' and ''Liberty and Justice'', tabloid-sized comics also by Alex Ross.
* An alternate universe variant of Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in ''[[JLA: The Nail]]'', where he is killed by [[Amazo]].
* Katar and Shayera are featured in the [[Elseworlds]] three-part [[prestige format]] [[limited series]] ''Legend of the Hawkman'' (2000). The story takes place in the Earth-One timeline, some time after ''The Brave and the Bold'' #34. Shayera is shown wanting to return home to Thanagar while Katar has grown accustomed to life on Earth. Although this miniseries was never labeled as an ''Elseworlds'' project when originally published, it is now accepted as being one, with this story clearly based on the Silver Age versions of Hawkman and Hawkwoman during the pre-''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'' era.
* An alternate universe variant of Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in ''[[The Dark Knight Strikes Again]]''. He and Shayera Hol flee to [[Costa Rica]] to escape [[Lex Luthor]]'s military dictatorship, only to be killed in a military strike. The two's son, Hawkboy, is raised in the jungle and later kills Luthor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fanboyplanet.com/ontv/justiceleague/mg-jluONCEANDFUTURETHING2.php |title=mg-jluONCEANDFUTURETHING2 |publisher=Fanboy Planet.Com |access-date=2015-06-13 |archive-date=2015-06-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616010159/http://fanboyplanet.com/ontv/justiceleague/mg-jluONCEANDFUTURETHING2.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* In ''[[JLA: The Nail]]'', Katar Hol was killed by [[Amazo]] while trying to get Green Arrow to safety. He was frequently mentioned in the sequel ''[[Another Nail]]''.
* Katar Hol / Hawkman makes a cameo appearance in ''Adventures in the DC Universe 80-Page Giant''.
* In ''[[The Dark Knight Strikes Again]]'', the Hawks tried to return to Thanagar to flee from [[Lex Luthor]]'s military dictatorship, only to crash in the rain forest of [[Costa Rica]]. They decided to remain hiding. They give birth to a son and a daughter, giving them natural wings. Katar and Shayera were killed by a military strike ordered by Lex Luthor, embracing each other in their final moments. The children were brought up in the jungle ever since. They were bent on revenge against Lex.<ref>http://fanboyplanet.com/ontv/justiceleague/mg-jluONCEANDFUTURETHING2.php</ref> As '''Hawkboy''', the son ultimately kills Luthor with Batman's permission, since he understands what he's been through.
* The Silver Age Hawks made a cameo appearance in ''Adventures in the DC Universe 80-Page Giant'' as [[Chronos (comics)|Chronos]] II travels across time and space. He witness them in a battle against the Manhawks.
* Katar Hol / Hawkman makes a cameo appearance in ''[[The Kingdom (comics)|The Kingdom: Planet Krypton]]'' #1.
* Katar Hol / Hawkman makes a cameo appearance in "[[Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?]]".
* The Silver Age Katar Hol is one of the "ghosts" in the empty "Planet Krypton" restaurant in ''[[The Kingdom (comics)|The Kingdom: Planet Krypton]]'' #1.
* Katar Hol / Hawkman makes a cameo appearance in ''[[JLA/Avengers]]''.
* Hawkman appeared in ''[[Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?]]'' in ''Action Comics'' issue #583, trying to break through the barrier around the [[Fortress of Solitude]].
* Katar Hol / Hawkman makes a cameo appearance in ''[[JLA: Created Equal]]''.
* Katar and Shayera Hol appear in ''[[JLA/Avengers]]'' due to time distortions caused by [[Krona (comics)|Krona]].
* Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in ''[[Scooby-Doo! Team Up]]'' #33.
* Katar appears briefly with Shayera, setting up [[Thanagar]]ian equipment, at the start of ''[[JLA: Created Equal]]'' issue #1 before the Fall.
* Katar Hol / Hawkman makes a cameo appearance in ''Superman & Batman Magazine'' #5.
* Katar appears in issue #9 of the ''[[Batman: The Brave and the Bold (comics)|The All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold]]'' comics, where he teams up with Batman to defeat Byth and return him to Thanagar.


==Biblography==
===Eponymous series===
* ''Hawkman'' #1-27
* ''The Atom and Hawkman'' #39-45
* ''Shadow War of Hawkman'' #1-4
* ''Hawkman'' Vol. 2 #1-17
* ''Hawkman'' Vol. 3 #1-33, 0, Annual Vol. 3 #1-2
* ''Hawkworld'' #1-3
* ''Hawkworld'' Vol. 2 #1-32, Annual Vol. 2 #1-3
* ''Hawkman Special'' #1-2
===Spotlight===
* ''Brave and the Bold'' #34-36, 42-44, 51, 70, 139, 164, 186
* ''World's Finest'' #209, 256-270, 272-283
* ''DC Comics Presents'' #11, 37, 74, 95
* ''Detective Comics'' #347, 428, 434, 438-440, 442-443, 446, 452, 454-4555, 467-468, 479-480, 500
* ''Showcase'' #101-103
* ''Mystery in Space'' #87-90
* ''Legends of the DC Universe'' #12-13, 80-Page Giant #1
* ''Super-Team Family'' #3, 12
==In other media==
==In other media==
===Television===
* Hawkman's first animated appearance was in the 1967 [[Filmation]] animated series ''[[The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure]]'', in which Hawkman appeared in several shorts, either in solo adventures or as part of the Justice League.
* Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in ''[[The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure]]'', voiced by [[Vic Perrin]]. This version is a member of the [[Justice League]] who wields a wrist-mounted "power claw" instead of archaic weapons. Additionally, he has an eagle sidekick named Skreal and is a scientist under the alias of Carter Hall.
* Hawkman has appeared as a Super Friend in ''[[The All-New Super Friends Hour]]'', ''[[Challenge of the Super Friends]]'', ''[[Super Friends (1980)|Super Friends]]'', and ''[[The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians]]''. His voice was provided by [[Jack Angel]]. Hawkman appears in almost every episode of ''Challenge of the Superfriends'', but has spoken lines in only thirteen out of the sixteen episodes of this series.
* Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in ''[[Super Friends]]'', voiced by [[Jack Angel]]. This version is a member of the titular team.
* Hawkman was featured in the ''[[Legends of the Superheroes]]'' TV specials in 1979, portrayed by Bill Nuckols.
* Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in ''[[Legends of the Superheroes]]'', portrayed by Bill Nuckols.
*'''[[wikia:dcanimated:Hro Talak|Hro Talak]]''' from the episode "Starcrossed" in ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' TV series is an anagram for Katar Hol. The producers of the Justice League series originally meant for Hro Talak to be the DCAU version of Hawkman, but DC Comics refused to allow it since while Hro Talak was an antihero, he was notably quite villainous, willing to sacrifice countless innocent people, albeit for his race. They did introduce Carter Hall in the last season of Justice League Unlimited, whose name in a past life was revealed to be Katar Hol. Hro Talak can also be compared or loosely based on [[Fel Andar]].
* A loose adaptation of Katar Hol named '''Hro Talak''' appears in the ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' episode "Starcrossed", voiced by Victor Rivers.<ref name="btva2">{{cite web |title=Hro Talak Voices (DC Universe) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/DC-Universe/Hro-Talak/ |access-date=December 31, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref> He is a Thanagarian general and [[Shayera Hol|Hawkgirl]]'s former commanding officer and lover. Talak is later killed in a [[Gordanian]] attack prior to the events of the ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'' episode "Hunter's Moon".<!--PLEASE DO NOT ADD THE JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED VERSION OF CARTER HALL. IT IS ALREADY LISTED IN HIS DEDICATED PAGE.-->
* Hawkman first made a cameo on ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'' in the season-four finale "The Joining, Part Two" and appeared in the episode "What Goes Up...", voiced by [[Robert Patrick]]. While not identified by name, a comment made about the Batcave looking like police headquarters on Thanagar and the comments on all of the villains he fought on 2 worlds indicates that he's Katar Hol.
* Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'', voiced by [[Robert Patrick]].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Hawkman Voices (DC Universe) |url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/DC-Universe/Hawkman/ |access-date=December 31, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref>
* Katar Hol has a cameo appearance as Hawkman at the end of the animated film ''[[Justice League: The New Frontier]]''. He is seen during the famous speech by [[John F. Kennedy]].
* Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', voiced by [[James Arnold Taylor]].<ref name="btva" /><ref>{{cite web| author = G-Man | title =Comic-Con: Brave and the Bold & Young Justice Panel | publisher = Comic Vine | date =2010-07-24 | url =http://www.comicvine.com/news/comic-con-brave-and-the-bold-young-justice-panel/141716/ | access-date = 2010-07-26}}</ref> This version is a member of the Justice League. Additionally, Hro Talak appears in the [[Young Justice: Outsiders|third season]], voiced by [[Mark Rolston]].<ref name="btva2" />
* Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in ''[[Justice League Action]]'', voiced by [[Troy Baker]].<ref name="btva" />

===Film===
* Katar Hol / Hawkman makes a cameo appearance in ''[[Justice League: The New Frontier]]''.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}
* Katar Hol / Hawkman makes a non-speaking appearance in ''[[Injustice (2021 film)|Injustice]]''.<ref name="btva" />

===Miscellaneous===
Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in ''[[Batman: The Brave and the Bold (comics)|All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold]]'' #9.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}

==Bibliography==
* The Silver and Bronze Age (1961-1988)
**''The Brave and the Bold'' #34–36, 42–44, 51, 70,
**''The Atom'' #7,31
**''Mystery in Space'' #87–90
**''Hawkman'' Vol. 1 #1–27
**''The Atom and Hawkman'' #39–45,
**''Detective Comics'' (Back-up) #428, 434, 438-439, 442, 446, 452, 454-455, 467-468, 479-480, and 500
**''Showcase'' #101-103
**''World’s Finest Comic''s #256-259, 261-262, 264-270, 272-277, 279-282
**''The Shadow War of Hawkman'' #1-4
**''Hawkman'' Vol. 2 #1-17, Special #1
* Reboot (1988-1996)
**''Hawkworld'' Vol. 1 #1-3
**''Hawkworld'' Vol. 2 #1-32, Annuals #1-3
**''Hawkman'' Vol. 3 #1-12, Annuals #1


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.dcindexes.com/indexes/indexes.php?character=156&choice=appearances A Comprehensive index of Katar Hol's appearances through the mid-1980s]
* [http://www.mikesamazingworld.com/mikes/features/character.php?page=appearances&characterid=156 A comprehensive index of Katar Hol's appearances through the mid-1980s]
* {{DCDP|Hawkman (Katar Hol)|Hawkman}}
* {{DCDP|Hawkman (Katar Hol)|Hawkman}}
* {{dcauw|Hawkman}}
* {{dcauw|Hawkman}}
* {{dcauw|Hro Talak}}
* {{dcauw|Hro Talak}}
* [http://www.mykey3000.com/cosmicteams/profiles/hawkman3.html Cosmic Teams: Hawkman and Hawkwoman]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080409221150/http://www.mykey3000.com/cosmicteams/profiles/hawkman3.html Cosmic Teams: Hawkman and Hawkwoman]
* [http://www.toonopedia.com/hawkman2.htm Hawkman (1961)] at [[Don Markstein's Toonopedia]]


{{Hawkman}}
{{Hawkman}}
{{Justice League}}
{{Justice League characters}}
{{Gardner Fox}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hol, Katar}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hol, Katar}}
[[Category:DC Comics aliens]]
[[Category:Characters created by Gardner Fox]]
[[Category:Characters created by Joe Kubert]]
[[Category:Characters created by Timothy Truman]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1961]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1961]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1989]]
[[Category:DC Comics aliens]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:DC Comics superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters with accelerated healing]]
[[Category:Extraterrestrial superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics extraterrestrial superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics science fiction characters]]
[[Category:DC Comics male superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics hybrids]]
[[Category:DC Comics police officers]]
[[Category:Fictional archaeologists]]
[[Category:Fictional archaeologists]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters with accelerated healing]]
[[Category:Fictional extraterrestrial–human hybrids in comics]]
[[Category:Fictional police officers]]
[[Category:Fictional princes]]
[[Category:Characters created by Gardner Fox]]
[[Category:Hawkman]]
[[Category:Characters created by Joe Kubert]]
[[Category:Wingmen of Thanagar]]
[[Category:Wingmen of Thanagar]]

[[it:Hawkman (Katar Hol)]]
[[zh:鹰侠 (卡塔尔·霍尔)]]

Latest revision as of 21:28, 31 December 2024

Hawkman
Hawkman with Atom.
Art by Alex Ross
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceThe Brave and the Bold #34 (February 10th 1961)
Created byGardner Fox
Joe Kubert
Revamped by:
Timothy Truman
In-story information
Full nameKatar Hol
SpeciesThanagarian (current) Human[1]/Thanagarian hybrid (originally)
Place of originThanagar
Team affiliationsElite Hawkmen Force
Justice League
Justice League America
Justice League of America
Justice League United
Justice League International
PartnershipsHawkwoman
Atom (Ray Palmer)
Adam Strange
Notable aliasesCarter Hall
Abilities
  • Flight (via artificial wings and anti-gravity belt)
  • Enhanced strength, vision, and endurance
  • Able to communicate with and summon birds

Hawkman (Katar Hol) is a DC Comics superhero. He is the Silver Age, Bronze Age and New 52 Hawkman. Created by Gardner Fox and Joe Kubert, he first appeared in The Brave and the Bold #34 (February–March 1961). There are two versions of Katar Hol, the Silver Age/Pre-Crisis version and the post-Hawkworld/Post-Crisis version.

Publication history

[edit]

The Silver Age Hawkman (Katar Hol) was first introduced in The Brave and the Bold #34 by artist Joe Kubert and writer Gardner Fox. At this time DC had already rebooted many of its characters such as the Flash and Green Lantern. Hawkman's first appearance sold well and spawned five more tryout issues in The Brave and the Bold. During these issues, he teamed up with his wife, Hawkgirl, to battle foes on earth as well as on his home planet Thanagar.[2]

The Brave and the Bold #36 (1961). Art by Joe Kubert

After Hawkman had concluded his appearances in The Brave and the Bold, he starred in a side strip within Mystery in Space. He appeared in four issues of this series, and teamed up with Adam Strange in some of these adventures.[3]

In 1964, Hawkman was given a bi-monthly solo title. Murphy Anderson took over the art for this series with Gardner Fox continuing as writer. Hawkman occasionally teamed up with Atom and Strange in his title. Together, Hawkman and Hawkgirl battled such enemies as the Matter Master, the Shadow Thief and Lion-Mane. Hawkman's comic book continued for less than five years before it was canceled at issue #27.[4]

After declining sales forced the cancellation of his solo magazine, Hawkman teamed up with the Atom and starred in The Atom and Hawkman for seven issues. This series was canceled as well.[5]

During the 1970s and early 1980s, Hawkman continued to appear as a member of the Justice League of America, which he had joined back in 1964.[6] He also made regular appearances in World's Finest Comics and Detective Comics, along with a three-issue story in the pages of Showcase. It was not until the mid-1980s when Hawkman received his own title again. In 1986, DC published a four-part miniseries called, The Shadow War of Hawkman.[7] Due to the decent sales of this series, Hawkman received another monthly solo series. It lasted seventeen issues and one Special before it, too, was cancelled.[8]

In 1989, Timothy Truman decided to reboot the Silver Age Hawkman in a three-book series titled Hawkworld.[9] This was the start of the post-Hawkworld version of Katar Hol. While this series was originally meant to just be a retold origin of Hawkman, it spawned yet another Hawkman series. In 1990 DC created the Hawkworld monthly series. This series had two volumes, but was eventually canceled.[10]

During the mid 1990s–2010s Hawkman had more on-and-off series. However, none of them were of much importance. With all of the different series, Hawkman had been part of, his origin and story had become rather complicated and confusing. At the end of his 3rd series, Hawkman was physically dissolved into nothing.[11] Eventually Hawkman came back, but this time, rather than being the alien policeman that he was in the previous series, he was Carter Hall, the reincarnated Egyptian prince. However this added even more complexity to Hawkman, and the series was canceled.[12]

In 2011, the Silver Age Hawkman was rebooted again as part of The New 52 reboot. His new comic book was titled The Savage Hawkman. Although this Hawkman was the most simple version of the complex character, the series sold poorly and ended after twenty issues.[13] In 2016, Hawkman returned again as part of the DC Rebirth relaunch, in a series titled The Death of Hawkman, which concluded after six issues.[14]

A new Hawkman title, by Robert Venditti and Bryan Hitch, debuted in June 2018. The series focuses on Carter Hall, the reincarnated Egyptian prince version of Hawkman, rather than Katar Hol.

Fictional character biography

[edit]

Silver Age version

[edit]

Katar Hol was the imperial prince of his home planet of Thanagar. His father was Paran Katar, renowned ornithologist and inventor.

When Katar Hol was eighteen, an alien race called the Manhawks invaded Thanagar and began looting the planet. Paran sent young Katar Hol to infiltrate their nest and bring back information on the aliens. Using this information, Paran created a hawk-like battle suit containing advanced technology like his "Nth metal". Katar used this hawk-suit and Paran's advanced weaponry to drive the Manhawks away from Thanagar.

That, however, was not the end of the problem. Some Thanagarians had learned the concept of stealing from the Manhawks. Due to the amount of crime, the Thanagarian government created a police force. In honor of Paran Katar and his achievements, the new police force began using his hawk-suit and equipment. Paran headed this new police force, named the Hawk-Police (or Wingmen), and his son became one of the first recruits.

Katar soon became one of the most skilled of the Hawk-Police. When a group called the Rainbow Robbers began committing crimes, Katar was teamed up with rookie Shayera Thal to track and apprehend the criminals. During the case, Shayera saved Katar's life, and the two soon fell in love. A few weeks later, Katar proposed to Shayera and the two got married, working together as partners-for-life in the Hawk-Police.

After ten years of marriage and in the force, the pair were sent to Earth to capture the shape-shifting Thanagarian criminal Byth Rok.[15] During their mission, they meet George Emmett, commissioner of the Midway City Police Department, and told him their alien origin. With Emmett's help, the pair took over his retiring brother Ed's place as museum curators. They adopt the identities as Carter and Shiera Hall. After capturing him and sending him back to Thanagar, they elected to remain on Earth to work with authorities to learn human police methods. The two acted publicly as the heroes Hawkman and Hawkgirl (later Hawkwoman).

The Silver Age Katar Hol in Hawkman #12 (February–March 1966). Art by Murphy Anderson.

The rest of Hawkman's supporting cast consist of Mavis Trent, museum naturalist and diorama artist who flirts with Katar; Joe Tracy, the museum's publicist; his commanding officer Andar Pul; a large red hawk named Big Red who lives in nearby Hawk Valley; and teenage orphan Charley Parker, the Golden Eagle. Katar gained a variety of unique villainous opponents such as the Shadow Thief, the Matter Master, Ira Quimby (I.Q.), Konrad Kaslak, Chac, the Raven, the Criminal Alliance of the World (or C.A.W.), Lion-Mane, Kanjar Ro, Hyathis, Fadeaway Man, and Gentleman Ghost.

Katar joined the Justice League of America, where he befriended the Atom. As Hawkman was a conservative, he frequently verbally sparred with his fellow Leaguer Green Arrow, a left-wing liberal.

Hol left the Justice League for a time when Thanagar was hit by the Equalizer Plague, which caused all Thanagarians to change so that their physical and mental talents, and even their heights, became the same. With the help of the JLA, he was eventually able to reverse the effects of the plague.

However, in the wake of the plague, Thanagar adopted an expansionist outlook, and went to war with the planet Rann, which orbits Alpha Centauri. This forced Katar and Shayera to choose to fight for or against their own planet, and they elected to oppose Thanagar, becoming exiles on Earth. Around this time, Shayera herself joined the JLA, and took the name Hawkwoman.

Following the truce between Thanagar and Rann, Thanagar began to secretly try to take over the Earth. Hol opposed their efforts in a furtive "secret war" for several years.

Following the events of DC's miniseries Crisis on Infinite Earths, the histories of Earth-One and Earth-Two are merged. As a result, both Golden Age and Silver Age versions of Hawkman and Hawkgirl/Hawkwoman live on the same Earth. Initially, the Silver Age Hawkman and Hawkwoman were kept in continuity unchanged. They took Superman to Krypton,[16] briefly joined Justice League International, teamed-up with Atom,[17] and helped Animal Man defuse a Thanagarian bomb during Invasion. However, DC reversed this decision and rebooted Hawkman continuity after the 1989 Hawkworld miniseries. Originally, Hawkworld retold the origins of the Silver Age Hawkman and Hawkwoman, but following its success, DC Comics launched a Hawkworld ongoing series set in the present, resulting in a complete reboot of Hawkman continuity. By doing so, several continuity errors regarding Hawkman and Hawkwoman's Justice League appearances needed to be fixed.

Post-Hawkworld version

[edit]

Katar Hol was rebooted in 1989 in the prestige format miniseries Hawkworld by Timothy Truman. A regular ongoing series of the same name followed from 1990 to 1993, which was then followed up by Hawkman (vol. 3) from 1993 to 1996.

Katar Hol and Shayera Hol. Art by Graham Nolan.

In this new version, Katar Hol was a young police officer on the planet Thanagar, and a child of a privileged family being the son of Paran Katar. Thanagar was a planet which conquered and mined other worlds for their resources to maintain its high standard of living, and Hol realized that this was wrong. He rebelled against the system and favored the old days of Thanagar. He became a student of history and archaeology, and admired Thanagar's legendary hero Kalmoran. Hol became addicted to a recreational drug, was manipulated by the renegade police captain Byth into killing his father, and was sent into exile in the Isle of Chance.

During that time, he found one of the island residents in robes fashioned a pair of wings. Katar, disillusioned, killed him and took his wings. He learned the wings were meant for Hol and that the robed man had natural wings on his back. Horrified on what he has done, the brother of the man he killed helped him deal with withdrawal symptoms from his drug addictions and he made peace with himself.

When his sentence was up, Hol was sent to Downside. However, he managed to escape and uncover and defeat Byth, who had gained shape-shifting abilities. As a result, he was reinstated in the force and given a new partner, Shayera Thal - a young woman from a lower class of society.

Just after Fel Andar left Earth, Katar and Shayera were sent to Earth, where they served as goodwill ambassadors for their home planet and remained for some time fighting both human and alien criminals in places like Chicago's Netherworld. Dubbed by the press as Hawkman III, Katar and Shayera, Hawkwoman II, had a tempestuous working relationship, and eventually, Shayera broke away from Katar, who continued alone.

Katar met Carter Hall and Shiera Sanders, who returned from Asgard with the rest of the Justice Society. He learns that his father came to Earth during World War II, under the alias "Perry Carter". The Golden Age Hawks, Carter and Shiera Hall, were friends with Paran, and were the inspiration of the Wingmen. In one adventure, Carter took an injured Katar to be healed by an old friend, a Cherokee shaman named Naomi ("Faraway Woman"). Katar discovers that she had known Paran Katar, his father. She and Paran fell in love, and the two eloped with the Halls serving as witnesses.

During the Zero Hour: Crisis in Time! event, Katar Hol was merged with Carter, Shiera, and a "hawk god" creature in a new Hawkman version—a living avatar of the hawk god who adventured for a brief time, continuing to prey on criminals and deal out his own brand of fierce justice. He later went insane and was banished to Limbo by Arion and Martian Manhunter.

Because of Carter Hall's return from the dead prior to Infinite Crisis, it has been stated that Katar Hol's soul dissipated from the Limbo/Realm of the Hawk God and is now deceased. Carter Hall currently inhabits a reconstructed version of Katar Hol's post-Zero Hour body, which mostly resembles Carter Hall, but with darker hair and a more barbaric frame.

The New 52 version

[edit]

As part of DC's 2011 company-wide title relaunch, The New 52, Katar Hol was re-established as the DCU's Hawkman, using the name Carter Hall. His origin has yet to be fully explained since he appears to not know his alien heritage, believing himself to be human. Issue #0 explains that Katar Hol was once a proud member of the Thanagarian race, adopted son of their king Thal Provis and lover to the princess Shayera Thal. Unlike other Thanagarians, he was a pacifist; desiring to find an end to centuries of war, he convinced the king to hold a peace conference. However the Daemonites took advantage of this to spread a deadly disease that quickly destroyed all Thanagarians' wings and killed their king. The new ruler, son of Provis and Katar's adoptive brother, Corsar, came to believe that only the Nth Metal could save them, but this desire for power sacrificed hundreds of lives, which was apparently rewarded when Katar was accidentally fused with it creating a full body armor and regenerating his wings. But seeing his brother's increasing insanity, Katar refused to let the metal power be distributed, leading to fighting between them and the death of Corsar. Shayera then vows to hunt down Hawkman, also blaming him for her father's death. He runs away in a stolen ship that ends up crashing on earth.[18] During the Rotworld storyline Animal Man travels to a post-apocalyptic future where he is attacked by a Rot-corrupted Hawkman; this version is killed by Steel, Beast Boy, and Black Orchid.[19]

Death of Hawkman

[edit]

Thanagarians attack the royal house of Rann and seemingly murders Sardath. With assistance from Hawkman, Adam Strange determines that the real culprit is Despero. Using his psionic powers, Despero controls the citizens of Rann, Thanagar, and Kalanor as part of a plan to attack Earth. Hawkman sacrifices himself to defeat Despero, who is banished to the edge of the universe. Later, the Absorbascon device creates a mindless clone of Hawkman to attack the Justice League.[20]

Powers and abilities

[edit]
Main article: Hawkman § Powers and abilities

Other versions

[edit]
  • An alternate universe variant of Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in Justice.
  • The Earth-One incarnation of Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in Legend of the Hawkman.
  • An alternate universe variant of Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in JLA: The Nail, where he is killed by Amazo.
  • An alternate universe variant of Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in The Dark Knight Strikes Again. He and Shayera Hol flee to Costa Rica to escape Lex Luthor's military dictatorship, only to be killed in a military strike. The two's son, Hawkboy, is raised in the jungle and later kills Luthor.[21]
  • Katar Hol / Hawkman makes a cameo appearance in Adventures in the DC Universe 80-Page Giant.
  • Katar Hol / Hawkman makes a cameo appearance in The Kingdom: Planet Krypton #1.
  • Katar Hol / Hawkman makes a cameo appearance in "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?".
  • Katar Hol / Hawkman makes a cameo appearance in JLA/Avengers.
  • Katar Hol / Hawkman makes a cameo appearance in JLA: Created Equal.
  • Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in Scooby-Doo! Team Up #33.
  • Katar Hol / Hawkman makes a cameo appearance in Superman & Batman Magazine #5.

In other media

[edit]

Television

[edit]

Film

[edit]

Miscellaneous

[edit]

Katar Hol / Hawkman appears in All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold #9.[citation needed]

Bibliography

[edit]
  • The Silver and Bronze Age (1961-1988)
    • The Brave and the Bold #34–36, 42–44, 51, 70,
    • The Atom #7,31
    • Mystery in Space #87–90
    • Hawkman Vol. 1 #1–27
    • The Atom and Hawkman #39–45,
    • Detective Comics (Back-up) #428, 434, 438-439, 442, 446, 452, 454-455, 467-468, 479-480, and 500
    • Showcase #101-103
    • World’s Finest Comics #256-259, 261-262, 264-270, 272-277, 279-282
    • The Shadow War of Hawkman #1-4
    • Hawkman Vol. 2 #1-17, Special #1
  • Reboot (1988-1996)
    • Hawkworld Vol. 1 #1-3
    • Hawkworld Vol. 2 #1-32, Annuals #1-3
    • Hawkman Vol. 3 #1-12, Annuals #1

References

[edit]
  1. ^ The Brave and the Bold #34 & #43 (1961-1962)
  2. ^ The Brave and the Bold #34-36, #42-44 (1961-1962)
  3. ^ Mystery in Space #87-90 (1963)
  4. ^ Hawkman #1-27 (1964-1968)
  5. ^ The Atom and Hawkman #39-45 (1969-1970)
  6. ^ Justice League of America #31 (1964)
  7. ^ The Shadow War of Hawkman #1-4 (1986)
  8. ^ Hawkman (vol. 2) #1-17 and Special #1 (1986-1987)
  9. ^ Hawkworld books #1-3 (1989)
  10. ^ Hawkworld vol. 1-2 (1990-1993)
  11. ^ Hawkman (vol. 3) (1993-1996)
  12. ^ Hawkman (vol. 4) (2002-2006)
  13. ^ The Savage Hawkman #0-20 (2011-2013)
  14. ^ The Death of Hawkman #1-6 (2016-2017)
  15. ^ The Brave and the Bold #34 (1961)
  16. ^ Superman (vol. 2) #18 "Return to Krypton"
  17. ^ Power of the Atom #4
  18. ^ The Savage Hawkman #0
  19. ^ Animal Man (vol. 2) #13 (October 2012)
  20. ^ Justice League (vol. 3) #14 (April 2017)
  21. ^ "mg-jluONCEANDFUTURETHING2". Fanboy Planet.Com. Archived from the original on 2015-06-16. Retrieved 2015-06-13.
  22. ^ a b "Hro Talak Voices (DC Universe)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved December 31, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  23. ^ a b c d "Hawkman Voices (DC Universe)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved December 31, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  24. ^ G-Man (2010-07-24). "Comic-Con: Brave and the Bold & Young Justice Panel". Comic Vine. Retrieved 2010-07-26.
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