For Hawkgirl fans, the year of 2016 was a scattered jumble of this and that. For a superhero who has a longer history than Wonder Woman, the treatment of Hawkgirl since the Flashpoint of 2011 has been scattered and lacking at best. Still, for the faithful fans of Hawkgirl, the year gave us several versions of our favorite winged super-heroine if we looked hard enough. Here is a rundown of the main appearances during the year.
Legends of Tomorrow (Kendra Saunders)
The year started off with the excitement of Hawkgirl (and Hawkman) on a weekly TV show. The introduction to the Hawks on The Flash show and the following promos for the show gave us great hope that the show would be something that fans had been waiting for for a long time. It was not. The show was confusing, shallow, and badly-written from the start. After Hawkman died in the pilot, there was the hope that Hawkgirl would be able to step out on her own. Instead, we had a character that was constantly conflicted about who she was, and thrown into a “romantic” relationship with the Atom. After reuniting with another Hawkman from the future, they suddenly announced they were leaving and just like that, the Hawks were out of the show. The ratings for the show dropped steadily during the season. The one positive was Ciara Renee, the actress who gave us our first live action Hawkgirl. Renee is a beautiful actress who did the best with what she was given. We are hoping a better producer and writer will give her another chance to spread her wings as Hawkgirl again soon.
Earth 2 Society (Kendra Munoz-Saunders)
The blue-clad Hawkgirl of Earth 2 has been very active in the series this year. For those Hawkgirl fans who have not followed this version of Kendra, go give it a shot. The origins and power set are all different but this version of Hawkgirl has sass to spare and has been a central part of the team on Earth 2. Go check it out!
Injustice: Gods Among Us (Shiera Hall, Kendra Saunders)
The Batman and Harley Quinn fans, this series has been an utter joy, but for the rest, not so much. This year, we saw Hawkgirl being pretty much useless, losing to Batwoman (really?) and getting smacked around by Hawkman again. At least she’s in the story. And it looks like she will be in the new Injustice 2 video game as well so surely it will be better than the comic book.
Scooby-Doo Team Up (Shayera Hol)
This comic by Sholly Fisch and Dario Brizuela was one of the highlights of the year for both Hawks. The story explained the origin of the Hawks in a way a five-year-old could understand, and there were many characters from the Silver Age popping out. It was bright, it was fun, and there was even a jab at Green Arrow. It was a great example of what makes these characters so iconic, and we were left longing for more and a return to a time when comics were fun.
DC Superheroes Girls (voiced by Nika Futterman)
While it’s difficult to understand why Hawkgirl is not one of the six main characters, she has been in a few episodes along the way. Making her hall monitor is a stroke of genius. And the blond streaks running through her hair is very Nth. Catch her on the show when you can.
DC Comics: Bombshells
Back in 2011, DC Collectibles released a series of their heroines in 1940s style. We’ve all see the Hawkgirl version with the rocket backpack and bubble gum. The comic series started in the summer of 2015 and we were able to see Hawkgirl in some issues this year. Again, she’s not one of the main characters but it series is pretty fun to read if you’re a fan of retro.
DC New Talent Showcase (Shayera Hall)
DC Comics announced a comic for new talent back in the summer and Hawkgirl was chosen for one of the seven features in the book. She is based in Chicago, working as a police detective. She is from Thanagar, her mace vibrates like a smartphone when Nth-metal Thanagarian weapons are near, and she has a secret Hawkroom. Cool. Favorite quote: “Ok, Shayera. Get your wings in the game.”
Funko Pop Legends of Tomorrow Hawkgirl
Maybe the best thing to come out of the Legends show is the Funko Pop Hawkgirl. For those Hawkfans who collect the winged warriors, this is a must!
Looking at the complete year, this was another odd year for Hawkgirl. The year had some Hawkgirl we could follow, but the Hawks need to be brought back together again. Since they killed her off at the end of Brightest Day in 2011, Hawkgirl and Hawkman have been going their separate ways. As a fan of the Hawks since the 70s, this doesn’t work as well as when they are together. The most interesting part of the Hawk legend is their relationship, whether it be the Egyptian or Thanagarian story. The way they care for each other and work together are what makes Hawkman and Hawkgirl special, and when they are apart, the story is missing something. Since DC announced their big Rebirth plans, the Hawks have been no where in sight. Here’s hoping that the Hawks are reunited next year in a Rebirth series and we get to see the Hawks as they are meant to be; the most iconic superhero couple in comics.
List of 2016 Hawkgirl comics:
Earth 2 Society (#8~18)
Injustice: Gods among Us Year Five (#3, 8, 11, 16, 24~33, 40, Annual)
Injustice: Gods among Us Ground Zero (#3~6)
Scooby Doo Team Up (#17)
DC Comics Bombshells (#61~63)
DC New Talent Showcase (#1)
