In ancient Egypt, Prince Khufu and his lady love Chay-Ara are captured and killed (with a dagger made of Nth metal) by evil high-priest Hath-Set. But, as Khufu is dying, he swears that he will somehow return for revenge. Flash-forward to 1940, where American archaeologist Carter Hall comes to realize that he was once Prince Khufu, after touching the Nth metal dagger that he and Chay-Ara were once slain with; causing all of his past- life memories to back. Chay-Ara has also returned as Shiera Saunders, while Hath-Set has returned as evil scientist Anton Hastor. After Hastor has kidnapped Shiera, Carter creates an anti-gravity belt with the mysterious Nth metal, as well as a hawk-cowled costume with large wings. As Hawkman, Carter rescues Shiera and Hastor dies by electrocution. Shiera later became Hawkgirl and joined Hawkman in his adventures. Hawkman became a member of the superhero squad 'The Justice Society of America' in "All Star Comics"#3 (Winter 1940) and took over as chairman for the duration in issue #8. Hawkman's mask was slightly altered by artist Joe Kubert in "Flash Comics"#85, and he further changed it to a plainer, simpler yellow cowl in #98. This version of Hawkman made his last solo appearance in "All Star Comics"#57 (1951). He was later considered to be the Earth-Two version.
The revised version of Hawkman made his first appearance in "The Brave and The Bold"#34 (Feb.-Mar. 1961), and was created by Gardner Fox (writer) & Joe Kubert (a classic artist who illustrated the original Hawkman).This Hawkman was a policeman named Kator Hol, from the planet Thanagar (where the police dressed in winged hawk-like costumes). Kator's wife Shayera (who was also in the Hawk Police Force) accompanied him in the pursuit of of dangerous criminal, who had fled to the planet Earth. After their enemy was defeated, they both decided to stay and fight crime on Earth as Hawkman & Hawkgirl (later Hawkwoman). Their costumes were virtually identical to those of their 1940's predecessors and they also had the ability to fly, due to anti-gravity belts and large wings. They took on the names Carter and Shiera Hall (when they weren't fighting crime as Hawkman & Hawkgirl), and became curators for the Midway City Museum. Hawkman soon became a member of 'The Justice League of America', during their early adventures, and remains to this day. This Hawkman is considered to be the Earth-One version. On various adventures with the Justice League, Hawkman has had the opportunity to meet and work with his Earth-Two counterpart, in cross-over team-ups with the Justice Society.
Both versions of Hawkman were said to possess great strength (although, not super-strength), could communicate with birds, and loved to use ancient hand weapons (maces, nets, spears, and shields). The modern version also had scientific weapons at his disposal.
Hawkman has made many appearances on TV (both live-action and animated).
Live-Action---"Legends of the Superheroes" 1979 (played by Bill Nuchols); 'Baby Ruth' candy bar commercial 1997; and in occasional appearances in the hit TV series "Smallville" (portrayed to warrior perfection by Michael Shanks!), during the final 2 seasons.
Animated---"Superman / Aquaman Hour (60's); several versions of the "Super Friends" (70's & 80's); "Justice League" & "Justice League Unlimited", as well as cameo appearances in other Warner Bros. series' and 2 Warner Premiere animated movies (90's-Current).
There have been no feature films yet, but don't you think that Hawkman & Hawkgirl (Hawkwoman) deserve one? I sure do!!!!!
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