Death Of Hawkman #1 Preview: Rebirth Of The Rann/Thanager Conflict
By Brian Thomer
Adam Strange and Hawkman come together to prevent interstellar war between Rann and Thanager at Despero’s hands.
DC Comics has provided a preview to today’s Death Of Hawkman #1, chronicling the latest chapter in the conflict between the planets Rann and Thanager. The six-issue monthly mini-series is by writer Marc Andreyko (Wonder Woman ’77, Manhunter, Love Is Love, Batwoman) and artist Aaron Lopresti (The New 52: Futures End, Metamorpho / Legends of Tomorrow) with inks by Livesay, Blond on colors and Josh Reed handling letters. Lopresti and Brad Anderson provide the regular cover for the issue with a variant by Philip Tan and Elmer Santos.
The Rann/Thanagar War Is a Decade Long Conflict
Death of Hawkman is not the first time these two planetary empires have come to blows, as this is an on again, off again battle that harkens back to 2005’s The Rann / Thanagar War mini-series. That initial story was part of the Countdown to Infinite Crisis and spawned several follow-up stories. Even in the New 52 rebooted DC Universe, the conflict has raged on, both in the pages of Savage Hawkman and Justice League United.
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Nor would this be the first time Hawkman died during one of their confrontations, either. However, Andreyko promises that “it is not what you are expecting.” Readers should trust in the writer as he is known for creating fan-favorite moments and does a masterful job of mining source material for compelling stories, rather than rehashing well-tread ground. Anyone expressing any doubts is more than welcome to check out his Manhunter series.
Coupled with the exciting art of a veteran artist like Lopresti and this series has the potential to redefine DC’s cosmic characters, as the original R/T War did in 2005. One hopes that this is, in fact, the “death” of reinventions for the Hawkman character. And Andreyko/Lopresti come upon a creative direction for the character with some longevity.
What Is the Cause of the Latest Flare Up?
What is known of the series reveals two things. The first being that one of the Justice League’s oldest villains, Despero, has unclean hands regarding the latest tensions between the two planets. His ultimate goal, however, remain a mystery for now.
The second being that, amidst enjoying a life of semi-retirement as a costumed adventurer, Adam Strange is Zeta-beamed to the Rannian city of Ranagar. He arrives only to find the capital city in ruins and his love Alanna calling for the blood of the Thanagarians.
Will Hawkman and Adam Strange be able to stop Despero before Rann and Thanagar ignite into another galactic war? Or will the heated history between the two planets lead to another death of Hawkman? The flight path to answers begins in Death of Hawkman #1, in stores now. To find a comic retailer near you, use the Comic Shop Locator.