Hawkgirl

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Hawkgirl
The Hawkgirls DC Comics.png
The Kendra Saunders and Shayera Hol versions of Hawkgirl. Art by Jim Cheung (penciler) and Tomeu Morey (colorist).
Publication information
Publisher DC Comics
First appearance Shiera Sanders:
Flash Comics #1 (January 1940)
All Star Comics #5 (June 1941) [as Hawkgirl]
Shayera Thal:
The Brave and the Bold #34 (March 1961)
Kendra Saunders:
JSA: Secret Files #1 (August 1999)
Created by(Hall)
Gardner Fox
Dennis Neville
Sheldon Moldoff
(Saunders)
James Robinson
David Goyer
(Hol)
Gardner Fox
Joe Kubert
In-story information
Full name Shiera Sanders
Shayera Thal
Kendra Saunders
Species Metahuman (Kendra, Shiera)
Thanagarian (Shayera)
Place of origin New York (Shiera)
Thanagar (Shayera)
Santa Augusta, Florida (Kendra)
Team affiliations Justice League
All-Star Squadron
Justice Society of America
Birds of Prey
Partnerships Hawkman (various)
Doctor Fate (various)
Black Adam
AbilitiesAll versions of Hawkgirl are skilled hand-to-hand combat, skilled with archaic weaponry, and immortal life times grants tactical abilities and experience. They possess Nth metal boots, belts, and a harness, granting them enhanced durability, strength, and flight.
Altered in-story information for adaptations to other media
Partnerships John Stewart

Hawkgirl is the name of several different superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Since the debut of the original version, first created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Dennis Neville, and first appeared in Flash Comics #1 (January 1940), the character is often depicted as being from a line of immortal warriors affiliated with Hawkman, reincarnated and originating from different backgrounds, utilizes archaic forms of weaponry, powers intricately connected to the fictional Nth metal (often in the form of wings), and their alter-ego's names sometimes phonetically identical. [1] [2]

Contents

The original Hawkgirl, Shiera Hall (née Sanders) , is considered one of DC Comics' earliest superheroines and is the chief love interest of the Carter Hall version of Hawkman. This version was present during the Golden Age, battling adversaries during the World War II era and was a member of the All-Star Squadron and the Justice Society of America. [2] [3] The second Hawkgirl, Shayera Hol (née Thal), was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Joe Kubert, and first appeared in The Brave and the Bold #34 (March 1961). Active during the Silver Age, this version was an alien (Thanagarian) law enforcement officer trained under decorated Katar Hol and later arrived on Earth. Shayera later uses the "Hawkwoman" moniker instead. [2] [3] The third Hawkgirl, Kendra Saunders , is the current version; she is depicted as a Hispanic reincarnation who often seeks to distance herself from prior reincarnations. [4] [5] [2] Ultimately, Hawkgirl's first incarnation was originally the Egyptian Chay-Ara but later revealed to be Shrra, an angel and herald who advocated for Ktar Deathbringer's (Hawkman's original incarnation) redemption despite his crimes, leading her to be cursed alongside him until he can redeem himself. [6] [7]

Hawkgirl have all been adapted into various media, including direct-to-video animated films, video games, and both live-action and animated television series, featuring as a main or recurring character in the shows Justice League , Justice League Unlimited , The Flash , Arrow , Young Justice , DC Super Hero Girls and Legends of Tomorrow . In particular, Ciara Renée portrayed Saunders in the Arrowverse franchise while Isabela Merced portrayed her in the DC Universe (DCU) film Superman (2025). Some versions, however, are also composite versions of one another and feature different aspects of characterization not first present in comics.

Publication history

Golden Age

Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Dennis Neville, Shiera Sanders first appeared in Flash Comics #1 (January 1940), in the same 12-page story in which Fox and Neville introduced Hawkman. [8] Shiera first appears as Hawkgirl in All Star Comics #5 (July 1941), in a costume created by Sheldon Moldoff, [9] based on Neville's Hawkman costume.

Silver Age

With the fading popularity of superheroes during the late 1940s, the Hawkman feature ended in the last issue of Flash Comics in 1949. In 1956, DC Comics resurrected the Flash by revamping the character with a new identity and backstory. Following the success of the new Flash, DC Comics revamped Hawkman in a similar fashion with The Brave and the Bold #34 in 1961. The Silver Age versions of Hawkman and Hawkgirl became married Thanagarian police officers from the planet Thanagar who come to Earth to study police techniques. Silver Age Hawkgirl is introduced as Shayera Hol (phonetically identical to Shiera Hall), who appears in costume as of her first appearance. Although Silver Age Hawkman joins the Justice League in Justice League of America #31 in 1964, Silver Age Hawkgirl was not offered membership because Justice League rules only allowed for one new member to be admitted at a time. In 1981, Silver Age Hawkgirl changed her name to Hawkwoman in the Hawkman backup feature of World's Finest Comics #274.

With the establishment of DC's multiverse system, the Golden Age Hawkgirl was said to have lived on Earth-Two and the Silver Age Hawkgirl on Earth-One.

Post-Crisis and One Year Later

Following the events of DC's miniseries, Crisis on Infinite Earths , the histories of Earth-One, Two, Four, S, and X were merged into one single Earth with a consistent past, present, and future. As a result, both the Golden Age and the Silver Age versions of Hawkman and Hawkgirl live on the same Earth. Shortly after Crisis on Infinite Earths, DC decided that having the Justice Society on the same Earth as all of the other superheroes was redundant and most of the team, including Golden Age Hawkman and Hawkgirl were given a sendoff in the Last Days of the Justice Society one-shot. The Justice Society were trapped in another dimension, Limbo, where they would battle for all of eternity to prevent Ragnarök from occurring on the Earth.

Initially, the Silver Age Hawkman and Hawkwoman were kept in continuity unchanged after Crisis on Infinite Earths. However, DC reversed this decision and rebooted Hawkman continuity after the success of the Hawkworld miniseries. Originally, Hawkworld was a miniseries set in the past that revised the origins of Hawkman and Hawkwoman, but after the series became a success, DC Comics made Hawkworld an ongoing series set in the present, with both heroes only recently appearing on Earth after the events in the Invasion! miniseries, resulting in a complete reboot of Hawkman continuity. Several continuity errors regarding Hawkman and Hawkgirl's Justice League appearances then needed to be fixed, including their appearance in the Invasion! miniseries. All previous appearances by the Silver Age Hawkgirl in the Justice League were explained by the Golden Age Hawkgirl taking the Silver Age Hawkgirl's place. However, Hawkwoman continued to appear in some pre-Hawkworld Justice League adventures during the time Golden Age Hawkgirl was trapped in Limbo. To explain this continuity error, a new Hawkwoman, Sharon Parker, was created and retconned into the Justice League during the time Golden Age Hawkgirl was in Limbo.

After the Hawkworld reboot, Hawkgirl (Hawkwoman) was now Shayera Thal and not married to Katar Hol, instead merely his police partner. In post-Hawkworld continuity, Shayera adopts the name Hawkwoman from the very beginning of her costumed career and never uses the name Hawkgirl. The Golden Age Hawkgirl is eventually returned from Limbo, but during the Zero Hour miniseries she is merged with Katar Hol and Golden Age Hawkman into a new persona.

A new Hawkgirl was introduced as part of the 1999 revival of the JSA monthly title. The new Hawkgirl is Kendra Saunders, granddaughter of the Golden Age Hawkgirl's cousin, Speed Saunders. Hawkgirl would continue to appear regularly in the monthly JSA series and later in the Hawkman monthly. In 2006, the ongoing Hawkman monthly series was retitled Hawkgirl starting with issue #50 as part of the "One Year Later" jump forward; Kendra replaced Hawkman as the lead character. The Hawkgirl comic book series was finished with issue #66.

Fictional character biographies

Shiera Sanders

The Golden Age Hawkgirl was Shiera Sanders Hall, the reincarnation of the Egyptian princess Chay-Ara, and partner of Carter Hall, the Golden Age Hawkman.

Shayera Thal

The Silver Age Hawkgirl, this version is an alien known as a Thanigarian, a long-lived human-like species with an affinity for Nth metal, which is used to created harness wings and other forms of weaponry. All continuities similarly portray her as a law enforcement officer on Thanagar trained and partnered with decorated officer, Katar Hol, whom she often disagrees with, and the pair later travel to Earth in order to learn different crime-fighting methods and becoming a superhero. While first using the "Hawkgirl" moniker, she later changes it to "Hawkwoman" due to the negative connotations associated with "girl" in Earth culture. She is often visually depicted as a redhead. [2] [3]

This version is a love interest of Katar Hol, with depictions varying in their marriage and progress in their relationship. [2] Inspired by their appearances in the DCAU as love interests, she also has a close bond and history with John Stewart within recent comics although details and the extent is unknown. [10] [11]

Kendra Saunders

The modern incarnation of Hawkgirl; the current version is cast as a Hispanic-American (of Cuban origin). She is the granddaughter of adventurer Speed Saunders and cousin of the deceased Shiera Sanders, the first Hawkgirl. She is also the latest in a line of reincarnations involving Chay-Ara and Shrra, the latter original incarnation. First beginning as a leader of the Blackhawks ("Lady Blackhawk") to battle threats from the Dark Multiverse, she eventually becomes the heroic Hawkgirl. [12] Formerly, she was a film school student and the grand-niece of Shiera, whose soul would impart into her body when Kendra committed suicide, becoming a walk-in, and was trained by Speed to become the new Hawkgirl and inherited a preference for archaic weaponry and Egyptian history. [13] Unlike other reincarnations, Kendra in both continuities is reluctant in pursuing Hawkman and is seeks independence from her reincarnation cycle. [12]

Powers and abilities

While each version of Hawgirl differs in background and abilities, they all possess similar attributes; Due to the character's immortal lifetime and experience originating from their reincarnation cycle, all version of Hawkgirl are considered genius-level tacticians and possess a mastery of various fighting styles and weaponry of archaic design. [2] They all commonly possess Nth metal harnesses, boots, and belt; this grants them a level of enhanced durability, strength, and flight. [2] One instance with Kendra showcase enhanced healing, strength, vision and limited hover abilities when not wearing Nth metal, speculating that this was due to her prolonged exposure to the substance. [14] Nth metal also regulates the body temperature of the wearer, preventing the need for heavy protective clothing while in high altitudes. It also has the property of radiating heat, which can be controlled to warm the wearer in colder climates. [15]

Other versions

Alternate universe versions

In other media

DC Animated Universe (DCAU)

The Shayera Hol version of Hawkgirl appears in series set in the DC Animated Universe (DCAU), voiced by Maria Canals-Barrera. [28] This version is a member of the Thanagarian Armed Forces who wields an Nth Metal mace capable of disrupting magical and energy-based forces, is an expert hand-to-hand combatant, and came to Earth as an advance scout and spy for the Thanagarian military. Within this series' continuity and characterization, Shayera and the Thananigarians' wings were considered a part of their physiology and is a prominent love interest of John Stewart, both a departure from the comics.

DC Universe (DCU)

The Kendra Saunders incarnation of Hawkgirl appears in media set in the DC Universe, portrayed by Isabela Merced. [29] [30] [31] Saunders made her first appearance in Superman . [32] This version is a member of Maxwell Lord's "Justice Gang". Saunders later appears in the Peacemaker episode "The Ties That Grind", where she, Lord, and Guy Gardner interview Peacemaker for a position in the Justice Gang. [31]

Composite versions

The Kendra Saunders incarnation of Hawkgirl, with elements of Shiera Sanders Hall, appears in media set in the Arrowverse, portrayed by Ciara Renée.[ citation needed ]

Other appearances

Television

Hawkgirl as she appears in DC Super Hero Girls. Hawkgirl DC Super Hero Girls 0001.png
Hawkgirl as she appears in DC Super Hero Girls .

Film

Video games

Hawkgirl in a promotional image for Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham. HawkgirlLegoBatman3.jpg
Hawkgirl in a promotional image for Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham .

Miscellaneous

Reception

IGN's list of the "Top 25 Heroes of DC Comics" ranked Hawkgirl as #22. [42] She was ranked 80th in Comics Buyer's Guide's "100 Sexiest Women in Comics" list. [43]

See also

References

  1. "Hawkgirl | Official DC Character". DC. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "DC Infinite Encyclopedia: Hawkgirl". DC Infinite. Archived from the original on 2021-05-09. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  3. 1 2 3 Who's Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe #10. DC Comics. 1985-12-04.
  4. Johns, Geoff (2011). Blackest Night: Rise of the Black Lanterns. Titan. ISBN   978-1-84856-814-3.
  5. Beatty, Scott; Wallace, Daniel; Inc, DC Comics (2008). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe. Dorling Kindersley. ISBN   978-1-4053-2891-3.{{cite book}}: |last3= has generic name (help)
  6. Venditti, Robert (2019-06-18). Hawkman Vol. 1: Awakening. National Geographic Books. ISBN   978-1-4012-9144-0.
  7. Venditti, Robert (2019-12-10). Hawkman Vol. 2: Deathbringer. DC Comics. ISBN   978-1-77950-511-8.
  8. Flash Comics #1 at the Grand Comics Database
  9. Hawkgirl at the Grand Comics Database
  10. Will Salmon (2025-01-29). "Green Lantern Corps: Jeremy Adams and Morgan Hampton on John Stewart, Hawkwoman, and how the Justice League animated series inspired their new comic". GamesRadar+. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
  11. Adams, Jeremy; Hampton, Morgan (2025-11-11). Green Lantern Corps Vol. 1: New World Rising. DC Comics. ISBN   978-1-7995-0636-2.
  12. 1 2 Manning, Matthew K.; Wiacek, Stephen; Scott, Melanie; Jones, Nick; Walker, Landry Q. (2021-07-06). The DC Comics Encyclopedia New Edition. Penguin. ISBN   978-0-7440-5301-2.
  13. JSA Secret Files and Origins #1. DC Comics. 1999.
  14. HawkGirl #58 (January 2007)
  15. Flash Comics #18 (June 1941).
  16. Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #2 (July 2011)
  17. Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #1 (June 2011)
  18. Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #2 (July 2011)
  19. DC Bombshells #24 (June 2017)
  20. Legend of the Hawkman #1 (July 2000)
  21. Legend of the Hawkman #2 (August 2000)
  22. Legend of the Hawkman #3 (September 2000)
  23. "mg-jluONCEANDFUTURETHING2". Fanboy Planet. Archived from the original on 2015-06-16. Retrieved 2015-06-13.
  24. Gotham City Garage #18 (January, 2018)
  25. DC New Talent Showcase (January 2017)
  26. Bombshells: United #11 (November 2017)
  27. Bombshells: United #37 (May 2018)
  28. "Hawkgirl Voices (DC Universe)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved February 2, 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.
  29. Breznican, Anthony (2023-07-21). "'Superman Legacy' Cast Adds Isabela Merced, Edi Gathegi and Nathan Fillion: EXCLUSIVE". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
  30. Hickson, Colin (June 17, 2024). "James Gunn Reveals Which Version of Hawkgirl Appears in Superman". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  31. 1 2 "PEACEMAKER Season 2 First Trailer Features Maxwell Lord, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, And More Of The New DCU". ComicBookMovie.com. 2025-05-09. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  32. Hickson, Colin (June 17, 2024). "James Gunn Reveals Which Version of Hawkgirl Appears in Superman". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  33. "Quinta Brunson & Tyler James Williams to Voice Hawkman & Hawkgirl in 'Harley Quinn' Valentine's Day Special at HBO Max". 6 February 2023.
  34. "Shield". Smallville . Season 10. Episode 2. October 1, 2010. The CW.
  35. "Dwayne Johnson's 'BLACK ADAM' Confirmed to Introduce Hawkgirl". 23 December 2019.
  36. "Dwayne Johnson's 'Black Adam' Reportedly Features Hawkgirl". 23 December 2019.
  37. @TheRock (23 August 2020). "@boybenzedrine @SevenBucksProd Hawk..." (Tweet) via Twitter.
  38. Eisen, Andrew (2 October 2013). "DC Characters and Objects". ign.com. IGN. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  39. Justice League Beyond #7(May 2012)
  40. Justice League Beyond #8(June 2012)
  41. Justice League Unlimited (January 2005)
  42. "The 25 Best Heroes of DC Comics - IGN". 26 June 2019.
  43. "Comics Buyer's Guide Presents #2 - 100 Sexiest Women in Comics (Issue)".