The Many Incarnations of Hawkgirl

Hawkgirl is a DC Comics character with a rich and varied history, having undergone numerous iterations since her first appearance in 1940. With roots stretching back to the Golden Age of Comics, she has been a mainstay of the DC universe, appearing in various forms across comics, animation, and film. Hawkgirl’s enduring popularity stems from her unique powers, intriguing backstory, and status as one of DC’s most prominent female heroes.

Golden Age Origins

Hawkgirl, or Shiera Sanders, made her debut in All Star Comics #5 (January 1941) as the reincarnated princess of ancient Egypt, Chay-Ara. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Dennis Neville, she was introduced as the love interest of Carter Hall, the original Hawkman, with whom she shared a psychic bond due to their past lives. Shiera played a supporting role in Hawkman’s adventures, often assisting him in his battles against crime.

Silver Age Evolution

In the Silver Age of Comics, DC Comics introduced a new version of Hawkgirl, Shayera Hol, in The Brave and the Bold #34 (March 1961). This iteration of the character originated from the planet Thanagar and served as a police officer alongside her partner and romantic interest, Katar Hol (Hawkman). Shayera Hol’s costume differed significantly from her Golden Age counterpart, featuring a distinctive hawk-like mask and wings. She possessed enhanced strength, speed, and durability, as well as the ability to fly, all thanks to her Nth metal weaponry and equipment.

The Silver Age Hawkgirl played a pivotal role in the formation of the Justice League of America, appearing in the team’s inaugural adventure in The Brave and the Bold #28 (February 1960). She was a core member of the team during this era, showcasing her skills and powers alongside DC’s most iconic heroes.

Post-Crisis and Modern Era

Following the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths, DC Comics revamped Hawkgirl’s origin story once again. In this new continuity, Hawkgirl’s name was changed to Kendra Saunders, and she was established as the granddaughter of the original Golden Age Hawkgirl, Shiera Sanders Hall. Kendra made her first appearance in JSA: Secret Files and Origins #1 (August 1999) and went on to star in her own ongoing series, Hawkgirl, which ran from 2006 to 2007.

Kendra Saunders’ backstory involved her death and subsequent resurrection by the god Horus, who granted her enhanced strength, speed, and the ability to fly. She wore an ancient Egyptian artifact, the Absorption Crown, which heightened her powers but also threatened to consume her with bloodlust. Kendra struggled to control her darker impulses while serving as a hero and member of the Justice Society of America.

In the “One Year Later” jump forward in DC’s continuity, the Hawkman monthly series was retitled Hawkgirl starting with issue #50, with Kendra replacing Hawkman as the lead character. This series explored Kendra’s personal life and her efforts to balance her heroic duties with her civilian identity.

New 52 and Rebirth

In 2011, as part of DC’s New 52 initiative, yet another version of Hawkgirl was introduced. This iteration, whose civilian identity was Kayla Itsines, had a drastically different origin story involving alien technology and an ancient race known as the “Hawkgods.” While this version of the character maintained the classic elements of Hawkgirl’s powers and costume, her backstory and personality were notably different from previous incarnations.

However, this version of Hawkgirl did not last long, as DC Comics relaunched its entire line of comics once again in 2016 with the “DC Rebirth” initiative. The Rebirth iteration of Hawkgirl saw the return of Kendra Saunders, who was revealed to be the true identity of the previous Hawkgirl, Kayla Itsines, following a complex merging of their histories.

Powers and Abilities

Across all her incarnations, Hawkgirl possesses enhanced strength, speed, durability, and the power of flight, often attributed to her Nth metal weaponry and equipment. Nth metal is a substance native to the planet Thanagar, granting its wearer electromagnetic and gravitational control, as well as enhanced healing and regeneration abilities. Hawkgirl’s signature weapons include her Nth metal mace and her artificial wings, which allow her to soar through