Broken Frontier

Whatever happened to the Winged Wonder? Hawkman has been out of the picture for a year now so what has he been doing all that time? Trying to stay alive...

Now it can be told.... Hawkgirl writer Walter Simonson now bridges the gap between the One Year Later event and Hawkman’s appearance in Justice Society of America #2. So what lies in store for the fans of this hero?

In the aftermath of the Infinite Crisis event, the war on Rann between the Rannians and the Thanagarians has continued. After a year of battles, the planet is a wreck and both sides are literally and metaphorically bleeding out. Blackfire continues to influence the Thanagarian leader and Hawkman continues to gather evidence of her criminal actions. Now, close to having all the proof needed to convict her, Blackfire has realized the threat Hawkman poses and seeks to destroy him once and for all. Can Carter elude death long enough to see Blackfire brought to justice?

While it is good to see Hawkman back in the spotlight, this issue of JSA Classified honestly provides only a little bit of new information. The majority of this issue is spent recapping the events detailed in the Rann-Thanagar War mini-series, as well as going over the origin of Blackfire. While it is a well-written recap and informative for those who did not read the mini-series, those who did follow the Rann-Thanagar War might find themselves a bit bored with the issue. In reading this issue it just felt as though all the meat, all the real action will be coming in the next issue – which is a bit frustrating.

The real treat with this issue is the fact that Simonson also dusts off his artist hat and puts it on to handle the pencils and inks for this issue as well. Simonson has always known exactly how to shape a battle and this issue is no exception. The fight and flight sequences are bold and dynamic. The powerful lines and unique look of Simonson’s art remind readers how Simonson’s art broke new ground and why he is still a master today.

While JSA Classified #21 feels like an issue marking time waiting for the next, there is a promise of much yet to come. While we are waiting, we get caught up with a familiar character that has been too long out of the limelight. We are treated to the striking art of Walter Simonson as well, which has also been too long out of the limelight.