Tony's Superhero Saturdays: Hawkgirl — The Warrior with Wings

This week on Tony’s Superhero Saturdays, I’m soaring into the sky with one of DC’s most resilient and complex heroes: Hawkgirl. With wings that span centuries and a heart forged in battle, she embodies courage, legacy, and the eternal fight for justice.

A Timeless Debut

The first Hawkgirl, Shiera Sanders Hall, was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Dennis Neville and made her debut in Flash Comics #1 in January 1940. Shayera Hol, was introduced by writer Gardner Fox and artist Joe Kubert in The Brave and the Bold #34 in March 1961. The modern incarnation, Kendra Saunders, was created by writer David S. Goyer and artist Stephen Sadowski, first appearing in JSA: Secret Files and Origins #1 in August 1999.

As one of DC’s earliest female superheroes, Hawkgirl has featured prominently in major team-up titles such as Justice Society of America and Justice League of America. Her reincarnated soul and warrior spirit have made her a fixture in the DC Universe for over 80 years, tying her story to the mythos of ancient Egypt and the power of Thanagar.

The Warrior’s Bond with Hawkman

Hawkgirl’s relationship with Hawkman is central to her mythos. Their love transcends lifetimes and worlds, a story of warriors and lovers bound by destiny. Together, they fight to honor the legacy of Thanagar while protecting Earth.

In Comics:

• Carter Hall/Hawkman: Shiera Sanders Hall is famously linked to Carter Hall, also known as Hawkman. Their relationship is iconic—bound by reincarnation across centuries, they share a fated love that survives even death. In the Silver Age comics, Shayera Hol and Katar Hol are Thanagarian police officers who come to Earth and fight crime as Hawkgirl and Hawkman. Their partnership is both romantic and professional, with a deep sense of trust and shared purpose.

  
  

• Kendra Saunders: Kendra’s story is a little more complicated. While she’s still tied to Carter Hall through the cycle of reincarnation, she initially resists that destiny, seeking her own identity. However, her attraction to Hawkman resurfaces, and they develop a relationship that blends romance with their shared past lives.

The Thanagarian Connection

As a Thanagarian warrior, Hawkgirl’s culture shapes her fierce sense of justice and duty. Thanagar’s militaristic society forged her combat skills, sense of honor, and loyalty—traits that define her every mission.

The Justice League’s Fearless Warrior

Hawkgirl’s role in the Justice League is nothing short of iconic. In the pages of Justice League of America and Justice League Unlimited, she’s proven time and again that she’s as valuable a strategist as she is a fighter. Her Nth metal mace, wings, and fierce determination make her a powerhouse, both in combat and in leadership.

Best Storylines and Moments

• The Shadow War of Hawkman (1985-1986): A thrilling tale that explores Hawkgirl’s loyalty and her role in defending Earth.

  
  

• Hawkworld (1989): A modern retelling that reintroduces Shayera and Katar, exploring the tension between duty and love.

  
  

• JSA (1999–2006): Kendra’s refusal to accept destiny causes friction, but her partnership with Hawkman grows as they fight threats like Black Adam and the Injustice Society.

  
  

• Justice League Unlimited (Animated Series): Her complex relationship with Green Lantern John Stewart, her betrayal of the League, and her redemption arc cemented her as one of the DCAU’s most memorable characters.

  
  

• Blackest Night (2009–2010): Hawkman and Hawkgirl tragic fates collide during the Black Lantern uprising.

  
  

• Brightest Day (2010): A powerful story of reincarnation and identity that forces Hawkgirl to confront her past lives and choose her destiny.

Hawkgirl in Animation:

In the animated series Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, voiced by Maria Canals-Barrera, Hawkgirl soared to new heights. Her story with Green Lantern added emotional complexity and dimension to her character.

• John Stewart (Green Lantern):

  • Justice League (2001–2004): Their romance starts subtly but deepens as they fight side-by-side. John’s steady, reliable nature contrasts with Shayera’s fiery, impulsive personality, and they share a deep mutual respect.

    
    

    • Key Episodes:

      
      

      • “Wild Cards” (Season 2, Episodes 21–22): John confesses his feelings for Shayera, cementing their romance.

        
        

      • “Starcrossed” (Season 2, Episodes 24–26): Shayera’s betrayal is revealed, leading to heartbreak. She leaves the League, and her relationship with John is shattered.

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  • Justice League Unlimited (2004–2006):

    
    

    • “Wake the Dead” (Season 1, Episode 11): Shayera wrestles with her past mistakes and John’s new relationship with Vixen.

      
      

    • “Once and Future Thing, Part Two” (Season 1, Episode 13):  In this time-travel story from Justice League Unlimited, an older Bruce Wayne reveals that John Stewart and Shayera Hol end up together despite all the heartbreak and betrayals from their past. This touching moment reaffirms the enduring strength of their love, showing that even after everything, their bond is too powerful to be denied.

      
      

    • “Ancient History” (Season 3, Episode 12): Carter Hall reappears, claiming to be their reincarnated lover. This episode beautifully explores Shayera’s conflict between past lives and present choices, leaving John and Shayera’s relationship bittersweet but hopeful.

TV's Legends of Tomorrow’s Hawkgirl (Kendra Saunders)

Portrayed by: Ciara Renée. First introduced in Arrow and The Flash crossover episodes, Kendra Saunders is the reincarnated priestess Chay-Ara. Connected to Hawkman (Carter Hall) through a cycle of death and rebirth caused by Vandal Savage, her relationships with Carter and Ray Palmer show her struggle with destiny and choice. She also develops strong bonds with team members like Sara Lance. Kendra’s journey on Legends of Tomorrow shows how even a hero born from ancient times can choose her own path and define her own identity.

• Key Episodes:

🔹 The Flash (Season 2)

• Episode 8: “Legends of Today”

  • Kendra (Hawkgirl) is introduced as Kendra Saunders, a barista in Central City who experiences strange flashbacks and a connection to Vandal Savage. She discovers her true identity with help from Barry Allen and the team.

    
    

• Episode 9: “Legends of Yesterday”

  • The crossover continues as Kendra learns of her reincarnation and romantic history with Carter Hall. She embraces her identity as Hawkgirl and begins to unlock her powers.

    
    

🔹 Arrow (Season 4)

• Episode 8: “Legends of Yesterday”

  • Concludes the crossover from The Flash, showing Kendra and Carter joining forces with Team Arrow to defeat Vandal Savage. This episode cements her destiny-driven connection to Carter.

🔹 DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (Season 1)

• Episode 1: “Pilot, Part 1”

  • Kendra officially joins the Legends team. She struggles with her past lives and relationships with Carter, Ray, and the rest of the crew.

    
    

• Episode 2: “Pilot, Part 2”

  • More of Kendra’s and Carter’s dynamic unfolds, with her gradually embracing her role as Hawkgirl and battling Vandal Savage.

    
    

• Episode 5: “Fail-Safe”

  • Kendra shows leadership and bravery as the team navigates Soviet prisons. Her warrior spirit emerges here.

    
    

• Episode 6: “Star City 2046”

  • Kendra steps up alongside Sara Lance, showing growth and a developing sense of heroism.

    
    

• Episode 11: “The Magnificent Eight”

  • Features a Western setting; Kendra and Ray’s relationship deepens, and she explores life beyond Carter.

    
    

• Episode 13: “Leviathan”

  • Kendra faces her destiny and confronts the burden of reincarnation, especially as she’s forced to kill Savage repeatedly in the past.

    
    

• Episode 15: “Destiny”

  • Kendra’s arc culminates as she realizes she must break free from her reincarnation cycle and choose her own path.

    
    

🔹 Legends of Tomorrow (Season 2)

• Although Kendra doesn’t appear as a regular, her legacy is felt through mentions by other characters. Her departure at the end of Season 1 signifies her decision to find her own destiny.

Big-Screen Destiny

Fans are eagerly awaiting Hawkgirl’s big-screen debut in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman (July 2025) and her return in the new season of Peacemaker. Isabela Merced will bring Hawkgirl to life on screen, offering fans a fresh perspective and a deeper look at this iconic warrior.

Why Hawkgirl Matters

Hawkgirl represents resilience, honor, and legacy. Her story is one of balance: between love and duty, destiny and choice. For women and fans of color, she stands as a warrior who refuses to back down, proving that heroism is earned through every battle fought.

Final Thoughts

Her wings symbolize freedom, resilience, and hope. Whether in comics, animation, or on the big screen, Hawkgirl remains an inspiration to fans across generations.

If you enjoyed today’s spotlight, check out my superhero novel series S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™—featuring heroes with rich legacies and bright futures.

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For more heroes, history, and heart every Saturday: https://www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/blog/categories/tony-s-superhero-saturdays.