Hawkman is a cool super-hero and not really given the love he deserves. Since, I posted on 'Batman day' [here] I’m going to say something about DC’s Bird Man especially as November 10 was declared “Hawkman Day” (it’s also possible that these super-hero themed days might be getting out of hand, but that would be another topic and a blogpost in itself).

In any case, this post focuses on modern Hawkman, not his Golden Age counter-part. The first appearance of Hawkman in the Silver Age as Katar Hol, can be found in Brave and the Bold #34 (February 1961). Hawkman’s most recent comic, the current title featuring the modern Hawkman, is by Robert Venditti (scripts) and Bryan Hatch (art).

In the case of Hawkman, unlike other Silver Age re-launched heroes (say Flash, the Atom or Green Lantern) the integration of the Silver Age or modern version with his Golden Age counter-part can become blurred. In this sense, Hawkman resembles Aquaman, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.

Although the Silver Age version originally was distinct from his previous incarnation, later, the modern Hawkman was given a much stronger connection to his Golden Age counterpart when attempts were made by DC (starting in the mid-1980s) to combine the Golden Age mythos with the modern, resulting in the character's actual chronology and development becoming something of a tangled mess.

For example, in 1989, DC launched the series Hawkworld in order to reintegrate the post-Crisis version of the character (just like Man of Steel by John Byrne attempted for Superman). However, this series introduced a new modern Hawkman from Thanagar and simple ignored the fact that a Thanagarian Hawkman had already been introduced post-Crisis in Justice League of America. Like I said, a mess.

However, the modern exploits of Hawkman tend to prefer sci-fi over mystical explanations of his power. The original Hawkman, for example, as created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Dennis Neville and first appearing in Flash Comics #1, was known as Carter Hall and attained his powers through magic. In the original story Hawkman was alluded to as being the reincarnation of an ancient Egyptian prince named Khufu. This character premiered in January of 1940 giving Hawkman a certain pedigree shared with only a handful of DC heroes.

In fact, chronologically speaking, Hawkman is one of the very earliest DC heroes with only Superman, Batman, Blue Beetle and Sandman debuting before him. Thus, Hawkman is able to trace his comic book appearances to the same period as the Flash and before such heavy A–list heroes as Green Lantern (debut: July 1940) and Wonder Woman (debut: January 1942).

Given this history it’s almost shocking how under-valued Hawkman’s key comics are. Even in his modern incarnation, comparing the Silver Age debut of Hawkman with the modern re-appearances of Flash, Aquaman or Green Lantern an interesting situation emerges.

The Brave and the Bold #34 (February/March 1961) - First appearance of Silver Age Hawkman/Hawkgirl

This is the first appearance of the Silver Age Hawkman who, as mentioned, was known as Katar Hol. Hol, a police officer from the planet Thanagar, is sent to Earth in this comic to capture the criminal Byth Rok. These stories still stand as some of the best Hawkman comics ever penned. The natural comparison for gauging potential for this book should be Hawkman’s frequent partner the Atom. Comparing BB #34 to Showcase #34 (First appearance of S. A. Atom), paints an interesting picture.

Both comics have a similar showing on the CGC census: BB with 606 units, and SC with 657; both are incredibly hard to find in anything above a 9.4 grade (BB has only 6 units graded at 9.4 and SC has 3). Now let’s look at prices, highest hypothetical value of Showcase #34 [in 9.8] is $78, 000.00. The highest hypothetical value of Brave and the Bold #34 in the same state is $120, 000.00. In the more widely available mid-grade range we see that the average selling price of BB #34 in 7.0 grade is $1, 350.00 and Showcase #34 in that grade fetches: $750.00. This makes the two books comparable and with Hawkman having a definite edge price-wise. But if we consider that a 7.0 copy of the first S.A. Flash (Showcase #4) sells for $62, 000.00, and the first S.A. Green Lantern (Showcase #22) for $14, 500.00, it’s obvious that the S.A. Hawkman debut is completely under-valued. Even though it compares favorably with the first Silver Age Aquaman (Adventure Comics #260) which in 7.0 can fetch about $775.00. I think two things distinguish it from the former: first, AC #260 does not feature Aquaman on the cover (it’s a Superboy comic with an Aquaman back story). Second, Aquaman has already spiked, a major movie is about to appear. This seems to speak in Hawkman’s favor as an investment.

Hawkman #1 (April 1964) - First self-titled on-going comic series; First appearance of Chac

An even more interesting picture emerges when we add this book to the mix. After his tryout in Brave and the Bold, it wasn’t long before the alien Hawkman got his own series. Comparing the debut of Silver Age solo Hawkman comic with other series from the time, again we see that he compares well to B-listers like the Atom. The first issue of Atom’s standalone title from June 1962 currently has 465 copies on the CGC census. Highest value of Atom #1 in certified 9.8 is theoretically $29, 000.00 but since the highest graded copy is a 9.6, we can see that confirmed sales give it a FMV of around $14, 000.00. Hawkman’s premiere is even better represented (659 copies on the census), but here an existing 9.8 grade of this comic exists and it's valued at only $8, 000.00. Moreover, a 7.0 copy of HM #1 will cost you a mere $290.00.

Compare that with Aquaman #1 which at 7.0 is worth $1, 050.00 and Green Lantern #1 at $2, 600.00 and it’s hard to debate the fact that Hawkman #1 is a comic with a lot of room to grow. Remember, Hawkman is not the Atom. He’s a DC A-lister. Now is the time to scoop up his keys, before the market readjusts and his comics start to spike.