DC's Hawkman has one surprising vulnerability that makes him an essential and underrated DC hero. Hawkman has a complicated history--whether Hawkman is reincarnated Egyptian prince, a space cop from another world, or something else entirely, he has earned his reputation as one of the less accessible of DC's classic heroes. Yet there is always something purely heroic about Hawkman that makes him appealing to readers willing to wade through the depths of challenging and conflicting continuity. Hawkman has proven time and again that he is one of DC's most valuable superheroes and one of their most underappreciated.
The Shadow War of Hawkman miniseries was part of DC's mid-Crisis effort at reinvigorating the Hawkman franchise. It remains one of the highlights of Hawkman's history, with a gripping, status quo-shattering story and art of the highest caliber. In The Shadow War of Hawkman, Hawkman and Hawkwoman wage a secret war against an invading force of Thanagarians--their own people--that only they are capable of fighting. This is because of the absorbascon, a device capable of reading the thoughts of all living creatures, other than Thanagarians themselves. Because of the danger of the Thanagarian invaders gaining the knowledge of the Justice League heroes, the Hawks realize that only they are capable of fighting this war.
Early in the first issue of The Shadow War of Hawkman by Tony Isabella, Richard Howell, Alfredo Alcala however, Hawkman reveals a surprising weakness--one which proves that he is a better, more compassionate hero than most. When a group of muggers who target the elderly assault an old woman, Hawkman and Hawkwoman retaliate with vicious aggression to save her. After the fight, Hawkwoman wisely deduces that it was the age of the victims that enraged Hawkman so. Hawkman responds: "in Earth terms, I am twice as old as some of the senior citizens those thugs terrorized. These frail Earthlings burn so brightly for so short a time. I find myself both awed by how far their tremendous spirit can take them--and horrified by the evil they are likewise capable of. Given time, is there anything they might not accomplish?"
In this quote, Hawkman indicates the deep care and respect he has for the people he has taken responsibility for protecting. As a Thanagarian, part of him can only ever relate to Earthlings from a distance--and yet, instead of growing cold or distant towards them, he has taken an introspective approach, and discovered much worth protecting in the human race. It demonstrates that Hawkman is a hero through and through, and his weakness for the elderly only solidifies it more. A true hero sees the value in all people, and values human decency above all else. Hawkman has certainly demonstrated his true heroism with this sentiment.
Ultimately, what might seem to be a weakness for Hawkman is also a tremendous strength. While his affection for humanity, particularly senior citizens, might occasionally cloud his judgment and make him especially violent, his incredible love and respect for human life is also part of what makes him such a great hero. It motivates his passion for righteous action and makes him more effective in battle and, as one of the DC Universe's most savage combatants, his care for human life is fuel for a much-needed fire. Fans may not appreciate Hawkman as much as they should--and in one quick but powerful moment, Shadow War put Hawkman's underrated status in sharp focus.