Hawkgirl #5 (of 6)

The Comic Book Spot

This issue sets up the final battle to be seen in the last issue very well. This issue did not feel overly rushed or packed for the second to last issue. Instead it gives a good synopsis of the life of Kendra Saunders and her steps in becoming Hawkgirl even including a nod to her death in Blackest Night.

Geek Dad

This series has been an intriguing combination of a deep, introspective, and personal tale and a high-intensity superhero adventure, and that’s never clearer than in this issue. Vulpecula is traveling through time, stalking Kendra as she attempts to find her lowest moment to get her to make a deal. The only one who can stop her is… Kendra herself, who is a sort of phantom following the same path. This leads to some great flashbacks to Kendra’s childhood, including focuses on her relationships with her grandmother and grandfather, as well as some much darker moments that were hinted at in her previous runs. When things eventually take a wrong turn, it sets up an incredibly high-stakes final issue—and also comes with an absolutely terrifying presence from our mystery villain. While I’m not sure this comic always 100% balanced its two sides, this might be one of the most effective issues yet.

ComicBook.com

The majority of this issue is spent going down Hawkgirl's timeline as Vulpecula attempts to coerce Kendra's younger selves. To her credit, younger Kendras have the willpower to resist Vulpecula's advances and offerings. It's a wonderfully drawn comic, and really gives the spotlight to Kendra's Hawkgirl throughout the years.

Weird Science DC Comics

Hawkgirl #5 is a tedious, self-pitying, frequently nonsensical chore of a comic to read with spectacular art. It's clear Axelrod never understood the character or had a clear idea of how to build on her mythology, so the obligatory final issue next month will, at best, be a blessed relief.