SILVERHAWKS #1, by Dynamite Comics on 1/29/25, catches up with the metallic heroes 100 years after they debuted when it’s time to retire. Unfortunately, Mon-Star breaks out of prison to reactivate the team.
Credits:
- Writer: Ed Brisson
- Artist: George Kambadais
- Colorist: Ellie Wright
- Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
- Cover Artist: Lucio Parrillo (cover A)
- Publisher: Dynamite Comics
- Release Date: January 29, 2025
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 26
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of SILVERHAWKS #1:
Plot Analysis:
SilverHawks #1 returns to the classic cartoon with a classic lineup and a new mission. The issue begins with the police of Bedlana City lamenting the pettiness of the crimes they have to investigate since the SilverHawks wiped out all major crimes. The biggest challenge in years, an arms dealer named Hardware, may have reared his ugly head in the city, and the BCPD is eager to land a big fish.
Elsewhere, the last active SilverHawk, Condor, takes a quiet moment away from his retirement party to consider what’s next for him in life. The original StarHawks, now more metal and arthritis than human, have gathered to pay their respects to their longtime comrade.
Aboard the Limbo space prison, the warden orders his guards to open the cell of nefarious villain Mon-Star. As soon as the cell is unlocked, the warden opens fire on his guards and transforms back into the shapeshifting villain, Mo-lec-u-lar. Mon-Star quickly takes control of the prison and begins a campaign of bloodshed.
Meanwhile, Lt. Quick of the BCPD leads a raid on a warehouse where Hardware is reported to be hiding. The raid turns out to be a trap that explosively obliterates the raiding party. The issue ends with Condor and the original Silverhawks receiving a summons to reactivate, but the senior heroes decide it’s time to bring on a new generation, starting with the rebuilt body of Lt. Quick.
First Impressions:
Overall, SilverHawks #1 is not bad. Writer Ed Brisson lays out a solid, albeit vanilla, foundation that acknowledges the original team and creates a plausible setup to create a new generation. In every practical way, this issue reads like a continuation of the cartoon, which is the expected goal. The biggest flaw, however, isn’t the writing.
Artwork and Presentation:
When this series was announced, and George Kamabadais was named as the on-deck artist, we were concerned. Let’s say we’ve been less than impressed with Kambadais’s sub-par line work on Dejah Thoris and Gargoyles. Here, Kambadais delivers more of the same. If you want a comic that looks as low fidelity as a Saturday Morning Cartoon from the 80s, you get it, but if you have an expectation that time and talent would result in a slicker, more powerful set of visuals, you’re likely to be disappointed.
Art Samples:
Story Positives & Negatives:
The Positives:
Ed Brisson understood the homework assignment and delivered exactly what was requested. You get a solid introduction to a future version of Bedlama City and the Silverhawks, a plausible reason for the old team to reactivate, and a plausible reason to create a new generation. Brisson brings readers back to a familiar world and moves the narrative forward comfortably.
The Negatives:
Aside from the disappointing artwork noted above, Brisson’s solid foundation is a little too familiar, leaning on common tropes you’ve seen a thousand times before. In fairness, the plot isn’t flawed or bad, but it lacks surprise and originality.
The Bigger Picture:
Historical Context:
If you’re brand new to Silverhawks and wonder what this is all about, Silverhawks #1 continues the self-titled cartoon series, which first aired on September 8, 1986. The series ran weekdays for only one season, consisting of 65 episodes.
Final Thoughts:
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SILVERHAWKS #1 returns to Bedlama City to continue the adventures of the bird-themed cyborgs. Ed Brisson’s standard setup creates a plausible return to Bedlama City, albeit a setup that leans on common tropes, and unfortunately, George Kambadais’s art creates a low-detail aesthetic that looks cheap.
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