UPDATED: THE DEFENDERS FILES: NIGHTHAWK

[MattBrady]

by Troy Brownfield with special guest Joe Casey

Marvel’s beloved non-team returns this March in the pages of the forthcoming series, The Last Defenders. Early solicitations and interviews with writer Joe Casey indicate the identities of four team members: Nighthawk, Blazing Skull, Colossus, and She-Hulk. Since She-Hulk has been active for a long time (with a recent heightened profile thanks to the events of World War Hulk and other storylines) and Colossus also belongs to one of the most popular teams in comic history, we thought that the readership might enjoy a peek at the profiles of the two lesser-known members of that foursome.

This time out, we’ll check in with Nighthawk and make some distinctions between him and some other Marvel Universe inhabitants of the same name. Along for the ride is Joe Casey himself, who’ll be dropping in to comment when appropriate.

Sinister Start: Nighthawk originally appeared as a member of the Squadron Sinister, an “analogue” team of the Justice League (created by the Grandmaster . . . okay, Roy Thomas and Sal Buscema) to battle the Avengers for an arc beginning in issue #69 of the original title. Kyle Richmond/Nighthawk was the stand-in for Batman, with Hyperion (Superman), The Whizzer (Flash), and Doctor Spectrum (Green Lantern) filling out other roles. The Squadron was defeated, but they later returned in collusion with alien menace Nebulon.

Nighthawk had doubts about Nebulon’s destructive plans, and sought help. Nebulon’s powers made Nighthawk invisible to the Avengers, but he was able to contact the Defenders: the Hulk, Namor, Dr. Strange, and Valkyrie. The collection of heroes, with Nighthawk’s aid, turned the tide, and he joined the loose affiliation of adventurers.

Joe Casey Says: I look at Nighthawk’s villain-to-hero transformation as an inevitable evolution, considering that Kyle Richmond was, as the Batman analogy suggests, the “idle playboy” who was looking for a new kind of thrill. And it was all a game until the entire planet Earth was at stake. Add to that his sacrifice in battle and the fact that the Defenders were instrumental in bringing him back from the brink of death… he finally found something that gave his life real meaning. This is why being a hero, being a Defenders, etc. probably means more to him than any character that belonged to that “non-team”.

This heroic turn is not without irony, as it’s later revealed that there’s already a heroic Kyle Richmond Nighthawk out there: he lives on Earth-712, home of the Squadron Supreme. When the Grandmaster formed the Squadron Sinister, he apparently based them on this heroic team with a deeper roster that was also analogous to the roster of the Justice League. This Nighthawk first appears with his team in Avengers #85.

This becomes significant many years later. After adventure upon adventure with The Defenders, Kyle Richmond is seemingly killed in an explosion at the close of The Defenders #106. His apparent demise is confirmed by a tearful Dr. Strange; however, it will later be demonstrated that his magic on that day was working about as well as his Skrull detection does now.

The Defenders briefly believe that “their” Kyle is alive when Hyperion from Earth-712 comes to the 616 to enlist their aid. Kyle Richmond there has become president, and with the Overmind by his side, has essentially become a dictator. The Defenders are convinced to travel to Earth-712 and help whom they believe to be “their” Kyle Richmond; they battle the Squadron Supreme (who have been possessed by the Overmind) alongside “Kyle”. Turns out that “their” Kyle is the 712 Kyle, and that “President Kyle Richmond” is a construct serving to house the true-puppet master behind Overmind, earlier Defenders foe (and Cthulhu fan) Null, the Living Darkness!

Working together, the Supremes (sorry, couldn’t help it) and Defenders defeat Null. The heroes return to the 616, disheartened that their Kyle remains dead. So they think.

Joe Casey Says:: First of all, the original Nighthawk’s death was lame, lame, LAME. I love that DeMatteis/Perlin run as much as the next guy, but that was definitely a low point. Plus, I always felt that they were trying to convince us that Counter-Earth Kyle was, in many ways, the potential of Marvel-Earth Kyle realized. But, obviously, I prefer the Marvel-Earth Kyle, the Nighthawk I’m writing in Last Defenders. There’s a more heroic journey there, as opposed to Kyle the Puppet President.

Before reconnecting with the supposedly dead 616 Nighthawk, let’s spend just a few more minutes with the 712 Nighthawk of Squadron Supreme. In the wake of Null’s conquest, the world needed rebuilt. The Squadron introduced a Utopia project whereby they would essentially assume control of the world. Nighthawk left in disgust. Eventually, he formed a team to oppose the Squadron, leading to a climactic battle. Heroes on both sides were killed, including Nighthawk, and the Squadron dismantled their “Utopia” project. This is documented in the classic Squadron Supreme mini-series. The New World Order follow-up from 1998 introduces a new Nighthawk, the son of a former villain who later joins the Squadron.

Joe Casey Says: I think Gruenwald’s mini-series was revolutionary for Marvel at the time. In the mid-to-late 80s’, not a lot of Marvel books were swinging for the fences, especially when compared to what DC was putting out at the time. But SS was really trying to express something about the nature of superheroes that Marvel Comics hadn’t expressed before. I remember SS being mentioned in the same breath as Watchmen at the time, which frankly seems unbelievable now. But there were definitely similar ideas being expressed, although in very different ways.

1998 proved to be a mini-renaissance of sorts for the character, as it saw the publication of a three-issue Nighthawk mini-series. Here we see that 616 Kyle has been alive the entire time, and merely in a coma (though I don’t think that he was in the frequently used “coma-room” of the X-Mansion, which seems to always verge on full).

In 2001, Nighthawk rejoined Hulk, Dr. Strange, Silver Surfer, Namor, Hellcat and Valkyrie in a new incarnation of the old team. This twelve-issue series gave way to The Order, a six-issue run in which Richmond and others fought to keep the mind-controlled Hulk, Namor, Surfer and Strange from conquering the world.

Joe Casey Says: This is a pretty dark period for Nighthawk, in terms of fan awareness and his place in the Marvel Universe. I don’t know what it was, because there were some really great creators working on the character. Again, I’m one of those readers who thought his death was a mistake, so his resurrection seemed more like a necessary evil than a seminal story (a “One More Day” for its time? U-Decide!). I guess we should all simply be thankful that he was brought back at all. Then, with something like The Order mini especially, it was tough to really spotlight what’s cool about Nighthawk when he’s too busy trying to take down his friends. And, God help me, I’m still scratching my head over the whole “Papa Hagg” thing. No f**kin’ clue about that kooky character.

Nighthawk maintained a low profile until Civil War wherein he initially appears on the anti-Registration side. After the death of Bill Foster, Nighthawk and Stature defect and join Iron Man’s pro-Registration forces. Nighthawk had previously also worked with The Thunderbolts (with fellow former Sinister member Whizzer, long-since re-named Speed Demon).

It’s not much later when the Grandmaster returns and attempts to re-form the Squadron Sinister. The impetus for this action is granted when Baron Zemo rejoins the group. Nighthawk quits in protest and goes back to the Squadron Sinister. They eventually clash with the Thunderbolts, but are defeated and escape.

Joe Casey Says: Nighthawk is a full-fledged member of the Initiative. We’ve already seen him in cameo appearances in Dan Slott’s series. But fundamentally, I think he’s got aspirations that go way beyond the current political climate of the Marvel Universe. For him, the Defenders itself is an ideal that goes way beyond the rules and regulations of the SHRA. The cool thing about the character is that he's both a romantic and a pragmatist. He’ll work within the system (if he has to) to get what he wants. In a lot of ways, he’s very much like Tony Stark/Iron Man (which, I’m sure scares a lot of people at this point). Comparing and contrasting those two characters in particular has been an interesting facet of the series. If anything, Nighthawk is more driven to see the Defenders succeed. As we’ll see in The Last Defenders, it’s almost an obsession with him. Almost.

Thanks to Joe Casey for stopping by and sharing his thoughts. Be on the look-out soon for our second part, featuring, yes, Blazing Skull!

Joe Casey has written such small characters as X-Men, Avengers, Superman, WildCATS, and G.I. Joe. Troy Brownfield writes many, many things for Newsarama.

[HNutz]

This was cool... but Blazing Skull? YEAH!

[bomaya]

To be honest I see SS mentioned on a par with Watchmen more NOW than it was at the time.

I love the Busiek/Larsen Defenders and think it was the best that team has ever been but Nighthawk didn't feature in it enough.

One recent Nighthawk appearance also by Slott was in the wonderful and sadly short-lived Thing series with gorgeous art by Di Vito.

[ElijahSnowFan]

Nighthawk's a truly underrated and underused character, and i truly look forward to this series.

i am extremely hopeful that fans turn out for this book and give these characters a chance to have an active role in the Marvel Universe, on some level -- i've never said that i think Nighthawk could be as popular as Wolverine or Spider-Man, but that doesn't mean the character shouldn't be used for years on end.

[Krypto]

That was useful - it's good to have the various Nighthawk's straightened out . . . all that Defenders stuff confused me, I thought current Nighthawk was the brain of original bad-to-good Nighthawk in the president Richmond's body. Well there you go, I'm just glad to have him back.

And yah boo sucks, Watchmen may be 'important', but the Squadron Supreme 12-parter was actually fun.

[mattguthrie]

i believe his run with the thunderbolts took pace before CW...

[newfoundma]

How does this Nighthawk fit in with the one from Universe X? I knwo that is a possible future, but does this one have visions like that one?

[80Pork]

I am so looking forward to this limited series!! I like these files, too!!

[80Pork]

Originally Posted by bomaya

One recent Nighthawk appearance also by Slott was in the wonderful and sadly short-lived Thing series with gorgeous art by Di Vito.

I agree. I wasn't buying that book at the time, but my son was. We read them together and loved it! Underrated series...

[miamiu]

Personality wise the character always reminds me of how Ms. Marvel is currently being portrayed. Always doubting himself and never being able to reach the potential that he wants to.

[Not From Around]

I loved Nighthawk in the 1970s Defenders. I'd always wondered how he recovered from being dead. Sad to say, the article doesn't really offer an explanation. Okay, so he was in a coma (or maybe suspended animation--it sounds more like that). But how did he get that way? Where was he during that time? Does anybody know?

[protege]

I wish he would've mentioned taking the Constrictor under his wing and trying to reform him- but then, i want the Constrictor on this team, not on the initiative.

[ejulp]

I liked Jim Muniz's McKniven on bizarre drugs style on the 198 title more than his "cleaned up act" here...it does look like his story telling has improved...maybe he just figured this different art style would be more fitting for this title, than his previous one. I do hope that in the future he uses the other style for other projects...was just so beautifully strange.

Still...I think I'm looking forward to this book...just need a lil' more of a push, and some more preview pages to make up my mind.

[DaVeO]

I love that The Order cover. I can't read the signature, anyone know who did it? Looks like Carlos Pacheo perhaps?

[Roy Batty]

Originally Posted by DaVeO

I love that The Order cover. I can't read the signature, anyone know who did it? Looks like Carlos Pacheo perhaps?

Yep, it's him. If memory serves me, he did cover art for the whole series.

And those preview pages pencils look fine enough, but the inking and, more so, the coloring really ruined them. The finished pages look so... mechanic and lifeless...

[jedifish]

Originally Posted by DaVeO

I love that The Order cover. I can't read the signature, anyone know who did it? Looks like Carlos Pacheo perhaps?

Yes, it was Carlos, with Jesus Merino inks. He did all the covers.

http://www.comics.org/covers.lasso?SeriesID=10294

[Supremeo]

"Joe Casey has written such small characters as X-Men, Avengers, Superman, WildCATS, and G.I. Joe."


Must be really tougne in cheek,hard to consider that small

[aceatkins]

You might want to fix the article; Nighthawk was in Thunderbolts prior to Civil War, since the post-CW Thunderbolts is the Norman Osborn/Bullseye/Venom group. When that book comes out, of course.

[veritech]

For some reason I can't get beyond the fact that Nighthawk is a batman rip-off . . . . I guess I've been burned out on the batman/wolverine "dark avenger of the night" clones that were so frequent in the 1990's. I realize that is a bit unfair to the character because he predates those knockoffs by decades. Plus, his costume is . . . . not pretty.

So . . . . is there actually a 616 Superion from Squadron Sinister still running around? I thought Superion was strictly alternate universe stuff??

[sunstrider]

No I am not buying this. The only Nighthawk I care about at the moment in the new one
in the current Squadon Supreme series. He is a better character than this lame guy.

By the way, now that that god awful Ultimate Power series is done do anyone know when
Marvel will be publishing Squadon Supreme again and who might be the writer.

[beetle1million]

Originally Posted by sunstrider

No I am not buying this. The only Nighthawk I care about at the moment in the new one
in the current Squadon Supreme series. He is a better character than this lame guy.

By the way, now that that god awful Ultimate Power series is done do anyone know when
Marvel will be publishing Squadon Supreme again and who might be the writer.

Yes, I agree. Stereotyped 'Black Rage Wolverine' is far more interesting.

The only good character to come out of Supreme Power was the brainy guy who set Reed up in Ultimate Power. Everything else felt like JMS trying to channel the mid-80's over again.

[Optimus]

I can't believe it. I never liked Nighthawk and hated him after Civil War but...Joe Casey actually makes him sound intresting to me.

[SanctumComix]

For "newfoundma" & "Not From Around",

Here's the course of events surrounding Kyle's coma & revival (WITH future-sight powers).

The ENTIRE story is in the 3-issue NIGHTHAWK miniseries from 1998.

The situation with Nighthawk being in a coma, was that he was found in the rubble of the villains HQ (where he was blown up real good), and since he is a billionaire, was kept in a PRIVATE hospital ward (it was either IN his own mansion or something he owned, I forget).

ANyway, he was being cared for in secret because they didn't want stockholders to know that he was close to death. The cover story was that he was "away".

So, he is approached by an "angel" and given a chance to return to full life if he would accept "magic eyes" that would allow him to see into the immediate future and be able to stop crimes BEFORE innocents are harmed.

He thinks it's a great idea and accepts, becoming a MUCH grimmer vigilante in the process.
A fact that Daredevil took exception with when it seemed that Nighthawk was just beating on random strangers.
He was, in fact, seeing the deeds that they WERE TO COMMIT, and took action (often, in escalating ferocity) against them - in a much more pro-active way.

Anyway, it turns out, that the "angel" was really MEPHISTO (yeah. that guy), and the eyes are more a CURSE than a blessing.

So, he travels to hell WITH Daredevil to combat Mephisto.

I won't spoil the ending of the story, firstly because I don't really recall it 100%, and also because it was a good mini-series.

But, here's the wiki.
I'm sure it has answers for anyone who wants to know.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nighthawk_(Marvel_Comics)

The writer of the mini was Jim Kreuger, who also wrote the Earth X stuff (iirc), so he took that aspect of Nighthawk into that "alternate earth" story.

I hope that answers any questions you may have had.

**EDIT**
OK, it seems that the wiki page is good, but doesn't have a lot about the mini. THIS page, however:
http://www.fortunecity.com/tatooine/...vin/rdd13.html
seems to deal with the "Death & Resurrection of Nighthawk" in a very informative way - and with the recent events concerning "Bucky Barnes" and "Mephisto" in the Marvel U. as of late, is quite prophetic, indeed.
**END EDIT**

~P~
P-TOR

[JonahsWhale]

Most of my exposure to NightHawk has been through the Squadron Supreme story. It's nice/scary to see the history. I am so excited for this book...

[artiepants]

Originally Posted by bomaya

One recent Nighthawk appearance also by Slott was in the wonderful and sadly short-lived Thing series with gorgeous art by Di Vito.

yeah, that was my main introduction to the character and i really, really liked him there.

Really, that first story with Nighthawk, Constrictor, Tony Stark, Arcade and the Thing (with that aforementioned gorgeous art) was my favorite bit from that series.

a helpful art addition to the story here would be profile shots of the various Nighthawks (and maybe a sidebar on the Supreme Power version just to help avoid confusion)

Also: i was kind of shocked to see Marve has published "The Order" before the current version: that came out while i was away from comics....