A History of Hawkman on Television
The Winged Warrior has Thrilled Small Screen Audiences Since 1968
In the comic books, Hawkman has been the reincarnation of an Egyptian prince, an alien policeman come to Earth to fight crime and an evil spy and even an angel. On television, his character has generally been portrayed without much complicated back story, but the Winged Warrior still fascinates fans.
The Superman/Aquaman Hour
As part of the Justice League, Hawkman appeared in several short adventures that aired during the 1967 to 1968 run of The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure. He also appeared in three short adventures of his own during the show. The Justice League and Hawkman adventures were repackaged and re-aired during both the Aquaman and Superman half hour shows that replaced the original hour long show. Vic Perrin provided the character's voice.
Super Friends
Hawkman appeared alongside other members of the Justice League in several seasons of the Super Friends. Although recognized in the comics as an important member of the League, Hawkman was not one of the core group of five heroes who appeared in every incarnation of the Super Friends. Jack Angel voiced Hawkman, although his duties were generally light, since the character spoke much less than other members of the team.
Live Action
In his only live action appearance, Hawkman was part of the ensemble in 1979's campy Legends of the Super Heroes. Played by Bill Nuckols, Hawkman looked very much like his comic book incarnation, sporting not only the trademark mask and wings, but an impressive bodybuilder's physique as well. The character did not speak, but he did utter an unpleasant bird cry.
Justice League
One of Hawkman's comic book incarnations is that of Katar Hol, an alien policeman from the planet Thanagar, who comes to Earth to fight crime as Hawkman. In the Justice League animated series, a soldier from Thanagar, Hro Talak (an anagram of Katar Hol) comes to Earth, ostensibly to save the planet from an evil enemy. Talak turns out to be the lover of a Justice League founding member, Hawkgirl. He also turns out to be out to destroy the planet, not save it.
While Hro Talak is never referred to as Hawkman, the character shares enough traits with the various incarnations of Hawkman in the comic books to make this appearance, voiced by Victor Rivers, count.
As a result of her lover's treachery, Hawkgirl leaves the Justice League. Under her real name of Shayera Hol, she eventually returns. A fan of hers changes his name to Carter Hall (another name from the comic books) and equips himself with ancient Thanagarian technology to become Hawkman. Carter Hall's voice is provided by James Remar.
Although not fully trusted or accepted by the League, Hawkman does fight alongside the heroes in the finale of Justice League Unlimited.
The Batman
Most recently, Hawkman appeared on The Batman, an animated series that ran from 2004 to 2008. In a cameo at the end of the fourth season and then in various episodes in the fifth season, Hawkman is part of the Justice League, fighting together to overcome villains and planet conquering aliens. While never called by any name other than Hawkman, a comment about the Batcave resembling a police station on Thanagar indicates that this version of the character is Katar Hol, the Thanagarian police man.
Actor Robert Patrick, of Terminator 2 and X-Files fame, provides Hawkman's voice.
Hawkman, Painted by J. Richardson
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