Superman/Batman: Public Enemies Hawkman
A closer look at Tim Bruckner’s last figure under exclusive contract
While Tim Bruckner has continued to sculpt some projects for DC Direct (like the AWSOME Linda Carter Wonder Woman statue) the last figure he sculpted under his 3 year exclusive contract for DC Direct is the upcoming second assortment Superman/Batman Series III Hawkman from the Public Enemies storyline,. Tim has sculpted all of the first two waves of figures based on the art of Ed McGuinness. Becasue of the style of McGuinness’ art many of the figures have been variations of the same "buck" body. In this feature we get to see some rare work in progress shots and how the details are added until we have one kick ass figure.
Hawkman was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Dennis Neville. The original Hawkman first appeared in Flash Comics #1 (1940) and was also immortalized as an action figure in DC Direct’s "First Appearance" line,
Several incarnations of Hawkman have appeared in DC Comics, all of them characterized by the use of archaic weaponry and by large, artificial wings, attached to a harness made from a special metal that allows flight. Most incarnations of Hawkman work closely with a partner/romantic interest named Hawkgirl or Hawkwoman.
The Hawkman uses the larger body that the McGuinness Martian Manhunter used. Above we see a castaline casting of the base body with the new head and costume details starting to be added on top of that with pins holding the figure together.
Above we see sever angles and detail shots of the finished figure with the wings added, the helmet finished and the mace and "Claw of Horus"
Wikipedia has this to say about Hawkman and his weapons: All versions of Hawkman preferred to use archaic weaponry – particularly maces, nets, spears and shields – rather than modern or futuristic weapons. The current incarnation prefers this in part because, having the memories of living through many past lives, he is more proficient in their use than with contemporary weapons. However, there was one particular weapon shown during the Superman and Batman crossover series. A fight between Superman and Hawkman involved Hawkman using a gauntlet called the "Claw of Horus". This weapon’s power is based on the gravitational field of earth. As Hawkman explained it to Superman before he hit him with the claw, "Essentially, I just hit you with the planet."
These final shots are of Tim Bruckner’s amazing paint masters. Traditionally sculptors will do 3-5 of these for each figure. A couple will go to Hong Kong to serve as a template, a couple will go to the DC offices and the remaining ones go on the road to the conventions for us to drool over.
The entire wave includes:
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: SERIES 3: PUBLIC ENEMIES 2: ARMORED LEX LUTHOR Action Figure
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: SERIES 3: PUBLIC ENEMIES 2: FUTURE SUPERMAN Action Figure
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: SERIES 3: PUBLIC ENEMIES 2: HAWKMAN Action Figure
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: SERIES 3: PUBLIC ENEMIES 2: NIGHTWING Action Figure
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: SERIES 3: PUBLIC ENEMIES 2: STEEL/NATASHA IRONS Action Figure
They will ship to retailers on Feb 27th 2007.
A 4th wave of McGuinness styled figures including:
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: SERIES 4: BATMAN BEYOND Action Figure
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: SERIES 4: BATWOMAN Action Figure
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: SERIES 4: BATZARRO Action Figure
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: SERIES 4: BIZARRO Action Figure
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: SERIES 4: KRYPTONITE BATMAN Action Figure
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: SERIES 4: SUPERWOMAN Action Figure
will ship in April of 07.
A big "Thank you" to DC Direct and Tim Bruckner for this opportunity to take a closer look at this highly anticipated figure.
