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Despite possessing strength comparable to Wonder Woman’s and the ability to swim at hypersonic speeds, Aquaman is often seen as merely a guy who can talk to fish. Although his movie appearances have helped dispel this misconception, Aquaman is still often considered to be one of the Justice League’s weaker members. Similarly, Hawkman is another powerful hero who has been unfairly overlooked in recent years despite his rich and complex history in DC Comics. Aquaman #12, which gives Hawkman more recognition, in essence, is a battle between two of the Justice League’s most underrated members, but only one can emerge as the victor.
Aquaman vs Hawkman is a Legendary Battle Between the Sea and Sky
Part of what makes the matchup between Aquaman and Hawkman so enthralling is how fundamentally similar yet opposite they are in terms of personality, background, and domain. Both are proud and skilled warriors who will charge headfirst into battle. The two heroes are also inspired by ancient mythology. Aquaman’s role as the king of Atlantis ties him to Greco-Roman mythology, while Hawkman’s past life as a pharaoh connects him to Egyptian mythology. Lastly, both heroes are expert fighters in their respective domains, with Aquaman controlling the seas and Hawkman possessing aerial mastery thanks to his mighty wings. All of these similarities and contrasts offer a compelling matchup that plays to their strengths and weaknesses.
In the first round, Aquaman and Hawkman immediately clash, with Aquaman driving his trident and Hawkman swinging his mace, with blows so powerful they shake the ground beneath them. At first, Hawkman seems to have the advantage because his numerous reincarnations have offered him thousands of years of combat experience. However, Aquaman quickly proves that experience is no match for raw power. Although at first glance it seems there’s no water for miles on the battlefield, Aquaman uses his primordial hydrokinetic powers to gather all the water buried deep underground, allowing him to generate a powerful tsunami. Even with his flight advantage, Hawkman can’t fly up in time to avoid the all-encompassing tide-wave that demolishes him, ending the first round.
When the second round begins, Hawkman is given an unexpected power boost. Horus, the Egyptian God of the Sky, visits the winged hero. Horus offers Hawkman great power in exchange for becoming his avatar. With his newfound divine strength letting him deliver even more devastating strikes with his mace, Hawkman gets the drop on Aquaman. Ferociously, he grabs Aquaman and carries him into orbit, assuming the King of Atlantis will be helpless without water. At first glance, it seems like Aquaman is about to be killed and the battle will be decided in the third round, like all the previous matches in DC K.O. However, the story takes a surprising turn when Aquaman once again taps into his hydrokinetic abilities, bringing them to bear with unprecedented —and chilling— effect.
