There is no way you can read “Blackhawks” #1 and not feel like you’re reading DC’s new version of G.I. Joe. But as someone who grew up loving Marvel’s G.I. Joe series, I had no problem latching onto this.

Many of DC’s new first issues have come across as strictly introduction issues and haven’t done a lot to advance a story. “Blackhawks” #1 accomplishes both, introducing us to the team members and setting the table for the first arc. We get a little character development but being a team book it will take a few issues to get to know everyone. Writer Mike Costa does a nice job showing the different personalities of the team members and while they are typical for this kind of book, most of the characters come across likable and interesting. The story has a spy/espionage tone to it and that really worked for me. As a whole, the story was a welcomed surprise.

It’s really hard to pinpoint exactly what direction the art was shooting for. Graham Nolan is listed as doing the layouts with Ken Lashley listed as the finisher. This has to be why the art lacks any real identity. But that being said, I still found myself satisfied with the overall look of the book. Generally it’s not a style I would gravitate to but it seems to work in the context of the story. Personally I think a more realistic art style would be more effective considering both the political and spy angles, but this art didn’t ruin the book for me by any means.

“Blackhawks” #1 can easily be considered a surprise. Maybe the nostalgic feeling I got as an old school G.I. Joe reader clouded my judgement a bit, but I had a lot of fun with this book. It’s a well structured first issue that does exactly what it needs to do. It introduces the team and sets up a story that I’m really interested in. This was well worth reading.