With two issues to go after this one, what better time to review Hawk and Dove? Especially when it’s the first all-Liefeld issue!

Now, I could start by talking about my love of the old series back in the day or even with a quick rundown of the current series leading up to this. But let’s skip that and get right into this issue.

Brace yourself: it wasn’t that bad.

I realize this doesn’t sound like high praise, but you need to put it in context. That context is the lightning rod that is Rob Liefeld.

I’m really only familiar with Rob’s art. And it’s…. well, Rob Liefeld art. You generally love it or leave it. I myself am not a particularly big fan. And this issue is more of same. No big surprises there. (Though his style does seem fairly well-suited for Blockbuster for whom I also have an odd affection. And it’s the old rampage-y Blockbuster too so that’s cool. His Robin, however…)

But Rob’s writing is what actually surprised me. This was a fun story. Not particularly deep, but certainly action-filled and briskly paced. And Rob really seems to have a real knack with Hawk’s voice. In fact, most (not all) of the dialogue was pretty darn good. And oddly enough, I found myself enjoying this title for the first time since issue one.

That ability to write and plot is pretty darn important given that he’s going to be involved in three comics following Hawk and Dove. Will he be great? Uh, probably not. But will he help make some fun, enjoyable comics? Based on this issue, I think maybe he will.

I doubt this review is going to make anyone run out and get Hawk and Dove issue six. Methinks that ship has passed and the upcoming cancellation will only serve to give people one more reason not to buy. But me? I was happy to enjoy an issue of Hawk and Dove and be reminded of the characters I enjoyed so long ago.

In fact, I’ll probably dig those old back issues out of storage later.