Warning: the following contains spoilers for Hawkman #19 by Robert Venditti, Pat Olliffe, and Tom Palmer, on sale now.
Comic books are no strangers to homages from various sources in outside media, as well as other comics. In his previous issue, DC's Hawkman featured a story that was highly reminiscent of Marvel's Superior Spider-Man story arc. In Hawkman #19, however, the homages continue, this time bringing to mind one of the greatest science fiction film franchises of all time.
Not only does Shayera Thal return to the pages of the book, but her interaction with the Batman Who Laughs-corrupted Hawkman references a pivotal scene from Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Not content with copying Doctor Octopus, Sky Tyrant blatantly imitates none other than Kylo Ren!
Hawkwoman as Han Solo
Having appeared at the end of Issue #18, Hawkwoman is alerted by the Justice League and a reformed Shade to intervene with an out of character Hawkman. Unbeknownst to them, the long lived winged warrior had recently been corrupted by the Batman Who Laughs. This makes his psyche give way to his darkest side, the evil Earth-3 Hawkman known as Sky Tyrant. Shayera's "hit first, ask questions later" style has her entering the fray by smacking the evil Hawkman with her mace, sending him into a nearby building. But that's just the beginning.
Sky Tyrant gets up, taunting the consciousness of Carter Hall as he approaches his possible ally. Shayera explains why she's there, and tries to reach out to the clearly disoriented Hawkman. Upon taking off his Predator-esque helmet, she notices how demented and mutated his appearance has become. She assures her former partner that she'll do whatever it takes to help him, as Sky Tyrant uses this moment of tenderness to try to attack the off-guard Hawkwoman.
Hawkman's Star Wars Source
This set of events is a very close mirror to one of the most jaw-dropping scenes in The Force Awakens. The scene is question is when Han Solo confronts, and is eventually killed by his son Ben, aka Kylo Ren. Not only is Sky Tyrant's helmet taken off like Kylo's, but the dialogue is similar, too. The lines "Will you help me?" and "Anything" are lifted directly from the Star Wars movie, as is the ruse that leads to the villain attacking his opponent. Also similar is how Sky Tyrant's hand wraps his mace, which resembles Kylo seemingly laying down his lightsaber.
One notable difference is the outcome, however. Unfortunately for Han Solo, who didn't see the deception coming, Kylo is able to surprise and kill him. The trained Thanagarian warrior Hawkwoman, however, was ready for an attack on any front, and quickly blocks Sky Tyrant's mace with her own. Though she puts up a good fight against the man she once knew as Katar Hol, the quick battle between them ends with Sky Tyrant getting away and escaping to Hawkman's ship. Thus, the biggest questioned begged by the end of the issue remains: what villain will Sky Tyrant imitate next?
Hawkman #19 is available now.