The Force was with this strip, at least for a little while. Soon after fan favorite comic artist Gil Kane and writer Ron Goulart completed their requested proposal for this science fiction continuity strip, the editorial staff came to their senses and backburnered it—until Star Wars released. Suddenly, the syndicate bosses were demanding science fiction, so they dusted it off and put it into production. The resulting strip should have helped return the genre to its former newspaper prominence. Unfortunately, it didn’t, but Kane and Goulart’s Star Hawks was a terrific strip, which we remember today, on the date of its demise (5/2/1981).
There is no denying the bold style of Kane’s art really jumps off the page, thanks to Star Hawks’ unique two-panel format. Unfortunately, that was one of the strip’s greatest drawbacks, because subscribing papers had to give it the space previously allotted to two of its rivals. At the time, when newspapers were relatively healthy, strips were seen as cutthroat competitors. Yet, in retrospect, strips depended on each other to build critical mass. They needed an entire section to be a reader destination. You might flip over to read Peanuts, but while you were there, you’d also check out Garfield and Dick Tracy. That is an advantage that is hard to replicate for webcomics.
Regardless, Kane made the most of the opportunity artistically. Similarly, Goulart never attempted to clone Star Wars (which the syndicate might have preferred). Their strip follows the rollicking adventures of two space cops (somewhat affectionately referred to as “Star Hawks”). Rex Jaxxon is a brooder, because he carries a torch for his boss, tough but sexy Chief Agent Alice K. Benyon. His partner, Sanchez (no first name) thinks he is Heaven’s gift to ladies, which often leads to bar brawls and hasty retreats.
The early story arcs consist of largely self-contained cases. However, once Jaxxon and Benyon become an item, each successive storyline retains connective throughlines. Eventually, the narrative builds to galactic treason and a full-scale alien invasion that produces shockingly tragic results (especially for the medium). Honestly, if you finish the entire run, you will feel like you read a satisfying space opera epic.
It is also features a rambunctious sense of humor. After reading a few weeks, you might inadvertently pick up Sanchez’s exclamations: “Hoy!” and “Zam!” Frankly, only the dreariest of killjoys would deem his roguishness “problematic,” but it definitely gets him into comedic trouble.
Plus, Sniffer, the sarcastic robot dog, earns consistently big laughs by ripping Jaxxon and Sanchez up one side and down another. Weirdly, Sniffer bears a vague resemblance to K9 on Doctor Who, but it should be noted the Doctor’s companion made his first appearance on the show only two days before the strip’s premiere, so he could not have served as a model. Kane’s character design is also more detailed and more doglike.
It is a shame Star Hawks didn’t last for decades because it is the greatest sf franchise most people have never heard of. During its run, it only spawned two mass market collections and two original novels written by Goulart, which isn’t a vast cultural footprint, but it wasn’t nothing. Eventually, it was cut back to one strip, which was the beginning of the end. Like Beyond Mars, it ends somewhat abruptly, shoehorning what should have taken weeks into mere days, to at last give loyal readers some sense of resolution. Frustratingly, Hermes Press’s complete collection crams too many strips on each page, so it is harder to appreciate Kan’s striking art. However, it has the advantages of high-quality printing and the mere fact that it is still available for purchase.
Zam, Star Hawks should have heralded a new golden age for sf continuity strips. Regardless, the art, characters, and stories still hold up. Very highly recommended, Star Hawks signed off today, but it is still fondly remembered.
