Mission Eleven: Battle Hawk -- The Debriefing

What a great story. A new dimension to Cloud’s Navajo identity – his adoption by hawks – is introduced in Battle Hawk. 

I find it curious that this adventure follows Two Missions of Doom wherein a superstitious Shamrock helps Cloud succeed – but of course, we know there is more to it. Here, we see that Cloud benefits from a unique communication with the hawk. The hawk helps Cloud and repays a debt with his talons.

But there is more to this story than a Just World in action. Cloud appeals to his Big Brother just before diving into the ragged gash. His appeal is answered. The hawk was sent to repay the debt! So subtle are the ways of the Great Warrior Spirit, that even Cloud is unaware of and surprised by the helping hand (or talons).

Plot twists like this resonate long after the comic is stashed away. Was it the same hawk – the one from his boyhood? No, of course not.

All hawks are available when needed.

And let’s not forget the existential question here: Is gratitude part of the natural order? Cloud thinks so. Perhaps this is how debts are paid out.

You may remember, this
was true for Two-Talons (no pun intended) in Cloud's 9th Mission (AAMOW#90). 

In the end, we see a Just World wherein good deeds are remembered. And, we see Robert Kanigher's character development at its best.

Image Credit:

AAMOW#92 (August 1962): Story Art: I.Novick; Writer: R.Kanigher

Johnny Cloud TM DC Comics