Justice League: How DC’s Hawkman Replacement, Zauriel, Fell from Grace (2024)

Hawkman is a fan-favorite character who's a fierce warrior, a loyal friend and a character who has one of the more confusing and muddled backstories in comic book history.During Grant Morrison and Howard Porter's celebrated JLA run, the team saw many unique characters join the roster, but perhaps the most interesting hero to join the team was Zauriel. Set to become Hawkman's replacement, Zauriel had a brief stint with the JLA before walking away and being largely forgotten.

Debuting in JLA #6, Zauriel was created byMorrison, Porter, Mark Millar and John Dell and isa literal avenging angel. Zauriel was an agent of The Presence, DC's incarnation of God, and protected Earth since the dawn of time. Morrison originally planned to include Hawkman on his JLA team, but due to Hawkman's confusing and convoluted history, which was made even more confusing after the Zero Hour event,Morrison decided to create a new character altogether.

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Zauriel accidentally discovered that one of the generals of Heaven's armies, Asmodel, was planning on overthrowing The Presenceand replacing him with his own heavenly host.After pleading with the other King-Angels, Zauriel was cast out of Heaven and sent spiraling toEarth in a fiery blaze that caught the attention of Martian Manhunterandthe Justice League.

Upon reaching Earth, Zauriel realized that a group supporting Asmodel's coupfollowed him in an attempt to hunt him down and kill him before he could inform Heaven of their plot. Zauriel andthe JLA fought theangelic invasion, and during the battle Zauriel saved Aquaman's life. Zauriel impressed the Justice League with his fighting prowess and his vast knowledge of the spiritual and supernatural realms and joined the JLA as its new magical expert.

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Zauriel possesses an impressive list of powers and abilities. His wings allow him to fly at incredible speeds, and even though hehas become mortal after being cast out of Heaven, he still seems to be immune to most human illnesses. He also doesn't require food, water, air or sleep to survive, and Zauriel doesn't age. Along withhisenhanced strength, durability and agility, Zauriel can perform what he calls the "Red Sea trick," which enableshim to part a body of water in much the same way Moses did. Zauriel's most potent power, though, is his sonic scream, or "sonic flash," whichis a result of angels' vibrational frequency.

Zauriel also wields a flaming sword that enhances his abilities when he carries it and can project Heavenly fire through the sword. Even on Earth, Zaurielstill possesses a telepathic link to The Presence and other angels and is ableto sense the good and evil in individuals around him -- apower that comes in handy when dealing with bad guys.As a guardian angel, one of Zauriel's jobs is to protect the souls of many women over the centuries including Cleopatra, Mona Lisa and Joan of Arc.

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After finally defeating Asmodel and casting him to Hell, Zauriel was restored in Heaven's good graces and was given a set of divine armor and his own headquarters in the Aerie, a structure floating above Los Angeles. At thispoint, Zauriel backed away from the JLA and onlyserved them in a supportingrole.

During the One Year Later event, Zauriel was tasked with destroying Shadowpact member Blue Devil, who wasaccusedofcausing humans to emulate his demonic path. Zauriel was uneasy with this assignmentand noted that "this world owes its existence to [Blue Devil]more than once." After a small fight with Blue Devil,Zaurielwas convinced to join the Shadowpact in Blue Devil's place. Zauriel then resurfaced during The New 52 and was recruited to help fight Blight,the entity formed as a result ofall of humanity's evils.

Other than a brief appearance in Justice League Dark #1, Zauriel hasn't appeared in DC's Rebirth, but the time is perfect for Zauriel's return as the Dark Nights: Death Metal event is building towards its climax.

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