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Hawk

Hawk

189 appearances Β· Bronze Age Β· 1982–2025 Β· 12 key issues
Who is Hawk?

Clayton Abernathy, known as Hawk, is the commanding general of G.I. Joe, the U.S. Army's elite counter-terrorist unit. A decorated career officer and master strategist, he leads the team's fight against the terrorist organization Cobra from the unit's very first mission.

From the very first issue of G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero in 1982, Hawk has been there β€” a Bronze Age original, born in the pages of one of Marvel's most beloved action franchises and shaped by the legendary Larry Hama alongside artist Don Perlin. With 189 catalog appearances spanning an remarkable 43 years and 12 collector-recognized key issues to his name, this is a character whose staying power speaks for itself. He shares his adventures with some of the most iconic figures in the G.I. Joe universe β€” Scarlett, Snake-Eyes, Cobra Commander, and more β€” making him a constant presence at the heart of the action across decades of storytelling. Whether you're a longtime fan or just diving into the rich world of G.I. Joe comics, Hawk is exactly the kind of foundational figure whose history rewards every page turned.

Identity

Real name. Clayton M. Abernathy

Powers. None (no superpowers); highly skilled military officer, field commander, strategist and tactician

Teams & affiliations
G.I. JoeCOBRACobra SoldiersDreadnoks
β˜… First appearance
G.I. Joe, a Real American Hero #1
Jun 1982

Part of the Hawk legacy

Hawk is one of 2 heroes to carry the Hawk mantle. See the whole Hawk family β–Έ

Trivia

  • Larry Hama has written more of Hawk's comics than any other writer in our catalog β€” 103 issues.

Top series

Covers through the years β€” 1982–2023

G.I. Joe, a Real American Hero #1 β˜… 1982
G.I. Joe, a Real American Hero #1
G.I. Joe, a Real American Hero #47 β˜… 1986
G.I. Joe, a Real American Hero #47
G.I. Joe, a Real American Hero #82 1989
G.I. Joe, a Real American Hero #82
G.I. Joe #1 2001
G.I. Joe #1
G.I. Joe: Declassified #[nn] 2007
G.I. Joe: Declassified #[nn]
G.I. Joe: Special Missions #2 2010
G.I. Joe: Special Missions #2
G.I. Joe: The Complete Collection #2 2013
G.I. Joe: The Complete Collection #2
Classic G.I. Joe TPB #19 2017
Classic G.I. Joe TPB #19
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #302 2023
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #302

Appearances (1–150 of 189, oldest first)

Spider-Woman (1978)
#45
Rom (1979)
#47
G.I. Joe Yearbook (1985)
#1
The Transformers (1984)
#5
The G.I. Joe Order of Battle (1986)
#1
G.I. Joe and the Transformers (1987)
G. I. Joe in 3-D (1987)
Tales of G.I. Joe (1988)
G.I. Joe Comics Magazine (1986)
Action Force Monthly (1988)
G.I. Joe European Missions (1988)
G.I. Joe Special Missions (1986)
#16
G.I. Joe: Special (1995)
#1
G.I. Joe Convention Special (2001)
#1
G.I. Joe: Battle Files (2002)
#1
G.I. Joe: Frontline (2002)
G.I. Joe Battle Files Sourcebook (2003)
G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers (2003)
Transformers / G.I. Joe (2003)
#1