William Kavanagh (New Earth)

Airstryke
Mainstream Universe‎, 1986‎-2011‎
Gallery
Real Name	William Kavanagh
Main Alias	Airstryke
Base Of Operations	Maryland
Status
Alignment	Bad
Identity	Secret Identity
Citizenship	American
Marital Status	Single
Characteristics
Gender	Male
Eyes	Red
Hair	White
Skin	Brown
Origin
Universe	New Earth
Creators	John Ostrander · Jan Duursema
First Appearance	Hawkman Vol 3 #3 (November, 1993)
Appearance of Death	Outsiders Vol 3 #6 (January, 2004)

Airstryke was an enemy of Hawkman.

History

Origins

Kavanagh was a petty criminal for most of his adult life, in and out of prisons. At one point he was approached by representatives of the corporation Meta/Tech, who were looking for test subjects for genetic experimentation. Feeling he had nothing left to lose, Kavanagh agreed to become one of those test subjects.

Through these experiments, Kavanagh became a hybrid human/pterodactyl, complete with working wings that enabled him to fly. His strength was also increased to super-human levels, and he was equipped with talons on his hands and feet that could rip and tear flesh to shreds.

Hawkman

Before the Meta/Tech supervisors who had authorized the experiments could put Kavanagh and the other test subjects to whatever uses they had in mind, the company was purchased by Count Etienne du Vipere, or COUNT VIPER. Count Viper immediately sent Kavanagh into battle with Katar Hol, the ex-patriate from the planet Thanagar who had become the third Hawkman. It was apparently Viper's hope that Kavanagh could either defeat Hawkman in battle, or at least injure him severely enough so that Viper could finish the job. Instead, Hawkman defeated Kavanagh with some ease. Kavanagh was then convicted of assorted crimes and imprisoned at the Slab, the Midwestern federal prison for super-villains.

Last Laugh

 Main article: Joker's Last Laugh

While there, Kavanagh proved to be an inveterate troublemaker, taking part in several disruptions including the mass escape engineered by the Joker in the "Last Laugh" event.

Airstryke is killed.

Death

 Main article: Outsiders: Brothers in Blood

During his time incarcerated in Slabside Penitentiary, Airstryke was part of a massive prison break organized by Brother Blood. Blood gave prisoners the option to escape as part of the massive army he was building, providing they remain in service to the Church of Blood. Airstryke spoke out against not wanting to be assimilated into this cult, and was immediately shot through the head as a warning to others.

Powers and Abilities

Powers

• Flight: Airstryke can fly by way of genetically altered reptilian wings.
• Superhuman Strength: Airstryke's strength surpasses superhuman levels.

Abilities

Airstryke possesses predatory instincts and reptilian intelligence, which aid him during battle.

Related

• 9 Appearances of William Kavanagh (New Earth)
• 3 Images featuring William Kavanagh (New Earth)
• Quotations by or about William Kavanagh (New Earth)
• Character Gallery: William Kavanagh (New Earth)

Footnotes

Hawkman and Hawkgirl Villain(s) This character, team or organization, is or was primarily an enemy of the Hawkman, or his associates Hawkgirl and Hawkwoman. This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Hawkman Villains category."