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December 08, 2004
Subway Reading: Fallen Angel
City Hawks evicted from Fifth Avenue nest
For the last 12 years, there has been an improbable hawk's nest on top of a high-rise building on Fifth Ave in Manhattan, across from Central Park. This nest was the birthplace of 21 hawks over the years, who can be seen soaring high above Central Park. It was one of those secret little NYC joys, a tiny reminder of the natural world here in this man-made concrete filth-hole of a city.
Unfortunately, the hawks were prone to leaving droppings on the sidewalk outside the luxury building, as well as the occasional pigeon carcass. So what did the co-op board of the building do? Why, they unanimously voted to eradicate the nest and the metal spikes that had unexpectedly provided the necessary support for the nest. Thanks, jerks. I hope there is such a thing as reincarnation. And I hope that the karmic nature of the universe causes these selfish, short-sighted meatheads to be reincarnated as New York City pigeons. That way, if any of these hawks or their offspring manage to survive, they will get to enjoy a vengefully delicious snack.
OK, sorry about the diversion. Your regularly-scheduled comic book content will now resume.
Fallen Angel #18 - Holy bejeezus! Now THAT'S how you wrap up a story arc! Peter David ties together the threads of his "Hurlyburly" arc, bringing it to a thrilling, gripping conclusion. The flashback sequences of Shadow boxer's childhood dovetail perfectly with the current story line, and as a result this issue packs an unparalleled emotional punch. I have to give credit to the artists, David Lopez and Fernando Blanco, for the subtle character acting that sells the excellent dialogue in the hospital room scene. The anguish drips off of Shadow Boxer's face. The Angel refuses to make eye contact. The whole scene was perfect, and it made the shocker ending that much more powerful. David is at the top of his game with this title, this arc, and this issue. Bravo. 4.5 stars.
Posted by jdonelson_nyc at December 8, 2004 10:47 AM
Comments
We have parrots in our backyard in Brooklyn. Actual, bright greeen, "I can talk" parrots. Ironically, they're especially active in the winter.
How did this marvel of evolutionary adaptation and survival happen? Apparently they escaped from a ship bound for Petland Discounts or whereever years ago, and adapted to the cold climate by living in the stadium lights at the parade grounds where it is warm and by local power lines.
Of course, the city is angry at all the poop on city property and is threatening to remove them...
New Yorkers never seem to appreciate things until they destroy them.
Posted by: Peat at December 9, 2004 10:03 AM
Nobody ever seems to do anything about the disturbing amount of HUMAN feces that I see on the streets of New York City on a regular basis. If a rare and beautiful bird dares to crap on the sidewalk, however, everybody mobilizes for immediate and radical action.
Posted by: jdonelson_nyc at December 9, 2004 11:00 AM