It must be a real good time to be an archer in the world of comics right now. DC Comics Green Arrow is getting some love right now because the hit television show Arrow on the CW and Jeff Lemire doing a great reboot for the character as I write this. And then there is Marvel Comics Hawkeye, AKA Clint Barton, who thanks to 2012's Avengers films has given the character a pretty good boast in popularity at the moment. Considering I'm a fan for both characters, it feels pretty good both comic companies B-list characters are getting some much need star treatment.
I'm rooting for Barton a little more at the moment because the thing is with Hawkeye, as much as he a great character and powerful team builder in the Marvel Universe, he's lacked in the solo series department. He's never gone past 8 issues in his own solo series, which is a bit of bad luck for Clint. But again, thanks to the Avengers film, Marvel has given Clint another chance at a solo series of his own. And oddly enough, current big name Marvel writer Matt Fraction takes on Clint in what is one of the uniqueness and quirkiest comics on the stands right now.
HAWKEYE VOL1: MY LIFE AS A WEAPON collects issues #1-5 and Young Avengers Presents #6 is simply about Clint Barton, member of the Avengers and these are his adventures during his off-hours or "normal life" from super-hero duty. Simple as that. No crazy end of the world plot, no absurd team cross over. Just a man and his student, Kate Bishop, as they get into zany adventures that include messing with a European gangsters for control over territory, running into a mysterious redhead, stopping thieves from robbing other thieves, and going to a third-world country to retrieve a tape from auction full of Marvel villains. Yes, it's just a normal day in the life of Clint Barton.
Along with other Marvel titles that came before the Marvel NOW! Initiative, Mark Waid's
Daredevil by Mark Waid, Vol. 1
, Kelly Sue McDonnick's
Captain Marvel, Vol. 1: In Pursuit of Flight
, and Kieron Gillens
Journey into Mystery, Vol. 1: Fear Itself
series, Matt Fraction's Hawkeye joins those ranks as being must read material because of it is very different from what is on comic stands for numerous reasons. The narrative is anachronic, in that the story will just from past to the present in odd ways to tell the story so you never know what will happen next. The narration is heavy on sarcasm and full of wit from Clint's perspective, so you always find yourself smiling or laughing along with the book. Sound effects are spelled out like directions, in stead of cues. Foreign languages are not translated like most books, so Clint interprets what he thinks they are saying (again, mostly with a snarky attitude). And the term "bro" is used more times then you can count, because it's the only word the European mafia knows. There are even more of it here, but just these examples alone are so unconventional in comics today and it all works out beautifully here in Hawkeye that makes it so darn good and unique from the rest.
Although it is a Clint Barton book, technically it's a buddy book because Kate Bishop makes up a lot of panel here. So much chemistry and care is taken into account for Kate as partner/student/possible lover that make Kate a star in her own right. Many of the rough situations Clint digs himself into, Kate comes and saves the day. In many ways, Fractions shows Kate is better then Clint sometimes, which goes with the theme of the book. Clint himself is a bit lazy, aloof, clumsy, and no-so "glorified" as many see him in the Avengers group, whereas Kate is more cautious, ready, and prepared that you can't help but love her for picking up on his weaknesses. But don't be fulled; most of Clint's weaknesses is a bit of a smoke screen. He shows his true talent only in times of great need. This type of theme Fraction writes is the heart of the book and it comes off beautifully.
As for art, I love David Aja and Javier Pulido's art. Of the two, I prefer Aja's art style because I feel his art is far more experimental and in-line with Fractions narrative more, but both are great. The style of the book is a bit cartoony, similar to Mark Waid's Daredevil, but a little cartoonier here, but it matches the tone of the book very well. The art is supposed to be sketchy to match Clint's rough lifestyle and inner-narrative, but it also makes the book user friendly for most ages. I'm not saying it is for everyone because there are a lot of adult jokes, some violence, and innuendos (bleeped out curse words and censored nudity for examples), but blood is barely noticeable and the art style matched with the witty writing make for a lighter tone then most books. The art narrative to is unconventional like the writing in that the panels art tiny and make work more like films storyboards then typical box panels in most comics today. And the art palettes are muted colors through out, with the color purple being a consistent tone in selected shots, either on Clint's clothing, foreground placement, or background shots. It is just a marvelous art style. Alan Davis does the Young Avengers Presents #6 issue and although his art is solid, it is noticeable compared to the Hawkeye issues.
I don't have any real complaints here, but I guess if there was any it might be the idea that this book isn't like most traditional books out there. The book isn't a non-stop action book or have ties to other Marvel titles or anything like that. It is a book that is cut off from the rest of the Marvel Universe and it doesn't actually have a purpose of why it is, other then being what it is. If you can handle a book that dependent of itself, I think you'll like it.
So I can see why the comic world is in such awe of HAWKEYE VOL.1: MY LIFE AS A WEAPON. There is nothing quite like it on comic market. Action, quirky humor, zany adventures, great art, and unpredictable scenarios make this series a book taking a look at. It feels like an independent comic more so then a Marvel or DC comic and I think that's why it is so good. And even with some Marvel connections here, they still do not take away from this book to new readers of Clint or the Marvel Universe. So see what all of the fuss is all about and pick up this book and see for yourself. It looks like a great time to be an archer in the world of comics...bro.
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Reviews with images
one of my favorites
clint is just hilarious in this one. shows how he interacts with kate bishop. the art style is just amazing in the first part. love this so much 10/10 would recommend.
Top reviews from other countries
Indraneel
The best way to while away time
Reviewed in India on April 28, 2021
Indraneel
Reviewed in India on April 28, 2021
Hawkeye is made fun of as the most 'useless' of the Avengers, not the least because he is the guy running around with a bow and arrows. But Matt Fraction has certainly shown how he Clint Barton can be elevated to a really cool character.
Needless to say, I am already looking forward to the other issues.
Images in this review
Sergio Martín Calero
Cómo es un súper héroe cuando nadie le ve
Reviewed in Spain on March 30, 2016Kindle Customer
Believe the hype
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 15, 2016