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Hawkeye (2012-2016) (Collected Editions) #1-4
Hawkeye: The Saga of Barton and Bishop
MATT FRACTION AND DAVID AJA'S COMPLETE, ACCLAIMED RUN IN A SINGLE SHARPSHOOTING VOLUME!
With Young Avenger Kate Bishop by his side, Clint Barton continues his fight for justice - and good rooftop BBQs! He's hoping for some downtime from being one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes - but when the apartment building he's moved into, and the neighbors he's befriended, are threatened by a tracksuit-wearing, dog-abusing gang of Eastern European mobsters who say "bro" an awful lot, Clint must stand up and defend his new adopted family - any way he can. It's Hawkguy, Katie-Kate, Pizza Dog and friends against the Clown, Madame Masque, the Tracksuit Draculas and more in a fantastic, Eisner Award-winning reinvention of the arrowed Avenger! Bro, you read this book. Okay, bro?
Collecting Hawkeye (2012) #1-22 and Annual #1, and Young Avengers Presents #6 - written by Matt Fraction; and illustrated by David Aja, Javiel Pulido, Steve Lieber, Jesse Hamm, Francesco Francavilla, Annie Wu, Chris Eliopoulos and Alan Davis.
With Young Avenger Kate Bishop by his side, Clint Barton continues his fight for justice - and good rooftop BBQs! He's hoping for some downtime from being one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes - but when the apartment building he's moved into, and the neighbors he's befriended, are threatened by a tracksuit-wearing, dog-abusing gang of Eastern European mobsters who say "bro" an awful lot, Clint must stand up and defend his new adopted family - any way he can. It's Hawkguy, Katie-Kate, Pizza Dog and friends against the Clown, Madame Masque, the Tracksuit Draculas and more in a fantastic, Eisner Award-winning reinvention of the arrowed Avenger! Bro, you read this book. Okay, bro?
Collecting Hawkeye (2012) #1-22 and Annual #1, and Young Avengers Presents #6 - written by Matt Fraction; and illustrated by David Aja, Javiel Pulido, Steve Lieber, Jesse Hamm, Francesco Francavilla, Annie Wu, Chris Eliopoulos and Alan Davis.
552 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2015
252 people are currently reading
1495 people want to read
About the author
Matt Fraction
1,220 books1,865 followers"How he got started in comics: In 1983, when Fraction was 7 years old and growing up in Kansas City, Mo., he became fascinated by the U.S. invasion of Grenada and created his own newspaper to explain the event. "I've always been story-driven, telling stories with pictures and words," he said.
Education and first job: Fraction never graduated from college. He stopped half a semester short of an art degree at Kansas City Art Institute in Missouri in 1998 to take a job as a Web designer and managing editor of a magazine about Internet culture.
"My mother was not happy about that," he said.
But that gig led Fraction and his co-workers to split off and launch MK12, a boutique graphic design and production firm in Kansas City that created the opening credits for the James Bond film "Quantum of Solace."
Big break: While writing and directing live-action shoots at MK12, Fraction spent his spare time writing comics and pitching his books each year to publishers at Comic-Con. Two books sold: "The Last of the Independents," published in 2003 by AiT/Planet Lar, and "Casanova," published in 2006 by Image Comics.
Fraction traveled extensively on commercial shoots. Then his wife got pregnant. So Fraction did what any rational man in his position would do -- he quit his job at MK12 to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time comic book writer.
Say what? "It was terrifying," said Fraction, who now lives in Portland, Ore. "I was married. We had a house. We had a baby coming. And I just quit my job."
Marvel hired Fraction in June 2006, thanks largely to the success of his other two comics. "I got very lucky," he half-joked. "If it hadn't worked out, I would have had to move back in with my parents.
- 2009. Alex Pham. Los Angeles Times.
Education and first job: Fraction never graduated from college. He stopped half a semester short of an art degree at Kansas City Art Institute in Missouri in 1998 to take a job as a Web designer and managing editor of a magazine about Internet culture.
"My mother was not happy about that," he said.
But that gig led Fraction and his co-workers to split off and launch MK12, a boutique graphic design and production firm in Kansas City that created the opening credits for the James Bond film "Quantum of Solace."
Big break: While writing and directing live-action shoots at MK12, Fraction spent his spare time writing comics and pitching his books each year to publishers at Comic-Con. Two books sold: "The Last of the Independents," published in 2003 by AiT/Planet Lar, and "Casanova," published in 2006 by Image Comics.
Fraction traveled extensively on commercial shoots. Then his wife got pregnant. So Fraction did what any rational man in his position would do -- he quit his job at MK12 to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time comic book writer.
Say what? "It was terrifying," said Fraction, who now lives in Portland, Ore. "I was married. We had a house. We had a baby coming. And I just quit my job."
Marvel hired Fraction in June 2006, thanks largely to the success of his other two comics. "I got very lucky," he half-joked. "If it hadn't worked out, I would have had to move back in with my parents.
- 2009. Alex Pham. Los Angeles Times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 445 reviews
August 26, 2018
Hawkeye is the Avenger that uses a bow and arrow. This is the stuff he does when he's not avenging.
A couple years ago, I read this series in singles on Marvel Unlimited and was blown away. A few months ago at MightyCon, some guy was setting this sweet ass hardcover for $40. It sounded like a great deal to me.
The first story, an issue of Young Avengers, doesn't have the look and feel of the rest of the book but it's a surprisingly touching story about Hawkeye and Hawkeye meeting. It was fun but was just a prelude to the star of the show, Hawkeye 1-22 and is a nice introduction to Kate Bishop.
And then we get to the meat of the book. I adore the look and feel of this, the subdued color palette and artwork make this feel like an old comic I forgot about. It also reminds me of Batman: Year One quite a bit, gritty and somewhat understated. Hawkeye isn't taking on Celestials in this one, he's battling street level crooks and the artwork suits this perfectly. I wish the entire volume had been a David Aja and Matt Hollingsworth production but that couldn't be helped, I guess.
While there are some side stories, like The Tape and Kate heading to LA, it's mostly the story of Hawkeye defending his building against the Tracksuit Draculas, gangsters from an unknown eastern European country. It's a gritty story about Hawkeye manning up and being the person everyone else thinks he is.
Fraction uses a variety of storytelling techniques in this: non-linear issues, silent issues, even an issue from Lucky's point of view, Lucky being the dog Hawkeye adopts early in the series. For years, I dismissed Hawkeye as a Green Arrow ripoff but Fraction shows depths to the character I've never seen before. The relationships between Clint and everyone else drive the book: Barney Barton, Kate Bishop, Spider-Woman, Mockingbird, and the other tenants in Clint's building. There are some surprisingly touching moments.
I think Hawkeye appeals to me so much because it is a throwback to the early days of Marvel. Marvel heroes were the heroes with ordinary problems, something I think they lose sight of in these days of endless deaths and resurrections and big honkin' crossovers. If the series had to end, I'm glad Fraction and Aja ended it when they did. This run of Hawkeye ranks right up there with Starman and Gotham Central as one of my favorite runs of all time. This was my second time through and I enjoyed it even more the second time. Five out of five stars.
A couple years ago, I read this series in singles on Marvel Unlimited and was blown away. A few months ago at MightyCon, some guy was setting this sweet ass hardcover for $40. It sounded like a great deal to me.
The first story, an issue of Young Avengers, doesn't have the look and feel of the rest of the book but it's a surprisingly touching story about Hawkeye and Hawkeye meeting. It was fun but was just a prelude to the star of the show, Hawkeye 1-22 and is a nice introduction to Kate Bishop.
And then we get to the meat of the book. I adore the look and feel of this, the subdued color palette and artwork make this feel like an old comic I forgot about. It also reminds me of Batman: Year One quite a bit, gritty and somewhat understated. Hawkeye isn't taking on Celestials in this one, he's battling street level crooks and the artwork suits this perfectly. I wish the entire volume had been a David Aja and Matt Hollingsworth production but that couldn't be helped, I guess.
While there are some side stories, like The Tape and Kate heading to LA, it's mostly the story of Hawkeye defending his building against the Tracksuit Draculas, gangsters from an unknown eastern European country. It's a gritty story about Hawkeye manning up and being the person everyone else thinks he is.
Fraction uses a variety of storytelling techniques in this: non-linear issues, silent issues, even an issue from Lucky's point of view, Lucky being the dog Hawkeye adopts early in the series. For years, I dismissed Hawkeye as a Green Arrow ripoff but Fraction shows depths to the character I've never seen before. The relationships between Clint and everyone else drive the book: Barney Barton, Kate Bishop, Spider-Woman, Mockingbird, and the other tenants in Clint's building. There are some surprisingly touching moments.
I think Hawkeye appeals to me so much because it is a throwback to the early days of Marvel. Marvel heroes were the heroes with ordinary problems, something I think they lose sight of in these days of endless deaths and resurrections and big honkin' crossovers. If the series had to end, I'm glad Fraction and Aja ended it when they did. This run of Hawkeye ranks right up there with Starman and Gotham Central as one of my favorite runs of all time. This was my second time through and I enjoyed it even more the second time. Five out of five stars.
June 18, 2019
+F0ur Stars for the Material, No Stars for the Price-tag, And a Bag of Hammered Dicks For Marvel
Alright. The Hawkeye Omnibus? I liked it, slightly. I slightly liked Fraction's slightly thin contributions to a (under-powered corporate property/suit of empty spandex/Marvel action-figure-who's-always-the-last-one-available-on-the-toystore-shelf-before-graduating-to-the-bargain-bin-and-then-fighting-giant-rats-in-a-landfill) 'B' or 'C'-level Avenger; but Fraction has always been a slick, fairly superficial motherfucker, marketing himself as Warren Ellis-lite... a fast & fun shallow dive into the 'Big Concept' pool and doing his grease-dipped storytelling thing. I liked Aja's art; great stuff, slightly over-rated, but that happens when superhero fans AND comic-lit snobs agree on an artist. I liked Pulido's art more, and always have, while Annie Wu was new and quite good; Francavilla is over-rated too, with much less justification than Aja... but his work was decent. Fun stuff.
What does Hawkeye get up to when he's not doing ridiculous shit for Joss Whedon, repelling armies of aliens and magic robots with a bow and fucking arrow? Well... first he forgets about that boring-ass wife and family, and the nightmare of living in a farmhouse somewhere in flyover country. All of it was just a tricky piece of SHIELD subterfuge, or a regrettable by-product of letting Joss do whatever the fuck he wants with his action figures, including a Mennonite marriage. Or maybe the farm comes later. Yep. Then he gets back to the city, living inexplicably low-key and low-rent, not just tolerating his neighbors, but buying the whole shitty apartment building to keep them.
Given the target he sometimes literally has on his chest, I question the wisdom and morality of living two sheets of drywall away from semi-innocent citizens after pissing off a bunch of dead-eyed killers. Especially when he had to pull a moral switcheroo, strong-arming and brutalizing the Eastern European gangster/landlord to force the heartwarming Apartment building sale. But since the residents generally belong to a demographic - aged 16-80, Low Income, Composed mostly of Ethnic Minorities like African Americans, Iraqi-Americans, Latin Americans, and the group most vulnerable to Superhero-comic violence: Fictional-Americans - Hawkeye's predictably obtuse willingness to beat the shit out of criminals, humiliate them... and then just leave them bleeding in puddles of rat-water & bum-piss, would make things worse, more often than not. Killing these attempted rapists, murderers & vicious gangsters would help... but otherwise? They just crawl home, swallow a bottle of penicillin, seethe & fume & scheme, then gather the crew together, take off in a stolen van, the men inside bristling with carbon-steel large-bore barrels & polymer-plastic doom-throwers. And while Hawkeye is their 'hard target', he's left his tenants in very real danger as unwitting 'soft targets'... the pawns of the Revenge-game.
Slow, piece-by-piece dismemberment; flaying victims alive; burning people alive inside stacks of gasoline soaked tires; these are just a few of the most beloved methods of torture-killing used by giddy Slavic gangsters when someone inadvertently triggers an ancient game of 'Revenge'
Hawkeye also mentors stray superheroines trying to steal his identity. Or maybe she just borrowed it while Clint was trying on a lame new ninjafied identity... until he got over his mid-life crisis and decided to be Hawkeye again. Whatever. His protégé -- Kate -- is a bored little Manhattan debutante who wants to make the world a better place by shooting poor people full of arrows, with a special emphasis on maiming the mentally ill. The second Crazy Joe or Mad Meg slaps together a costume from carpet samples and duct-tape, they're just walking, jabbering pin-cushions. She turns out to be a stellar sidekick, and follows Barton around, shooting crazy people with money and ambition instead.
If you read digital copies, or get your comics from the library, you should probably skip this next rant.
Alright. The Hawkeye Omnibus? I liked it, slightly. I slightly liked Fraction's slightly thin contributions to a (under-powered corporate property/suit of empty spandex/Marvel action-figure-who's-always-the-last-one-available-on-the-toystore-shelf-before-graduating-to-the-bargain-bin-and-then-fighting-giant-rats-in-a-landfill) 'B' or 'C'-level Avenger; but Fraction has always been a slick, fairly superficial motherfucker, marketing himself as Warren Ellis-lite... a fast & fun shallow dive into the 'Big Concept' pool and doing his grease-dipped storytelling thing. I liked Aja's art; great stuff, slightly over-rated, but that happens when superhero fans AND comic-lit snobs agree on an artist. I liked Pulido's art more, and always have, while Annie Wu was new and quite good; Francavilla is over-rated too, with much less justification than Aja... but his work was decent. Fun stuff.
What does Hawkeye get up to when he's not doing ridiculous shit for Joss Whedon, repelling armies of aliens and magic robots with a bow and fucking arrow? Well... first he forgets about that boring-ass wife and family, and the nightmare of living in a farmhouse somewhere in flyover country. All of it was just a tricky piece of SHIELD subterfuge, or a regrettable by-product of letting Joss do whatever the fuck he wants with his action figures, including a Mennonite marriage. Or maybe the farm comes later. Yep. Then he gets back to the city, living inexplicably low-key and low-rent, not just tolerating his neighbors, but buying the whole shitty apartment building to keep them.
Given the target he sometimes literally has on his chest, I question the wisdom and morality of living two sheets of drywall away from semi-innocent citizens after pissing off a bunch of dead-eyed killers. Especially when he had to pull a moral switcheroo, strong-arming and brutalizing the Eastern European gangster/landlord to force the heartwarming Apartment building sale. But since the residents generally belong to a demographic - aged 16-80, Low Income, Composed mostly of Ethnic Minorities like African Americans, Iraqi-Americans, Latin Americans, and the group most vulnerable to Superhero-comic violence: Fictional-Americans - Hawkeye's predictably obtuse willingness to beat the shit out of criminals, humiliate them... and then just leave them bleeding in puddles of rat-water & bum-piss, would make things worse, more often than not. Killing these attempted rapists, murderers & vicious gangsters would help... but otherwise? They just crawl home, swallow a bottle of penicillin, seethe & fume & scheme, then gather the crew together, take off in a stolen van, the men inside bristling with carbon-steel large-bore barrels & polymer-plastic doom-throwers. And while Hawkeye is their 'hard target', he's left his tenants in very real danger as unwitting 'soft targets'... the pawns of the Revenge-game.
Slow, piece-by-piece dismemberment; flaying victims alive; burning people alive inside stacks of gasoline soaked tires; these are just a few of the most beloved methods of torture-killing used by giddy Slavic gangsters when someone inadvertently triggers an ancient game of 'Revenge'
Hawkeye also mentors stray superheroines trying to steal his identity. Or maybe she just borrowed it while Clint was trying on a lame new ninjafied identity... until he got over his mid-life crisis and decided to be Hawkeye again. Whatever. His protégé -- Kate -- is a bored little Manhattan debutante who wants to make the world a better place by shooting poor people full of arrows, with a special emphasis on maiming the mentally ill. The second Crazy Joe or Mad Meg slaps together a costume from carpet samples and duct-tape, they're just walking, jabbering pin-cushions. She turns out to be a stellar sidekick, and follows Barton around, shooting crazy people with money and ambition instead.
If you read digital copies, or get your comics from the library, you should probably skip this next rant.
March 21, 2016
I'm giving it 5 stars because:
1. It's original.
2. The artwork.
3. The writing .
4. Pizza dog/arrow/lucky.
5. It's heartfelt.
6. Hawkeyes' the underdog.
7. His brother is named Barney. :D Which in London slang means your in trouble. Barney rubble. Trouble.
8. He didn't call in the avengers.
Awesome.
1. It's original.
2. The artwork.
3. The writing .
4. Pizza dog/arrow/lucky.
5. It's heartfelt.
6. Hawkeyes' the underdog.
7. His brother is named Barney. :D Which in London slang means your in trouble. Barney rubble. Trouble.
8. He didn't call in the avengers.
Awesome.
November 22, 2021
Gonna be honest I was expecting to be a bit more wowed considering the hype that this has. I still loved it, but it wasn't crazyyy good.
We follow the Hawkeyes: Clint Barton and Kate Bishop. While we center more on Clint's own protection of his apartment complex, Kate's story is geared more towards her encounters with Madame Masque. We start with both characters together until we begin alternating between their stories while they are separate. Although we started off with a strong beginning, my attention did taper off as time passed, but I feel as though the end properly brought it all back together.
At first glance, I thought the art style was pretty elementary (big words coming from someone who cannot draw), but I came to love it. It looks simple compared to the more recent comic book style, and that's reflective of the characters and stories themselves. In Hawkeye, the end goal is not to defeat one big bad; instead, it is more heavily grounded with the characters. We can see that in the cartoon chapter, Lucky's chapter, and the sign language chapter, which is all very inventive and a joy to read. Another great aspect about the art is the color themes carried out from page to page. It flows seamlessly.
Of course, I would recommend this. You really get to know the characters in this, and I am now so much more excited to see the Hawkeye show when it comes out in a couple days. I think I just had my hopes set a little bit too high.
We follow the Hawkeyes: Clint Barton and Kate Bishop. While we center more on Clint's own protection of his apartment complex, Kate's story is geared more towards her encounters with Madame Masque. We start with both characters together until we begin alternating between their stories while they are separate. Although we started off with a strong beginning, my attention did taper off as time passed, but I feel as though the end properly brought it all back together.
At first glance, I thought the art style was pretty elementary (big words coming from someone who cannot draw), but I came to love it. It looks simple compared to the more recent comic book style, and that's reflective of the characters and stories themselves. In Hawkeye, the end goal is not to defeat one big bad; instead, it is more heavily grounded with the characters. We can see that in the cartoon chapter, Lucky's chapter, and the sign language chapter, which is all very inventive and a joy to read. Another great aspect about the art is the color themes carried out from page to page. It flows seamlessly.
Of course, I would recommend this. You really get to know the characters in this, and I am now so much more excited to see the Hawkeye show when it comes out in a couple days. I think I just had my hopes set a little bit too high.
June 29, 2023
I'm very late in finally finishing this run, but it deserves all the hype it got. And for all of the silliness and meta-jokery, it gets shockingly intense. Like sniffing mustard.
September 14, 2015
Hey bro, did you know that Hawkeye spent most of the 2000s as the superhero equivalent of Rodney Dangerfield, bro? He just got no respect, you know?
After suffering a failed series, death by Bendis and being turned into a ninja by Bendis (as Hawkeye would say – “don’t ask”), the Avengers archer finally gets his due in this wonderful series by Iron Fist alumni Matt Fraction and David Aja, two certified “best bros.”
The series' premise is, essentially, what does a superhero do in their off time?
Clint Barton, a.k.a. Hawkeye, became the greatest sharpshooter known to man. He then joined the Avengers. This is what he does when he’s not being an Avenger.
Tony Stark runs a company. Thor has a kingdom. Hawkeye? Well, he has his apartment, a few friends and an ex-wife. After getting on the wrong side of some Eastern European mobsters with a pension for saying “bro” (Clint refers to them as “tracksuit mafia”) Hawkeye’s life of rooftop BBQs, saving dogs, oversleeping and dysfunctional personal relationships, is thrown in jeopardy.
One of the smartest things Fraction and Aja do with this series is set up a battle for Clint that can’t be solved by calling any of his Avengers buddies. The tracksuits can’t be bought off by billionaire Tony Stark or pummeled by Thor. They are personally invested in seeing Clint suffer. This conflict builds slowly over the course of the series, a background plot in what’s mostly a series of “done in one” stories.
Fraction's dialog is lean and punchy. You see this best when he explores the relationship between Hawkeye and Hawkeye. That is, Clint and Kate Bishop, the young woman who picked up the Hawkeye mantle while Clint was dead and a ninja (again, you’re better off not asking questions).
Fraction plays the two as equals, with Clint obviously more experienced but Kate more stable and mature. When they’re together, Fraction gets to show off his talent for witty banter. There are few comic scenes funnier than the wealthy Bishop trying to help Clint act "Casual. Casual. Super-casual" while undercover on a fancy cruise ship.
You know there's nothing casual about a guy muttering “casual” to himself over and over again, right?
Clint may be the mentor in the relationship, but he clearly needs spunky Kate just as much as she needs him. It’s a nice subversion of the whole “Batman/Robin” trope. And I don't know how you can read this series and not want to be best buds with Kate. She's just so snarky and cool, but never comes off as forced.
This book is a tour de force for David Aja, and I imagine aspiring comic book illustrators will be referring to this work for a long time coming. He’s got a lean style, kind of an indie version of Frank Quitely. There’s one issue later in the run that’s told from the perspective of Clint’s dog which relies entirely on Aja’s illustrations to tell the story and it’s so wonderfully done.
The detail is astounding, right down to being colored in the dog spectrum, in blues and yellows, by Matt Hollingsworth.
Unfortunately Aja is not a fast artist, so fill in artists make up a large chunk of this story. Artists like Francesco Francavilla and Annie Wu do a fairly good job capturing the tone set by Aja. They’re great, but I would have liked to see Aja do the whole thing (even if it meant taking other 5 years to come out or whatever)
Still, Hawkeye is an absolutely creative success and a joy to read, full of small stories with huge ideas anchored by great characters.
kit: Twitter | Tumblr
After suffering a failed series, death by Bendis and being turned into a ninja by Bendis (as Hawkeye would say – “don’t ask”), the Avengers archer finally gets his due in this wonderful series by Iron Fist alumni Matt Fraction and David Aja, two certified “best bros.”
The series' premise is, essentially, what does a superhero do in their off time?
Clint Barton, a.k.a. Hawkeye, became the greatest sharpshooter known to man. He then joined the Avengers. This is what he does when he’s not being an Avenger.
Tony Stark runs a company. Thor has a kingdom. Hawkeye? Well, he has his apartment, a few friends and an ex-wife. After getting on the wrong side of some Eastern European mobsters with a pension for saying “bro” (Clint refers to them as “tracksuit mafia”) Hawkeye’s life of rooftop BBQs, saving dogs, oversleeping and dysfunctional personal relationships, is thrown in jeopardy.
One of the smartest things Fraction and Aja do with this series is set up a battle for Clint that can’t be solved by calling any of his Avengers buddies. The tracksuits can’t be bought off by billionaire Tony Stark or pummeled by Thor. They are personally invested in seeing Clint suffer. This conflict builds slowly over the course of the series, a background plot in what’s mostly a series of “done in one” stories.
Fraction's dialog is lean and punchy. You see this best when he explores the relationship between Hawkeye and Hawkeye. That is, Clint and Kate Bishop, the young woman who picked up the Hawkeye mantle while Clint was dead and a ninja (again, you’re better off not asking questions).
Fraction plays the two as equals, with Clint obviously more experienced but Kate more stable and mature. When they’re together, Fraction gets to show off his talent for witty banter. There are few comic scenes funnier than the wealthy Bishop trying to help Clint act "Casual. Casual. Super-casual" while undercover on a fancy cruise ship.
You know there's nothing casual about a guy muttering “casual” to himself over and over again, right?
Clint may be the mentor in the relationship, but he clearly needs spunky Kate just as much as she needs him. It’s a nice subversion of the whole “Batman/Robin” trope. And I don't know how you can read this series and not want to be best buds with Kate. She's just so snarky and cool, but never comes off as forced.
This book is a tour de force for David Aja, and I imagine aspiring comic book illustrators will be referring to this work for a long time coming. He’s got a lean style, kind of an indie version of Frank Quitely. There’s one issue later in the run that’s told from the perspective of Clint’s dog which relies entirely on Aja’s illustrations to tell the story and it’s so wonderfully done.
The detail is astounding, right down to being colored in the dog spectrum, in blues and yellows, by Matt Hollingsworth.
Unfortunately Aja is not a fast artist, so fill in artists make up a large chunk of this story. Artists like Francesco Francavilla and Annie Wu do a fairly good job capturing the tone set by Aja. They’re great, but I would have liked to see Aja do the whole thing (even if it meant taking other 5 years to come out or whatever)
Still, Hawkeye is an absolutely creative success and a joy to read, full of small stories with huge ideas anchored by great characters.
kit: Twitter | Tumblr
December 13, 2019
There is a lot to like about this book, but one thing stood out the most for me was the originality, like in approach of the lay outs and the viewpoint of the story. It draws you in by being really different and still being so grounded about its characters. The first half was incredibly strong only to lose me a bit as it went on through the second half but the end was overall okay.
As great as it was it seemed like the same formula repeated till the end, its kind off amazing it held up as long as it did.
4 out of 5 stars
As great as it was it seemed like the same formula repeated till the end, its kind off amazing it held up as long as it did.
4 out of 5 stars
Read
February 6, 2022bro, this was futzing awesome, bro.
نمیدونم دقیقا از کجا شروع کنم. از آرت خفن دیوید آجا؟ از داستان گویی غیرخطی مت فرکشن؟ از شخصیت پردازی ظریف کاراکترا؟ از سادگی و در عین حال عمیق بودن ماجرا؟
من نمیتونم طولانی مدت روی کمیک هایی که پنل های پرجزئیات (مثل های کمیک های جدید) یا رنگ های غلیظ (مثل کمیک های قدیمی) دارن متمرکز بمونم. یا حواسم به قسمت مصور پرت میشه و نوشته ها رو نمیفهمم یا کلا تصاویر رو فیلتر میکنم و فقط متن رو میخونم. ولی اینجا هم جزئیات حواس پرت کن نیستن هم رنگ ها آروم و یواشن. البته همه ایشوها کار دیوید آجا نیست که کاش بود ولی بقیه هم خوب بودن.
اینجا خبری از تهدیدهای فرازمینی و مشکلات بشری و این چیزا نیست. کلینت داره محلهشو از دست مافیای لباس ورزشیپوش نجات میده و با مشکلات شخصی و درونیش سروکله میزنه. چی بهتر از این؟!
کاراکترا یکی از یکی دوست داشتنی ترن. با اینکه فکر نمیکردم از کیت بیشاپ خوشم بیاد خیلی هم باهاش حال کردم. خود کلینت هم هیچوقت از شخصیت های مورد علاقم نبوده ولی اینجا خیلییی قابل درکه. فقط داره قهوه رو از قهوهجوش سرمیکشه و سگای مردمو ناز میکنه :") بین اعضای اونجر که همشون یه قدرت فراطبیعی و غیرعادی دارن، کلینت با اسلحه عصر حجریش پابهپای بقیه مبارزه میکنه و حتی رهبریشون میکنه. کلا خیلی زیاد آدمیزادیه بین بقیه و خیلی قشنگه که بعد شخصیتر و انسانیتر چنین کاراکتری رو میبینیم.
نمیدونم دقیقا از کجا شروع کنم. از آرت خفن دیوید آجا؟ از داستان گویی غیرخطی مت فرکشن؟ از شخصیت پردازی ظریف کاراکترا؟ از سادگی و در عین حال عمیق بودن ماجرا؟
من نمیتونم طولانی مدت روی کمیک هایی که پنل های پرجزئیات (مثل های کمیک های جدید) یا رنگ های غلیظ (مثل کمیک های قدیمی) دارن متمرکز بمونم. یا حواسم به قسمت مصور پرت میشه و نوشته ها رو نمیفهمم یا کلا تصاویر رو فیلتر میکنم و فقط متن رو میخونم. ولی اینجا هم جزئیات حواس پرت کن نیستن هم رنگ ها آروم و یواشن. البته همه ایشوها کار دیوید آجا نیست که کاش بود ولی بقیه هم خوب بودن.
اینجا خبری از تهدیدهای فرازمینی و مشکلات بشری و این چیزا نیست. کلینت داره محلهشو از دست مافیای لباس ورزشیپوش نجات میده و با مشکلات شخصی و درونیش سروکله میزنه. چی بهتر از این؟!
کاراکترا یکی از یکی دوست داشتنی ترن. با اینکه فکر نمیکردم از کیت بیشاپ خوشم بیاد خیلی هم باهاش حال کردم. خود کلینت هم هیچوقت از شخصیت های مورد علاقم نبوده ولی اینجا خیلییی قابل درکه. فقط داره قهوه رو از قهوهجوش سرمیکشه و سگای مردمو ناز میکنه :") بین اعضای اونجر که همشون یه قدرت فراطبیعی و غیرعادی دارن، کلینت با اسلحه عصر حجریش پابهپای بقیه مبارزه میکنه و حتی رهبریشون میکنه. کلا خیلی زیاد آدمیزادیه بین بقیه و خیلی قشنگه که بعد شخصیتر و انسانیتر چنین کاراکتری رو میبینیم.
November 24, 2021
Modulo Fraction's continuing issues with portraying female characters and especially infidelity, I really liked this book and I am extremely upset about how much I liked it because he did basically the exact same thing as in his Iron Man run only here it somehow actually worked.
Basically, this isn't about the same Clint Barton who previously existed in the comics in terms of really basically anything about his personality; it is a reimagining of a cheerful jerk with a heart of gold who is a competent superhero and leader into, basically, a depressed human trashfire. But if you're not already a big fan of comics Hawkeye, you are also absolutely not going to care that this isn't him because the story here is extremely compelling.
I see why so many people who don't read a lot of comics like this series; I absolutely wouldn't hesitate it to recommend it to people who are new to comics, because it's very different from most superhero comics, the art is lovely, and the story and characters are warm and human and funny and it's positive without being saccharine. You'll probably like it. A lot.
In terms of the specific edition I read, this is definitely the hardcopy version to buy if you're reading this somewhere near when I am (November 2021). There was an omnibus, but it's long out of print. There were shorter trades but I think most of them are also out of print. But in order to hype the MCU Hawkeye show, Marvel has released the whole thing in one big trade, Hawkeye: The Saga of Barton and Bishop. This is the whole run.
The cover art for the standard version of this rerelease is inexplicably by Alex Ross. I like Alex Ross' work as much of the next comics fan, but his photorealistic painting style is absolutely nothing like the style of David Aja's art on this book, and furthermore they've chosen to use a painting of Clint in his old-school purple costume. If you want a book whose cover actually features Aja's art, you will need to buy the direct-market version of this book from a comic store. You should do that. Because you will like this.
(I wrote 3000 more words on this book; I am not sure I will post them here.)
Basically, this isn't about the same Clint Barton who previously existed in the comics in terms of really basically anything about his personality; it is a reimagining of a cheerful jerk with a heart of gold who is a competent superhero and leader into, basically, a depressed human trashfire. But if you're not already a big fan of comics Hawkeye, you are also absolutely not going to care that this isn't him because the story here is extremely compelling.
I see why so many people who don't read a lot of comics like this series; I absolutely wouldn't hesitate it to recommend it to people who are new to comics, because it's very different from most superhero comics, the art is lovely, and the story and characters are warm and human and funny and it's positive without being saccharine. You'll probably like it. A lot.
In terms of the specific edition I read, this is definitely the hardcopy version to buy if you're reading this somewhere near when I am (November 2021). There was an omnibus, but it's long out of print. There were shorter trades but I think most of them are also out of print. But in order to hype the MCU Hawkeye show, Marvel has released the whole thing in one big trade, Hawkeye: The Saga of Barton and Bishop. This is the whole run.
The cover art for the standard version of this rerelease is inexplicably by Alex Ross. I like Alex Ross' work as much of the next comics fan, but his photorealistic painting style is absolutely nothing like the style of David Aja's art on this book, and furthermore they've chosen to use a painting of Clint in his old-school purple costume. If you want a book whose cover actually features Aja's art, you will need to buy the direct-market version of this book from a comic store. You should do that. Because you will like this.
(I wrote 3000 more words on this book; I am not sure I will post them here.)
December 5, 2021
Four and a half arrows.
An exquisite read. What I ask of a superhero comicbook.
An exquisite read. What I ask of a superhero comicbook.
June 7, 2016
I love Fraction and Aja's Hawkeye with my whole heart. It is one of the best things to ever to happen in comics, and even in literature as a whole. Thankfully, it is immensely popular and highly acclaimed, so a lot of people have already read it. And even more people should. It is absolutely brilliant.
I do have a problem though with the way that this omnibus edition was put together. Let alone that it is extremely expensive (100 bucks, come on, Marvel), but the issues are ordered in a weird way. Issue 17 comes right after issue 6, which is in-story chronologically correct, but the important allusion in it gets ripped out of context that way. Also, the annual, in which Kate leaves for her LA adventure, is put before the issue in which Barney shows up, which is chronologically not correct. Some other issues are mixed around in the same weird way, but that is basically my main complaint. It takes out of the story's cohesiveness quite a bit, and I would recommend to people who bought this edition to just read the issues in their numbered order, and to flip forward and backwards when some of the issues are out of place.
But aside from that, it was a blast to read this story again, this time as a whole. It's a modern classic, and is every bit as good as everybody says it is. Go team Pizza Dog!
I do have a problem though with the way that this omnibus edition was put together. Let alone that it is extremely expensive (100 bucks, come on, Marvel), but the issues are ordered in a weird way. Issue 17 comes right after issue 6, which is in-story chronologically correct, but the important allusion in it gets ripped out of context that way. Also, the annual, in which Kate leaves for her LA adventure, is put before the issue in which Barney shows up, which is chronologically not correct. Some other issues are mixed around in the same weird way, but that is basically my main complaint. It takes out of the story's cohesiveness quite a bit, and I would recommend to people who bought this edition to just read the issues in their numbered order, and to flip forward and backwards when some of the issues are out of place.
But aside from that, it was a blast to read this story again, this time as a whole. It's a modern classic, and is every bit as good as everybody says it is. Go team Pizza Dog!
August 14, 2024
(Zero spoiler review)
Man, this one was pure fire... right up until it wasn't.
I've never made any secret of my enjoyment of telling stories of the lives of the super heroes when they're not out there being super heroes. Sure, it takes a deft hand to do it well, but when executed properly, it can be a wonderful experience. Hawkeye was just that... right up until it wasn't. Right up until Kate Bishop went her separate way, and we got what felt like a Marvel book that would have felt right at home in 2024, but in 2014 instead, if you take my meaning. Kate Bishop trying to track down someone who destroyed some orchids for a gay couples wedding. Pass. I skipped the final two to preserve my enjoyment of everything else as best I could.
Sure, there were signs of modern Marvel creeping in to the earlier issues, but the fact that this didn't grate quite as much as the latter nonsense was simply because the rest of the book was so damn good. David Aja's art was superb, especially when topped off with some pretty spectacular colours. Quite why he couldn't have drawn every issue, as we do get some pretty sub par fill in art. It may have been Aja did release a monthly book and the other arcs and issue were released in between the capitalise off the buzz. I can't really say.
Either way, for the best reading experience, stick to the Aja issues and the two by Francavilla and you've got the best part of a five star book. Reads it all and your mileage may vary. 3/5
OmniBen.
Man, this one was pure fire... right up until it wasn't.
I've never made any secret of my enjoyment of telling stories of the lives of the super heroes when they're not out there being super heroes. Sure, it takes a deft hand to do it well, but when executed properly, it can be a wonderful experience. Hawkeye was just that... right up until it wasn't. Right up until Kate Bishop went her separate way, and we got what felt like a Marvel book that would have felt right at home in 2024, but in 2014 instead, if you take my meaning. Kate Bishop trying to track down someone who destroyed some orchids for a gay couples wedding. Pass. I skipped the final two to preserve my enjoyment of everything else as best I could.
Sure, there were signs of modern Marvel creeping in to the earlier issues, but the fact that this didn't grate quite as much as the latter nonsense was simply because the rest of the book was so damn good. David Aja's art was superb, especially when topped off with some pretty spectacular colours. Quite why he couldn't have drawn every issue, as we do get some pretty sub par fill in art. It may have been Aja did release a monthly book and the other arcs and issue were released in between the capitalise off the buzz. I can't really say.
Either way, for the best reading experience, stick to the Aja issues and the two by Francavilla and you've got the best part of a five star book. Reads it all and your mileage may vary. 3/5
OmniBen.
July 7, 2025
4/5 Stars
Individual Issues Rated Below -
Vol. 1 -
Hawkeye #1: 4/5 Stars
Hawkeye #2: 3.5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #3: 4/5 Stars
Hawkeye #4: 4/5 Stars
Hawkeye #5: 4.5/5 Stars
Young Avengers Presents #6: 2.5/5 Stars
Vol 2. -
Hawkeye #6: 4/5 Stars
Hawkeye #7: 3.5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #8: 3/5 Stars
Hawkeye #9: 4.5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #10: 3/5 Stars
Hawkeye #11: 4/5 Stars
Vol 3.
Hawkeye #14: 5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #16: 3.5 Stars
Hawkeye #18: 4.5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #20: 4.5/5 Stars
Annual #1: 4/5 Stars
Vol 4.
Hawkeye #12: 4/5 Stars
Hawkeye #13: 3.5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #15: 4.5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #17: 2.5/ Stars
Hawkeye #19: 4.5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #21: 5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #22: 5/5 Stars
Individual Issues Rated Below -
Vol. 1 -
Hawkeye #1: 4/5 Stars
Hawkeye #2: 3.5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #3: 4/5 Stars
Hawkeye #4: 4/5 Stars
Hawkeye #5: 4.5/5 Stars
Young Avengers Presents #6: 2.5/5 Stars
Vol 2. -
Hawkeye #6: 4/5 Stars
Hawkeye #7: 3.5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #8: 3/5 Stars
Hawkeye #9: 4.5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #10: 3/5 Stars
Hawkeye #11: 4/5 Stars
Vol 3.
Hawkeye #14: 5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #16: 3.5 Stars
Hawkeye #18: 4.5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #20: 4.5/5 Stars
Annual #1: 4/5 Stars
Vol 4.
Hawkeye #12: 4/5 Stars
Hawkeye #13: 3.5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #15: 4.5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #17: 2.5/ Stars
Hawkeye #19: 4.5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #21: 5/5 Stars
Hawkeye #22: 5/5 Stars
February 20, 2016
I heard so much about this series I decided to finally to try it out. I did enjoy it, but not quite as much as I expected considering the hype. It contained a lot of humor, but I will say it was a very innovative series. They tried different things with the art and ways to tell a story including having a story from a dog's point of view, telling a story using sign language, and also just different layouts on each page.
The story starred both the original Hawkeye, as well as the young female Hawkeye from the Young Avengers. In the early issues they are teamed up, but later the story flipped back and forth; one issue was original Hawkeye with one creative team, the next issue was female Hawkeye with a different creative team. It was something different but didn't quite click for me. (There was some sexy women and art in this one, which is always a plus, right?)
It was a good series and a great read for graphic novels fans looking for something a little different. If you are looking for deadly serious stories though, this wouldn't be for you.
The story starred both the original Hawkeye, as well as the young female Hawkeye from the Young Avengers. In the early issues they are teamed up, but later the story flipped back and forth; one issue was original Hawkeye with one creative team, the next issue was female Hawkeye with a different creative team. It was something different but didn't quite click for me. (There was some sexy women and art in this one, which is always a plus, right?)
It was a good series and a great read for graphic novels fans looking for something a little different. If you are looking for deadly serious stories though, this wouldn't be for you.
November 19, 2021
Quando settimana prossima vedrete le prime puntate della nuova serie Disney+ di Hawkeye e rimarrete a bocca aperta perché la sceneggiatura è una bomba atomica la domanda che vi farete sarà la seguente: "Da dove l'han tirata fuori questa storia?"
Da qui amici miei.
"Qui" è l'Omnibus di Matt Fraction e David -sono un Dio a disegnare piegatevi al mio cospetto- Aja. Un volume che racchiude la vita normale del Falco quando non sta con gli Avengers: di base prende un sacco di botte, seduce donne pericolose e si incazza con il fratello.
C'è un cane meraviglioso, un successore all'arco e una storia incredibile.
Qui gente molto più brava di me vi spiega perché dovreste tenere nella libreria questo mostro di quasi due chili e sessanta euro di spesa.
Il riassunto ve lo scrivo io, ma promettete di leggere il pezzo sopra: è uno dei fumetti più belli mai scritti, disegnati e realizzati. Prego.
Da qui amici miei.
"Qui" è l'Omnibus di Matt Fraction e David -sono un Dio a disegnare piegatevi al mio cospetto- Aja. Un volume che racchiude la vita normale del Falco quando non sta con gli Avengers: di base prende un sacco di botte, seduce donne pericolose e si incazza con il fratello.
C'è un cane meraviglioso, un successore all'arco e una storia incredibile.
Qui gente molto più brava di me vi spiega perché dovreste tenere nella libreria questo mostro di quasi due chili e sessanta euro di spesa.
Il riassunto ve lo scrivo io, ma promettete di leggere il pezzo sopra: è uno dei fumetti più belli mai scritti, disegnati e realizzati. Prego.
January 5, 2022
So I included the "saw the movie" tag because I consider the Disney+ show to be an adaptation of this run even though there are so many differences.
In general, I liked the MCU's Clint the family man better than the more (currently) self-destructive Hawkeye of the comic. That said, Clint's respect and frank admiration for Kate felt like a newer, more refreshing take on a mentor role than the more traditional "gruff old man" of the MCU. Having Clint's narration say about Kate "Look at her, she's perfect" felt very real to me as a dad of an over-achieving daughter.
The big downside of this volume for me is the "manliness or taking damage" idea. I appreciate seeing that Clint and Kate can be hurt, that they don't have the cartoonish healing of Deadpool or the protagonist protection of Cap. However I don't like the cult of "toughness" with all of it's toxic masculine baggage.
In general, I liked the MCU's Clint the family man better than the more (currently) self-destructive Hawkeye of the comic. That said, Clint's respect and frank admiration for Kate felt like a newer, more refreshing take on a mentor role than the more traditional "gruff old man" of the MCU. Having Clint's narration say about Kate "Look at her, she's perfect" felt very real to me as a dad of an over-achieving daughter.
The big downside of this volume for me is the "manliness or taking damage" idea. I appreciate seeing that Clint and Kate can be hurt, that they don't have the cartoonish healing of Deadpool or the protagonist protection of Cap. However I don't like the cult of "toughness" with all of it's toxic masculine baggage.
April 10, 2022
La verdad es que no sé por qué, pero en su momento esta colección no me llamó nada, creo que cayó justo después de Secret Wars y por ahí dejé de comprar cómics, o leí el primero y no me pilló con el cuerpo adecuado... O quizá fue que el tándem Fraction/Aja ya había dejado atrás una colección de Puño de Hierro que empezó bastante bien pero se fue hacia abajo... No lo sé. Pero pasados unos añitos, un amigo me trajo este integral para que lo leyera mientras hacía cuarentena y estuviera entretenido. Como en ese momento estaba en medio de los 4F de Stan Lee se me retrasado la lectura, pero justo ayer terminé de leer este integral... y me ha encantado. Me ha gustado mucho. Me lo he pasado muy bien, de principio a fin.
Para empezar por la parte técnica, creo que Fraction está brillante en esta historia. Pero es que David Aja está simplemente iluminado. Mira que el dibujo de este cómic es extraordinariamente sencillo, a base de viñetas pequeñas sin apenas detalle, pero me parece que encaja como un guante en la historia, una fusión entre el guionista y el dibujante (y los colores de Mark Hollingsworth) que llevan la obra completa a la excelencia.
En esta serie, vamos a ver a Ojo de Halcón, o más bien, a los Ojos de Halcón, ya que ambos van a compartir protagonismo (bueno, al principio el tema va a caer más del lado de uno de ellos, pero luego la cosa se equipara), así que tendremos a Clint Barton y también a Kate Bishop, y la trama se va a centrar en esos momentos en los que Barton no está con los Vengadores, en su rutina diaria dentro de una comunidad de vecinos, lo que le va a llevar a tener que hacer frente a la llamada "Mafia Chandalera", un grupo de mafiosos rusos interesados en conseguir varias propiedades en la zona, incluyendo el edificio en el que vive Clint. Y además de enfrentarse a esta mafia, ambos compartirán una misión en Madripur que les llevará a enfrentarse a Madame Máscara, lo que la convertirá en una enemiga recurrente dentro de la saga para Kate Bishop. El caso es que con este trasfondo, Fraction y Aja van a convertir esta colección en una historia en la que van a esperimentar todo tipo de narrativas, desde un episodio narrado desde el punto de vista de un perro, a otro que se cuenta con lenguaje de símbolos.
En fin, una historia totalmente recomendable, que no requiere de demasiadas nociones de continuidad para disfrutarse, y que me alegro mucho de haber leído finalmente.
Para empezar por la parte técnica, creo que Fraction está brillante en esta historia. Pero es que David Aja está simplemente iluminado. Mira que el dibujo de este cómic es extraordinariamente sencillo, a base de viñetas pequeñas sin apenas detalle, pero me parece que encaja como un guante en la historia, una fusión entre el guionista y el dibujante (y los colores de Mark Hollingsworth) que llevan la obra completa a la excelencia.
En esta serie, vamos a ver a Ojo de Halcón, o más bien, a los Ojos de Halcón, ya que ambos van a compartir protagonismo (bueno, al principio el tema va a caer más del lado de uno de ellos, pero luego la cosa se equipara), así que tendremos a Clint Barton y también a Kate Bishop, y la trama se va a centrar en esos momentos en los que Barton no está con los Vengadores, en su rutina diaria dentro de una comunidad de vecinos, lo que le va a llevar a tener que hacer frente a la llamada "Mafia Chandalera", un grupo de mafiosos rusos interesados en conseguir varias propiedades en la zona, incluyendo el edificio en el que vive Clint. Y además de enfrentarse a esta mafia, ambos compartirán una misión en Madripur que les llevará a enfrentarse a Madame Máscara, lo que la convertirá en una enemiga recurrente dentro de la saga para Kate Bishop. El caso es que con este trasfondo, Fraction y Aja van a convertir esta colección en una historia en la que van a esperimentar todo tipo de narrativas, desde un episodio narrado desde el punto de vista de un perro, a otro que se cuenta con lenguaje de símbolos.
En fin, una historia totalmente recomendable, que no requiere de demasiadas nociones de continuidad para disfrutarse, y que me alegro mucho de haber leído finalmente.
July 13, 2020
Estos números dedicados a Clint Barton, con su enfoque familiar y domestico que apunta más al hombre que el vengador, fueron en su momento al menos para mí, un nuevo paradigma llevado al comic de superhéroes y por supuesto aire muy fresco dentro de la industria; de todas formas, debería re leer este tomazo, pero descartando el “tie-in” obligado que contiene, me refiero básicamente a los números protagonizados por la otra Ojo de Halcón.
Éstos últimos me impidieron disfrutar al 100% (me desintonizaban) del relato principal, llevado adelante de manera magistral (principalmente) por el dúo Fraction-Aja. Más allá, de que el vínculo/contrapunto entre Kate y Clint es prácticamente la base de la trama, hubiese preferido evitar los acontecimientos de la “costa oeste” y otras distracciones. Contrastando con lo anterior, me parece genial la participación del perro (Pizza dog/Arrow/Lucky), tercer protagonista de la historia y todo un personaje.
Artísticamente, es brillante lo de Aja con su estilo Mazzucchelliano, (portadas, viñetas, paginas, hace todo bien el de Valladolid), pero me pareció un exceso recurrir a otros 6 dibujantes para estas 23 entregas (22 números + anual), de los cuales creo, solo Francavilla está a la altura del español, más allá de que me sorprendió gratamente el trabajo de Wu.
Éstos últimos me impidieron disfrutar al 100% (me desintonizaban) del relato principal, llevado adelante de manera magistral (principalmente) por el dúo Fraction-Aja. Más allá, de que el vínculo/contrapunto entre Kate y Clint es prácticamente la base de la trama, hubiese preferido evitar los acontecimientos de la “costa oeste” y otras distracciones. Contrastando con lo anterior, me parece genial la participación del perro (Pizza dog/Arrow/Lucky), tercer protagonista de la historia y todo un personaje.
Artísticamente, es brillante lo de Aja con su estilo Mazzucchelliano, (portadas, viñetas, paginas, hace todo bien el de Valladolid), pero me pareció un exceso recurrir a otros 6 dibujantes para estas 23 entregas (22 números + anual), de los cuales creo, solo Francavilla está a la altura del español, más allá de que me sorprendió gratamente el trabajo de Wu.
November 22, 2021
As the lead-up to Marvel’s new Hawkeye series on Disney+ unrolled this month, you could tell it was going to be heavily influenced by this amazing run of Hawkeye stories written by Matt Fraction and drawn by David Aja and Annie Wu. When this comics series first premiered in 2012, it was totally different than any other superhero book being published at the time at Marvel or DC. Fraction’s writing and Aja’s art style presented a new look at a superhero, showcasing what Clint Barton (Hawkeye) did in his time away from the Avengers. One of a number of comic book archers who were essentially super-powerless, Hawkeye has often been a kind of jokey character, ALA Aquaman, to the outside world. Fraction’s take seems to be that Barton has low self-esteem, stemming from a bad childhood with abusive parents and a track record of failed romances with some of his super-powered female cohorts (Black Widow, Mockingbird, Spider-Woman). Enter Kate Bishop, a wannabe Hawkeye, member of the Young Avengers, and pretender to the throne for Marvel’s best archer “superhero.” Fraction’s Hawkeye becomes a reluctant landlord of a NYC building, fending off the tracksuit-wearing Russian Mafia (“Yo, Bro!”), and trying to save the building’s residents from being evicted and killed. Along the way, he adopts a dog (named either “Lucky” or “Pizza Dog” or both), which Kate steals from him when she goes to L.A. and has her own adventures, probably designed to give Aja more time to work his magic. (Issue #11 is told entirely from the viewpoint of the dog and won the Eisner Award for Best Single Issue/One-Shot in 2014; Aja won for Best Cover Artist in 2013 and 2014, and Best Penciller/Inker in 2013). The tone of this series started a kind of cottage industry of “funny” superhero books at Marvel, including new She-Hulk and Spider-Man (Superior Foes of …) series with a similar bent. None of them were as successful as Hawkeye, though.
To be sure, this is Fraction’s best comics work, but it didn’t come easy. Hawkeye got delayed and pushed back numerous times and it eventually got to the point that Aja and artist Annie Wu alternated on the book, with the latter handling stories about Kate Bishop in Los Angeles, before the new Hawkeye went back east in the final issues to join the old Hawkeye in the final showdown with the Russians. The whole series ran 22 issues, plus one annual, and three of the issues (including that annual) were drawn by Javier Pulido (Francisco Francavilla drew two issues; Steve Lieber drew one, as did letterer Chris Eliopoulis). This collection puts everything together in one tidy package and even rearranges one of the issues (the Hurricane Sandy story in #7 comes before the Christmas story in #6). Matt Hollingsworth’s coloring perfectly compliments Aja’s minimal art style, which at times reminds me of Chris Ware in the complexity of his layouts and fastidious (yet expressionistic) line work.
You can see glimpses of the tracksuit-ed Russians, plus Pizza Dog in the Hawkeye promos for the Disney+ series. If it’s half as good as the original comics series, it’ll be wonderful. And if not, pick up this (slightly pricey) volume and read the whole thing in the order it was intended and in as few sittings as possible. It’s the best way to read this series. (And go for the direct market version with the Aja cover, not the phoned-on Alex Ross painting one).
To be sure, this is Fraction’s best comics work, but it didn’t come easy. Hawkeye got delayed and pushed back numerous times and it eventually got to the point that Aja and artist Annie Wu alternated on the book, with the latter handling stories about Kate Bishop in Los Angeles, before the new Hawkeye went back east in the final issues to join the old Hawkeye in the final showdown with the Russians. The whole series ran 22 issues, plus one annual, and three of the issues (including that annual) were drawn by Javier Pulido (Francisco Francavilla drew two issues; Steve Lieber drew one, as did letterer Chris Eliopoulis). This collection puts everything together in one tidy package and even rearranges one of the issues (the Hurricane Sandy story in #7 comes before the Christmas story in #6). Matt Hollingsworth’s coloring perfectly compliments Aja’s minimal art style, which at times reminds me of Chris Ware in the complexity of his layouts and fastidious (yet expressionistic) line work.
You can see glimpses of the tracksuit-ed Russians, plus Pizza Dog in the Hawkeye promos for the Disney+ series. If it’s half as good as the original comics series, it’ll be wonderful. And if not, pick up this (slightly pricey) volume and read the whole thing in the order it was intended and in as few sittings as possible. It’s the best way to read this series. (And go for the direct market version with the Aja cover, not the phoned-on Alex Ross painting one).
March 19, 2022
My new fav superhero comic???? Extremely entertaining
November 30, 2015
I read this a few weeks back and thought I had reviewed it.
Pros: Art stays similar throughout the book. Love that and it really helps the atmosphere of the story stay on track.
Villains in the housing district. A fun twist on the mafia even if not super believable bro.
Cons: To much time focused on Kate Bishop's life and story.
Not much character development of the failed relationship with Mockingbird, wife of many years. Perhaps the story of how their relationship didn't survive is written somewhere else? I have the revival story of them getting back together after Clint thought she was dead.
Not calling his friend and mentor, Captain America when he could use some muscle help in the neighborhood.
Which ties to the final and biggest issue for me, partial disconnection from continuity. Clint wasn't the classic Clint and some of his former relationships/connections were missing. Clint's story is one of redemption, once a villain and now a hero trained by Captain America. That didn't get focus if it was even mentioned.
Overall a fun read.
Pros: Art stays similar throughout the book. Love that and it really helps the atmosphere of the story stay on track.
Villains in the housing district. A fun twist on the mafia even if not super believable bro.
Cons: To much time focused on Kate Bishop's life and story.
Not much character development of the failed relationship with Mockingbird, wife of many years. Perhaps the story of how their relationship didn't survive is written somewhere else? I have the revival story of them getting back together after Clint thought she was dead.
Not calling his friend and mentor, Captain America when he could use some muscle help in the neighborhood.
Which ties to the final and biggest issue for me, partial disconnection from continuity. Clint wasn't the classic Clint and some of his former relationships/connections were missing. Clint's story is one of redemption, once a villain and now a hero trained by Captain America. That didn't get focus if it was even mentioned.
Overall a fun read.
November 30, 2015
After waiting I think at least a year to get the second half of this run, I finally got to finish it and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I never cared much for Hawkeye and this gave me such a unique view into his personality and life. It was also an incredibly fresh way to tell a solo story book with an excellent mix of humor, emotion, and action.
The other Hawkeye, Kate, also became very likable. Someone who clearly has a lot of talent and a strong personality but is clearly inexperienced. Seeing her find her way was enjoyable as well.
I know not everybody like David Aja's art, but I do. His style adds to the "down on his luck" feel that Clint has, topped off by where he was living. While Annie Wu's art for Kate didn't really appeal to me, it could have been a lot worse.
It's really a shame Marvel's company plans and stories completely destroyed this series and possibly their relationship with Fraction. I would have liked to have seen this go at least another year.
The other Hawkeye, Kate, also became very likable. Someone who clearly has a lot of talent and a strong personality but is clearly inexperienced. Seeing her find her way was enjoyable as well.
I know not everybody like David Aja's art, but I do. His style adds to the "down on his luck" feel that Clint has, topped off by where he was living. While Annie Wu's art for Kate didn't really appeal to me, it could have been a lot worse.
It's really a shame Marvel's company plans and stories completely destroyed this series and possibly their relationship with Fraction. I would have liked to have seen this go at least another year.
March 30, 2020
It was okay, but I don't get what all the hype was about? I appreciate that Clint's had a rough start and has a lot of emotional baggage from his childhood abuse. I appreciate that he does his best even though he's a very flawed character, and that makes him more heroic than someone who's always perfect. I appreciate that Kate is coming into her own and becoming Hawkeye in her own way. And heck, I do like Kate as a character. I loved Young Avengers! But thos book... I dunno. I didn't really feel anything. The most exciting scenes for me were with Mockingbird, Black Widow, and Jessica Drew.
But hey, like I said, I appreciate that both Hawkeyes are ordinary, flawed, people trying their best to do good in the world. Even if they're a little damaged and make their own share of messes along the way. It's just not a book that lived up to the hype for me.
But hey, like I said, I appreciate that both Hawkeyes are ordinary, flawed, people trying their best to do good in the world. Even if they're a little damaged and make their own share of messes along the way. It's just not a book that lived up to the hype for me.
January 10, 2022
the best of the best when it comes to tone, style, visual anachronisms, color, character, dialogue, literally anything you can possibly think of in the graphic novel medium. Couldn't be better if it tried.
July 1, 2016
SO GOOD. SO, SO GOOD. THE ONLY THING DONE BY STUPID, STUPID MARVEL THAT MATTERS. I'm gutted that this didn't have a longer run — so much left to explore. LONG LIVE HAWKGUY / HAWKEYE / PIZZA DOG.
November 30, 2021
Bumped up to 4 stars from 3
Hawkeye by Matt Fraction and David Aja is a divisive but very entertaining run. It is dripping with style however there are some factors that may drag enjoyment down for some readers. For one thing, Kate Bishop- I can't stand this ho. I remember her being much less annoying than she is here and she only works as a character when Hawkeye (the actual Clint Barton Hawkeye) is treating her like his annoying little sister. Otherwise she drives me up the wall and her solo issues are a real chore to get through, I mean they really are excruciating. Marvel's choice to spotlight her as a character will forever mystify me. Speaking of mystifying- why oh why in the world did they decide to give her the same codename as the actual Hawkeye? The obsession with legacy, titles, and mantle changes and the condescending validation of female characters are some of the many bad trends started here. In the following years this book would be endlessly emulated and Kate would go on to be one of the first of a new wave of "diverse" heroes, dragging the genre ever downwards into the realm of online flame wars. Many people were also frustrated at the time with Fraction's decision to separate Clint from a lot of the broader Marvel universe and his friends for this story. In current Marvel continuity editorial seems to give very few fucks about who is alive and dead and who is friends with whom and that is certainly the case here.
HOWEVER
Matt Fraction is a guy who can write solid noir when he wants to and he pulls it off here. For the most part his annoying millenialisms are downplayed and this is the only book by him I really enjoy, although his CV isn't super deep. What others who tried to copy him failed to see is the simple backbone of a mob story with bows and arrows that makes this worth reading. Aja's art is absolutely fantastic and the muted color palette and sparse layouts really give this thing a mood all its own. Particularly the action scenes really set this book apart, I would recommend this book for those alone.
So, the Kate solo issues 1/5 absolute garbage, the rest of the issues 4/5.
Hawkeye by Matt Fraction and David Aja is a divisive but very entertaining run. It is dripping with style however there are some factors that may drag enjoyment down for some readers. For one thing, Kate Bishop- I can't stand this ho. I remember her being much less annoying than she is here and she only works as a character when Hawkeye (the actual Clint Barton Hawkeye) is treating her like his annoying little sister. Otherwise she drives me up the wall and her solo issues are a real chore to get through, I mean they really are excruciating. Marvel's choice to spotlight her as a character will forever mystify me. Speaking of mystifying- why oh why in the world did they decide to give her the same codename as the actual Hawkeye? The obsession with legacy, titles, and mantle changes and the condescending validation of female characters are some of the many bad trends started here. In the following years this book would be endlessly emulated and Kate would go on to be one of the first of a new wave of "diverse" heroes, dragging the genre ever downwards into the realm of online flame wars. Many people were also frustrated at the time with Fraction's decision to separate Clint from a lot of the broader Marvel universe and his friends for this story. In current Marvel continuity editorial seems to give very few fucks about who is alive and dead and who is friends with whom and that is certainly the case here.
HOWEVER
Matt Fraction is a guy who can write solid noir when he wants to and he pulls it off here. For the most part his annoying millenialisms are downplayed and this is the only book by him I really enjoy, although his CV isn't super deep. What others who tried to copy him failed to see is the simple backbone of a mob story with bows and arrows that makes this worth reading. Aja's art is absolutely fantastic and the muted color palette and sparse layouts really give this thing a mood all its own. Particularly the action scenes really set this book apart, I would recommend this book for those alone.
So, the Kate solo issues 1/5 absolute garbage, the rest of the issues 4/5.
September 17, 2024
Estoy aquí sentada tratando de procesar las 500 páginas de este cómic… Clint Barton, nunca me caíste en el MCU, pero ahora te quiero MUCHITO. Kate Bishop?!?? CRIATURAAAAA! Lo mejorcito! Al igual que Lucky!!!
Me ha gustado demasiado, realmente es el cómic más original que he leído en mi vida, el arte? Los colores? La gráfica? Una obra de arte, y el layout? Las viñetas?? TODO me ha encantado!
Sin necesidad de tener un villano súper maquiavélico, Clint se pasó todo el cómic defendiendo su edificio de un grupo de mafiosos que decían “Bro” cada 2 segundos, es tan absurdo que simplemente llegas a disfrutar todo. Also! Auto-saboteándose cada 5 segundos.. las ganas de que Kate le pegara para que reaccione pero ni eso porque le pegaban a cada rato 😂.
Clint sufrió un HUEVO, Kate tratando de sacarlo de su porquería por días y descubriéndose en LA para luego regresar a salvar a la criatura… no sé, estoy fascinada… GRAN CÓMIC 🔥
De verdad mi review no le hace justicia!
Me ha gustado demasiado, realmente es el cómic más original que he leído en mi vida, el arte? Los colores? La gráfica? Una obra de arte, y el layout? Las viñetas?? TODO me ha encantado!
Sin necesidad de tener un villano súper maquiavélico, Clint se pasó todo el cómic defendiendo su edificio de un grupo de mafiosos que decían “Bro” cada 2 segundos, es tan absurdo que simplemente llegas a disfrutar todo. Also! Auto-saboteándose cada 5 segundos.. las ganas de que Kate le pegara para que reaccione pero ni eso porque le pegaban a cada rato 😂.
Clint sufrió un HUEVO, Kate tratando de sacarlo de su porquería por días y descubriéndose en LA para luego regresar a salvar a la criatura… no sé, estoy fascinada… GRAN CÓMIC 🔥
De verdad mi review no le hace justicia!
May 21, 2025
Básicamente qué hace Ojo de Halcón, un man sin superpoderes, cuando no se está pegando con los vengadores. Y omg qué no le pasa a este hombre. Está muy muy chulo, tiene golpes de humor buenos y además es original por cómo desarrollan visualmente algunas partes de la historia haciendo hincapié en los olores y en los sonidos, por ej., el capítulo contado desde la perspectiva de un perro (el perro es Fortu, Fortu te quiero <3).
Tmb está guay porque los dos personajes centrales, Clint *cringefail boyloser atormentado constantemente por el pensamiento unineuronal de dormir* Barton y Kate Bishop, resultan muy entrañables cuando les ves ahí lidiando con su baggage de distintos pesos en una trama que no hace más que complicarles la vida.
Tmb está guay porque los dos personajes centrales, Clint *cringefail boyloser atormentado constantemente por el pensamiento unineuronal de dormir* Barton y Kate Bishop, resultan muy entrañables cuando les ves ahí lidiando con su baggage de distintos pesos en una trama que no hace más que complicarles la vida.
January 29, 2022
Si me dicen hace años que, sin ser fan acerrimo de Marvel ni nada de eso, iba a flipar con un tochaco de Ojo de Halcon y Kate Bishop me hubiera partido el culo... Pero no, Fraction y Aja hicieron en su día un comic bastante memorable. Con un diseño y un estilo de dibujo muy marcados y una historia mucho más humana a la que nos tienen acostumbrados. Solo con la historia del perrete (completamente muda y a la vez diciendo de todo) ya me habría ganado, pero todo el tomo en general esta genial. Totalmente recomendado.
Luego la serie que hizo para Navidad Disney, aunque la disfruté, se basó un poco en esto, pero muy por encima. Si acaso os moló, este tomo os encantará os guste o no os guste Ojo de Halcón.
Luego la serie que hizo para Navidad Disney, aunque la disfruté, se basó un poco en esto, pero muy por encima. Si acaso os moló, este tomo os encantará os guste o no os guste Ojo de Halcón.
October 3, 2020
Честно говоря, для омнибуса могли бы отсыпать и комментариев/примечаний, как в "Хранителях"/"Справедливости"/"Чудесах", чтобы не приходилось искать перевод языка жестов на тамблере, например. Но все равно, чертовски приятно было перечитать этот ран, теперь в таком материальном и увесистом виде.
Старый обзор комикса тут
Старый обзор комикса тут
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