Comic of the Day 6/5: "Hawkeye" #2

"Hawkeye" #1 was no fluke. Not that this was ever seriously a possibility, but Matt Fraction and David Aja prove with #2 that they are not just having a very good run with "Hawkeye", but are essentially creating one of the defining comics of the 2010's.

Its dialogues are sharp and funny and its art is stylish and sophisticated without ever being pretentious. The action is fast, thrilling, violent and able while building up a relentless flow. But "Hawkeye" #2 doesn't just stand out in what it does right, but also in what it does differently. From the title page disguised as a newspaper article to the design and pace of its panels, every page feels fresh and full of ideas. Clint's relationship to Kate is deep and complex, but never confusing, as Fraction is able to show Clint's deep and emphatic admiration for her, without crossing the line from sincerity to kitsch.

It's an absolute success. 

9/10

Comic of the Day 4/5: "Hawkeye" #1

2012's "Hawkeye" #1 by Matt Fraction, David Aja and Matt Hollingsworth is probably one of the best comics you'll ever read. So, without further ado, I'll just run down the 10 reasons why "Hawkeye" #1 completely kills it.

1. Clint's ironic badass take on himself.
2. David Aja really knows how to use inks.
3. Matt Hollingsworth really knows how to color a summer day.
4. It perfectly captures the feeling of living in a metropolis.
5. Matt fraction tells a story that is both full of action and empathic. 
6. Clint rescues a dog.
7. Pets, loads of pets.
8. It's witty and funny, without ever forcing it.
9. Clint doesn't even use his bow here. He does it all with pennies and playing cards. Pennies. And. Playing. Cards.
10. The hilarious "Arrow" reference at the end.

Surprisingly, it scores a perfect 10/10.

Comic of the Day 26/4: "All-New Hawkeye" #6

Jeff Lemire's and Ramon Perez' remarkable run at Hawkeye has come to an end. All too soon, as it was one of the best and most consistent comic series of 2016 so far. But, fortunately, they are not leaving without giving us one final issue that sums up what has made All-New Hawkeye so outstanding over the last couple of months.

Perez art gives the two ongoing story arcs (Kate's struggle as a young girl to find her calling in life and cope with her family/her and Clint's rescue for the Project Communion children) a very unique and individual tone. The blurry, washed out lines and colors in the former enhance the feeling that Kate's memories are in fact not accurate, and that her heroics when freeing herself from Matador are strongly exaggerated; and the latter captivates with its established but nevertheless sleek retro style.

The Avengers play a sizeable role here, as Lemire reveals how Kate was inspired to carry the "Hawkeye" moniker. However, the comic is at its best when depicting Kate's and Clint's relationship by presenting us with extraordinarily nuanced and carefully woven dialogues, that make it perfectly plausible why the comic had to end the way it does.

All-New Hawkeye was funny, honest and human, with great art and a captivating story. Hopefully Marvel's next volume will be able to come close.

Comic of the Day 13/4: "Hawkeye" #5

The current Hawkeye series is just so wonderfully consistent and coherent in what it delivers, I admit it's hard to add anything new here that I haven't already pointed out in earlier reviews. But why not just repeat praise where it's due?

You probably won't find a comic that's better looking than this one, where Ramon Perez art is so amazingly in concert with Jeff Lemire's narrative (and if you do, please let me know, OK?). Clint's and Kate' relationship is so extraordinarily humane and honest, without ever being kitsch or stereotypical. And Lemire never makes the mistake of taking sides in the still underlying conflict of responsibility and guilt between the two Hawkeyes, letting the reader decide who's right and who's wrong (if there even is such a thing here).

Some of the comic's twist come a bit too easy, and little Kate is too wisecracking for her age at times, but these are only minor flaws in a series that never takes a step back, maintaining its superb quality throughout. Absolutely essential.

Comic of the Day 1/4: "Hawkeye" #4

Hawkeye continues to be the best-looking major coming series at the moment, and its plot does not disappoint either. Having said that, Jeff Lemire plays it safe as to what he does with his characters and how he develops them.

Kate's childhood story, albeit being well-told, offers nothing new to the "rich/spoilt-but-neglected girl" perspective, retreating far too often into well-known tropes and phrases. Only the final revelation about Kate's father manages to add some depth and diversion.

Meanwhile, Clint's attempt to recover the Project Communion children sees the other Hawkeye at his loud-mouth best (watch out for the hilarious "Mad Max: Fury Road reference), offering a welcome and up-beat change to the thoughtful Kate story arc.

Still going strong in #4, Hawkeye is one of the essential comic series right now, and absolutely recommendable.