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Hawkeye #1 Comic – January 1, 2012
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherMARVEL COMICS
- Publication dateJanuary 1, 2012
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Product details
- ASIN : B008PWBB4O
- Publisher : MARVEL COMICS; 18308th edition (January 1, 2012)
- Language : English
- Item Weight : 4 ounces
- Best Sellers Rank: #4,737,407 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
MATT FRACTION writes comic books out in the woods and lives with his wife, the writer Kelly Sue DeConnick, his two children, two dogs, a cat, a bearded dragon, and a yard full of coyotes and stags. Surely there is a metaphor there? He is 42 years old and everyone he went to high school with is dead now probably.
He won the first-ever PEN USA Literary Award for Graphic Novels; he, or comics he's a part of, have won Eisners, Harveys, and Eagles, which are like the Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes of comic books, and all seem about as likely. He's a New York Times-best-selling donkus of comics like SEX CRIMINALS (winner of the 2014 Will Eisner Award for Best New Series, the 2014 Harvey Award for Best New Series, and named TIME Magazine's Best Comic of 2013), SATELLITE SAM, ODY-C, HAWKEYE (winner of the 2014 Will Eisner Award for Best Single Issue), wrote the longest consecutive run when re relaunced THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN (2010 Eiser Award winner for Best New Series) with Salvador Larocca and, oh, lordy, so many more.
Coming in 2018 will be ADVENTUREMAN! with Terry and Rachel Dodson and NOVEMBER with Elsa Charretier from Image Comics.
Under their company Milkfed Criminal Masterminds, Inc., Fraction and DeConnick are currently developing television for NBC/Universal.
David Aja (1977) is a Spanish comic book creator and illustrator, best known for his work on The Immortal Iron Fist and Hawkeye for Marvel comics.
He earned a five-year degree in Fine Arts (Design and Audiovisuals specialty). He has worked as an illustrator in press, magazines, books, design, publicity..., on many other series for Marvel such as Daredevil or Wolverine and he has produced covers for several titles across all major publishers.
He has won Eisner, Eagle, and Harvey Awards for his work.
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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.
You see, Hawkeye Volume 1 has given me a wonderful and altogether satisfying taste of something that's missing from a lot of other superhero comics: FUN. This book is pure superhero fun from start to finish, and the return of that element is something from which other books could benefit. Also, Hawkeye is one of the few comic books I can think of that has made me laugh, like seriously LAUGH out loud on multiple occasions while reading it. There are so many great, idiosyncratic facets of this book that make it both original and excellent. Whether it's Matt Fraction's tongue-in-cheek denotation of a foreign language being spoken, or David Aja's hilarious means of covering up Clint Barton's man-parts (yes, Clint gets naked in this book), Hawkeye effortlessly distinguishes itself from any other book on the shelf.
For all intents and purposes, this was my introduction to the two Hawkeyes, and man, what a team! Clint Barton and Kate Bishop transcend the traditional roles of superhero and sidekick in Hawkeye. Their relationship is both touching and hilarious, and it's a joy to see the two in action. On another note, one thing I instantly loved about My Life as a Weapon in particular is that the first three issues are one-shots (pun acknowledged). It seems as though a lot of comic book scribes feel the need to write these huge game-changing stories that span anywhere from 4 to 12 issues, forgetting how rewarding it can be to read a solidly entertaining self-contained issue. In a way, the first 3 issues reminded me a lot of episodes from an animated superhero TV show.
Finally, let me address the art. To be honest, David Aja's artwork almost stopped me from giving this book a try, because when I first saw it, I didn't like it. It was a little too simplistic and drab, and didn't have enough detail for my taste. However, I tried it anyway in hopes that it would grow on me, and less than halfway through the first issue, it had. In fact, by the time I got to The Tape (issues 4 & 5, which feature the artwork of Javier Pulido), I actually really missed Aja's art. It's very stylized, but irrevocably part of what makes Hawkeye great.
Just as a note, the last issue in this book is actually not a Hawkeye comic; it's Young Avengers Presents #6, and it's basically about Kate Bishop. For those of you like me who didn't know Kate before this book, it was a nice little bonus to get to know her better. Really, though, this issue functioned to show us how Clint and Kate met, and where their roles as the two Hawkeyes began.
I'll refrain from going into more detail, but the bottom line is this: if you want to read one of the most fun superhero comics of the year, then read Hawkeye, and prepare for Lucky the Pizza Dog, an excessive use of the word "bro", and trick arrows galore.
My only complain is that this book isn't as well built as the other ones I bought for Christmas. For some reason the book isn't a perfect rectangle. It's a tad bigger on the bottom and as a result whereas all my other books fit togerther properly in my Bookshelf, the bottom part of this one sticks out which is a bit of a problem if you have a pet peeve about that like I do. I don't know if it's something about the Hawkeye one's but I recently got Volume 2 and although it doesn't have the same problem it suffer from some building issues. The first page is sticked up to the cover and it has a bit that's kinda crumbled, plus there's one page that sticks out, as in it's a longer wider page than the rest of the book. I bought them both from different places(Volume 1 from Amazon and Volume 2 from Purple Turtle Discount Books) I don't know if it's a manufacturing error with the Hawkeye comics or of I just have the worst luck ever.
Top reviews from other countries
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.
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.
Entretenido y curioso la vida de un súper héroe fuera de los focos de gran público.
Queda por ver cómo sigue.
There's a LOT of story in this book. And a lot of action. And a lot of humour. Matt Fraction isn't one of those writers who spreads a story gossamer thin across issues, and the stylish artwork more than keeps pace. This is really a masterclass in episodic adventure writing with character progression.
It's an interesting take on Hawkeye and bringing an Avenger down to "street level" is a great way idea. For me the real star of this book is Kate Bishop, the "new" Hawkeye. Fraction obviously has a lot of time for this character and really lets her shine as a juxtaposition to the veteran Clint Barton.
I can see why people raved about this book when it was coming out as single issues. Picking it up as a graphic novel is a great way to catch up with some binge reading.