Comic Book Pick O' the Week!: Hawkeye #1

Hawkeye, aka Clint Barton, is a bit of an anomaly in the Marvel Universe. He doesn't have any super powers, he isn't an alien, and he isn't a super-hot chick. By that logic then he shouldn't be much of an interesting comic book superhero. Even though he may hang out with Wolverine and the Hulk he is, for the most part, a pretty average guy. Yeah, sure, he's the "greatest sharp shooter known to man", but he is still in a pretty compromising position when one of those pesky alien invasions pop up, which they always seem to do.

Now, for those in the know, we understand that the opposite is true. Sure, Mr. Barton may not be able to fly or throw a semi-truck into a super-baddie, but he is anything but boring. The man has gone from small-time villain, to Avenger, to even dead for a spell then resurrected. Currently the leader of the New Avengers, Hawkeye has proven time and time again that just because he is normal that in no way means he is average.

With Matt Fraction behind the helm of the Hawk's new ongoing series we are being show just how great this hero can be.

From the very start of the issue we learn quickly that this isn't going to be a conventional super-hero comic book. The opening description of the book is snappy and a bit tongue-in-cheek..

"Clint Barton, a.k.a Hawkeye, became the greatest sharp-shooter known to man. He then joined the Avengers. This is what he does when he's not being an Avenger. That's all you need to know."

We are being told a few things here:
1) If you only know Hawkeye from the new Avengers movie, then don't be afraid to try out this new comic.
2) Matt Fraction is shaping up to have a new and dynamic take on this old character.
3) Your day just got  a whole bunch better.

And your day just got a whole bunch better because this book is awesome, however not in the conventional in-your-face way. It isn't full of explosions or huge action sequences. Instead it shows us a very humanized Clint Barton who desperately tries to do the right thing even when he isn't standing next to Captain America and Iron man. At the start we see a Clint Barton hospitalized and almost completely broken after a hero-ing that goes sour. From there, as he tries to put the pieces of his life back together, we are treated to one of the best stand alone stories I've read in quite some time. Here is a Barton that has real flaws and who also hangs up the suit from time to time, just like everyone else.

With David Aja's art we get an even deeper sense of the book's direction. While the pencils remain sparse they are in no way simple. Aja is able to capture the wide range of emotions that flow from panel to panel, while still focusing in on the humanity and humor of everyday life. I was instantly surprised by the book's look, and found myself going back just to review all of the the beautiful panels and clever cuts. It is a layered beast that allows itself to be not only gritty and tragic but also funny and charming.

So, as you can see, I liked Hawkeye #1. It's doing different things than most superhero stories, and should be recognized for doing something a little ballsy. Matt Fraction's take is an adult and thought provoking adaptation of Hawkeye, and I'm certainly interested. Bring on the next issue!