Book Review: Hawkeye vol #4 (Marvel Now)

Book: Hawkeye volume #4: Rio Bravo (issues #12-13, 15, 17, 19 and 21-22) by Matt Fraction

Illustration by David Aja (#13, 15, 19, 21-22), Francesco Francavilla (#12) and Chris Eliopoulos with David Aja (#17)

Color by Francesco Francavilla (#12), Matt Hollingsworth (#13, 15, 19, 21-22) and Jordie Bellaire (#17) and Letters by Chris Eliopoulos

Cover Art by David Aja

Edition: Trade Paperback


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

This final chapter of Matt Fraction and David Aja's Hawkeye series with Clint Barton and Kate Bishop feels like punch to the stomach. It started out lighthearted with Clint and his neighbor's kids watching a holiday cartoon but then turned into something much more serious.

Clint's older brother Barney stopped by to visit just as the tracksuit guys and their hired hitman Kazi were preparing to ramp up their attacks. They really wanted the apartment building that Clint acquired from the tracksuit guys in vol #1. It's a good thing his brother showed up because he was going to need the back-up especially since Kate and lucky the dog were gone (see vol #3). Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff), Mockingbird (Clint's ex-wife Bobbi Morse) and Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew) make a few appearances but it was going to be up to Clint, Barney and a few of the tenants of his apartment building to stop the onslaught.

Clint and Barney had no problem stopping the little attacks but they were caught off guard by a brutal assault by Kazi who left them both severely injured. Clint was down, nearly to point of giving up but that really wasn't an option not with the tracksuit guys and Kazi gearing up for their final attack. Kate and Lucky the dog returned with their help truly going to be needed, if it wasn't too late.

There are some comic books where you can pick up any volume in a series and start reading but the Hawkeye series is not one of them. I recommend reading this in order because each volume provides information and clues that completes the story. In this fourth volume, the excitement and stress builds as Clint tries to fend off nearly non-stop attacks. The good writing and wonderful illustrations for this series continues as readers get to know more about Clint's childhood through a heartbreaking backstory that also mirrors his current situation. As with each volume, the humor and the drama are perfectly balanced as the story unfolds.

Without a doubt both Hawkeyes are total trouble magnets. However, it's how they deal with the trouble that makes them the heroes that they are. Despite all the destruction and devastation there is still inspiration and hope in the way they help others. This was an amazing ending to a fan favorite series.

Currently Reading: Cyborg vol #2 (DC You) and Hawkeye vol #4 (Marvel Now)

I was going through my books and found two I know I should have finished a while ago. I don't know how I forgot about them especially since Cyborg vol #1 was a great read and the Hawkeye series has been nothing but fun.

Book: Cyborg volume #2: Enemy of the State (issues #7-12) by David F. Walker (#7-9) and Marv Wolfman (#10-12)

Illustration by Claude St. Aubin (#7), Felipe Watanabe (#8-12), Daniel HDR (#8, 10-12), Julio Ferreira (#8-12) and Ivan Reis (layout #10),

Ink by Andy Owens (#7), Oclair Albert (#8-12), Julio Ferreira (#8-12) and Daniel HDR (#11-12)

Color by Adriano Lucas (#7-12) and Letters by Rob Leigh (#7-9, 11-12) and Corey Breen (#10)

Edition: Single Print Issues

Description:

CYBORG—PROPERTY OF THE STATE!

With his cybernetic tech continuing to evolve, Victor Stone may not know exactly what he is anymore, but he knows that he’s a hero. But ever since Vic helped to repel the alien invasion force called the Technosapiens, the U.S. government has been keeping a close eye on cybernetic enhancements. And that means they’re keeping a close eye on Cyborg.

Now, a new piece of legislation called the Cybernetic Regulation Act has made Vic himself the property of the United States! And if the government gets their hands on him, they can use his technology to reverse-engineer the ultimate weapon…at the cost of Victor’s life.

But Victor has a plan to find out what’s behind this sudden interest in cyber-enhanced individuals. It involves Shazam and Vic’s friends in the Justice League and putting himself right in his enemy’s clutches!

Book: Hawkeye volume #4: Rio Bravo (issues #12-13, 15, 17, 19 and 21-22) by Matt Fraction

Illustration by David Aja (#13, 15, 19, 21-22), Francesco Francavilla (#12) and Chris Eliopoulos with David Aja (#17)

Color by Francesco Francavilla (#12), Matt Hollingsworth (#13, 15, 19, 21-22) and Jordie Bellaire (#17) and Letters by Chris Eliopoulos

Cover Art by David Aja

Edition: Trade Paperback

Description:

The Final Chapter of Matt Fraction and David Aja's Eisner-Winning Reinvention of the Arrowed Avenger!

Reeling from recent events, even Hawkeye wants to know his new status quo. Who's with him? Who's against him? Who's trying to kill him, and why? And just when Clint's rock bottom couldn't arrive fast enough, his brother shows up. After a lifetime of bad decisions, Clint and Barney Barton realize they'll have to save one another -- if they don't kill each other first. But when Clown and the Tracksuit Draculas lay siege to their building, round one doesn't go well. Deafened and bloodied, will the Bartons make easy pickings for the Tracksuits? Ever seen Rio Bravo? The brothers Barton double down in a new kind of shoot 'em up! Don't miss it, bro.

Book Review: Hawkeye vol #3 (Marvel Now)

Book: Hawkeye volume #3: L.A. Woman (issues Annual #1 and #14, 16, 18 and 20) by Matt Fraction

Illustrations (Annual #1) by Javier Pulido, color by Matt Hollingsworth and letters by VC's Clayton Cowles

Illustrations (#14, 16, 18 and 20) by Annie Wu, color by Matt Hollingsworth and letters by Chris Eliopoulos

Cover Art by David Aja

Edition: Trade Paperback


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

In these five issues, Kate Bishop fed up with Clint Barton took Lucky the dog and left New York to head out to Los Angeles. Kate had plans to rejuvenate at a luxury hotel but what should have been the start of a fun trip immediately turned into trouble the minute they arrived.

Her first day was off to a horrible start, first her credit card was declined at the hotel, then her stuff was stolen from her car by a group of bellmen followed by her car being repoed. She had no idea that someone as in Madame Masque was out to ruin her stay in L.A. but that was only the beginning. Madame Masque was seeking her revenge after what occurred in the first volume (issues #4 and #5).

Pretending to be a good Samaritan, Madame Masque going by the name Whitney Frost offered to help Kate who at the moment only had about $80 in her possession. Whitney invited Kate to stay at her home until she can get on her feet which was a nice gesture that is until Kate realized who Whitney really was. As a superhero Kate accepted the offer which she of course knew it was a trap but how else was she going to find out what Madame Masque was really up to.

Perhaps that wasn't the best decision but she did find her car and all her stuff too bad she wasn't quite ready to take on Madame Masque and her minions. But thanks to one of Clint's clever devices, Kate and Lucky were able to escape but not without sacrificing her car and all her stuff.

It would be an understatement to say that Kate was having a horrible time but that's not going keep this hero down even if Madame Masque was still out to get her. Instead of calling her father for money she decided to do it on her own. First she got a job house sitting and taking care of a picky cat for a couple of nice old ladies then she set up shop as a private investigator.

Being a superhero almost seems easier than being a private investigator because she quickly found herself up against a string of trouble as she took on cases. From missing flowers to something downright sci-fi, Kate's main goal was to help her clients. However, it wasn't long before she was crossing paths with Madame Masque again leading to Kate discovering that Clint was in trouble. But that's not the only thing she found out and it really threw her for a loop.

I loved reading this third volume, it's a fun and action packed adventure as Kate tries to build a new life in Los Angeles. However, things didn't seem to be working out for her but she did unexpectedly make some new friends, her neighbors Marcus and Finch who pretty much became family. She learned a lot about herself because taking on cases and solving mysteries is so much different than fighting the standard villain. She made a few mistakes which unfortunately kept her in contact with a very cranky police detective who would have preferred if Ms. Bishop left L.A. all together.

After reading this it's easy to see why Marvel decided to give Kate her own series as well as continue her PI adventures in L.A. It was an entertaining and surprising take that gave her more character development because now she's more than just a superhero.

With the way this ends with Kate and Lucky heading back to New York, I can't wait to read the fourth volume.

Currently Reading: Hawkeye vol #3 (Marvel Now)

It has been over a year since I've read the second volume of Hawkeye, I can't believe I waited this long to pull the third volume off the shelf. I really have to agree with fans that Matt Fraction did a wonderful job creating a series that's fun instead of going with the typical comic book format of being dark and grime.  

I really can't wait to start reading this, it looks like Kate Bishop is in for one wild adventure.


Book: Hawkeye volume #3: L.A. Woman (issues Annual #1 and #14, 16, 18 and 20) by Matt Fraction

Illustrations (Annual #1) by Javier Pulido, color by Matt Hollingsworth and letters by VC's Clayton Cowles

Illustrations (#14, 16, 18 and 20) by Annie Wu, color by Matt Hollingsworth and letters by Chris Eliopoulos

Cover Art by David Aja


Edition: Trade Paperback

Description:

Kate Bishop heads to Los Angeles to get away from New York, life and Clint Barton -- but she can't escape trouble! Because Madame Masque is hanging out poolside with the rich and famous, as well! As Kate helps a reclusive and sixties-damaged pop-music genius find his lost masterpiece, Madame Masque finds Kate. By which we mean starts trying to kill her again.

This one has it all! Characters! Plot! Story! Dialogue! Theme! Meaning! Message! Action! A little exposition! Fire! Arrows! Criminals! Neighbors! Large bodies of water! Clients! Cops who don't care! A system that victimizes the victims! The dog! In broken towns where cynicism and apathy has its claws around the throat of the good and decent, Lady Hawkguy is the only hero you can trust!

Book Review: Hawkeye vol #2 (Marvel Now)

Book: Hawkeye volume #2: Little Hits (issues #6-11) by Matt Fraction

Illustrations by David Aja (issues #6, 8-11), Francesco Francavilla (issue #10), Steven Lieber and Jesse Hamm (issue #7), and Annie Wu (issue #8)

Color by Matt Hollingsworth (issues #6-9 and #11) and Francesco Francavilla (issue #10)


Edition: Trade

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

This series continues not to disappoint. The second volume starts with issue #6 featuring both Hawkeyes Clint Barton and Kate Bishop separately dealing with the aftermath of a flood. Clint went with his neighbor Gil "Grills" to help secure Grills' dad's house while Kate was in New Jersey attending an engagement party. Both had to use some quick thinking to solve very immediate problems.

The 7th issue takes a humorous look leading up to Christmas. Clint was trying his best to take some time off and relax but everything kept getting in the way from his outdated TV recording system (in which Tony Stark was absolutely no help in fixing) to the tracksuit guys causing trouble. This was not the holiday he was looking forward to.   

Issues #8 and #9 had Clint helping out his favorite troubled red head again. It must be her looks because I seriously can't understand why he keeps helping her since it always lands him in big trouble. Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff), Mockingbird (Clint's ex-wife Bobbi Morse) and Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew) also appeared in these issues as they try to see how they can help Clint get out of his latest bout of trouble. Kate didn't exactly score any hero points with the three heroes as she did sort of help Clint at one point. Also shown were various criminals and villains trying to figure out a way to get rid of Hawkeye (Clint) and it also ends on bit of a sad note with something happening to Grills.

In issue #10, the tracksuit guys' trained killer Kazi is going after Clint but earlier he and Kate became acquainted at a party for her father. Not sure if anything romantic is going to happen between Kate and Kazi but I'm sure she's in for a shock once she finds who he really is.

Issue #11 was interesting, it was shown from Clint's dog Lucky's point of view where he tries to sniff out some clues as to what happened to Grills. His investigation had him running into the tracksuit guys and Kazi. There also seems to be some kind of problem growing between Clint and Kate and although it seems unclear what they said since Lucky only understood a few words, it's clear to see that Kate and Lucky are taking off for a little bit of fun and adventure in California.

I can see why this series has been praised by fans, it's awesome. It well written with the writing being both simple and complex. There's humor commingling with drama as the Hawkeyes go from one situation to the next. I can't wait to read the third volume to see what will happen next.

Currently Reading: Justice League 3000 vol #1 (New 52) and Hawkeye vol #2 (Marvel Now)

I was going through my book shelves yesterday and found two I wanted to read: Justice League 3000 and Hawkeye.

The thing is I read the first issue of Justice League 3000 two years ago, and I'm just now finally getting around to reading the rest of the issues. Now as for Hawkeye, I read the first volume that I got from the library and I loved it so much that I ended up buying the first three volumes of the series.

I'm really trying to break my habit of waiting until forever to read my books it's a slow start but I am getting there.

Book: Justice League 3000 volume #1: Yesterday Lives (issues #1-7) by Keith Griffen and J.M. DeMatteis with illustration by Howard Porter and color by HI-FI

Edition: Single print issues

Description:

In the far flung future in the year 3000, the Justice League still exists and they're more familiar than you could imagine. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash and Green Lantern comprise the League, but how could these heroes still exist a millennium from now?

Book: Hawkeye volume #2: Little Hits (issues #6-11) by Matt Fraction

Illustrations by David Aja (issues #6, 8-11), Francesco Francavilla (issue #10), Steven Lieber and Jesse Hamm (issue #7), and Annie Wu (issue #8)

Color by Matt Hollingsworth (issues #6-9 and #11) and Francesco Francavilla (issue #10)


Edition: Trade

Description:

Ace archer Clint Barton battles Superstorm Sandy, digital doomsday, dog detectives, lady problems, murder for money and more as Matt Fraction and David Aja continue their exciting, adventurous reinvention of the arrowed Avenger! Plus: The tracksuits are back, and they're aiming to kill!

Book Review for Library Read-a-thon Book #1: Hawkeye vol #1 (Marvel Now)

Book: Hawkeye Volume #1: My Life as a Weapon (issues #1-5 and Young Avengers Presents issue #6) by Matt Fraction with Illustrations by David Aja (issues #1-3) and Javier Pulido (issues 4 and 5) and color by Matt Hollingsworth

Young Avengers Presents #6 by Matt Fraction with illustration by Alan Davis and color by Paul Mounts

Source: Library

Edition: Trade

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Clint Barton should just stay at home because no matter where he goes, he some how finds himself right in the middle of trouble. On second thought, trouble would just follow him home as well.

After getting out of the hospital in the first issue, Clint was trying to help his fellow tenants after the owner was trying to push the residents out by raising the rent an astronomical amount. And the owner is not the type of person who wants to negotiate. Clint offered to pay the rent for everyone but it didn't help matters either. I like that Hawkeye was not going to sit back and just let his neighbors get pushed out of their homes as well as he was willing to help an injured dog and gained a new friend.

In issue #2, both Hawkeyes (Clint and Kate Bishop) decided to go undercover to stop a group of thieves from a traveling circus who were actually robbing other thieves and villains. Clint's connection with the thieves made him want to stop what was going on despite the fact that they were stealing from other thieves.

Issue #3 had Clint and Kate being chased by a weird group of car thieves who had tried to abduct a woman who Clint had just met. However, the woman wasn't squeaky clean, she had stole a car from the group that was chasing them. The car in which she just sold to Clint. The only thing that kind of annoyed me about this story was the two heroes let her go at the end and that they never found out she was a crook too.

Issues #4 and 5, has S.H.I.E.L.D. telling Clint to retrieve a tape that is being auctioned off in Madripoor by the underworld. If not he's going to be one of the most wanted guys in the world. But he can't even get out of the airport without getting into trouble.

This was a funny group of high flying stories that was filled with action. Clint is just a trouble magnet but he does try to do the right thing even if he makes a complete mess of things. Kate is just as much a trouble magnet as Clint but that's mainly due to her association with Mr. Barton. These issues (along with the Young Avengers Present #6) showed that Kate is not just a great sidekick but also a great archer. 

This was great. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the second volume.

Library Read-a-thon book #1: Hawkeye vol #1

I am starting this Read-a-thon with Hawkeye volume #1, a book I had been wanting to read for a while. I stumbled upon it while I was looking for another book when I was at the library yesterday. I was so surprised to see it sitting on the shelf, I immediately grabbed it.


Book: Hawkeye Volume #1: My Life as a Weapon by Matt Fraction, Illustrations by David Aja and Javier Pulido

Source: Library

Edition: Trade

Description:

The breakout star of this summer's blockbuster Avengers film, Clint Barton - aka the self-made hero Hawkeye - fights for justice! With ex-Young Avenger Kate Bishop by his side, he's out to prove himself as one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes!

SHIELD recruits Clint to intercept a packet of incriminating evidence - before he becomes the most wanted man in the world. You won't believe what is on The Tape! What is the Vagabond Code? Matt Fraction pens a Hawkeye thriller that spans the globe...and the darkest parts of Hawkeye's mind. Barton and Bishop mean double the Hawkeye and double the trouble...and stealing from the rich never looked so good.