Art of the Day: Lucky and Kate Bishop

Artwork: Kate Bishop and Lucky by Jake Bartok

Art of the Day: Hawkeye

Artwork: Hawkeye by Mike Maihack

Art of the Day: Hawkeye

Artwork: Hawkeye by 0-o-0

Art of the Day: Lucky and Hawkeye

Artwork: Lucky and Hawkeye by Leonardo Romero

Art of the Day: Miss America, Hawkeye and Lucky

Artwork: America issue #5 cover by Jen Bartel

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.

Art of the Day: America Chavez and Kate Bishop

Artwork: AmeriKate by Unhealthy-Salad

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!

Non-Canon Couples Week: Day #2: America Chavez and Kate Bishop

A relationship between Miss America and Hawkeye will probably never happen but I think America and Kate have great chemistry. With both heroes getting their own upcoming comic book series it would be interesting to see if the writers of those series include any hints of a romance between these two. I highly doubt that will be shown but hey you never know.

Artwork: AmeriKate Forehead Kiss by mjbarrosm

Comic Book News #9: Reggie Mantle and Kate Bishop To Get New Series

- Good news for Reggie Mantle fans, according to reports, Archie Comics reigning King of the Egotistical Jerks will be getting his own comic book series. It will be titled Reggie and Me and will be written by Tom DeFalco with illustrations by Sandy Jarrell, Kelly Fitzpatrick and Jack Morelli. The series will be published on December 7th.

Back in February I had wrote a post Five Archie Comics Characters I Wish Had Their Own Series and Reggie was on my list. I'm glad to see that Archie Comics is seeing what fans are interested in and actually created books for them.

Here is the description for the first issue:

There is no one more loved, revered, admired and adored in Riverdale than… Reggie Mantle? Well, at least Reggie doesn’t think there’s anyone as loved and admired as himself. And his best friend can back that idea up—his best friend, of course, being his dog, Vader. The unstoppable duo is known around town for pulling the funniest pranks, getting the hottest dates and throwing the best parties. And if anyone even dares to compete with them, there is going to be hell to pay. Come take a look at the life of your hero, the handsome, hilarious Reggie Mantle.




- Kate Bishop a.k.a. Hawkeye will be getting her own series. The series titled Hawkeye will be written by Kelly Thompson with illustrations by Leonardo Romero and Jordie Bellaire and will be published in December. According to reports Kate will be heading back to Los Angeles and will be trying her hand at being a private investigator along with being a superhero.

I like Kate Bishop, I've been a fan ever since the original Young Avengers series. I'm glad Marvel is finally giving Kate her own series.

These are two interesting series I will be added to my list at the comic book store. I do hope in the upcoming future that Marvel will be announcing America Chavez a.k.a. Miss America will be getting her own series as well.

Art of the Day: Young Avengers

Artwork: Young Avengers by vylla

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #168: Hawkeye vol #6

Although, I've only read the first two volumes of the Hawkeye series, I can't help wanting to get this 6th volume. Looking at the cover and reading the description, it looks like an older version of Clint and Kate will be in this story. Which I think is cool because it's rare in comics when a character is shown older.

Book: Hawkeye volume #6: Hawkeyes (issues #1-6) by Jeff Lemire with illustrations by Ramon Perez

Publication: July 5, 2016

Description:

Hawkeye and Hawkeye take aim at another season - but this time there's a twist! Arrows fly across two eras as a deep-seated rift stretches across time, bringing old man Clint and a wiser Kate back together to chase down mistakes from their past. But as the reluctantly reunited Team Hawkeye struggle to rebuild their trust, things get messy when their mission brings them face-to-face with the Mandarin! As tomorrow's Kate reunites with two former Young Avengers teammates, today's Clint finds himself estranged from his partner and paying a visit to his big brother Barney. What makes a hero and what breaks a hero? Hawkeye and Hawkeye experience both in a turbulent trip down memory lane that takes them back to the future!

Art of the Day: Kate Bishop and America Chavez

Artwork: Kate and America by Kelsey

These two deserve a good well written buddy comic book series.

Books of Interest: Hawkeye vol #5 and Year of Yes

Two books that I'm really interested in reading are: Hawkeye vol #5 and Year of Yes.

Although, I have the first four volumes of Hawkeye which were written by Matt Fraction, I've only read the first two. I loved reading every page so far and even with two books left to read, I still can't help wanting to pick up volume #5 which has a new creative team. I'm interested to see what changes if any the new writer brought to the series.

The next book Year of Yes is one of those books that I seem to be drawn to. It's a book that has the author take on a year long project. I've read similar books like this before with only a few ending up being a disappointing read, when the author lost focus of the project.

Book: Hawkeye volume #5: All-New Hawkeye (issues #1-5) by Jeff Lemire with illustrations by Ramon Perez

Description:

Hawkeye returns in an all-new book featuring superstar writer Jeff Lemire in his Marvel debut and Eisner Award-winning artist Ramon Perez, as they bring you a fresh new look into the life of everyone's favorite Avenger. With Kate Bishop, his trusted ward and protégé (not titles she would use) back at his side, Team Hawkeye is thrown into an all new adventure spanning two generations of avenging archers. Past and present lives collide as Kate and Clint face a threat that will challenge everything they know about what it means to be Hawkeye.

Book: Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes

Description:

The mega-talented creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal and executive producer of How to Get Away With Murder chronicles how saying YES for one year changed her life―and how it can change yours, too.

With three hit shows on television and three children at home, the uber-talented Shonda Rhimes had lots of good reasons to say NO when an unexpected invitation arrived. Hollywood party? No. Speaking engagement? No. Media appearances? No.

And there was the side-benefit of saying No for an introvert like Shonda: nothing new to fear.

Then Shonda’s sister laid down a challenge: just for one year, try to say YES to the unexpected invitations that come your way. Shonda reluctantly agreed―and the result was nothing short of transformative. In Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes chronicles the powerful impact saying yes had on every aspect of her life―and how we can all change our lives with one little word. Yes.

Art of the Day: Kid Loki, Miss America and Hawkeye

Artwork: Loki, Miss America and Hawkeye by beanclam

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!

Illustration of the Day: Hawkeye (Kate Bishop and Clint Barton)

Illustration: Your Life by queensarwa