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What To Read Before Marvel's 'Hawkeye' Series

by: Chris Conkling

It’s here, folks! Marvel Studios has finally given us a teaser for the upcoming Disney Plus show, Hawkeye, and what a trailer it is! Tonally energetic and fun, with a dash of Christmas spirit thrown in for good measure (Shane Black would be proud). The show looks to be more grounded than what we have seen in recent months from Marvel, and I for one could not be more excited. To be honest though, I was ready to see what the MCU had in store for our bow wielding Avenger the second I heard it was going to be based on Matt Fraction and David Aja’s run on the Hawkeye comic originally published from 2012 to 2015. 

For those that haven’t read Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye, the story is a more “slice of life” narrative than your typical Avengers fare, and focuses on what has always made Marvel comics so special: the people under the masks. Clint is trying to catch some down time from his avenging, but being a hero is a 24/7 job and when someone is in need, he can’t help but involve himself. Between taking down the local mafia, rescuing dogs, and training his new protégé, Kate Bishop, there shouldn’t be any time to deal with his failed marriage, and personal inadequacies, however Matt Fraction finds a way.

Yes, as the series progresses it does eventually ramp up to a more espionage-esque narrative, and leaves local crime behind, however what makes this run so special is the heart behind its characters, and the way in which it draws you in. You get an intimate glimpse into what makes Hawkeye tick as a person and with that, the desire to celebrate his successes and empathize with his failures. There are even issues in which Fraction completely shifts the perspective to characters that don’t speak in the traditional sense, and they are some of the best issues of the run (I won’t say more than this, no spoilers!). 

Bottom line, if you saw Marvel Studios Hawkeye trailer and thought to yourself, “I cannot wait until November 24th! I need more Hawkeye now!” Look no further than Matt Fraction and David Aja’s 22 issue run. You won’t regret it!