Hawkeye, Volume 1: My Life as a Weapon
Ratings119
Average rating4.2
(Disability reads for asl later in series)
What I really love about this graphic novel is the coloration and the layout. The layout and direction they took with the art is what made it really, wow, phenomenal. If the art was “bleh” it would still be good because the layout is what is key that makes this novel so strong. The jokes they set up are really funny, bro. Kate is a ray of sunshine whenever she is on the page and I really enjoy how many times she's in this book, especially because it's really the first thing I read with her in it. I wanted to learn more about Hawkeye and have had this recommended to me a few times and in the end I still don't care about him. In this he just seems to be unlikable?
I'll probably read the next few and see if Hawkeye grows on me, other than that they put a lot of effort in this graphic novel and it shows. ~Ashley
Spent the last few weeks and months hearing about how awesome this new Hawkeye series is. So I was glad to see it at the library recently so I could check it out myself.
I stopped reading Marvel comics decades ago (other than the a brief dabbling with the Ultimates line and the Spider-Man titles), so I was clueless when it comes to continuity. But Hawkeye was one of my favorites back when I did read them, so the thought that his own title was one of the best things around really appealed to me, I could get over the continuity thing.
I'm glad I gave it a shot – I'm not going to say it's the greatest comic I've ever read, but it's fun. There's a lot of storytelling opportunity for Hawkeye when he's not Avenger-ing. I've never read Fraction's stuff before, but I like his dialogue approach and his characterizations – especially with Clint and Kate Bishop. Though like I've said elsewhere, I could live without the in media res openings.
Aja's art isn't the greatest I've ever seen, but there's a simplicity to his layouts, a dynamism to it that makes it work. It also reminded me a bit of David Mazzucchelli's work from Batman: Year One, which is a pretty good association to have in the back of your mind as you're reading.
A good read, with a lot of interesting possibilities, I'm in for more.
All the stories are fun little vignettes and the artwork on the first three stories is great. Very 21st century while the the others are more of well done classic comic look from 20th century.
Bro. I started watching the new Hawk Guy series on Disney+ and was reminded of this great arc from Fraction and Aja, bro.
I checked this out because the upcoming Hawkeye Disney+ series is supposed to be based on it. It's really good, kind of a gumshoe detective feel if that detective was also an expert marksman Avenger. The art and page layouts are great. I'm not really sure how that will translate to an MCU show, but the stories themselves are pretty fun too, so I'm excited.
I didn't really know the character of Clint Barton before reading this book, I just thought that I keep hearing how popular he is that I should see what all the fuss is about. ... I still don't get it.
Not in love with the art style, which I already knew before reading it. It's very...minimalist. There are a lack of lines and I think the artist was morally against shading. However, I could have forgiven for a good plot. ... There is no plot. The first three chapters are completely unconnected and the last two is a two parter, based around something that didn't even happen in this book. (I don't know when it did happen, but I can only assume it would have made more sense if I had read that first.)
The feel of this book is very film noir - definitely no superheroing going on here. Clint is...well, a screw up. Nothing ever going right for him and things usually go as poorly as could be imagined. (That got rather tiring after awhile, especially as he keeps saying variations on ‘this looks bad.') Kate is...super, super competent. Like so crazy competent that it's silly. Not that I mind, exactly, but I wanted the Clint Barton Hawkeye - if I wanted the Kate Bishop Hawkeye, I would have grabbed one of those.
(Side note: at the end of the book, there's Young Avengers Presents #6 featuring Hawkeye - the Kate Bishop version. ... It is just to show you how much better an art style it could have had. Because this art was actually pretty good.)
Kind of perfect honestly. Beautifully drawn and extremely well written. Great dialogue
People have been telling me to read this since I started reading comics and I ignored them. Shame on me. This comic was hilarious and clever. The visuals enhanced the characters in truly meaningful ways. I am definitely going to read on
What a surprise! Especially after I tried to read Avengers: Age of ultron and couldn't continue it. So I hoped this one will just be good, but it turned out to be one of the best superhero stories.
I actually quite enjoyed this. I liked it better than Sex Criminals, but we'll see how volume 2 of both of these treat me.
Aja's art is incredible, the pacing and characterization are stellar, and the scope is delightful. Superheroes don't have to be saving a world or galaxy in peril for their heroics to be super.
I always appreciate a protagonist who recognizes that they aren't everyone's favorite. Clint Barton certainly has his failings, and I've never been much of a fan of him in his supporting role in Avengers books and films, but Fraction has created a much more sympathetic and interesting character here than I've encountered elsewhere.
Oh, Clint Barton. You adorable, awkward, totally kick-ass man, you! I'm so glad that my co-worker convinced me to read this! What does Hawkeye do when he's not with the Avengers? That's what this book sets out to show, and it does an excellent job.
First off, Matt Fraction's writing is superb. He gives Clint this perfect balance between sarcastic and sweet. It's hard not to fall head over heels in love with him. Watching him put on himself on the line for other people, lament the fact that he has no actual superpowers, and flirt awkwardly with Kate Bishop was all kinds of fun. I cracked up laughing more than once at the things that come out of this man's mouth. He really needs a better filter.
In terms of art, it's pure perfection here! It's not the most crisp art ever, and it has the tendency to be a bit duochrome, but it suits the story just fine. I especially loved all the panels where pizza dog made his debut! It's impressive that these amazing illustrators were able to bring an entire story line to life with nothing but wordless panels. LOVE!
The focus on character, rather than big things hitting each other, is what raises this above the average comic. There is very little in the way of superhero theatrics, which is always the point where most comics lose me. Of course, Hawkeye not being a superhero, in the traditional sense, helps considerably. His relationship with Kate and the interactions with the other characters are what drive this; as long as this continues in future issues, I am looking forward to seeing how this develops.
Not really used to comics. It was interesting enough, just maybe not a good jumping in point.
People had been telling me for months that this was a great read, but I still wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I've always been a Hawkeye fan, but a lot of authors don't really seem to get the core of the character. Fraction does, presenting the former carnie and sometimes Avenger as a regular guy who just happens to be good with a bow, and knows that he has to constantly be convincing others that he deserves a shot alongside people like Thor, Iron Man, and the Hulk.
One of the things that surprised me about this book was how much it felt like classic Marvel. The street-level focus, the humour, and the friendly banter between the characters really reminds me of old Stan-and-Jack era Marvel. At the same time, though, it doesn't feel old-fashioned at all- issue 3, especially, with Clint and Kate battling in a Dodge Challenger against a horde of Austin Mini-driving gangsters - had a great 80s action vibe to it, and “The Tape” wouldn't feel out of place as an episode of the new SHIELD TV series.
Read in floppies, reviewing in trade. Batgirl is what got me into comics but this book is my favorite currently running. (Maybe my all-time favorite?) Kate Bishop owns you all.