5 Greatest Issues of Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye

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In 2012, Matt Fraction and David Aja launched a Hawkeye comic series that redefined the character for a new audience and has since become a beloved classic. They moved away from the large-scale conflicts of the Avengers and instead focused on the everyday life of Clint Barton (and frequently, Kate Bishop). However, even in ordinary settings, Clint-as Hawkeye-always finds trouble. He’s a skilled street-level hero living in a modest Brooklyn apartment who often bites off more than he can chew. This highly praised series demonstrates that Clint’s heroism isn’t about being an Avenger, but about his dedication and unwavering spirit when protecting those he cares for, regardless of the situation. Hawkeye expertly combines clever dialogue, touching scenes, and realistic action, all brought to life by David Aja’s distinctive art style, which beautifully captures the series’ gritty, urban feel and Clint’s vibrant personality.

The partnership between Fraction and Aja on this groundbreaking series resulted in some of the most unforgettable stories, moments, and quotes in recent comic book history.

5. Hawkeye #1

From the very first issue, I was hooked! It just throws you right into the action, introducing Clint as he’s plummeting from a building. What really struck me was his self-deprecating honesty – he describes himself as just an orphan raised by carnival folk, fighting with basically Stone Age tools! He’s not some super-powered, tech-laden hero like the Avengers; he’s wonderfully flawed and a bit of a mess, honestly. But despite everything, he’s genuinely a good person, focused on helping the people around him, even if it means ending up completely battered and in a full body cast. It’s a really refreshing take on heroism.

A key, touching moment in the first issue of *Hawkeye* happens when Clint bonds with the Tracksuit Mafia’s dog, Arrow, by simply sharing a piece of pizza. This small act of kindness unexpectedly leads to a larger heroic moment. When Arrow is shot while trying to protect Clint, the Avenger immediately races him to a veterinarian in heavy rain, insisting they do everything to save him. After a successful recovery, Clint renames the dog Lucky, and this display of compassion becomes a sweet, repeating element throughout the series.

4. Hawkeye #9

Okay, so after Kate and Clint had a big fight and she headed to California, things got *really* tough for him. He was dealing with a lot of trouble, especially from the Russian mob, and it felt like everything was falling apart. Then, out of nowhere, three incredible women from his past showed up – Natasha, Jessica, and Bobbi. It was amazing to see them all team up! They clearly all cared about Clint, and it was so cool to see these powerful Marvel ladies come together to support him when he desperately needed it. It really gave him the help he needed to get through everything.

This comic excels at developing its characters and delivering genuinely funny moments. The quick, clever dialogue between Clint and the women he interacts with is particularly strong, and it’s during one of these exchanges that he delivers his now-famous line: “This sucks. I’m going back to bed.” The story also revisits a running joke from the first issue – people mistakenly believe he’s the Iron Fist, which continues to annoy him. Even though people often don’t recognize Hawkeye, leading to some understandable frustration, Clint consistently chooses to do what’s right.

3. Hawkeye #3

This issue really focuses on the relationship between Clint and his student, Kate Bishop. It’s full of funny interactions, especially when Kate looks through Clint’s huge and unusual collection of trick arrows. Clint’s dry, matter-of-fact answer to her question about why he owns a boomerang arrow – simply, “Because, boomerangs” – is a perfect example of the show’s quirky and unexpected humor.

The story features an exciting car chase on the freeway, where Clint and Kate use Clint’s unique arrows to cleverly evade the not-so-bright mafia. The boomerang arrow, previously shown as a funny detail, actually becomes crucial when Kate uses it to get out of a dangerous predicament.

2. Hawkeye #19

This issue is a standout in the series, both powerful and original. Following a tough fight where Clint is injured, the story focuses on his experience with deafness. Remarkably, the issue is presented almost entirely through American Sign Language, a daring and innovative approach that truly lets readers understand what Clint is going through.

Clint’s brother, Barney, comes back to assist him, offering both translation and emotional support, despite Clint’s attempts to keep him at a distance. The story reaches its peak when Clint finds new determination and inspires his fellow building residents with a heartfelt speech delivered in American Sign Language, which Barney translates. When asked how they’ll defeat the villains, Clint simply signs one word: “we.”

1. Hawkeye #11

This popular issue takes a surprising and memorable turn by telling the story entirely through the eyes of Lucky the Pizza Dog. We experience the world as he does – through smells, tastes, and the few words he recognizes. It’s a brilliantly creative approach to storytelling that adds a new level of emotional depth to the narrative.

This isn’t a simple filler episode or a standalone comedy. Lucky’s sharp senses allow him to notice things Cline and Kate overlook. He figures out someone is missing in Clint’s life well before anyone else, ultimately revealing that a tenant in Clint’s building was murdered. It’s brilliantly creative to make a much-loved pet – one with no special abilities or technology – a key character who drives the story forward.

Have you checked out the *Hawkeye* comic series by Fraction and Aja? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your opinion in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-09-22 23:16