RETRO REVIEW: Bishop Arrives in Hawkeye (2012) #2
In Hawkeye (2012) #2 by Matt Fraction, David Aja, Matt Hollingsworth, and Chris Eliopoulos, with a cover by Aja, the first issue of the series to include Kate Bishop arrives!
Meet Kate Bishop
Hawkeye (2012) #2 cover. Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
Hawkeye #2 has a big job, because it must work as both an introduction to the character of Kate Bishop, and introduce Kate as the third point of the triangle of the trio that stars in this Marvel Comics series (Clint, Kate, and Pizza Dog – the same as the trio of stars for the Disney+ show).
Meet Kate Bishop. Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
Within the comic, it’s important to introduce Bishop to those who might not know who she is yet – remember, this series started the same year as The Avengers was released in theaters, which means that for many readers, the appeal of seeing a character you’d just seen portrayed on-screen by Jeremy Renner in a comic was high… but if you only knew the Marvel heroes from the movies, you wouldn’t know who Bishop was yet!
Even people who don’t watch Marvel movies or read Marvel Comics have seen this meme-tastic Daily Bugle headline by now. Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
In this issue, Bishop and Barton infiltrate a fancy-event, which turns out to be a front meant to allow a supervillain to hypnotize other supervillains and steal their money. Over the course of the issue, we learn more about both Hawkeyes: Barton’s backstory comes into play when he recognizes that the hypnotist is connected to a shadowy figure from his circus-related past, and Bishop’s personal history as the daughter of an immensely wealthy socialite comes into play, as well.
Kingpin cameo in Hawkeye confirmed???? Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
In addition to these interesting story elements, this issue also shows us why we should be excited about what this series will offer visually. One prime example is the page that shows us how quickly Barton moves by placing his motion against the movement of Bishop’s mouth as she speaks a few words. This is just an overture for some of the visual elements of later issues – stay tuned, Marvel Blog True Believers!
Hard to find better looking comic pages, Marvel Blog True Believers. Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
Hawkeye (2015) #2
If you read this issue on Marvel Unlimited, the back matter remains intact, allowing you to see that the song choice for this issue (courtesy of Aja) was “Death and the Maiden (part 1)” by Schubert.
Have you had a chance to read this issue yet, Marvel Blog True Believers? What did you think? Let us know in the comment section!
