RETRO REVIEW: Trick Arrows Galore in Hawkeye (2012) #3
In the third issue of Hawkeye (2012) by Matt Fraction, David Aja, Matt Hollingsworth, and Chris Eliopoulous, Hawkeye’s catchphrase is essentially confirmed to be, “This looks bad.”
Hawkeye #3. Cover by Aja (duh). Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
Let’s see what else is in store for the world’s second greatest archer as he unloads a whole quiver full of trick arrows at the Tracksuit Mafia!
Fraction & Aja: Unstoppable Team
This… looks bad. Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
Over the course of the first three issues of Hawkeye (2012), “This looks bad” has effectively become Clint’s catchphrase… and reading this issue, you can understand why!
Tracksuit Draculas, bro. Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
Unlike the technical prowess of Iron Man or assured purpose of Captain America, the Hawkeyes get things done in their own chaotic, somewhat archaic way. Nowhere is this more clear than in Hawkeye #3, which features a car chase that pits Hawkeye and Hawkeye against the Tracksuit Mafia… and this time, they’re out for blood!
Dumb ideas & trick arrows. Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
What’s especially interesting about this issue is that it is sort of slung between two frames. One frame is the nine bad decisions that Clint made during his day, which are recounted to us out of order.
Seriously! Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
The other frame is Clint’s quiver full of trick arrows, which are integral during the car chase. In order to highlight the fact that the trick arrows are an important part of this issue, the issue develops its own internal language: each page shows a close-up of the trick arrow tip, some of which look really technical and interesting.
This page by the great Elliot R. Brown inspired Matt and I for doing Hawkeye #3. Issue is dedicated to Elliot (as seen in credits). I sent him issue, he loved it and we were chatting around for days, what a great talented guy.
(And nope, I have not seen series yet, I will) pic.twitter.com/veXIJ2uRQc— David Aja (@davaja) December 1, 2021
This won’t be the last time Aja comes up with his own internal language for an issue, either, so keep an eye on that, Marvel Blog True Believers!
Available to Read on Marvel Unlimited
1970 Dodge Challenger. Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
All twenty-two issues of Hawkeye are available to read right now on the Marvel Unlimited App. Plus, the back matter is preserved in the copies you can read there, which informs you that the song choice for this issue is “Arrows” by Fireworks, recommended on the letters page by Elanor O’Neill.
Have you had a chance to read this issue on Marvel Unlimited? Do you see a slight influence on the upcoming car chase scene from Hawkeye on Disney+, which we saw part of in the Marvel Studios Disney+ Day special? Let us know what you think in the comment section, Marvel Blog True Believers!
