RETRO REVIEW: Enter Menorable in Hawkeye (2012) #17
In Hawkeye (2012) #17 by Matt Fraction, Chris Eliopoulos (usually only on lettering duty, but providing most of the interior art in this holiday special-themed issue), David Aja (who did the first and last page “frame” for this issue, and the cover), and Matt Hollingsworth, we get to find out the details about the TV Clint watched with his neighbors back in Hawkeye #6… and in the process, we’re introduced to one of the greatest Marvel Comics characters of all time: Menorable!
Menorable is a Winter Friend
Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
This issue takes place just after the events of Hawkeye #6. As the most devoted of Marvel Blog True Believers will readily recall, that seasonally-themed story took place over the course of six nights in the life of Hawkeye (sounds somewhat familiar, Marvel Blog True Believers).
Marvel Broadcasting Corp. Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
At the conclusion of that issue, Clint invited his neighbors over to watch a holiday special. In this issue, we get to experience that holiday special for ourselves. And interesting thing to note about this issue is that it comes at a time when we have a huge cliffhanger in the series – if you’ll recall, in Hawkeye #15, Clint and Barney were attacked by the Tracksuit Mafia, and their fates were left in the balance at the conclusion of that issue.
Meanwhile, over on the Best Coast, Kate is dealing with serious problems all her own.
Where is the Marvelous Xmas sweater featuring THESE guys? Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
This “holiday special,” presented in a cartoony, satirical style, breaks up the tension of the series (and also ratchets up suspense, as we have to wonder about the Hawkeyes and their friends as their fates hang in the balance).
Menorable is a winter kitty. Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
My favorite part of this issue, though, just might have to be Menorable. This is a Hanukkah-themed cat who is part of the Winter Friends team. I mean… what more could I ask for, Marvel Blog True Believers?
Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
This issue also has a lot of parallels to Hawkeye in general. Instead of the Avengers, it’s the Winter Friends, but “Steve” is their teammate with no powers. He even has a younger partner named “Lil” and has rival Huskie dogs who have tracksuit fur and say “dog” instead of “bro.”
Another thing I liked about this issue were the t-shirts worn by Clint’s neighbors. They reference the Charlie Brown comics by Charles Shulz and the Maus graphic novels by Art Speigelman, both of which were obviously influential for this issue. And perhaps we’ll someday get to see Menorable again…
Kwanzaa in February in Hawkeye (2012) #17
Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
At the end of this issue, it isn’t clear whether Clint dreamed the Winter Friends special or not, but Clint’s neighbors leave his apartment and bid him a Joyous Kwanzaa, which is a nice final moment!
When you read the letters page, which is included on Marvel Unlimited and features only a note from this issue’s editor, Sana Amanat, you discover that this issue was published in February, having been delayed too much to make it to comic shops by Christmas. Let’s hope Clint hits his deadline a little better in the final episode of Hawkeye on Disney+, Marvel Blog True Believers!
Menorable, our hero! Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
Which one of the Winter Friends is your favorite, and why is it Menorable? Let us know in the comment section!
