RETRO REVIEW: Stay Lucky in Hawkeye (2012) #22
In Hawkeye #22 by Matt Fraction, David Aja, Matt Hollingsworth, and Chris Eliopoulos, we get the final chapter of the series that inspired the Marvel Cinematic Universe streaming show on Disney+… and it goes just as hard as each chapter that preceded it. Kate’s back from LA, and that’s bad news for the Tracksuit Mafia, because she brought Lucky!
Hawkeye (2012) #22
Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
Just like the first issue of this series, which saw Lucky’s life in peril, the final issue of the run also sees Pizza Dog suffer from a potentially fatal injury… but I’m just going to go ahead and spoil it for you up top: Lucky survives (as you can probably guess, considering he appears in the recently released Hawkeye: Kate Bishop #1).
Lucky returns… for REVENGE! Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
Overall, this issue does a great job of bringing all of the many plot threads that have been raised over the first twenty-two issues home (that’s the correct count, when you include the 2013 Hawkeye Annual). In particular, this issue effectively highlights the fact that the title Hawkeye doesn’t just refer to Clint, it also refers to Kate.
This is highlighted by the fact that, in Hawkeye #21, when Clint was trying to save the day without Kate, things didn’t go so well.
Boomerang arrow. Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
However, with Kate back in New York City and shooting arrows by his side, the Tracksuit Mafia can finally be defeated. And just as the father of Grills got the chance to strike back against the antagonists for the personal blow they dealt him, Lucky is able to get his revenge against his former owners, as well.
These panels demonstrate how comics can be perfect for conveying action. Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
One thing I particularly enjoyed about this issue is the way Barney absconded with the duffle bag full of cash, giving one of Clint’s neighbors (and her two children) a very nice “happily ever after.” I guess sometimes, when the universe won’t give you a happy ending, you eventually just take one.
Lucky Always Comes Back
At the end of this issue, a cadre of villains – that includes both Kingpin and Kate’s father – have vowed to kill both Kate and Clint. I guess the superhero life never comes with retirement!
Photo Credit: Marvel Unlimited.
Did you get a chance to read this series? All twenty-three issues are available now on Marvel Unlimited, Marvel Blog True Believers! If you check it out, be sure and share your thoughts with us here in the comment section.
