Questions: Identity Crisis

Not quite what you'd expect from a Justice League book, was it?

Quickie - Hawkeye: My Life As A Weapon

Since his brief appearance in 2011's Thor movie and even larger role in The Avengers, Hawkeye has been in the public eye more than ever.  Citizens of the Internet also know him as the poster boy for The Hawkeye Initiative, the feminist comic book tumblr aiming to shine light on sexism in comic book art.  So he's had a pretty good couple of years, particularly as a figure that most people could not have identified a short time ago.  Last year, Matt Fraction took over writing duties on the character's solo book, and immediately sent ripples through the comics community.  The book was a hit!  People were drawn in by David Aja's striking minimalist covers, but that wasn't all.  Fraction did the character real justice, capturing his rough-around-the-edges, underdog, hero-of-the people essence perfectly.  After all, the man has no powers, much like Batman on that other super team.  Unlike Batman however, Hawkeye isn't a super star.  He's just a guy trying to do the right thing.  He leads, but only when he has to.  Combine that with a story that's more action spy thriller than superhero spandex, and you've got a real unique product on your hands.  I mean, with car chases, casinos, trysts with sexy yet mysterious women, everything.  Fraction also really does a great job of making you love the guy, by bringing his adventures close to home.  This volume covers issues 1-6 of the run (plus a Young Avengers story tagged on at the end, focused on Kate Bishop, the younger, female Hawkeye).  The first couple of story arcs don't even touch on super villainy or big crime.  Instead he's saving injured dogs and freeing his neighbors from the tyranny of crooked landlords.  The rest of the plot involves some S.H.I.E.L.D. exploits and shady dealings, but mainly focuses on his relationship with the aforementioned Bishop, who he must come to terms with as an equal.  Honestly, the word that comes to mind to describe this book is humble.  Compared to to explosive and often over-the-top adventures of most of the superhero set, this Hawkeye comes off as positively subtle, almost slice-of-life.  And that's why it shines.  It's a diamond in the rough.  And I'm looking forward to continuing it.  A-

(Hit the jump to see more of Aja's beautiful covers.)

Questions: Skim

Teen angst!  Melodrama!  Life lessons ahoy!!!  It's question time!