HAWKEYE: FREEFALL #1 (Marvel Comics, January 2, 2020 release date) Matthew Rosenberg, writer. Otto Schmidt, artist. VC’s Joe Sabino, letters. Kim Jacinto & Tamra Bonvillain, main cover.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Writer Matthew Rosenberg will be in-person at Captain Blue Hen in Newark, DE tomorrow from 4 -8 p.m.
That Hawkeye was a cocky, cynical wise-cracker using his bravado to mask feelings of inferiority and self-doubt. While he was a skilled archer and fighter, he was a hero without superpowers trying to fit in with the mighty and powerful (as the villain in HAWKEYE: FREEFALL so rudely reminds him).
Rosenberg’s Hawkeye gets into silly arguments with villains, his superhero associates, and even his current girlfriend (Linda Carter, night nurse).
Unlike the recent gritty and violent PUNISHER series as written by Rosenberg - - HAWKEYE: FREEFALL appears to promise a light-hearted, fun insight into the character to go along with the action and intriguing plot.
The opening sequence where Hawkeye in civilian clothes infiltrates and takes down The Hood’s newest criminal venture gives a good indication of the fun and fights in store for this series. There’s an amusing exchange between The Hood (portrayed here as more of a second-rate villain compared to the powerful crime lord of the past) and Hawkeye that reveals much about both characters as envisioned by Rosenberg. There’s a not-so-subtle commentary mixed in regarding the criminal justice system that makes some valid points without preaching. I’m expecting The Hood to pop up again before the series wraps up this story arc.
The main plot revolves around the appearances of a powerful fighter wearing Hawkeye’s former Ronin costume engaged in criminal activities. Naturally, suspicion fall upon Clint Barton (Hawkeye) and he engages in more fun banter with Winter Soldier and The Falcon before joining their investigation of the Ronin.
RATING SYSTEM
STORY: I was entertained and amused. 2.25 POINTS.
ART: A little bit on the cartoonish side, but well-suited to the tone of the subject matter. The use of simple, small multiple-panels that focus on facial expressions and body language is a great way to insert a lot of dialogue on a single page. The action scenes are well-done, especially on a full-page image of Ronin threatening a government agent. 2.25 POINTS
COVER: Nicely done. Hawkeye notches an arrow while tumbling upside-down. Very appropriate for a book sub-titled FREEFALL. 2 POINTS
READ AGAIN? Like any book with good dialogue and amusing scenes, a second read gives full appreciation. 1 POINT.
RECOMMEND? Not many super-hero books I really recommend, but I’m warming up to this one. 1 POINT
TOTAL RATING: 8.5 OUT OF A POSSIBLE 10 POINTS. WELL ABOVE THE PACK, AND WORTH A LOOK.
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