Hawkeye #15
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Kelly Thompson
Artist: Leonardo Romero
Letterer: VC’s Joe Sabino
Color Artist: Jordie Bellaire
Cover Artist: Julian Totino Tedesco
Review by Anelise Farris
If you’ve read my previous reviews, you know I have a huge love for Kelly Thompson’s Hawkeye. Last issue, Kate had to make a huge decision: save Clint or resurrect her mother. This is all complicated by Madame Masque going around in her clone Kate form and Clint making one bad plan after another. If you’re interested in Hawkeye #15, I assume you read the previous issue, but, no surprise here, Kate chose to save Clint.
That being said, Hawkeye #15 picks up right where we left them—neither of them safe as they are surrounded by Madame Masque and her goonies (including super villains resurrected from the past like Lady Bullseye and Boomerang). The comic moves from present day to an hour ago to 3 minutes later to the present, and it does so beautifully. As this timeline progresses, Hawkeye #15 gives readers a story involving Kate and Clint staging their escape—making some both smart and not-so-smart moves.
The humorous banter between Clint and Kate never grows old. Their distinct personalities play off of each other really well, and, when Clint’s doubt starts to creep in, Kate reminds him that they can do anything because they’re Hawkeyes, duh! While Hawkeye #15 is primarily about their escape, there are other characters who have my interest peaked: What is Kate going to do with her evil dad/chauffer? And, what exactly is her relationship with Johnny? All of this character development helps to create the depth that I have loved from issue one of Thompson’s Hawkeye.
The art in Hawkeye #15 continues to impress. The clean, crisp linework and cool colors with pops of brightness work well with a semi-serious superhero story. Likewise, the panel variation is playful but also completely sophisticated and smart. There is one page with ten or more panels that really elevates the tension and chaotic state of the masquerade-party brawl. If you’re looking for a character-driven superhero story that is a pleasure to read both visually and textually, Hawkeye is for you.
Verdict: Buy it.
Each issue of this series surprises me in the best way, and Hawkeye #15 gifts us with archery puns and Clint telling Kate she curses too much. Enough said.
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