Matt Fraction’s HAWKEYE - An Unlikely Masterpiece

In this video, Owen explains the history of Matt Fraction and David Aja's Hawkeye comic book series, how the duo reimagined the iconic Marvel hero and created one of the best superhero comics in recent memory.
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Special thanks to @MakeStuffStudios for providing additional voiceover.
▶ Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:46 - A Broken Arrow
6:46 - My Life as a Weapon
11:20 - Conclusion
14:54 - Outro
▶ Music Used:
Music from freetousemusic.com
‘Home’ by ‘Lukrembo’
soundcloud.com/lukrembo/home
‘Night’ by ‘Lukrembo’
/ night
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/ sugiwa-memories
#Hawkeye #Marvel #MCU

[@OwenLikesComics]

▶ If you enjoyed this video, consider supporting Owen Likes Comics on Patreon, bro: www.patreon.com/owenlikescomics

[@owensreviews625]

When I first heard that Marvel was doing a Hawkeye series for Disney+, one of my first thoughts were “I hope they take inspiration from the Matt Fraction run for this.” And I’m so happy they did.

[@FearMonarch]

I mean it’s not out yet and I wouldn’t hold my breath Disney adapting anything feels like a no calorie zero alcohol beer of the source material

[@quadeevans6484]

@@FearMonarch what's your take on the series so far?

[@FearMonarch]

@@quadeevans6484 sadly, not impressed I’ll stick with the book, hopefully when they put out another Omni reprint I can afford again haha

[@ggt47]

The comic was waaaay better.

[@jonathansoko1085]

Hipster spotted.

[@MattDraper]

Bro bro bro, futzing great video, bro

[@OwenLikesComics]

Bro, seriously thank you so much, bro.

[@FuMbL35]

This comic saved my life, and I don’t say this lightly. Clint’s battles against depression, Kate’s battle with impostor syndrome, the human struggles thus man fights when he’s away from the avengers, when the purple tights are off. It helped me know that I could do it too. It’s almost been a decade since the first issue dropped and I thank whatever powers may be that I was recommended it on a podcast, and took a chance getting back into comics after a few years out of the hobby. Thank you Matt, thank you David Aja, thank you Matt Hollingsworth, and Annie Wu and anyone who worked on this damn comic. And everyone of my friends who got me out of bed when I simply didn’t want to. I’m glad we finally got an OLC video about this, because it’s a comic I recommend everyone read. I needed to buy a new copy of the reprint because my original copies have been opened too many times by now.

[@looniemoonie5955]

Hey I'm glad it could help you! It's so nice that comic books have such a positive impact on someone's life. I hope you're doing better now!

[@alfomar]

David Ajá is the main reason why that comic is successful, but people keep referring to it as "Matt Fraction's Hawkeye". Not a bad story, but without Ajá's art, it would any given comic.

[@talldaveh]

That might be putting too fine a point on it. While I 100% agree that Aja doesn't get enough credit, and MAY even deserve more credit in some respects than Fraction, the writing is still quite good. At least a 60/40 credit split in Aja's favor.

[@FormalFilmsProductions]

Facts

[@looniemoonie5955]

Well it's 50/50. Story is as important as the art. Art is very strong and impactful, very distinct, no one argues with that, but would it be that enjoyable if somebody else written that? I don't think so. Zdarsky and Fraction are two guys who can make heroes almost no one cares about (Howard the Duck and Hawkeye) very enjoyable and loveable.

[@sergioruiz733]

I always have been a Marvel cosmic guy and not into street level superheroes, but I remember the cover grabbing me when I saw the first trade and this run is just fantastic. Its like getting a breather and a more smaller lens of a character, someone truly imperfect, struggling and doing right , engaging in the mundane and familiar to us in some sense as the reader while still impacting his community and becoming an unsung hero.

[@peronafanman]

You've never been into street heroes? Even Spidey?

[@sergioruiz733]

@@peronafanman No not really, its not that I find them bad characters, I just always have been a cosmic, space fantasy, space western, etc kinda guy. Like I understand why Spider-man and Daredevil etc are awesome characters, hell I am willing to admit Daredevil is probably one of the best written Marvel characters ever, its just not for me. I really like cosmic entities, empires, exploring themes of existential dread, political intrigue and honestly just taking human characters like Richard Rider, Wendell Vaughn etc and seeing someone make something of themselves with nothing back on Earth for them to go back to, exploring the universe, making new friends of various species and having a motley ragtag of beings that are a family like Guardians, its always interested me. Its why I love Green Lantern, I just love the various characters and threats and lore, the trials and tribulations of such characters in regards to events of massive destruction and how they cope with it. I dunno its always grabbed me more then street level stuff. Saying that though I always play the new Spidey games.

[@peronafanman]

@@sergioruiz733 That's a good explanation. I've always preferred street guys because for me they're struggles and their motivations are easy to relate to. Spiderman has to deal with being a responsible adult and balancing his superhero life and his real life. Daredevil has deal with being blind. Luke Cage and Jessica Jones have to deal with being parents and raising a kid together and so on and so on. Plus their stories aren't as convoluted as the stories of Cosmic level heroes are to me.

[@sergioruiz733]

@@peronafanman I think with Street Level Superheros you get quite a bit more well written character arcs and smaller plots which I think are more easier to weave and be impactful to the reader. However I really like how cosmic stories, when well written deal with character arcs and internal conflict in interesting ways that allow the characters to deal with past trauma or obstacles that aren't via dreams or just internal dialogue. Yeah depending on what you follow and certain writers they can get convoluted, however I feel like that happens in superhero comics in general, its almost like a sideffect of the genre depending on the writer. Plus characters like Kyle Rayner, Hal Jordan, Richard Rider I think have relatable issues, its just they are cosmic heroes.

[@outpostalpha]

I'm excited that the Disney+ series looks like it's taking so much inspiration from this comic run. Truly one of Marvel's best books of the past couple decades.

[@user-yg6ki7ou2y]

Did you like it ?

[@outpostalpha]

Yes, thought it was really fun!

[@mauthful]

Just re-read the Elektra series with Mike Del Mundo's amazing art, prompted by him sharing a page from it on IG. Guess it's time to re-read the Hawkeye series now. Always nice to get reminders of some of the great comic runs Marvel has had over the years.

[@ashleytuchin7693]

My local comic book shop has this in trade and I've had my eye on it for over a year. It might be time to finally grab it. As someone who does archery, some of the art I've seen is really appealing.

[@maxordman4100]

Fraction and Aja did an excellent job and this story is absolutely nothing short of fabulous! It’s edgy, sharp, and totally pulls you in! Great review on the Hawkeye Series ! Your channel is one of my favorite comic book recap sources!

[@alejandrogonzalez9840]

For me Hawkeye became one of my favorite characters in Age of Ultron and then in Endgame he definitely became one of my top favorite characters and hearing that he’s getting his own Disney+ series and it’s gonna be heavily inspired by Matt Fraction’s run…. uhh yeah I’m definitely excited for this one

[@mayotango1317]

And you read any Hawkeye before Avengers diassembled.

[@alejandrogonzalez9840]

@@mayotango1317 no I haven’t just the Fraction run but if u know any I’m all ears

[@mayotango1317]

@@alejandrogonzalez9840 Read the Kurt Busiek Avengers era or the Thunderbolts vol 1. Or West Coat Avengers vol. 1

[@alejandrogonzalez9840]

@@mayotango1317 oh cool I like Kurt Busiek he did Superman Secret Identify I love tht book thanks man

[@colmcreamer]

You've yet again produced another video that makes me want to re-read a series! Great Vid!

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thanks so much, Colm!

[@Pepsi_Man_Max]

So hyped for the Hawkeye show, hopefully it'll show so many more people how incredible this comic series was

[@joshheralal8758]

This is the run that made me truly like Hawkeye. Great video!

[@justinriley]

I absolutely adore this comic! I hope the Disney+ show does it justice.

[@DarkKnightofAnime]

Honestly I’m a little more concerned after seeing this cause unless Feige really taps into the tone of the universe he’s not a fan of (Netflix’s Marvel) it might be underwhelming, the only other way I can see it working is if he really does tap deep into Kate and Clint’s relationship or go full out with Vincent D’inofrio’s Kingpin

[@Ellohir]

Great video, they really did a great work taking Immortal Iron Fist as a jumping point and expanding their ideas and style into an even more striking visual style.

[@donerwurschtdieknackige6524]

I love this hawkeye series but I'm also a big fan of Rosenberg's Hawkeye Freefall

[@FuMbL35]

Freefall is fantastic!

[@looniemoonie5955]

It's really great, but too short. 5 issues isn't enough, it felt like it was cancelled mid-way.

[@DAGDRUM53]

There's another comics reviewer who released a video that's almost a mirror image of this, Owen, AFTER you did posted yours. I won't name names. Good work, O.

[@rodneymarsden3003]

Hawkeye kind of makes sense with his trick arrows but only just. I do find some writers and artists not quite getting how a person's arms might be built up through practice, practice, practice with a bow. Could Clint take on three or four brawlers in a pub with just his fists and the combat training received from Captain America? I would say yes. Some artist/writer team, to my disappointment, said no.

[@carstenlizardschulz3128]

Couldn't agree more! Alongside the Immortal Iron Fist, this is by far one of the best Marvel runs ever!

[@themangoman9315]

The art style reminds me of Batman year one

[@TevyaSmolka]

matt fraction hawkeye was really good

[@duncan2by4]

What I love most, is that in the current Black Widow book he still has the earring aids. I like when details like that are not forgotten.

[@bassgod47]

Hands down, one of the best books I own. I put Fraction and Aja's Hawkeye above most books I own for its humor and accessibility to readers of all walks. I managed to snag the deluxe HC a few years back and look forwad to passing them on to my kids one day. Such a perfect, perfect book.

[@dafullclip]

@ 2:38 That guy even *looks* like a masterful comic book creator. Hell, *all* comic book creators should look like this guy!

[@giovandreoli]

Great video! Love how much this comic does with the medium and the street level feel!

[@superkid801]

Great video. I’m working to get the rest of the collection. I really want to read both Hawkeye and Iron Fist.

[@brendynb2367]

Hey bro, I was excited for this bro but you really blew it out of the water. Great vid as always bro

[@OwenLikesComics]

Bro. Thanks so much, bro!

[@hikaruchan16]

So happy to see a video about this series on your channel! Absolutely one of my favorite series that I’ve read. It’s fun and funny and also surprisingly heartfelt! Also Lucky is the goodest boi ❤️ If the D+ series has even an IOTA of the heart and humor and essence of Fraction & Aja’s masterpiece, it should be a whole lot of fun…fingers crossed! 😊🤞🏽 Thanks again, good sir, for another fantastic video ⭐️

[@marksousa8595]

Thank you so much for this.

[@dimitreze]

amazing comic book

[@rolandoalvarado2979]

Like the american sign language in the comic. Interesting if the mcu clint does head to that. We has the audience need to learn sign language for experience the new chapter of Hawkeye

[@zombiekilldemon]

The next run right after this is good and so is the Kelly Thomas run

[@alexlennen]

Another banger as usual Owen

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thank you, Alex!

[@ReaperXC]

Pronounced “a-ha” according to the artist them self. It was a good run. The character was completely different. He hadnt been himself since after he was in the Thubderbolts. That was the Last time Barton was Barton.

[@Mayhem.jester]

Truly beautiful series

[@arthurarthur6813]

Great video, great comic. Brings back memories

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thank you so much, Arthur!

[@TheNickcone]

One of my favorite Marvel Characters, I love the Archer archetype (Green Arrow too). Clint works really well as the audiences perspective character. This run was fun and had wonderful art by David Aja (His Daredevil work is great too!), although I went back and forth about how I felt with Clints characterization. He was always hot headed and stubborn, but Fractions run has him as a kinda mopey man child and it doesn't always work for me. Bluntly he's kinda a big lover in this run and his attitude seemed off. This run can also get a little too much slice of life, but I did like Kate's characterization and I had thought her a crappy character before. The humor is well executed and I laughed out loud a few times. Some more arcs for Hawkeye to check out are the Hawkeye mini from 1984 and Engleharts West Coast Avengers where Clint comes into his own as a team leader. I miss his marriage to Mockingbird it was a great pairing. But I enjoyed the run nonetheless. If anyone wants a grounded street level Archer comic the best is Mike Grells Green Arrow and Longbow Hunters both have great art and the story is very engrossing. Honestly this run is just marvels version of Grell's Green Arrow imo. Great video!

[@bZman]

One of my favorite books, right up there with the post annihilation Guardians of the Galaxy

[@EnricTeller]

Fantastic!! I’ll pick up the issues.

[@mobyt.3900]

another great video, you never disappoint! I've loved "Hot-Guy" since the 70s, back when he was kind of a jerk. he's grown more than any Marvel hero I can think of, including Tony Stark and Bruce Banner. thanks for this!

[@grey2836]

I read it and Kate bishop quickly became my favourite marvel character and now reading the new west coast avengers with both Hawkeyes

[@michaelvilli09]

this video is about to blow

[@mattdawzonyosores6005]

Great video especially people like me that aren’t too familiar will definitely give it a read.

[@LucasDarkGiygas]

Love your videos.

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thanks so much, Lucas!

[@2jebeal]

Once again I'm a big fan of your channel I was wondering as a request can you review Batman mask of the Phantasm

[@OwenLikesComics]

Good idea, I'll definitely consider it!

[@lukazo8438]

Most underrated youtuber

[@jackrucinsky6205]

Hawkeye is such a cool character.

[@MaxAndCheese0917]

Just picked up the omnibus for this, going to start it soon!(im gonna finish ostranders suicide squad first)

[@wordyballoons]

I remember when I first heard of the praise this comic was getting, I was worried my expectations wouldn't be met. Man oh man was I wrong. This might actually be one of the best, most creatively designed superhero comics of this century, right up there with Tom King's Mr Miracle.

[@buddacon1]

Great Viedo as always

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thank you so much!

[@PirateKingBoros]

Here’s hoping that the Hawkeye show is amazing.

[@OwenLikesComics]

Fingers crossed!

[@comicsatlas7938]

Amazing!!!

[@OwenLikesComics]

Thank you so much!

[@piercetravels743]

You should definately cover spiderman blue, I love your videos

[@OwenLikesComics]

I'd love to, but I'm not massively keen on covering any Loeb books right now.

[@jmace2424]

Hawkeye: the poor man’s Green Arrow.

[@anai.7889]

Good video

[@stabbityjoe7588]

Every time you mentioned the name Fraction I kept thinking it was a marvel character

[@National7575]

I loved the comic but my experience was ruined because I kept wondering how might they adapt this moment or this moment so on so fourth

[@rzerox21xx]

I would like to see you handle Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber the Superior Foes of Spider-man. What you think?

[@zemox2534]

Honestly one of the few flaws with this series is the fact that Clint doesn't wear his classic costume. I do not care what anyone says that costume is cool

[@SuperSilver316]

Well maybe it’s be but I thought this was largely an okay series, but the Aja art is very strong that’s for sure.

[@HarbingerOfMorningWood]

To think that Comicsgate KZbinrs shat on this comic,,, even tho it’s fucking amazing

[@-Teague-]

i've been meaning to read this seriously for forever but now it's gonna be super basic since the show is based on it lolll at least that means stores stocking the GN hopefully

[@ericpeterson8732]

Hawkeye is NOT overlooked, Owen. You name me a Character who despite NOT having his own book has lead 4 Superhero teams, had 4 miniseries and was the main character in the Solo Avengers/Avengers Spotlight series!!! Only Spider-Man is more well known. And Faction's take was inspired by the previous Hawkeye mini-series where his meddling gets him involved with a rare religious icon. It was a weird story, but it established his habit of getting involved, his rapport with regular people and his ability to adapt to weird situations.

[@ericpeterson8732]

That's not to take away from Fraction and Aja. I own every issue of this series until they left.

[@WhiskeyDJones]

Me: Hawkeye is my favourite Avenger. Everyone else: why? He's just a normal person. He doesn't even have any powers! Me: Exactly.

[@OwenLikesComics]

That reminds me of his speech to Wanda in Age of Ultron. Hawkeye rules.

[@WhiskeyDJones]

@@OwenLikesComics Haha it's true though! Never understood how people have used that as an argument against Hawkeye, when it actually works in his favour. He's not just a guy with a bow, he's also a quick thinker, master martial artist, and strategist. Because of this, in the MCU we've seen him take down or incapacitate Black Widow (master assassin), Scarlet Witch (arguably most powerful in Marvel), Vision (unbelievably powerful), Iron Man (needs no introduction), Loki (literal God) and stalemate Black Panther (a super human with razor claws and impenetrable armour). Not bad for a regular human. And they're just the ones off the top of my head! But basically, Hawkeye is the sh*t. He's James Bond with a bow, if he got called up to a superhero team lol

[@Noms_Chompsky]

The one dislike is from tired old bitter Oliver Queen who didn't get to be in the Justice League movie

[@buttox]

Futzing hawkguy

[@FearMonarch]

Damn it’s pretty uncanny that you and comictropes dropped a video about this like a week apart at most

[@OwenLikesComics]

Great minds think alike.

[@aurahoneydew9607]

This run really always reminded me of the Jeph Loeb Batman trilogy especially *Batman: The Dark Victory* unfortunately like all good MARVEL books runs it highlights Disney's inability to truly use the characters either to the fullest settling for Michael Bay TMNT standards in their little MCU(Marvel Cinematic Universe) project.

[@aurahoneydew9607]

I challenge! Isn't every guy(that includes thee ladies) in the MARVEL universe a everyman to an extent. Pretty sure that Spider-Man's flavor.

[@JMSK248]

Okay... This looks bad. (not the video though, the video is good.)

[@jonathansoko1085]

You call it a masterpiece and i call it the utter destruction of hawkeye and his counterparts. Funny how perception works eh.

[@luismedrano6680]

Ur right and thankfully, detractors of this series are minimal and hardly heard of in comics echo chambers lol

[@Aggrofool]

Personally I really hated the portrayal of Clint as a total loser whose entire personal life is a self-inflicted mess. So I'm glad that MCU used the well-adjusted Renner version.

[@bigboy2281]

Are you guys ready for the mcu haters to come to the comments to say WeLl tHe hAwKeYe wOnT bE aS gOoD aS tHiS (which is probably true but doesn’t mean it will be bad) even tho they most likely never read the comic in the first place

[@seth9655]

The art style of this comic was terrible

[@bassgod47]

I aggressively disagree, but respect that not all art is enjoyed by all.

[@theyef3479]

Terribly good yes