Hawkeye Comics To Read Before Watching 'Hawkeye' On Disney+
Marvel's Hawkeye is coming to Disney+ November 24, adding to the slew of Marvel series we've got this year and the ones yet to come. The majority of these shows are based on specific story arcs. For comic book readers, maybe it's an arc you've read before. For non-comic readers, they are there to be experienced for the first time. In Hawkeye's case, the series is based on one of the best comic books in recent memory.
Matt Fraction's Hawkeye is widely considered one of the best Marvel comics and having just finished it, I'd have to agree. This series and the following list are some recommended Hawkeye comics you should read before watching Hawkeye on Disney+. It's fun homework that will bring more appreciation to the character and more than a few eye rolls.
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Since Marvel's Hawkeye features both Hawkeyes, Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) and Kate Bishop, played by Hailee Steinfield, each of the comics listed below will feature one or the other, if not both. Since 2005, Kate Bishop has become a fan favorite, and now she is about to be exposed to a much wider audience. Fraction's series is excellent, but there's so much more to enjoy. So let's get to the list!
Astonishing Ant-Man #6
Written by Nick Spencer with Annapaola Martello and Jordan Boyd, Astonishing Ant-Man #6 explores the relationship between Kate Bishop and her friend Cassie Lang (aka Stinger). The two are expected to meet in the MCU soon, so this issue serves as a primer.
West Coast Avengers (2018)
The West Coast Avengers have a long history in the Marvel Universe. One of their founding members was Clint Barton. Kate Bishop is now a member of the most recent iteration of the WCA. West Coast Avengers (2018) was written by Kelly Thompson, a name that will appear again later on this list, so get used to it.
All-New Hawkeye (2015)
Jeff Lemire, another A-list writer, wrote this gem. All-New Hawkeye is great because it explores the relationship between Clint and Kate like no other Hawkeye comic has before. As the two attempt to rescue children who are being used as weapons, Clint and Kate experience a strained relationship. Considering how close they are typically portrayed, this angle was pretty striking.
All-New Hawkeye (2016)
This one was also written by Lemire and further explored Bishop's background. This series is important because, during a flashback, it tells the story of how Kate first sees Clint and becomes inspired by her future mentor.
Young Avengers (2005)
Created by Allan Heinberg, Jim Cheung, John Dell, and Justin Ponsor, Young Avengers (2005) is the first appearance of Kate Bishop, appearing in the very first issue. In this series, Iron Lad, Hulkling, Wiccan, and Patriot team up to fight some bad guys. Wiccan was in WandaVision, albeit a much younger version.
Young Avengers (2013)
This series featured the second iteration of the Young Avengers and was written by Kieron Gillan. This series further developed two significant relationships in Kate's life; a new love interest in Noh-Varr (Marvel Boy) and America Chavez (Ms. America). The friendship between Kate and America Chavez was very popular with fans.
Young Avengers Presents: Hawkeye
Specifically, Young Avengers #6, which focused on Kate Bishop. Each issue in the series focused on a different member of the Young Avengers. In this issue, Kate finally meets Clint Barton, and the two begin one of the best mentor/student relationships in comics.
Generations: Hawkeye & Hawkeye
Also written by the incredibly talented Kelly Thompson, Generations: Hawkeye & Hawkeye sees a young Kate Bishop travel back in time to meet Clint Barton, who at the time does not know who she is and is confused by meeting another Hawkeye. The two wind up teaming up and taking on a bunch of classic Marvel villains.
Hawkeye (2016)
Hawkeye (2016), again written by Kelly Thompson, is the first Hawkeye series featuring Kate Bishop in her own series. This series is enjoyable as it showcases Thompson's talent for witty one-liners while also delving into Kate's own personal struggles. What better way to deal with personal issues than with sarcasm, right? While Kate runs her own P.I. business, another P.I. shows up to show her the ropes. Hawkeye (2016) and the next one on the list are definite must-reads.
Hawkeye (2012)
There are lots of must-reads and best-of lists, and some deserve the praise, and some are head-scratchers. Matt Fraction's Hawkeye (2012) is undoubtedly one of the former and one of the best comics I've read as it's filled with beautifully crafted storytelling. The writing, layout, and art all contribute to how good Hawkeye (2012) is. It's the perfect storm of creativity. The series ran for 22 issues and can be found in one Hawkeye omnibus. Issue #6 is regarded as the best of the bunch because it focuses on Clint's dog, Lucky, who uses his sense of smell to tell the story, a challenging perspective for any writer but Fraction succeeds brilliantly. Judging by the recently released teaser on Disney+, this book was a massive reference. Moon Knight is mentioned too, and that series is coming to Disney + in 2022. Happy reading!
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