The new Marvel comic about Hawkeye is such a refreshing take on a superhero comic. The latest issue #12 is a great example: no superpowers and the main character only briefly appears in the whole story (right at the very end). The plot itself is very moving: Hawkeye's dead beat brother Barney down on his luck is the focus. We see some flashbacks to a very abusive childhood with an alcoholic father and two boys caught in the middle of many parental fights that no child should have to witness. Finally, when the tragic death of their parents occurs, we don't get the same reaction that occurred for someone like Bruce Wayne (who really took it hard). Instead, Clint (later to become Hawkeye as an adult), upon being told by a police officer that his parents died in a car accident simply responds, "Good." Wow... that's a child who had a bad childhood!
I have to now mention that this was my first issue of Hawkeye that I picked up, so I really have to hand it to writer Matt Fraction for allowing a non-fan to get immersed in a story so easily. Good solid writing.
Francesco Francavilla's art is wonderfully gritty and raw. I appreciate the hard contrast and expression of line he gives to the panels. Reminds me of a Now Comics "Green Hornet" style, in a way.
