Best Hawkeye Comics (August 2025)

Transitioning from a villain to a hero, Hawkeye has embarked on some of Marvel’s most thrilling journeys. Fortunately, you don’t need super aim or any other special skills to identify the finest among them. Take it easy and let your worries fade away; we’ve already done the heavy lifting for you. Here are some top-notch Hawkeye comics you might want to check out.

Best Hawkeye comics as of 2025

If you’re only acquainted with Hawkeye from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, brace yourself for an exciting dive! Originally debuting as a villain in Tales of Suspense (1957), Clint Barton (Hawkeye) eventually joined forces with the Avengers as a hero in Avengers #16. We highly recommend delving into these groundbreaking issues to expand your understanding. Beyond these seminal moments, we’ve compiled a variety of captivating and indispensable reads for you to explore. Let’s jump right in!

Hawkeye Vol. 1 (1983)

In 1983, Hawkeye made his solo debut with the release of Hawkeye Vol. 1, a four-issue limited series authored and illustrated by Mark Gruenwald. For a character who had frequently switched between membership in the Avengers and guest roles, this was a significant milestone. This series allowed Clint Barton to take center stage, demonstrating his abilities beyond being overshadowed by gods, geniuses, or super soldiers. This run presented a street-level narrative that revealed Hawkeye’s ordinary personality and offered readers a closer look at the character.

In simpler terms, Volume 1 of Hawkeye comic series isn’t filled with many space battles, instead focusing on Clint balancing his personal life, relationships, and job as the head of security at Cross Technological Enterprises. This storyline also introduces Mockingbird (Bobbi Morse), who becomes both a long-term partner and love interest for Clint. The comic not only tells an engaging story but also lays the groundwork for many subsequent Hawkeye tales. Although it reflects its era, Hawkeye Volume 1 is essential reading to understand how Clint began establishing his unique identity beyond the Avengers. Reading this might even change your perception about who truly represents the heart of the Avengers, just as Iron Man or Captain America might initially seem. But let’s avoid picking favorites!

Hawkeye Vol. 4 (2012)

Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye series, known as Hawkeye Vol. 4 (2012-2015), comprises an engaging collection of 22 issues within Marvel Comics. This captivating series offers a fresh perspective on the character Clint Barton, delving into his personal life beyond the usual superhero limelight. The storyline is also marked by numerous appearances of Kate Bishop, which emphasize their unique partnership.

The narrative ranges from lighthearted moments such as a visit to the vet to more intense situations, like dealing with a landlord trying to evict all tenants (definitely a notorious type of antagonist). Yet, there are other formidable villains too, including the Tracksuit Mafia and an eerily unsettling clown. In essence, this series boasts an exciting blend of fun, humor, and compelling storylines that make it a delight to read.

The series garnered an abundance of praise from critics and numerous awards. Notably, Issue #11, often referred to as the “Pizza Dog” issue, clinched the Best Single Issue Eisner Award in 2014. Furthermore, the series was recognized as a nominee for Best Continuing Series in 2013. In that same year, Matt Fraction and artist David Aja received nominations for Best Writer and Best Penciler/Inker respectively, with Aja ultimately winning awards for Best Cover Artist. Without question, these accolades confirm the exceptional quality of this series.

All-New Hawkeye (2015)

2015 saw the launch of All-New Hawkeye, a series that followed closely in the footsteps of Matt Fraction and David Aja’s highly celebrated run, so naturally, excitement was running high. However, Jeff Lemire and Eisner award-winning artist Ramón Pérez didn’t just aim to continue the legacy; they aimed to create their unique take on the character. While it might not be everyone’s top choice, All-New Hawkeye is definitely among our favorites, making it a must-read. And although it may not reach the legendary status of Fraction’s run, All-New Hawkeye should still be acknowledged for its distinct and commendable efforts.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: The blend of visual artistry and storytelling is what makes this comic book stand out for me. In Hawkeye: Kate Bishop #1 by Lemire, the focus is on poignant themes like family, memory, and legacy, which he skillfully tackles in a way that’s both beautiful and heart-wrenching. The artwork has a dreamlike quality, with a unique shifting style that adds depth to the narrative. Pérez’s use of watercolor for flashbacks, especially during Clint and Barney Barton’s tough orphanage days, creates a vivid and memorable atmosphere. This visual juxtaposition makes it easy to empathize with Clint not only as an Avenger but as a child still grappling with the weight of his past. Furthermore, the present timeline sees S.H.I.E.L.D. sending Clint and his protege Kate Bishop on a mission to save powerful mutant children from Hydra’s grasp, adding another layer of complexity to this already compelling tale.

Avengers: Disassembled (2004)

As a dedicated moviegoer who’s no stranger to superhero sagas, let me tell you about one that truly stood out among the Avengers classics – “Avengers: Disassembled” (Avengers #500-503), published in 2004. This epic tale, masterfully crafted by Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch, is undeniably a turning point in the grand tapestry of the Avengers’ escapades.

What sets this arc apart is its profound impact on the Marvel Universe. It marked the end of an iconic era for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. The narrative unfolds as a gripping, multi-layered mystery, where our beloved heroes find themselves under siege from within, grappling with a series of catastrophic events that seem to have been orchestrated by a force they initially can’t comprehend.

From an alien invasion to an out-of-control She-Hulk and many more, the story is riddled with turmoil. These calamities, however, lead to a heartbreaking conclusion – the dissolution of the Avengers as we knew them. This arc is not just a great read, but a significant chapter in the Marvel Universe’s history that echoes to this day.

However, since our story is among Hawkeye’s top picks, we can’t ignore its strengths, particularly Clint Barton’s character development. Unlike most of his colleagues, he lacks supernatural abilities, flashy armor, enchanted items, or genetic enhancements to protect him. He’s simply a man who excels with a bow and has determination as an added bonus. In the heat of the attack, Clint demonstrates heroism by making the ultimate sacrifice to save the day.

Generations: Hawkeye & Hawkeye (2017)

Marvel’s 2017 One-Shot Comic – Hawkeye & Hawkeye

This comic, penned by Kelly Thompson and beautifully illustrated by Stefano Raffaele, was published in 2017. Raffaele’s work is truly remarkable, and the coloring by Digikore Studios adds a vibrant touch that brings the story and visuals to life. The combination of Thompson’s exceptional writing and Raffaele’s art makes this issue stand out as one of the most engaging Hawkeye reads you might come across. We promise you won’t be disappointed!

Regarding the narrative, the action begins when Kate Bishop finds herself on a puzzling island with a time-bending nature. On this island, she encounters a younger version of Clint Barton. This island hosts a dangerous tournament featuring the world’s top archers, including some of Hawkeye’s most formidable adversaries. Together, Kate and young Clint must navigate these deadly challenges and uncover the identity behind the orchestration of this lethal contest.

How we chose the best Hawkeye comics

We selected top-notch Hawkeye comics by harmonizing compelling narratives, captivating illustrations, and crucial character developments significant to Clint Barton’s narrative arc. Our preference is for tales that showcase his wit, emotion, and blend of relatability and extraordinary abilities that make him so endearing. These lists typically cater to both newcomers to the character as well as veterans seeking hidden gems or revisiting old favorites. Therefore, we strive to include stories that are valuable for all readers – whether you’re a novice or an established fan.

2025-08-19 00:37