Since its first appearance in Tales of Suspense # 57 in 1964, Hawkeye is one of the most popular characters in the entire Marvel Universe. From his athletic prowess in archery to his numerous roles in major and status quo events, Clint Barton has been on readers’ minds for decades.
Although the eternal Avenger is much loved and better known today than he has ever been (thanks to his inclusion in the MCU and the recent television series by Hawkeye ), there are still parts of his story that fans may have forgotten.
10 he faced Iron Man in his first appearance
Although Iron Man was the first to inspire Hawkeye to become a hero, following a case of mistaken identity while foiling a robbery, Hawkeye ended up fighting his idol after he himself was mistaken for a criminal. . What followed was a grueling battle against man and machine, the final victor of which was left open to debate.
Hawkeye: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Kate Bishop In The Comics
Falcon and the Winter Soldier: 10 things you didn’t know about Torres in the comics
This first battle established Hawkeye as a force to be reckoned with, and readers asked for more. Soon after, Hawkeye’s relationship with Black Widow was introduced, which became a defining relationship for both characters for years.
9 He has an arsenal of stunt arrows that would put Green Arrow to shame
Like DC’s Emerald Archer, Hawkeye has a bag of tricks to help him take on his most powerful foes. Enemies that would otherwise strike out at him and his standard arrows are knocked down by custom-made arrowheads, helping him gain an advantage in any battle.
From his first appearance, Hawkeye has been seen developing these tools, and it is a tricked arrow that is invaluable during his first battle with Iron Man. This shows that Clint is a master archer and a genius at developing new forms. to fight injustice. He has a weapon for any scenario.
8 led the West Coast Avengers to victory for years
Founded by Hawkeye, the Californian branch of Marvel’s ultimate super-team was an incredibly popular title from issue one. From number 1 of Avengers of the West Coast In 1984, Hawkeye fought alongside his then wife Mockingbird, as well as Tigra, Iron Man and Wonder Man. Other characters were rotating during a series that continues to this day.
The focus on Hawkeye and his peers did wonders in reinforcing his appeal to readers. He also helped develop the characters in the future. For many, this is one of the defining titles in the history of Hawkeye that shows just how great he could be as the protagonist of a title.
7 He was an orphan who was raised and trained in a circus by villains
After Clint and his brother were orphaned at a young age, they were taken in by Carson’s Carnival of Traveling Wonders. There they trained in the acrobatic arts and, finally, in archery. Clint amazed his coaches early on by displaying his natural talent with the goal.
While the fair seemed idyllic at the time, Clint soon learned that his trainers were the villains Swordsman and Trickshot, whose mentorship weighed on his mind for the rest of his life.
6 He led the Thunderbolts, proving once again that he is a natural leader
Hoping to turn the reformed villain team into a force for justice, Hawkeye took on the role of leader and mentor to the Thunderbolts. Maybe it was a way of dealing with his own past as a student of villains, but he did his best to make sure the men and women of the Thunderbolts stayed on the right track.
Under the direction of Hawkeye, the title received a great deal of praise and success. Audiences celebrated how well he used the lesser-known Marvel characters and gave them nuance. Also, the dynamic between Hawkeye and the ancient villains he took under his wing was an interesting concept.
5 The weight of his bow means that he is very, very strong
Hawkeye is one of the strongest non-meta humans in the entire Marvel Universe. The weight of the Hawkeye bow is an incredible 250 pounds. Although not known for his strength, the amount of power required to draw a heavy bow is staggering, showing why it should never be underestimated.
Most impressive is the fact that the Green Arrow bow weighs between 103 and 125 pounds (most normal real life bows are around 40-80 pounds). Consequently, this officially makes Hawkeye the strongest archer in comic book history.
4 He has helped the Black Widow escape a living nightmare
In what was undoubtedly one of the most difficult decisions of their lives, Hawkeye and Bucky Barnes had to decide whether to let Black Widow continue to live a false but blissful existence created for her by her former enemies. In the recent incredible Black widow from Kelly Thompson and Elena Casagrande, Natasha Romanov is kidnapped and implanted with false memories that make her believe that she is happily married and the mother of a child.
Although the memories are false, the husband and child are not. And in a cruel twist of fate, the baby is actually her true biological child. The ever-faithful friend and ally, Hawkeye, watches over Natasha’s home as he debates whether or not to free her from the “prison” in which she has been put.
3 He became Goliath for a time after his bow broke in the middle of the fight
Although his passage through the enormous power was brief, it was an interesting development for the character. It also allowed readers to see what the hero was capable of without his trusty bow and arrows at his side. After his signature weapon malfunctions in the middle of battle, Clint takes the initiative to drink a vial of Pym’s growth serum and take matters into his own hands.
Returning to his identity as Hawkeye soon after, his time as Goliath was a fun departure from the character readers had come to know and love, proving that no matter what nickname Clint takes, he will always be a fan favorite.
2 killed the Hulk during the events of Civil War II
In what was possibly the most memorable moment of the highly divisive and controversial event Civil War II, Clint is responsible for the death of Bruce Banner. Predicted in a vision of the newly introduced Inhuman Ulysses, Banner is told that he will carry out a calamitous attack on Earth as the Hulk, a revelation that makes him beg Clint to make sure it never happens.
It was a harrowing task, and Clint was understandably shocked by the whole thing. Yet this shows that he can always be counted on to do the right thing for humanity, even if the personal consequences are dire.
1 Helped convince a real-life boy to wear his hearing aid
After the mother of a 4-year-old New Hampshire-born boy, Anthony Smith, contacted Marvel editor Bill Rosemann to tell him that her son refused to wear his hearing aid (because he had never seen his hearing aid). favorite heroes wearing one), Bill responded by sending him pictures of Hawkeye wearing his hearing aid. He also put several Marvel creators to work to develop a hero based on Anthony. Consequently, La Oreja Azul was born.
Created by Nelson Ribeiro and Manny Mederos, the Anthony-based hero offered the representation of disability within the young man’s favorite medium, also demonstrating how the power of comics can make everyone feel welcome.
