Hawkeye #2
Published and © by Marvel, October 1983
Title: “Point Blank!”
Synopsis: Hawkeye teams with Mockingbird to strike back at Cross Technological Enterprises, and soon finds himself a target of the Silencer.
Writer: Mark Gruenwald
Artist (pencils): Gruenwald
Artist (embellishments): Brett Breeding
Review: This miniseries wants to be good. But, on all counts, it keeps falling a little short. The art seems inspired by Frank Miller’s then-recently concluded run on Daredevil. But where Miller’s page layouts were dynamic, Mark Gruenwald’s designs fall flat. Similarly, Miller’s figure work rippled with kinetic energy; Gruenwald’s anatomical renderings just seem a bit off. The story has similar issues. The banter between Hawkeye and Mockingbird is meant to be sassy with a hint of sexual tension. But, again, flat is best way to describe it. To be successful, this Hawkeye miniseries will need to sharpen its aim.
Grade: B-
Second opinion: “3 out of 4 stars.” – Kurt Anthony Krug, Comics Buyer’s Guide #1654, June 2009
Cool factor: There’s a hint of cool here …
Not-so-cool factor: … but the creative team hasn’t unlocked it yet.
Notable: First and, at the time of the writing of this review, only appearance of The Silencer.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 75¢ Canadian variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “How about if I mend your costume for starters.” – Mockingbird, because, apparently, that’s what a S.H.I.E.L.D.-trained secret agent is expected to bring to the mix
Editor’s note: This review was written Nov. 13, 2021.
