Writer: Matthew Rosenberg
Artist: Otto Schmidt
Letterer: VC’s Joe Sabino
Release Date: May 20th, 2020
Price: $3.99
The Hood has been on Hawkeye’s bad side for far too long, and Clint is all out of options. Resorting to be a thorn in The Hood’s side, it seems Clint has made a deal with the devil. But was it enough or was it all for nothing?
The long-awaited release of new comics is here! Unfortunately, this new comic leaves a bittersweet taste in your mouth, giving you a taste of new content, but ultimately falling flat on what it was hoping to be. Although I would like to blame the current worldly status on how this book didn’t meet my expectations, Matthew Rosenberg just didn’t have the right layout for this issue. In the previous issue, Rosenberg left readers on a cliffhanger that raised a few eyebrows. Bullseye had entered the game. In a series that has been commented on as being “silly” and “fun” bringing in Bullseye was a game-changer. Ending the series on a darker tone, bringing back history between Hawkeye and Bullseye could have made the entire series worth it.
Instead, Bullseye is not seen until page sixteen, three-fourths into the book. At this point, yes I’m reminded that he was a part of the story, but should I have really forgotten? What are bullseye’s motivations? Being an assassin? Yes, of course, we see plenty of that throughout the Marvel Universe. Where are his and The Hood’s interactions? In a comic, it is hard to decide what should be seen, and what should be told. It’s 100% understandable. Rosenberg just missed the mark here. Surprisingly, considering these two characters always boast about never missing.
The art was great, other than the odd weight loss around Kingpin’s midsection, and an oddly drawn Captain America, I really enjoyed Otto’s work this issue. Rosenberg’s consistency in showing Clint’s life outside of Hawkeye was nice but unfortunate with what he ultimately decided to do with Linda and Clint’s relationship, it didn’t bring much to the table for what was happening in the current issue. But understandably, it was the consequence of what had been going on through the series.
Rosenberg chose The Hood to be the top dog Hawkeye is after, but unfortunately uses a villain, that in most people’s eyes, would be seen as more popular, and in a completely different tier of villain comparatively. Issue four introduced Bullseye, now that’s all I can think about. Not making him front and center thereafter is a little bit of a waste. The impact of his reappearance in issue five doesn’t hit as hard because I wasn’t reminded of him, nor did I see him before. Bullseye’s last act on the final page is supposed to be a shock and awe page, but it just didn’t hit. Was it the writing? Or is it simply the fact that it has been over two months since we’ve had new content? And as previously asked, can we give creators a pass given our current global situation?
Weird Science Marvel Comics 