A Must Have for Hawkeye Fans
After being disappointed with issue #2, I'm happy to say that issue 3 is back on track. First off I must say that I thought this mini-series was actually going to be 5 one-shots, but there's actually an ongoing story going on here with this issue being the best so far. Don't expect huge battles or anything like that. We were told this series was going to be about how the Marvel Heroes deal with the death of Captain America, and that's what they're delivering... especially with this issue. It should also be noted that if you have the latest issue of New Avengers and haven't read it yet... you should really read this first, and then New Avengers.
This issues centers on the character of Clint Barton (Hawkeye). The issue ends up being as important to the character of Hawkeye, as it is about the death of Captain America. Foremost this issue is about emotions and dealing with death, and it does a great job of that even if the message is eventually said out loud and not very subtle. It's still done in a way that the character who ends up telling you what the message is suppose to be, wouldn't have any other course of action except to do so. Because of that it doesn't feel forced, but feels like it was something the character had to say before moving on.
When it comes to the artwork you could not ask for better. I can't believe how much I miss having John Romita Jr. on an ongoing title. For the most part we've had to settle for his mini series with Neil Gaiman in Eternals (a must read), and the upcoming World War Hulk mini series. I would totally love seeing him on New Avengers for multiple reasons.
If you were turned off by the first 2 issues of this mini, I would urge you to give #3 a try. Even though the story does carry over from issue to issue, they are still constructed in a way that you can enjoy them as a one shot.