The Good
It's only 5 issues in and I've come to expect a lot from Matt Fraction's HAWKEYE. The book is overflowing with charm, successfully making your face hurt from smiling too much. As usual, the writing is exceptionally sharp and it's always a nice touch when dialogue flows organically from scene to scene. This issue probably won't bring as many laughs as the previous ones, but it makes up for that with energetic action sequences and a fairly interesting conclusion.I might not like his facial work, but Javier Pulido delivers a very unique style that oozes a retro vibe. Matt Hollingsworth is an ideal fit for colors, making each panel incredibly lively and vibrant. There's a few really, really cool panels laid out in a very creative manner. That's something David Aja commonly did and it was nice to see the art change hasn't given the book has drastically different feel.
Be sure to annoy Tony this week about the sound effects for "Best Stuff in Comics!" KGLASSSSSS for a shattering window and FOOTOOMP for kicking down a door was hysterical and yet another example of how this book is a hefty overdose of fun. The action sequence that followed was equally joyous.
Additionally, it was a very appreciated change of pace when Kate was finally the one in need of saving. She's been consistently saving Clint's rear and I was afraid this would be a repetitive theme.
The Bad
What's up with randomly covering characters in total darkness? It's so awkward, especially when Kingpin is detailed in one panel, then the very next his skin is completely black and has no details whatsoever. This happens fairly frequently, too. Pulido's faces are tough to stomach sometimes as well. The eyes can occasionally appear way too prominent for my taste and a fair amount of the time Clint looks like an exceedingly grumpy old dude.While it was hilariously awesome, would Clint really opt to leap out a skyscraper window instead of find a means to fight the ninjas in the room? I get he's at a huge disadvantage, but one is a blatantly obvious suicide... the other is a massive uphill struggle. I know he's not exactly showcasing the best degree of skill here, but he should still have the talent required to make it through that scenario. Speaking of his skill, he had no gripe lunging into a group of trained enemies here, yet previously he tends to get overwhelmed by generic street goons. It's a minor inconsistency that bugs me.