Occupy Avengers #1 Review

Marvel Comics has placed Hawkeye in possibly the most vulnerable position he’s ever been, having just killed Hulk and having been cleared of all charges in court. Though Hulk asked him to do it, he’s still feeling guilty and conflicted feelings, so in an attempt to feel better — he’s going around helping people in need. This issue deals with a community with poisoned water (which sounds very similar to the Flint situation). Is it good?

Occupy Avengers #1 (Marvel Comics)

So what’s it about? Read the preview to find out!

Why does this book matter?

This isn’t the first time Hawkeye has been feeling a little less than heroic, having served as a villain back in the old days. Now he’s on a mission to make things right which could pay dividends in the character development department.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Day in the life.

Writer David F. Walker establishes Hawkeye’s purpose and placement in Santa Rosa, New Mexico very quickly right out of the gate. He also captures an interesting element of being a hero without a mask and having to deal with fans — that’s right, fans who are very happy the Hulk is dead. That’s an intriguing concept and Walker deftly shows Hawkeye deal with the situation. The story then moves on to a nearby reservation, which brings Red Wolf into the story.

When the action runs hot, Hawkeye leaps in and Walker does well to remind us why he uses a bow and arrow. Through captions Walker establishes how the bow and arrow have an elegance to them. In this same action sequence Walker establishes how a water crisis is a battle that’s more difficult than fighting someone like Thanos and he makes a strong case for this argument.

Artist Carlos Pacheco, along with inker Rafael Fonteriz and colorist Sonia Oback, keeps the opening pages moving with good use of panels structure to relate the story and keep the dialogue-heavy moments interesting. Really the entire book flows nicely due to strong layouts and good breakdowns of the action at hand.

It can’t be perfect can it?

The art feels a bit too basic for its own good at times however, which only makes the story feel mundane. That story is still to unravel, though there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of surprises in store just yet; issue #1 deals with a crack team of baddies for Red Wolf and Hawkeye to take on, which is a good introduction — but straightforward as it gets. Unfortunately, there’s just not a lot to wow the reader in this issue, and while it establishes the stakes and characters in play, doesn’t do enough to make you want to fully commit. The fact that a very random villain pops up will peak interest, but much like the premise of this book, it’s still random at this point.

Is that a superhero diet?

Is It Good?

Hawkeye was always a hero who did right for the little guy and the story established here suits the character. This is a setup issue for sure, and it does that well; just don’t expect to be wowed just yet.