Top 10 Greatest Avengers Of All Time

5. Hawkeye (Clint Barton)

If we were ranking on pure heart alone, it’s possible Hawkeye might shoot all the way to the top. Being an Avenger means the world to Clint Barton, and he’s proven it numerous times. As silly as it might seem to say this about a fictional character, you could feel the pride and joy he radiated when he was first chosen to head up a West Coast branch of the team, and even in more recent times, when the group has disassembled and been put back together on a semi-regular basis, Clint always seems to be around.

No one can question his dedication. Long ago, when he felt like fighting villains with a bow was no longer sufficient, he used Pym particles to take on the role of Goliath. We’ve also seen him as Ronin, doing battle with swords instead of arrows. Simply put, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to be a factor, and that alone makes him one of the greatest Avengers ever.

Yet Hawkeye has also contributed just as much thanks to his willingness to speak his mind. Clint isn’t always right, but he’s willing to give anyone an honest answer when asked (and often when he isn’t), and he’s been a necessary balance and moral center during times of uncertainty. Are there intangibles for super heroes the way there are for athletes? Because if there are, Hawkeye would rate highly in that category, another reason he deserves such a lofty spot.

Next: Small in stature, large in leadership