Hawkeye #9 review: A flaming cage match with Clem
By Alex Widen
The first rule of Fight Club is you don’t talk about Fight Club! Can Kate survive her cage match against Clem?
Hawkeye #9
Writer: Kelly Thompson
Artist: Leonardo Romero
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
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While most of the line may be in the midst of Secret Empire, not all of Marvel’s comics are. There are still plenty of runs doing their own thing and bringing about independent quality. Few series embody this quite like Hawkeye under Kelly Thompson, Leonardo Romero and Jordie Bellaire. It’s quickly become the superhero pulp mystery series you didn’t know you wanted. The sassiest archer in the world knee deep in her latest case and about to fight a real human torch in Clem!
Image by Marvel Comics
Kate has taken on her third case via Hawkeye Investigations, and it’s proven to be a whopper! As if fighting dragons or raging frat-bros wasn’t enough, this case intertwines into something personal. Anna Donnelly hired Kate to find her missing father Liam, at a time when Kate was just reunited with her own wayward father. While Liam was not a perfect angel, Derek Bishop has evolved into a corporate super villain with powers of his own, and an ally in mafia queen Madame Masque.
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The Root of His Anger Is Having a Name like Clem!
Kate tracked Liam down to an underground fighting arena. Yet rather than a mastermind, Liam is a prisoner of the organized crime cartel that runs it. Unfortunately, Hawkeye has become a prisoner of the cartel as well, and forced to fight in increasingly grueling battles with little recovery time. Her latest opponent is a man named Clem, who seems like he’s the cage fighting champion. Clem speaks softly, yet carries a big ax. Most of all, he can also set himself on fire without injury!
Image by Marvel Comics
While Kate is busy trying to solve the mystery physically, the rest of her cast are on the move. Detective Rivera shows up at Kate’s office, only to find her motley band of sidekicks there. For the first time, the entire supporting cast of Hawkeye meet! Ramone, Johnny, and Quinn are understandably wary of a fired up police detective. Fortunately, their mutual compassion for Kate despite her often volatile stream of wisecracks unite them all in seeing to Kate’s well-being.
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Consequently, while Rivera rallies the cavalry, Kate Bishop still has to survive her cage match against Clem. The grunts running the cage match give her twelve to one odds of victory, which adds fuel to her own fire! What Clem has in strength and firepower, Kate has in agility and resourcefulness. In addition, she also has her keen archer’s eyes, which spot her bag of arrows among the nasty crowd of spectators. The end result is an upset no one but readers saw coming!
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A Mystery and a Bold Proclamation!
Most of all, Kate’s biggest struggle isn’t against Clem, but her own past. Kate originally moved to the west coast to find her father, yet found more questions than answers. In addition, Madame Masque is manipulating her regarding an outstanding mystery about the fate of Kate’s mother. In reuniting Anna with her father, Kate relives her own broken past and memories regarding her own parents. These are memories Madame Masque has tactically sought to bring to the surface.
Image by Marvel Comics
As usual, Kelly Thompson constructs a simple yet effective and engaging chapter of her latest mystery. It’s no surprise that Kate Bishop defeats Clem and wins the cage match, the devil is in the details. Most importantly, the detail is in Thompson’s exceptional voice for the character. Her dialogue for the rest of the cast is great. But by now, fans of the series likely are following for the latest sassy put down or biting narrative nickname that Kate gives to one of her adversaries!
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Clem naturally proves to be a solid foil for Kate, bringing out the best of her banter. Not even being knocked nearly unconscious can stop Kate’s steady stream of insults or amusing sense of humor. Overly confident without being arrogant, Kate is filling space in the “sassy hero department” which has often been abandoned by the web-slinger. In fact, let me make a bold declaration: with all of her narrative tools and boons, I think Thompson would be a great Amazing Spider-Man writer!
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Plus, Just Imagine Thompson’s Take on Mary Jane!
Her knowledge of the Marvel Universe has proven extensive. This arc utilizes all that is known about Kate Bishop’s past, while embellishing and adding elements which were otherwise blank. While Thompson eagerly creates new villains, she’s willing to utilize old ones when appropriate. She can effortlessly craft and juggle a robust supporting cast within two or three issues. And most of all, her sense of humor and the energy she adds to every project is something Spidey needs.
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However, let me not distract from this issue. Kate displays what makes her a heroine, and it isn’t her being the smartest or strongest or even the greatest fighter. It’s in her resourcefulness, creativity and refusal to give up. Despite being initially outmatched, Kate fought until her surroundings provided an answer. She knows her own strengths and what she’s capable of. And while Kate does overestimate herself and push herself to her limits, she succeeds more often than not!
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It was also terrific to finally see all of Bishop’s cast together. Quinn, Ramone, Johnny and even Lucky the dog interacting with detective Rivera. It may have been telegraphed similarly to a TV show (especially a Joss Whedon-produced one), but that’s not a bad thing. A vibrant supporting cast is often underestimated by readers and creators, but Thompson gets it. Seeing how they interact without Kate present is as important as seeing them directly support her in various sequences.
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Arguably the Best Arc of an On-Target Series!
One of the central themes of this arc is how far Kate is willing to go without seeking help. After all, she never asked for a fantastic five at her back; they sort of assembled around her by circumstance. Kate has sought to isolate them from this section of her life as best she can, while occasionally relying on Quinn for tech support, or Ramone and Johnny for backup. While she may claim to protect them from Derek, in reality, she feels guilty over him and fears vulnerability.
Image by Marvel Comics
Leonardo Romero and Jordie Bellaire once again produce a spectacular issue regarding the art. The fight against Clem is easily the highlight, with his flaming body and axe being visually striking within the cage. Their duel itself is paced out exceedingly well, yet the pair also succeeds with the more humorous or dramatic moments. Romero is great at using dark and shadow to establish mood, and the color work for the flashbacks remains distinct. This has been a visually striking run for both.
Image by Marvel Comics
Next: Derek Bishop wins the Worst Dad award in #8!
In conclusion, Kate may be winning battles, but may be close to losing the war. She solves her case, but her desire to protect her friends from herself may be what leaves her truly vulnerable. It may also place them in more danger than being included in her cases! Madame Masque seems like she plots to clone Kate Bishop, impersonate her, or both in her quest for power and revenge. As action-packed and suspenseful as this issue is, the best may be yet to come!