By Lauren Barbour

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With the release of Avengers: Age of Ultron approaching, I thought it’d be nice to go back and revisit a series following one of my favorite Avengers, Clint Barton, and his partner, (also pretty much an Avenger and also called Hawkeye) Kate Bishop. In other words, Matt Fraction’s “Hawkeye.”

The series has got it all: witty banter, a dog, ridiculous trick arrows and two people trying to become the kind of person they both wish they could be. It’s great.

Although the series starts off with both Hawkeyes operating together in New York, it eventually starts alternating between Clint still in the city and Kate in L.A., where she took off on a summer voyage of self-discovery (which can be read in the third volume, “L.A. Woman”). But whichever Hawkeye you’re following, the series remains amazing.

Calling Clint a walking disaster is one thing (pretty accurate) but it’s also true that he can be a real hero when he wants to be, and he always wants to. It doesn’t mean he’s above wallowing after a spectacular mess-up, but seeing him get over it and head back out is one of my favorite things about him and the series.

Alas, I cannot say that the Hawkguy is my absolute favorite. That position goes to his partner in crime (partner in hero-ing?) Kate, who is not afraid to call him out  – loudly – when he’s spent a little too much time pitying himself. Nevertheless, she is endlessly loyal, so seeing her take a step back from babysitting Clint and moving to L.A. in order to figure herself out was really interesting too.

So if you’re looking for a little more insight into what Clint does in his Avengers off-hours or want to get to know the other Hawkeye more, I’d really recommend this series. If you’re looking for something shorter and comedical, there’s the four issue run of “Hawkeye vs. Deadpool” and a continuation of the series called “All-New Hawkeye” is also out. Whatever you end up choosing, I hope you enjoy it.