Hawkeye
Kelly Thompson’s “Real” Hero
by Phil Perich for the Capes and Lunatics Blog
There were two main events that inspired this week’s blog. The first was when writer Kelly Thompson agreed to an interview later this week. The second was when I went to reread the current Hawkeye series and reminded myself why I love this character, especially in the capable hands of Kelly Thompson. When it comes to the new generation of heroes, it’s either hit or miss with me on most of them. Kate Bishop, the newest version of Hawkeye is probably the only hero (maybe one of two if you count the Jane Foster Thor) who I wouldn't mind replacing her predecessor. Why? How does Kelly Thompson do it? Let’s examine the evidence!
Origin
Kate Bishop and Clint Barton share many similarities as the heroes known as Hawkeye, ordinary people with extraordinary skills who stand with powerful, even some godlike beings. And even though both of them are products of questionable upbringings, Clint Barton came from next to nothing. On the other hand, Kate Bishop’s father while also a criminal was able to raise her in the lap of luxury. It’s the similarities and differences that make the Hawkeyes such a great team.
Oh No She Didn’t
Even though Clint Barton was known to be humorous or goofy or just took nothing seriously, Kate takes it to whole other levels in better ways and more cheerfully than Clint ever did, especially in the last few years. While Clint Barton is a hero who has been ground down by the last few years of tragedy (even dying and returning at least once), Kate is the bright, optimistic hero we need in these dark times.
Single Life of the Party
Ever read a solo hero you loved and they ended up in a big crossover and came off horribly? Not so with Kate. She’s completely comfortable in her own stories, in her own city, fighting her own battles. But she also plays well with others, especially written by the talented hand of Kelly Thompson. Kate and Clint are always a fun time but probably my new favorite Kate Bishop team up is the recent arc that guest starred Kate’s other role model, Jessica Jones. It takes a certain special character like Kate Bishop to make Jessica Jones seem like the mature one.
Location, Location, Location
While some heroes would be overwhelmed by a change of scenery and always stick to the same city, Kelly Thompson’s series takes Kate to Los Angeles to track down leads on her villainous father and to attempt to start a new career as a superhero/private investigator. While I love the close to real world adventures of Kate Bishop Hawkeye, could we one day see her joining, maybe even leading a west coast superhero team like Clint Barton before her.
The Pen is Mightier…
And of course Kate Bishop’s biggest strength? Great writing on the part of Kelly Thompson. Maybe I just enjoy Kate away from Clint more, but Kelly Thompson has taken a good character in my eyes and made her great! I believe this series will stand the test of time and will be considered a classic for years and years to come.
I cannot wait to talk to this talented woman about this wonderful series. What’s your favorite part of this series? Send me a question to ask Kelly Thompson and you may win a great Hawkeye-centric prize!
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You can hear me discussing all things TV, movie, comics, music, gaming and more every week with my friends on the Capes and Lunatics Podcast. You can find my podcast, blog and those of others at www.southgatemediagroup.com. You can also find all my creative endeavors at www.philperich.wordpress.com.