The 2000s would prove to be a monumental decade for Hawkeye in Marvel Comics. Not only did it see some of Clint Barton’s best comic book moments, but it also introduced readers to elements of the Hawkeye character that have since become pivotal in the MCU. In quick succession, both Ronin and Kate Bishop appeared in the early 2000s, heralding a new era for Hawkeye.
Much of the live-action Hawkeye came directly from this period, making for some of the best Hawkeye comic book issues not just of the 2000s but all-time. Clint Barton and Kate Bishop both participated in some of the biggest events of the era, with many storylines either directly informing the MCU or about to in shows like Secret Invasion.
Thunderbolts #75
Thunderbolts #75 is one of the best Hawkeye comic book issues of the 2000s since it marks a major turning point in his character arc. After a long stint as the leader of the team of former supervillains, Hawkeye gives the reins back to their original leader Baron Zemo.
The issue is key for positioning Clint for the next major developments in his story, but it’s also important for the MCU as the Thunderbolts could be coming together in live-action, with Zemo, Abomination, John Walker, and other characters now in place.
Avengers #489
Avengers #489 isn’t a huge issue in Clint Barton’s story, but it’s a fun adventure that puts him on the wrong side of an angry She-Hulk. Thanks to Jennifer Walters getting her own series in the MCU, this issue could serve as the basis for a storyline for the She-Hulk MCU series.
The issue features a lot of fun action as Hawkeye tries to evade first the She-Hulk and then a rampaging Bruce Banner, transformed into the Hulk, with lots of cool visuals that could lend themselves to live-action should Clint’s story continue in the MCU.
Secret Invasion #7
Secret Invasion is due to become a major MCU streaming series on Disney+ and it’s likely the original comic book series is one of the comic storylines that Secret Invasion will draw from. Issue #7 provides a key moment for the live-action show to potentially adapt and also one of the best Hawkeye moments in any comic book issue.
Kate Bishop is injured in the all-out battle against the Skrulls, and Clint Barton, who to this point had been operating as Ronin, takes up her bow and arrow to fight on. He returns to being a Hawkeye after a long time away, a major moment with huge implications for both characters.
The Ultimates #13
The Ultimates version of the Avengers from the Ultimate Comics universe from the early 2000s provided a lot of inspiration for the MCU when it started in 2008, like the Samuel L. Jackson Nick Fury. The Ultimates #13 is the capstone of the first series and provides the Ultimate Hawkeye with great moments, including trying to take down a rampaging Hulk.
Much of Hawkeye’s look and attitude in the MCU came right out of this series and story arc, including his being an operative of S.H.I.E.L.D. prior to being an Avenger. This arc also pitted the Ultimates against the alien Chirtauri invaders, who they fought in the 2012 Avengers movie.
Dark Avengers #1
Comic fans know Clint Barton and Kate Bishop are both Hawkeye, but MCU fans may not be aware there are many other versions of Hawkeye in Marvel Comics. One of the best and darkest appeared in Dark Avengers #1 when the villain Bullseye became Hawkeye.
Bullseye takes up the mantle in Norman Osborn’s new roster of Dark Avengers, composed mainly of supervillains. Bullseye and Clint Barton would come to blows many times, with Clint eventually taking the mantle back from the assassin.
The New Avengers #30
The character of Ronin has become a major part of the MCU and drives much of the new Hawkeye series. Clint Barton first becomes the masked vigilante in The New Avengers #30, a key issue that alters his trajectory in the comics in a major way.
Longtime comic book fans know Echo was Ronin before Clint, and he gained the identity from her after she leaves her former life behind. It’s a unique connection that so far hasn’t translated exactly into the MCU, but may yet as the story continues.
She-Hulk #2
One of the best Hawkeye issues of the 2000s is also one with the most interesting potential for the MCU. In 2006’s She-Hulk #2, Jennifer ends up using her legal skills while on trial by the Time Variance Authority, the organization made famous in the Loki series. While there, she encounters a Hawkeye from another timeline.
This Clint Barton is serving as a juror in the trial, but Jennifer struggles with trying to tell him that he will die in his future, as he had already thanks to the shocking actions of The Scarlet Witch in Avengers: Disassembled in 2003.
Young Avengers #12
Young Avengers #12 features one of the best moments in the overall Hawkeye story. After some back and forth over her superhero codename, Kate Bishop finally and officially becomes Hawkeye with some encouragement from none other than Captain America.
Kate had challenged Clint for his taking on the Captain America persona when it seemed Steve Rogers was dead. Her courage and integrity inspired both Clint and Steve Rogers to endorse her as the new Hawkeye, and she is also given Clint’s bow and arrows.
Avengers #502
The Scarlet Witch is one of the most powerful magicians in Marvel Comics and she proved it in Avengers #502. Clint Barton also proved his bravery and heroism in one of the best Hawkeye comic issues of the era. Clint sacrifices his life to save many others after Wanda conjures a Kree starship to attack New York City.
His explosive arrows are set on fire and he willingly leaps onto the ship with his burning quiver to use them against the Kree rather than let them explode and potentially hurt civilians. His death would lead to major consequences for all the Avengers, and the Marvel Universe. Wanda would eventually erase all but a handful of mutants in House Of M.
Young Avengers #1
One of the best and most essential Hawkeye comic book issues of any era is Young Avengers #1, which introduces fans to Kate Bishop. After the apparent death of Clint and the dissolution of the main Avengers, a new team forms of young heroes including Kid Loki and Iron Lad.
Kate’s origin differs in major ways from the MCU, as she’s not motivated by any idolizing of Clint, but by a personal attack that leads her to want to help others. It’s a great issue for a number of reasons, including the high probability of the Young Avengers appearing in the MCU. Most of the characters like Kate, Kid Loki, and Patriot are already in the franchise.
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