What's even more impressive is that Fraction used the Marvel Method to write this one. He just let Aja go ham on the art and came up with the dialogue later. He's such a master of panel arrangement and Fraction is such a beast when it comes to dialogue, and let's not even get started on the colouring in the book. Fraction, Aja, and Hollingsworth never disappoint.
This is one of your best breakdowns of a comicrun. It's not easy sometimes to wax poeticly for 20 minutes and stay interesting, but you not only nail all the elements that make the Fraction run great, but also how they relate to comic creating in general. Well done!
Speaking of definitive character runs, Matt Fraction's "Immortal Iron Fist" set the standard for Iron Fist stories and should have been the basis for the TV series.
This run always felt like a passionate fan project rather than a official marvel run and i always loved it for that. Glad to see people still giving it the attention it deserves.
The other day, a Spanish talk show (the weirdest and more alternative we got over here, a show called "Los Felices Veinte" in case anyone who speaks spanish wants to look it up - the host is Nacho Vigalondo, a movie director known for indie sci-fi films like "Timecrimes" and "Colossal") interviewed David Aja, which is weird because comic book artists rarely get interviewed in talk shows, they talked a bit about this run and the show that's coming up and David said something I was surprised to learn; Apparently Marvel thought this book was going to flop terribly when they delivered the first issue. Aja said that their editor loved it but apparently was like "you guys know they are going to cancel this series in like issue 3, right?", but because it ended up doing so well both critically and on sales numbers, they gave them freedom to do whatever weird experiments they wanted (which is how the dog or the deaf issue came to be).
Oh my... Kinda wanna be that fly on the ceiling who witnesses the scene where Aya slams in and tells the editor how they won the freaking Eisner-award. Amazing run and that award was well deserved.
Low selling comics, or ones the company has no faith in, are how Neal Adams got what he wanted in terms of freedom. His X-Men run and Green Lantern/Green Arrow in the late 60's and early 70's are some of the best comic runs.
Wow, didn't realize Disney was not paying Aja! That's outrageous because the influence was so evident I just assumed Fraction and him were receiving their dues.
When are the artists paid extra when their work is adapted? They did already sell their work when they worked with Marvel, similar how artists sell their work when do work for DC. If the studios were required to pay extra they would not use those source materials and would make new ones for the characters.
I really love how they show Kate Bishop's quirky detective skills. Overall this sort of internal workings drawn out into many small panels really pulls you into their thoughts.
When people ask what my favorite comic is, I instinctively respond with “My Life as a Weapon.” From the down on his luck Avenger, to the dialogue, to the astounding art… and of course the Pizza Dog, there is literally nothing I dislike about this entire run.
Great channel, great comic series, looking forward to what Chris has to say, let's go! The artwork is very David Mazzucchelli, I'd love to see this team on Daredevil.
@@damianmonke3922 Chris is a fantastic host. Insightful, passionate, eclectic, curious and welcoming. I hope he never changes except if by change we mean the steady growth he's having as a youtuber.
I thought Aja's work was SO like Mazzuchelli's that I can't help but believe that the latter David's work is direct inspiration for the former. That said, Aja's work is visceral, engaging and altogether brilliant.
I like how you did that intro. I feel like often when people talk about this run they characterize Hawkeye as "the loser Avenger" or that he wasn't interesting before this run.
I think my favorite issue 7 where Clint helps Grills and his father prep for the hurricane. Grills's dad is very stubborn and does nothing, but a wave comes in and clint saves Grill's dad from danger, but Grills is trying to save the box of whatever he had of his mother. And I was heartbroken to see it get washed away. Then father and son bond over stories about Grills's Mother. I Loved the feature with Kate stopping and inspiring the community from looters. Great storytelling.
I just reread this series, and it's truly fantastic. In the second half, I like how they let Kate step out from Clint's shadow by giving her her own story line.
It does suck when creators that gave much influence to a character or story are not properly credited or recognized (including monetarily). It is even more difficult when it comes to creators that are basically the 2nd wave parent to a character much like Claremont is to the X-Men and in all honesty, took them to higher hights than the original creators. I think that Hawkeye is another example and even though the ones that came up with him are also due the recognition, Aja and Fraction should also get top billing as well for keeping the character relevant and making him more popular than before.
You did it again, made me really interested in a comic I didn't care about. Superficially it looks a lot like Mazzuccheli, but I think you've broken down very well the very interesting things Aja does. And I've just learned Aja is a fellow Spaniard!
Colorwork is an underappreciated art. Matt Hollingsworth is one of the best colorists of this era. This story looks intriguing, and the art looks iconic, gotta check it out!
I dont read comics at all but I really enjoy learning about the process and history of comics thru you and your channel. Your always very honest and articulate and you seem sound af, also that plug for the patreon at the end is the most genuine and understanding I've ever heard coming from a youtuber, normally they're so robotic that I switch off. Appreciate you man
No way to say this without sounding like a drug dealer but you are missing out. Please go to your library and check out some of their comics. I love this medium and I wish more people knew about it.
Fraction's Hawkeye released just when the first Avengers film came out which gave a huge boost to the character's popularity. If fact that first panel from the first issue references a shot from the film.
Chris, you tend to do great videos, but this one is a MASTERPIECE, BRO! I love how you touched every aspect of this amazing series and summed up what makes it a top tier comicbook, and in only 20 minutes! Once again, you proved why ComicTropes is one of the best youtube channels
Second tier and lower characters that people forget about give writers and artists the best opportunity to be creative while still working on classic characters. Look at some of the amazing runs on swamp thing, animal man, Jon Constantine, etc.
Another great episode Chris, to me this is the definitive Hawkey run, you can barely say its a superhero book, its just a guy with a bow and arrows, and that what makes it so great.
I found this run while looking for some other hawkeye series you recommended, and it was a love from the first cover. absolutely brilliant. purple, bro.
I was definitely very into this run. It felt so different from the usual super hero stuff and all of the parts came together and fit perfectly to make for a great comic run.
Thanks matey! Hawkeye has been my favourite character since I first started rifling through my brothers' comic book collections in 1966! He has always epitomised the underdog who dares to believe he can be the equal of those more blessed by scientific or supernatural abilities. He is the loser that makes good but who can never accept that he is enough in himself. That makes him the most human of all the very human heroes that people Marvel. I'm always happy to see him showcased anywhere!
I read the series a couple of years ago and I loved it instantly. This is one of the greatest Marvel runs I have ever read. I was so happy when I saw the graphics Disney chose for the Hawkeye series.
Watching this after finishing the Hawkeye Disney+ series, you knocked it out of park! Thanks for another great video and making my day a little better!
Clint has been a favorite of mine since I first read him (as Goliath II maybe?). If he was on the cover or spotted in a quick flip thru and I had the quarters I usually passed up anything else for him. Nice to know he's still getting the respect he deserves (even if I do miss his Bronze Age costume. And nice to see how much respect (as always) you give the medium. the series (when it deserves it) and the entire crew who worked on it. Great job as usual.
I love your trope reviews, Chris... it's great to listen to when I make my comics or write a script for my movies... I just wanted to share that with you... you're a great content creator. Stay safe! Bye!!
Been a fan for a few years and have been going through old videos. Huge breath of fresh air in the comic book community, absolute wealth of knowledge. Hope you can continue to grow.
Greattt review! As a creator myself working in this field I deeply appreciate your insightful response to the storylines and deep appreciation for not only the craft but the creators. It is imperative to always credit the colorist and letterer as you have done. They are an integral part of the overall experience and time of any title. I look forward to more.
Absolutely with you here! Read the entire run a few years ago and was completely hooked instantly. This run would be the perfect start for people, that tend they think, they'd never get emotianally invested in comics at all
I actually didn't like this series when it arrived in my Westfield box every month...but now with your retrospect I need to go back again for another read...thanks!
Just re read the run because of the recent trade paper back. Saw it collected in entirety for a semi reasonable price and it did not disappoint on the reread. So so good. Aja and the rest of the artists are incredible and have mastered page flow as well as anyone I’ve ever seen. Fractions characterization took him from being someone I’ve always been indifferent about to one of my favorite characters in any medium.
Loved the video! I have the first trade of that run and want the rest. The transition music was super funny in this episode 🤣 keep up the great work man!!!
it's been a while since I last read this run, so it was nice to have this video to dive back into it for a couple of minutes. I really appreciated the analytical dive into aja's artwork and particularly his panel composition and positioning. another cool video, keep up the good work!
Sharing this video with my friends, thanks for another great look at a classic comic, hopefully can get more people reading and enjoying these amazing stories
Hey chris i imagine ul prolly never read this but just in case i wanted to let you know how much i enjoy and look forward to your content. Life seriously sucks for me right now so thank you for giving me something else to do. Your videos are great and i always get excited when theres a new one!
Watching this right after Cartoonist Kayfabe's recent Alex Toth video adds another level to your breakdown. You see the Toth in Aja. Oh, and Chris Ware in #11. You convinced me to buy this.
Great episode, Chris! One thing I would add about Aha's work: Even though the style is simple and minimalist, a lot of it appears to reference photos, so it's pretty realistic most of the time.
I enjoyed seeing the covers for this book on the shelf but was never a big enough fan of Hawkeye to pick it up. You're analysis suggests I should give it a shot. Thank you for another informative video.
Really cool, Chris. video style and commentary are definitely maturing and I'm really enjoying these. Based on this video I've downloaded the first in this series of Hawkeye TPBs through Hoopla and my local library. I'm going to start reading it tonight. Thanks for the insight.
Your videos remind me of the discussions I'd have with people at comic shops and tiny local conventions in the late 80s and early 90s. Back when we'd bring stacks of comics to our friends' houses to back up debate points because the internet didn't exist. Except now we have access to more info at our fingertips, so your observations aren't 90% speculation or outright bullshit. Cheers.
What's even more impressive is that Fraction used the Marvel Method to write this one. He just let Aja go ham on the art and came up with the dialogue later. He's such a master of panel arrangement and Fraction is such a beast when it comes to dialogue, and let's not even get started on the colouring in the book. Fraction, Aja, and Hollingsworth never disappoint.
Knowing that really adds to my appreciation of this run. Amazing talent at display.
This is one of your best breakdowns of a comicrun. It's not easy sometimes to wax poeticly for 20 minutes and stay interesting, but you not only nail all the elements that make the Fraction run great, but also how they relate to comic creating in general. Well done!
Speaking of definitive character runs, Matt Fraction's "Immortal Iron Fist" set the standard for Iron Fist stories and should have been the basis for the TV series.
AGREE 💯
Not to mention, his run on Invincible Iron Man is what created the MCU
Yeah, the TV show’s very first failing was not either adapting or building up to this storyline.
David Aja's run. The common feature in Hawkeye and Iron Fist that elevated them above most other books is David Aja.
This run always felt like a passionate fan project rather than a official marvel run and i always loved it for that.
Glad to see people still giving it the attention it deserves.
The other day, a Spanish talk show (the weirdest and more alternative we got over here, a show called "Los Felices Veinte" in case anyone who speaks spanish wants to look it up - the host is Nacho Vigalondo, a movie director known for indie sci-fi films like "Timecrimes" and "Colossal") interviewed David Aja, which is weird because comic book artists rarely get interviewed in talk shows, they talked a bit about this run and the show that's coming up and David said something I was surprised to learn; Apparently Marvel thought this book was going to flop terribly when they delivered the first issue. Aja said that their editor loved it but apparently was like "you guys know they are going to cancel this series in like issue 3, right?", but because it ended up doing so well both critically and on sales numbers, they gave them freedom to do whatever weird experiments they wanted (which is how the dog or the deaf issue came to be).
Oh my... Kinda wanna be that fly on the ceiling who witnesses the scene where Aya slams in and tells the editor how they won the freaking Eisner-award. Amazing run and that award was well deserved.
Low selling comics, or ones the company has no faith in, are how Neal Adams got what he wanted in terms of freedom. His X-Men run and Green Lantern/Green Arrow in the late 60's and early 70's are some of the best comic runs.
The pairing of Aja and Hollingsworth in this run is unparalleled.
Wow, didn't realize Disney was not paying Aja! That's outrageous because the influence was so evident I just assumed Fraction and him were receiving their dues.
When are the artists paid extra when their work is adapted? They did already sell their work when they worked with Marvel, similar how artists sell their work when do work for DC. If the studios were required to pay extra they would not use those source materials and would make new ones for the characters.
I really love how they show Kate Bishop's quirky detective skills. Overall this sort of internal workings drawn out into many small panels really pulls you into their thoughts.
I know people in real life that say “bro” just as much as these guys so maybe it’s based off of real life “bros” one of the reasons I love this book
Colorists and letterers ARE easily overlooked. Thanks for giving them some recognition.
When people ask what my favorite comic is, I instinctively respond with “My Life as a Weapon.” From the down on his luck Avenger, to the dialogue, to the astounding art… and of course the Pizza Dog, there is literally nothing I dislike about this entire run.
Great channel, great comic series, looking forward to what Chris has to say, let's go! The artwork is very David Mazzucchelli, I'd love to see this team on Daredevil.
He’s the only comic RUclipsr that’s not political 😎
@@damianmonke3922 bruh wdym?
@@damianmonke3922 Chris is a fantastic host. Insightful, passionate, eclectic, curious and welcoming. I hope he never changes except if by change we mean the steady growth he's having as a youtuber.
I too, thought the art looked a bit like Mazzucchelli
I thought Aja's work was SO like Mazzuchelli's that I can't help but believe that the latter David's work is direct inspiration for the former. That said, Aja's work is visceral, engaging and altogether brilliant.
I like how you did that intro. I feel like often when people talk about this run they characterize Hawkeye as "the loser Avenger" or that he wasn't interesting before this run.
I always liked the dynamic between him and cap in the early days.
I think my favorite issue 7 where Clint helps Grills and his father prep for the hurricane. Grills's dad is very stubborn and does nothing, but a wave comes in and clint saves Grill's dad from danger, but Grills is trying to save the box of whatever he had of his mother. And I was heartbroken to see it get washed away. Then father and son bond over stories about Grills's Mother. I Loved the feature with Kate stopping and inspiring the community from looters. Great storytelling.
"He got better."
I lost it there.
One of my all-time favourite series. Two creators right at the peak of their game.
I just reread this series, and it's truly fantastic. In the second half, I like how they let Kate step out from Clint's shadow by giving her her own story line.
It does suck when creators that gave much influence to a character or story are not properly credited or recognized (including monetarily). It is even more difficult when it comes to creators that are basically the 2nd wave parent to a character much like Claremont is to the X-Men and in all honesty, took them to higher hights than the original creators. I think that Hawkeye is another example and even though the ones that came up with him are also due the recognition, Aja and Fraction should also get top billing as well for keeping the character relevant and making him more popular than before.
You did it again, made me really interested in a comic I didn't care about. Superficially it looks a lot like Mazzuccheli, but I think you've broken down very well the very interesting things Aja does. And I've just learned Aja is a fellow Spaniard!
Colorwork is an underappreciated art. Matt Hollingsworth is one of the best colorists of this era. This story looks intriguing, and the art looks iconic, gotta check it out!
I dont read comics at all but I really enjoy learning about the process and history of comics thru you and your channel. Your always very honest and articulate and you seem sound af, also that plug for the patreon at the end is the most genuine and understanding I've ever heard coming from a youtuber, normally they're so robotic that I switch off. Appreciate you man
No way to say this without sounding like a drug dealer but you are missing out. Please go to your library and check out some of their comics. I love this medium and I wish more people knew about it.
Fraction's Hawkeye released just when the first Avengers film came out which gave a huge boost to the character's popularity. If fact that first panel from the first issue references a shot from the film.
I'm really surprised this channel doesn't have over a million subs.
Literally the only Hawkeye video I really found interesting and may get me to give the comic a chance. Thanks
Chris, you tend to do great videos, but this one is a MASTERPIECE, BRO! I love how you touched every aspect of this amazing series and summed up what makes it a top tier comicbook, and in only 20 minutes! Once again, you proved why ComicTropes is one of the best youtube channels
Second tier and lower characters that people forget about give writers and artists the best opportunity to be creative while still working on classic characters. Look at some of the amazing runs on swamp thing, animal man, Jon Constantine, etc.
Another great episode Chris, to me this is the definitive Hawkey run, you can barely say its a superhero book, its just a guy with a bow and arrows, and that what makes it so great.
What a beautifully executed story. When you find a classic like when I recently read Tom King's *Vision* run, it feels really good
4:15 That's actually a very concise and snappy introductory paragraph for the title
I found this run while looking for some other hawkeye series you recommended, and it was a love from the first cover. absolutely brilliant. purple, bro.
150 000 subscribers! Congratulations.
I was definitely very into this run. It felt so different from the usual super hero stuff and all of the parts came together and fit perfectly to make for a great comic run.
Thanks matey! Hawkeye has been my favourite character since I first started rifling through my brothers' comic book collections in 1966! He has always epitomised the underdog who dares to believe he can be the equal of those more blessed by scientific or supernatural abilities. He is the loser that makes good but who can never accept that he is enough in himself. That makes him the most human of all the very human heroes that people Marvel. I'm always happy to see him showcased anywhere!
I read the series a couple of years ago and I loved it instantly. This is one of the greatest Marvel runs I have ever read. I was so happy when I saw the graphics Disney chose for the Hawkeye series.
Thank you so much for this. That first issue of Hawkeye was the catalyst of me reading comics again. And, btw, love your suit bro!
Watching this after finishing the Hawkeye Disney+ series, you knocked it out of park! Thanks for another great video and making my day a little better!
I LOVED this Hawkeye run!
Clint has been a favorite of mine since I first read him (as Goliath II maybe?). If he was on the cover or spotted in a quick flip thru and I had the quarters I usually passed up anything else for him. Nice to know he's still getting the respect he deserves (even if I do miss his Bronze Age costume. And nice to see how much respect (as always) you give the medium. the series (when it deserves it) and the entire crew who worked on it. Great job as usual.
I love your trope reviews, Chris... it's great to listen to when I make my comics or write a script for my movies... I just wanted to share that with you... you're a great content creator. Stay safe! Bye!!
Yeh a new video ! Gratz on 150k sub !
Been a fan for a few years and have been going through old videos. Huge breath of fresh air in the comic book community, absolute wealth of knowledge. Hope you can continue to grow.
It's great how you break down the collaborators contributions to the book, people need more indepths like these.
Congrats for the 150k subs!!!! So happy for you and for the channel.
Fantastic Chris! One of my favourite comics, and now one of my favourite ComicTropes episodes!!!
Love the video, I recently started hawkeye and absolutely loved it. I've finished all 22 issues and the annual now!
Woooow, You look so good, man.
Great vídeo as always. No doubt of the GREAT grafic vision of David Aja.
Greattt review! As a creator myself working in this field I deeply appreciate your insightful response to the storylines and deep appreciation for not only the craft but the creators. It is imperative to always credit the colorist and letterer as you have done. They are an integral part of the overall experience and time of any title. I look forward to more.
Excellent episode, as always, BRO!
Great video about a true classic comic. Congrats on getting to 150K subs!
Absolutely with you here! Read the entire run a few years ago and was completely hooked instantly. This run would be the perfect start for people, that tend they think, they'd never get emotianally invested in comics at all
Great video. Loved the bit about colors and lettering because they get slept on as much as sound design
I actually didn't like this series when it arrived in my Westfield box every month...but now with your retrospect I need to go back again for another read...thanks!
Damn. Chris, Comic Tropes is the best Comic channel. I've been watching you a long time and really appreciate your work. I'm Joining.
A masterpiece, one of the best comics by Marvel
Just re read the run because of the recent trade paper back. Saw it collected in entirety for a semi reasonable price and it did not disappoint on the reread. So so good. Aja and the rest of the artists are incredible and have mastered page flow as well as anyone I’ve ever seen. Fractions characterization took him from being someone I’ve always been indifferent about to one of my favorite characters in any medium.
Great video and congratulations on hitting 150k!!
Loved the video! I have the first trade of that run and want the rest. The transition music was super funny in this episode 🤣 keep up the great work man!!!
it's been a while since I last read this run, so it was nice to have this video to dive back into it for a couple of minutes. I really appreciated the analytical dive into aja's artwork and particularly his panel composition and positioning. another cool video, keep up the good work!
The whole visual style of the series really makes me think of Batman Year One. It seems very interesting run indeed, you sold me on it.
Love this channel
I’m glad I get to enjoy your videos. I appreciate your perspective on comics and other things.
You’re awesome Chris! The amount of progress of this channel has really been inspiring 👍
Just started the video after seein your tweet and yr right - that tracksuit jacket looks sick on ya
Love those subject heading clips!
Fantastic book, funny, real and genuinely get to know Clint, great vid man!!!
Great review of one my favourite comic series! Nice touch with the tracksuit too Chris! 😃👍
Great video! Especially love your evaluations and breakdowns of the art style and techniques. Top notch!!
Wonderful analysis. Thanks Chris!
Sharing this video with my friends, thanks for another great look at a classic comic, hopefully can get more people reading and enjoying these amazing stories
Thanks for reminding me how much I love this book!
Another amazing episode. Thanks for the great analysis and pumping us up for the new Hawkeye series!
Took me way too long to get here for my liking (I blame moving lol) but thanks for the content Chris! 10/10 as always! Keep up the great work!
Great video once again, Chris.
Loved this! Thanks Chris! Great job as always!
Now I NEED to read this. This kind of recommendation cannot go unheeded.
It was a fantastic run and a fantastic episode! Great job, Chris!
Hey chris i imagine ul prolly never read this but just in case i wanted to let you know how much i enjoy and look forward to your content. Life seriously sucks for me right now so thank you for giving me something else to do. Your videos are great and i always get excited when theres a new one!
All right, you sold me
I don’t keep up with much recent marvel, but I’m gonna keep my eyes open for that Omni, this looks pretty good
Now i've got a reason to read that bit of the hidden gems reading list!
Aja's artwork reminds me a lot of Mazzuchelli's art in Batman Year One. I love it.
Just subscribed to Pros And Cons. Looking forward to seeing future content, keep up the great work!!!
Love how u were decked out in a tracksuit to match with the Russian Mafia in the comic haha
Watching this right after Cartoonist Kayfabe's recent Alex Toth video adds another level to your breakdown. You see the Toth in Aja.
Oh, and Chris Ware in #11. You convinced me to buy this.
I swear dude, first Uncanny X-Men, now Hawkeye. Chris you have a knack on making me hunt down series I didn’t have any prior interest in.
Great episode, Chris! One thing I would add about Aha's work: Even though the style is simple and minimalist, a lot of it appears to reference photos, so it's pretty realistic most of the time.
might be one if my favourite artstyles
Love u bro. Noticed the weight loss, congrats and keep up the great content
I enjoyed seeing the covers for this book on the shelf but was never a big enough fan of Hawkeye to pick it up. You're analysis suggests I should give it a shot. Thank you for another informative video.
Hawkeye was one of my favourite characters before I read this comic and my favourite after.
Bro, I love this comic!
Just want to say that Matt Fraction was credited as a "consulting producer" in the credits.
Really cool, Chris. video style and commentary are definitely maturing and I'm really enjoying these. Based on this video I've downloaded the first in this series of Hawkeye TPBs through Hoopla and my local library. I'm going to start reading it tonight. Thanks for the insight.
Bro, this Hawkeye run is good...just like your jacket, Bro. Good video, Bro.
Great video! However can we all just appreciate how drip Chris is looking in that Adidas track suit, like dam he looking cut
Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check it out!
I gotta get that series. Thanks for letting us know about it.
Your videos remind me of the discussions I'd have with people at comic shops and tiny local conventions in the late 80s and early 90s. Back when we'd bring stacks of comics to our friends' houses to back up debate points because the internet didn't exist. Except now we have access to more info at our fingertips, so your observations aren't 90% speculation or outright bullshit. Cheers.
Extremely good topic and coverage!
I don't own many superhero comics, but I instantly loved this run. Thanks for letting me know why. ;)
The best car chase/pursuit I've ever seen is in Jason Shiga's "Demon". :)
Well, I've just been convinced I need a copy of this book. The representation of the dog's world is spectacular!