Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Matthew Rosenberg
Artist: Otto Schmidt
Letterer: VC’s Joe Sabino
Released: March 11th, 2020
Rating: 
Hawkeye: Freefall has been a highly entertaining yet slightly chaotic series. Given that this is a series focused on Clint Barton, that probably shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. In true Barton fashion, his latest scheme has become increasingly complex, pitting him against the friends and allies he holds so dear.
You see, Hawkeye: Freefall #4 brings us a version of Barton trying to balance so much, all while keeping his secret safe. And it is one heck of a secret. The real question is, how long can he keep it under wraps? And what sort of chaos will arise in the meantime?
The Plot
Once again, Matthew Rosenberg has written us a chaotic yet surprisingly intense issue. Hawkeye: Freefall #4 has a little bit for everyone. It’s full of action, drama, humor, and some seriously spectacular moments. In short: it was everything I had been hoping for.
The last issue ended off on a bit of a cliffhanger, a fact that this cover strongly alludes to. Keeping a secret is pretty difficult when around people like Daredevil, as Barton is about to learn. This moment could have gone many ways. But the strange balance of humor and intensity was surprising…yet oddly perfect. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
The same applies to the rest of this issue, actually. It’s all that strange balance. There’s a lot going on, and some of it fairly heavy. Yet it’s all tinged with that humor that we know and love from Hawkeye. Perhaps that is why it is such an enjoyable read, even when it looks like this might go south (I mean, it’s kind of expected at this point, right?).
Once again this issue concludes with a scene that makes me desperate for more. I’m not sure if that’s brilliant or pure evil. But I do know that I can’t wait until next month, because I’ve got to see how that whole mess plays out!
The Art
Hawkeye: Freefall #4 had so many brilliant moments inside it. Personally, I love how the artistic team really managed to showcase just how much damage Barton can take. Okay, I also adored the way they portrayed the more humorous moments as well. But can you blame me?
Otto Schmidt was the lead artist for this issue, and as such, you can thank them for all of those action scenes. I also love the way all of the cameos were drawn, they were iconic and yet stylized at the same time.
Another thing I like about this series? It doesn’t shy away from the blood. Hawkeye is a character that gets hurt. It happens. Sometimes a lot, especially when in a solo series. That means there’s going to be blood. It isn’t an extreme amount by any means, but it does bring all of the damage to light, and I appreciate and respect that.
VC’s Joe Sabino was the letterer for this issue, and unsurprisingly they did a fantastic job. I’ve always loved their work, and it really seemed to shine here. Or rather, it was so subtle in what it did that it was perfect.
In Conclusion
Hawkeye: Freefall #4 was everything that I had hoped it would be, and then some. It was chaotic and intense, funny and terrifying, all bundled into one. I honestly can’t wait for the next issue to drop, because I’ve got to find out what happens next. I have a feeling I won’t be the only one feeling that way, either.
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