First Appearance: Tales of Suspense #57 (1964)
Affiliation: Avengers; previously allied with Black Widow
Abilities and Equipment: Expert archery and specialized arrows.
Hawkeye enters the reviewed stories as an opponent of Iron Man, although his first attempt at heroism goes wrong rather than beginning with a simple plan to become a villain. Tales of Suspense #57 introduces an ambitious marksman whose pride and attraction to Black Widow help send him down the wrong path.
His attachment to Natasha remains central when they face Iron Man again. In Tales of Suspense #64, his loyalty to her pulls against his patriotic feelings. He is willing to fight for the woman he loves, even when her mission is difficult to reconcile with his own convictions. That conflict helps distinguish him from an enemy interested only in conquest or profit.
Hawkeye takes a different direction in Avengers #16, asking the Avengers for a chance to reform. Joining the team gives him an opportunity to put the same skill that threatened Iron Man to a better use.
Acceptance does not immediately make him an easy teammate. Avengers #17 shows his competitive streak during the new group’s early training and missions. He privately sees himself as a possible leader, while Captain America must get several proud individuals working together. Hawkeye’s confidence is part of his appeal, but it is also something the team has to manage.
By Avengers #18, he is experimenting with more arrows and contributing to a group beginning to function more smoothly. At this point in the reviewed run, Hawkeye’s defining story is the effort to make good on his second chance, without losing the outspoken personality that made his debut memorable.
Selected Reviewed Appearances
Coverage: based on reviews published on Reviewing Comics as of October 23, 2026.
