Written by Jim McCann
Art by David Lopez; Alvaro López; Nathan Fairbairn; & VC’s Cory Petit
Cover Art by Paul Renaud
SUMMARY:
Released by Marvel Comics for September 2010, this issue is entitled “Ghosts, Part 2: Rumors of Death.” Elements of Bobbi Morse/Mockingbird’s murky past are revealed. Eight years before, a flashback depicts the future West Coast Avenger and S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Nick Fury discussing the logistics of faking her death to protect her mother and brother.
In the present-day, ex-husband Clint Barton/Hawkeye’s well-intentioned efforts to surprise Bobbi with a family reunion initially proves a poignant disaster. Unbeknownst to Bobbi and Clint, the Phantom Rider’s vengeful ghost now inhabits his female descendant Jaime Slade’s soul. Worse yet, Ms. Slade is in league with their old foe: assassin William Cross/Crossfire. With the W.C.A. providing tactical support, Hawkeye is intent on taking down Crossfire that same night
Hawkeye desperately tries to reach Bobbi during a heavily-armed raid she thwarts with Dominic Fortune. In a cliffhanger, Bobbi’s mother (who possesses her own family secrets) may be the next victim in a very personal grudge.
REVIEW:
Issue # 2 delivers well-played Marvel entertainment. Revisiting a pivotal ‘80s West Coast Avengers storyline that initiated Mockingbird and Hawkeye’s eventual divorce, writer Jim McCann has concocted an appealing storyline thus far. More specifically, McCann smartly integrates Bobbi’s unexplored past and the Phantom Rider vendetta in plausible fashion (vengeful ghosts, aside).
Equaling and possibly surpassing McCann’s scripting is the art squad’s high-caliber artwork. For fans of Hawkeye & Mockingbird, the second issue of their shared title is a ‘can’t miss’ prospect.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
From the top-secret ‘W.C.A. Files,’ there’s a single-page roster of character synopses for Hawkeye; Mockingbird; the current Dominic Fortune; Crossfire; and Jaime Slade. A single-page letters-and-answers column overs a cover glimpse for Issue # 3. Including a cover page, the New Avengers guest-star in a six-page preview of Shadowland # 1.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
