Since first appearing in Tales of Suspense #57 in 1964, Hawkeye is one of the most consistently popular characters in the entire Marvel Universe. From his athletic, bow-wielding combat prowess to his many roles within important and status quo altering events, Clint Barton has been at the forefront of readers' minds for decades.
While the perennial Avenger is well-loved and better known today than he has ever been (thanks to his inclusion in the MCU and recent Hawkeye TV show), there are still parts of his history fans may have forgotten.
10 He Battled Iron Man In His First Appearance
Although Iron Man first inspired Hawkeye to become a hero, after a case of mistaken identity while foiling a robbery, Hawkeye ended up battling his idol after he was mistaken for a criminal himself. What followed was a grueling battle against man and machine, with the ultimate victor being left open for debate.
This first battle cemented Hawkeye as a force to be reckoned with, and readers cried out for more. Soon after, Hawkeye's relationship with Black Widow was introduced, which went on to become a defining relationship for both characters for years to come.
9 He Has An Arsenal Of Trick Arrows That Would Put Green Arrow To Shame
Much like DC's Emerald Archer, Hawkeye has a bag of tricks that help him when going toe to toe with his most powerful foes. Enemies who'd otherwise wipe the floor with him and his standard arrows are brought to their knees by the custom-made arrowheads that he crafts himself, helping him get an edge in any battle.
Hawkeye is seen developing these tools from his first appearance onwards, and Iit's a trick arrow that proves invaluable during his first battle against Iron Man. This proves that Clint is both a masterful archer and a genius when it comes to developing new ways to fight against injustice. He has a weapon for any scenario.
8 He Led The West Coast Avengers To Victory For Years
Founded by Hawkeye, the Californian-based off-shoot of Marvel's ultimate super-team was an incredibly popular title from the first issue onwards. Beginning in The West Coast Avengers #1 in 1984, Hawkeye battled alongside his then-wife Mockingbird, as well as Tigra, Iron Man, and Wonder Man. Other characters rotated in during a series that's celebrated to this day.
Shining a spotlight on Hawkeye and his companions worked wonders for strengthening their appeal to readers. It also helped develop the characters moving forward. For many, this is one of the defining titles in Hawkeye's history that shows how great he could be as the main character of a title.
7 He Was An Orphan Who Was Brought Up And Trained In A Circus By Villains
After Clint and his brother were orphaned at a young age, they were taken in by the Carson Carnival of Traveling Wonders. There, they trained in the acrobatic arts and, eventually, archery. Clint wowed his trainers from the get-go by showing off his natural talent with a bow.
While the carnival seemed idyllic at the time, Clint soon learned that his trainers were the villainous Swordsman and Trickshot, whose mentorship lay heavily upon his mind for the rest of his life.
6 He Led The Thunderbolts, Proving Once Again That He Is A Natural Leader
Hoping to mold the team of reformed villains into a force for justice, Hawkeye took on the role of leader and mentor for the Thunderbolts. Perhaps it was a way to deal with his own past as a student of villains, but he did everything in his power to make sure the men and women of Thunderbolts stayed on the right path.
Under Hawkeye's leadership, the title went on to receive a huge amount of praise and success. Audiences celebrated how well it used existing, lesser-known Marvel characters and gave them nuance. Also, the dynamics between Hawkeye and the former villains he took under his wing was an interesting concept.
5 The Draw Weight Of His Bow Means That He Is Really, Really Strong
Hawkeye is one of the strongest non-meta humans in the entire Marvel Universe. The draw weight of Hawkeye's bow alone is an incredible 250 pounds. While he isn't known for his strength, the amount of power needed to pull back a bow with that much weight attached to it is staggering, which proves why he should never be underestimated.
What's more impressive is the fact the draw weight of Green Arrow's bow is between 103-125 pounds (with most normal, real-life bows clocking in at around 40-80). Consequently, this officially makes Hawkeye the strongest archer in comic book history.
4 He Has Helped Black Widow Escape From A Living Nightmare
In what was no doubt one of the most difficult decisions of their lives, Hawkeye and Bucky Barnes had to decide whether to let Black Widow continue living a fake but blissful existence created for her by her former enemies. Seen in the recent incredible Black Widow by Kelly Thompson and Elena Casagrande, Natasha Romanov is kidnapped and implanted with false memories that make her believe that she is happily married and the mother of a baby boy.
While the memories are fake, the husband and child are not. And in a cruel twist of fate, the baby is actually her real, biological offspring. The ever-loyal faithful friend and ally, Hawkeye keeps watch over Natasha's house while he debates whether or not to free her from the "prison" she's been put in.
3 He Became Goliath For A Time After His Bow Broke Mid-Fight
Though his time as the humongous powerhouse was brief, it was an interesting development for the character. It also gave readers a look into what the hero was capable of without his trusty bow and arrows by his side. After his trademark weapon malfunctions mid-battle, Clint takes the initiative to drink a vial of Pym's growth serum and take matters into his own hands.
Returning to his identity as Hawkeye soon after, his time as Goliath was a fun detour from the character readers had grown to know and love, proving that no matter what moniker Clint adopts, he'll always be a fan favorite.
2 He Killed Hulk During The Events Of Civil War II
In what was possibly the most memorable moment of the highly divisive and controversial Civil War II event, Clint is responsible for the death of Bruce Banner. Foretold in a vision from the newly introduced Inhuman Ulysses, Banner is told that he'll carry out a calamitous attack against Earth as Hulk, a revelation that makes him beg Clint to ensure it never comes to pass.
It was a harrowing task, and Clint was understandably shaken up by the whole affair. However, it just goes to show that he can always be counted on to do the right thing for humanity, even if the personal consequences are horrific.
1 He Helped Convince A Real-Life Kid To Wear His Hearing Aid
After the mother of a 4-year-old New Hampshire native, Anthony Smith contacted Marvel editor, Bill Rosemann about how her son was refusing to wear his hearing-aid (because he'd never seen his favorite heroes using one), Bill replied by sending her images of Hawkeye wearing his hearing-aid. He also put several Marvel creators to work to develop a hero based on Anthony. Consequently, The Blue Ear was born.
Created by Nelson Ribeiro and Manny Mederos, the hero based on Anthony offered disability representation within the young boy's favorite medium, which also proved how the power of comic books can make everyone feel welcome.