Clint Barton / Hawkeye was born in September 1964 in Tales of Suspense #57, written by Stan Lee and drawn by Don Heck. Initially introduced as an antagonist of Iron Man, manipulated by Black Widow, the archer joined the Avengers in Avengers #16 (May 1965) with the first Cap-Quicksilver-Scarlet Witch-Hawkeye lineup known as "Cap's Kooky Quartet." The archer has had 6 main solo volumes, plus the Kate Bishop lineage (introduced in Young Avengers #1, 2005), and notably the cult Matt Fraction & David Aja Hawkeye Vol.4 run (2012-2015) which won several Eisner Awards. This article traces the genesis, gives the complete chronology of Hawkeye series in order, and lists the key issues you'll want to know to build a structured collection.
In the Avengers galaxy, Hawkeye holds an atypical spot: no superpowers, no tech armor, no divine hammer — just a bow, trick arrows, and a tactical sense sharpened by a circus childhood. Clint Barton entered Marvel in 1964 as an antagonist manipulated by Black Widow, before becoming one of the most enduring Avengers, the historic chairman of the West Coast Avengers, and then the modern icon of the Fraction/Aja run that reinvented the urban superhero genre. Alongside him, Kate Bishop expanded the Hawkeye identity in 2005, becoming one of the most collected Young Avengers figures and the heroine of the Disney+ Hawkeye series (2021) with Hailee Steinfeld.
This guide will give you everything you need to understand the birth of Hawkeye, follow the complete chronology of Hawkeye comics in order, and identify the key issues and major arcs to prioritize. We'll cover 60 years of the character, from Tales of Suspense #57 (1964) to Hawkeye: Earth's Mightiest Marksman (2024), distinguishing the main solo volumes, parallel ongoings, structuring Avengers appearances, and the passing of the torch between Clint Barton and Kate Bishop.
The birth of Hawkeye: Marvel in 1964
To understand how Hawkeye was born, you have to step back into the Marvel ferment of 1963-1964. Stan Lee and the creative team had just launched, in three years, the Fantastic Four (1961), Hulk, Spider-Man, Thor, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, X-Men, and the Avengers. Tales of Suspense, formerly a science-fiction anthology, had become the Iron Man solo title since Tales of Suspense #39 (March 1963). To support a still-developing character, Stan Lee multiplied memorable antagonists — Crimson Dynamo, Mandarin, Black Widow — and sought to expand the roster of recurring enemies.
Don Heck, Iron Man's regular artist, designed an archer in a purple-and-blue costume with a short mask, no supernatural powers, whose only weapon was a bow and a quiver of trick arrows (grappling, net, explosive, bolas, acid). Stan Lee imagined for him a circus background (the archery act), a chance encounter with Iron Man that would go sideways, and a romantic manipulation by Black Widow pushing him to attack Stark. The Hawkeye concept rests on the sympathetic antagonist — a not-really-bad rogue, undone by circumstances, ripe for redemption. This structure would shape the character's full arc for the next six decades.
Tales of Suspense #57 (September 1964)
Hawkeye makes his first appearance in Tales of Suspense #57 (cover-dated September 1964, on newsstands as early as June 1964), in a story titled "Hawkeye, the Marksman!". The Stan Lee script and Don Heck art introduce Clint Barton, a carnival archer frustrated at not being taken seriously, who decides to become a superhero. But his first outing goes wrong: mistaken for a thief by the police, he flees, crosses paths with Black Widow who manipulates him, and ends up attacking Iron Man. The character is thus an unwitting antagonist from his very first panel.
The first appearance is immediately followed by Tales of Suspense #60 (December 1964), which extends the Black Widow / Hawkeye arc against Iron Man and establishes the romantic partnership between the two spies. Stan Lee quickly flipped Hawkeye to the heroes' side: just nine months after his first appearance, the archer joined the Avengers in Avengers #16 (May 1965), alongside Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch — the trio of new recruits who would replace the departing Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, and Giant-Man, leaving only Captain America as leader. This team would be nicknamed by fans the "Cap's Kooky Quartet" and stands as one of the most important narrative turning points of Marvel's Silver Age.
Avengers #16 (May 1965)
Avengers #16 isn't just the issue that takes Hawkeye from villain to Avenger: it's a complete reboot of the team. Stan Lee and Don Heck send the founders away and rebuild the team around Cap, Hawkeye, Quicksilver, and Scarlet Witch. For Clint Barton, it's the entry into the main Marvel family and the start of a journey that won't leave him: Avengers (then West Coast Avengers, then Thunderbolts, then Secret Avengers, then New Avengers). For collectors, this issue is one of the most sought-after Silver Age Avengers, behind #1 and #4 (the return of Captain America).
The Goliath turn: In Avengers #63 (April 1969), Clint Barton temporarily abandons the Hawkeye identity to take up the Goliath mantle (formerly worn by Hank Pym), becoming a size-changing hero until Avengers #98 (April 1972) when he picks the bow back up and reclaims the Hawkeye identity for good. This episode shows the identity flexibility of the Avengers at the time, when costumes circulated between members.
The Hawkeye solo volumes in chronological order
Unlike Spider-Man or Iron Man, who have uninterrupted title series, Hawkeye developed mainly through mini-series and shorter solo runs. Here are the main solo volumes in order of their first issue:
Tales of Suspense (Hawkeye appearances)
Hawkeye didn't have a Silver Age title series, but Tales of Suspense remains the cradle of the character: #57 (1st appearance), #60 (1st team-up with Black Widow), #64 (iconic cover). All as Iron Man antagonists, so file them alongside your Silver Age Iron Man collection. See our Iron Man key issues guide for the ToS ecosystem.
Hawkeye Vol.1 (Mark Gruenwald)
Hawkeye's first solo mini-series, written and drawn by Mark Gruenwald. Four issues that lastingly defined the modern character: Clint leaves Cross Technological Enterprises, meets Mockingbird (Bobbi Morse), faces Crossfire, and loses 80% of the hearing in one ear. The series wraps up with the Clint / Bobbi wedding in #4. A structural piece: Mockingbird becomes Hawkeye's romantic and operational partner for the next 25 years.
Hawkeye Vol.2
The second solo mini-series, by Chuck Dixon (who would put out Knightfall the same year at DC) and Stefano Raffaele. Four issues released during the post-West Coast Avengers era, a quieter period for Hawkeye. Noir tone, private-eye angle, scarce in the mid-tier market.
Hawkeye Vol.3
Eight-issue Fabian Nicieza and Stefano Raffaele mini-series, launched just before the Avengers Disassembled event that would temporarily kill off Hawkeye in Avengers #503 (2004). A period of editorial uncertainty for the character before the big House of M return in 2005.
Hawkeye: Blindspot
Mini-series by Jim McCann and Paco Diaz, four issues dealing with Clint's gradual loss of sight and his relationship with the bow. Thematically foreshadows the Fraction run that would arrive eighteen months later. Often overlooked by collectors, it rounds out the 2010s chronology nicely.
Hawkeye Vol.4 (Fraction & Aja)
The most important run in Hawkeye history, written by Matt Fraction and drawn by David Aja (with Annie Wu and Javier Pulido on certain arcs). 22 issues that completely reinvent the superhero format: Clint in a t-shirt and flip-flops in his Brooklyn apartment building, neighbor and friend to Pizza Dog, Kate Bishop as co-lead. Hawkeye Vol.4 #11 (the "Pizza Dog" issue, told from the dog's point of view) won the 2014 Eisner Award for Best Single Issue. The run also won the Eisner Awards for Best Writer (Fraction) and Best Artist (Aja). For many critics, the best Marvel comic of the 2010s.
Hawkeye Vol.5 (Kelly Thompson)
A solo volume entirely devoted to Kate Bishop, written by Kelly Thompson with Leonardo Romero and Michael Walsh on art. Kate opens a private detective agency in Los Angeles. 16 issues with terrific consistency, a direct extension of the Fraction/Aja run in urban, indie tone. A major reference for Kate Bishop fans and essential reading before the Disney+ Hawkeye series.
Hawkeye: Freefall
Six-issue Matthew Rosenberg / Otto Schmidt mini-series. Clint Barton picks the Ronin identity back up to hunt criminals the justice system can't catch. Noir tone, neo-noir atmosphere, running in parallel with the Disney+ series then in pre-production. An opener for the MCU's Ronin arc (Endgame, 2019).
Hawkeye: Kate Bishop
Mini-series by Marieke Nijkamp and Enid Balám, released a few months before the Disney+ Hawkeye series (November 2021). Designed as an entry point for new readers coming from the MCU. Five issues, light tone, accessible, with Hailee Steinfeld in the background.
Hawkeye: Earth's Mightiest Marksman
A 2024 mini-series that returns to Clint Barton's fundamentals: elite Avengers sniper, self-deprecating humor, tone inherited from the Fraction run. Five issues, compact format, accessible to Disney+ viewers and modern collectors.
All parallel Hawkeye series in chronological order
Outside the solo volumes, Hawkeye regularly appears as co-star or as a structuring Avengers member. Here's the chronology of the main titles to understand the ecosystem:
- The Avengers Vol.1 (1963-1996): Hawkeye's narrative home base since Avengers #16 (1965). The character is present almost continuously between #16 and #200, then occasionally.
- West Coast Avengers Vol.2 (1985-1989, 102 issues): Hawkeye founds and chairs the West Coast Avengers franchise from #1. The Steve Englehart and then John Byrne run remains the "Hawkeye chairman" golden age. Think of it as a mini Hawkeye/Mockingbird solo era.
- Solo Avengers (1987-1989, 20 issues): an anthology series where each issue contains a main Hawkeye story plus a backup story for another Avenger. Hawkeye is on the cover of #1.
- Avengers Spotlight (1989-1991, 21 issues): the Solo Avengers continuation starting from #21, with Hawkeye still a regular co-lead.
- Mockingbird (multiple mini-series 2010, 2016): Hawkeye's historical co-lead, several Bobbi Morse solo mini-series to explore for completeness.
- Young Avengers Vol.1 (2005-2006, 12 issues): Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung launch the Young Avengers team and bring in Kate Bishop in #1, who would become Hawkingbird and then Hawkeye Vol.5.
- Young Avengers Vol.2 (2013-2014, 15 issues): Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie take over the team with Kate Bishop as a key member.
- Hawkeye and Mockingbird (2010, 6 issues): Jim McCann mini-series with David Lopez, the couple as an operational duo.
- Hawkeye: Five Ronin (2011): an alternative exploration in Marvel's samurai universe.
- Hawkguy run: the fan nickname for the Fraction/Aja Hawkeye Vol.4 run, used to distinguish it from classic Avengers Hawkeye.
- Generations: Hawkeye & Hawkeye (2017, one-shot): Clint Barton / Kate Bishop crossover under the Generations event.
- Hawkeye vs. Deadpool (2014-2015, 4 issues): Gerry Duggan and Matteo Lolli mini-series, humorous tone.
- Old Man Hawkeye (2018, 12 issues): mini-series by Ethan Sacks and Marco Checchetto, a prequel to Old Man Logan, with an aging, blind Clint in the wasteland. Highly collected.
- Hawkeye: Lucky (2019): a special OGN centered on Pizza Dog (Lucky), childhood/family tone, a nod to issue #11 of the Fraction run.
- West Coast Avengers Vol.4 (2018-2019, 10 issues): Kelly Thompson takes over the West Coast franchise with Kate Bishop, Clint Barton, America Chavez, Gwenpool, Quentin Quire. Light run, full of humor, an extension of Kate's Hawkeye Vol.5.
- Heir of Apocalypse (2024): Kate Bishop takes part in the event as a next-gen Avengers member.
- Atlantis Attacks Kate (2020, 5 issues): Atlantis Attacks tie-in centered on Kate Bishop.
Hawkeye key issues in chronological order
Here are the most important issues to know in chronological order:
Tales of Suspense #57
The foundational issue. First appearance of Clint Barton / Hawkeye as an Iron Man antagonist in a 13-page story. A CGC 9.6 copy sold for over $22,000 in 2021, with CGC 9.4s regularly between $5,000 and $8,000 depending on the market. One of the most sought-after Marvel Silver Age key issues, behind the first appearances of Spider-Man, FF, and X-Men.
Tales of Suspense #60
Black Widow returns and officially teams up with Hawkeye to fight Iron Man. The issue that sets up the Hawkeye / Widow / Stark triangle for the next six decades. Strong demand thanks to the MCU and the Scarlett Johansson + Jeremy Renner appearances.
Avengers #16
The pivotal issue: Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, and Giant-Man depart, replaced by Hawkeye, Quicksilver, and Scarlet Witch. The birth of "Cap's Kooky Quartet". For Avengers collectors, one of the most iconic Silver Age issues after #1 and #4. See our Avengers key issues guide.
Avengers #63
Clint Barton drops the Hawkeye identity and adopts Hank Pym's formula to become Goliath. A three-year stretch where the character is a size-changing hero. A curious and structuring element of the Bronze Age Avengers chronology.
Avengers #98
Clint permanently picks up the bow and the Hawkeye identity again after three years as Goliath. Confirmation that the archer is the character's canonical identity. Iconic Barry Smith cover from the early Bronze Age.
Hawkeye Vol.1 #1
Hawkeye's first solo mini-series and the start of the Mockingbird storyline. Four issues that wrap up with the Clint / Bobbi Morse wedding in #4. A pivotal issue for modern Hawkeye, the foundation for everything that followed. Stable market, a must-have key issue.
West Coast Avengers Vol.2 #1
The launch of the West Coast Avengers franchise with Hawkeye as founding leader. Initial roster: Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Iron Man (Rhodes), Tigra, Wonder Man. Four years of adventures, the character's "chairman golden age."
Solo Avengers #1
The first issue of the Solo Avengers anthology series, with Hawkeye as the main star on the cover and in the lead story. Introduction of the "Hawkeye main story + another Avenger backup" format. Editorial recognition of Hawkeye as a character capable of carrying a regular solo series.
Young Avengers #1
The first Young Avengers issue and the first appearance of Kate Bishop, the future Hawkeye. The issue also contains the first appearances of Patriot, Hulkling, Wiccan, and Iron Lad. For post-2021 MCU collectors and Hailee Steinfeld fans, one of the hottest key issues on the 2020-2026 market. CGC 9.8 regularly $400-$700 depending on variant cover.
Hawkeye Vol.4 #1
The launch of the Fraction/Aja run, which completely reinvents Hawkeye. First issue with an iconic cover (purple silhouette + target), introduction of Clint's daily life in his Brooklyn building, the first Pizza Dog gags. A critical and commercial best-seller. Indispensable for anyone interested in modern comics.
Hawkeye Vol.4 #11 "Pizza Dog"
An issue told entirely from Lucky's (Pizza Dog's) point of view, with a system of pictograms to represent canine perception. 2014 Eisner Award for Best Single Issue. One of the most formally innovative modern comics. Bought as a single issue by fans of formal comics, included in museums and exhibits.
Hawkeye Vol.5 #1
The launch of the first Hawkeye solo centered on Kate Bishop. Kate opens a private detective agency in Venice Beach. A feminist neo-noir tone, a direct heir to the Fraction run. Heavily collected since 2021.
West Coast Avengers Vol.4 #1
The 2018 West Coast Avengers reboot with Kate Bishop as team leader, joined by Clint Barton, America Chavez, Gwenpool, and Quentin Quire. Strong symbolism: Kate now holds the post Clint held back in 1985. Light run, humorous tone, ten issues.
Hawkeye: Freefall #1
A six-issue mini-series in which Clint Barton picks up the Ronin identity to hunt untouchable criminals. Noir tone, alongside the pre-production of the Disney+ series. Demand boosted by Avengers: Endgame (2019), where Clint is Ronin during the Blip.
Hawkeye: Kate Bishop #1
A five-issue mini-series released six months before the Disney+ Hawkeye series (November 2021). Designed as a mainstream entry point, with a light, accessible tone. Market boosted by Hailee Steinfeld's arrival in the MCU.
Hawkeye: Earth's Mightiest Marksman #1
A 2024 five-issue mini-series that brings Clint Barton back to the fundamentals. Compact format, return to the Avengers roots, accessible to modern collectors and Disney+ viewers. Variant covers in high demand.
The major Hawkeye narrative arcs in order
Cap's Kooky Quartet (1965-1968)
Avengers #16-#62. The first major Hawkeye Avengers period, with the Cap-Hawkeye-Quicksilver-Scarlet Witch lineup.
Goliath Era (1969-1972)
Clint drops Hawkeye for Goliath. Three years size-changing before picking up the bow again.
Mockingbird Wedding (1983)
Mark Gruenwald mini-series. Mockingbird meeting, hearing loss, wedding. The foundation of modern Hawkeye.
West Coast Avengers Chairman (1985-1989)
Hawkeye founds and chairs the West Coast branch. Englehart and then John Byrne run. Hawkeye's golden age.
Avengers Disassembled (2004)
Brian Michael Bendis breaks up the Avengers, Hawkeye dies temporarily (Avengers #503). Emotional shock.
House of M Hawkeye Return (2005)
In the altered reality of House of M, Clint reappears alive. His death is eventually undone.
Heroic Age Hawkeye (2010-2012)
The post-Siege period when Clint fully reclaims the Hawkeye mantle after wearing Ronin during Dark Reign.
Fraction Run (2012-2015)
The cult run. 22 Hawkeye Vol.4 issues. A reinvention of the urban superhero genre.
Pizza Dog Issue (2013)
Hawkeye Vol.4 #11. An issue told from the dog's point of view. Eisner Award. A formal benchmark.
Old Man Hawkeye (2018)
Ethan Sacks / Marco Checchetto mini-series. Clint, aging and blind, in the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Generations Hawkeye (2017)
Clint Barton / Kate Bishop crossover one-shot under the Generations event. A symbolic passing of the torch.
West Coast Avengers Vol.4 Thompson (2018-2019)
Kelly Thompson reboots the franchise with Kate Bishop as chairwoman. A young roster, humorous tone.
Hawkeye: Freefall (2020)
Clint takes Ronin back. Six noir issues, alongside the Disney+ pre-production.
Heir of Apocalypse (2024)
Kate Bishop takes part in the event as a next-gen Avenger.
Atlantis Attacks Kate (2020)
An Atlantis Attacks tie-in centered on Kate Bishop, five issues.
How to start a Hawkeye collection in 2026
Set a clear goal
"I want all of Hawkeye" is ambitious but realistic, since the character doesn't have Spider-Man's longevity. Three typical goals: 1) the complete Fraction/Aja run (Hawkeye Vol.4 #1-22), 2) the Kate Bishop collection (Young Avengers #1 + Hawkeye Vol.5 + WCA Vol.4 + Hawkeye Kate 2021), 3) the complete Clint chronology starting from ToS #57.
Import the catalog into My Comics Collection
With My Comics Collection, import the 6 Hawkeye volumes, Tales of Suspense (appearances), West Coast Avengers Vol.2, Solo Avengers, Avengers Spotlight, Young Avengers Vol.1-2, and every mini-series. Each issue and volume is identified separately.
Prioritize the key issues
The 16 key issues listed represent the bulk of the historical value. Tales of Suspense #57, Avengers #16, Young Avengers #1, and Hawkeye Vol.4 #1 are the four absolute pillars.
Tell Clint and Kate apart
Hawkeye isn't a single character but a mantle shared between Clint Barton (1964) and Kate Bishop (2005). A coherent collection clearly separates the two lineages and their respective key issues. See our guide to female heroines for the Kate Bishop / female Hawkeye ecosystem.
Track eBay valuation and Disney+
Hawkeye values have moved a lot since Avengers (2012) and Hawkeye Disney+ (2021). Tales of Suspense #57 and Young Avengers #1 are on a steady rise. My Comics Collection updates values based on real eBay sales.
Why Hawkeye is still collected in 2026
Hawkeye isn't top-tier in monthly sales, but the character benefits from several factors that make him a solid target for collectors in 2026:
- MCU Jeremy Renner: Clint Barton appears in Thor (2011, cameo), Avengers (2012), Age of Ultron (2015), Civil War (2016), Endgame (2019), and headlines his own Disney+ Hawkeye series (2021). 14 years of MCU presence keeps demand on the Silver Age key issues steady.
- Hawkeye Disney+ 2021 (Hailee Steinfeld): the show propelled Kate Bishop to a leading character with the general public. Young Avengers #1 saw its CGC 9.8 double between 2020 and 2022. A lasting effect on the value of the Kelly Thompson Hawkeye Vol.5 run.
- Cult Fraction/Aja run: one of the most admired modern comics, studied in comics schools, cited as a reference by contemporary writers. Steady demand from collector-readers.
- "Accessible low-tier" profile: Tales of Suspense #57 stays accessible (CGC 7.0 → $1,500-$2,500) compared to Tales of Suspense #39 (1st Iron Man) or Amazing Fantasy #15 (1st Spider-Man). An ideal entry point for collecting "blue chip" Marvel Silver Age.
- Marvel multiverse and MCU Young Avengers: with the Young Avengers likely arriving in theaters in Phase 6-7, Kate Bishop, Wiccan, and Hulkling will gain visibility, boosting Young Avengers #1.
Biographie de Clinton Francis "Clint" Barton (Hawkeye)
Hawkeye est créé par Stan Lee et Don Heck et publié par Marvel Comics. Sa première apparition se fait dans Tales of Suspense #57 en septembre 1964.
Fiche d'identité
- Nom complet : Clinton Francis "Clint" Barton
- Date de naissance : Septembre 1964 (création)
- Lieu de naissance : Waverly, Iowa, USA
- Première apparition : Tales of Suspense #57 (septembre 1964)
- Créateurs : Stan Lee (scénariste) et Don Heck (dessinateur)
- Éditeur : Marvel Comics
- Affiliations : Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D., Defenders, Thunderbolts
Origines
Clint Barton, orphelin élevé dans un orphelinat avec son frère Barney, fuit pour rejoindre le cirque où il devient le protégé du Swordsman et de Trick Shot, qui lui enseignent l'art du tir à l'arc parfait. Devenu adulte, il devient initialement un super-villain manipulé par Black Widow, avant de rejoindre les Avengers comme membre fondateur élargi (Avengers #16, 1965) et devenir l'un des piliers de l'équipe.
Pouvoirs et capacités
- Aucun super-pouvoir : humain ordinaire
- Tireur d'élite parfait à l'arc et à la flèche (jamais raté une cible)
- Maîtrise de toutes les armes de jet (couteaux, shurikens, boomerangs)
- Combattant émérite : arts martiaux, sambo, judo
- Acrobate de cirque (formation initiale)
- Flèches spéciales : explosives, électriques, à filet, à gel, à fumée
Costume et identité visuelle
Costume violet et bleu avec masque ailé en H. Carquois de flèches dans le dos. Arc composé moderne en alliage. Versions modernes (Matt Fraction) : tenue casual avec gilet violet et bandeau, plus proche du street level vigilante.
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Other comic character histories to discover
Our complete "Comics history" article series covers the 20 biggest Marvel and DC franchises. Each article follows the same format: birth, complete chronology of the volumes, parallel series, key issues sorted chronologically, major arcs, and a collection method.
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