The cliche response for a movie poster is “I laughed… I cried…” and more often than not, is nowhere near applicable to the media its referring to. When it comes to Hawkeye number seven, however, I can make that claim. Half of the issue I spent laughing, the other I read through a tear-induced haze, and it all worked so beautifully.

This issue we see regular artist, Aja, taking a hiatus, with guests Lieber and Hamm filling in. While Hamm does a good job with an almost cartoony look, Lieber really shines in this issue and is almost a dead ringer for Aja himself.

And of course, our regulars, Fraction and Hollingsworth, are here and continuing to create what is currently the best book from Marvel.

All props aside, this issue really does stand alone, as does much of what’s come before it, however this one is especially powerful for it. Clint has always been a street level kind of guy, despite his big team alliances, and it really shines when his streets need him the most. The same holds true for Lady Hawkman, Kate. Both hero the only way they know how, allowing unlikely people to step up and become heroes in their own right, which is really what matters in times of tragedy.

Hawkeye is truly an amazing title that shows no signs of slowing down or losing quality, and for those that are reading, continue to do so, and those that aren’t, start now. This issue is a fantastic jumping on point, but in all honesty, just pick up issue one and start from there. You’ll thank yourself.