Marvel Comics
Writer: Marieke Nijkamp
Artists: Enid Balám, Oren Junior, Brittany Peer
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Kate Bishop’s unplanned vacation at Resort Chapiteau in the Hamptons continues. After two issues of mysteries and secrets, Marieke Nijkamp shifts her focus to the estranged Bishop sisters Kate and Susan.
Nijkamp demonstrates a great story management with her six issue narrative, signaling the issue’s theme in the second panel. As a gaggle of mind-controlled guests encircle the sisters, Kate suggests Disneyland for their next weekend getaway. Despite the impending danger, Susan picks up on the promise of “next time.”
After the action, the sisters hash out a bit of their past for a bulk of the issue. Kate, still carrying the PI-swagger from Matt Fraction’s legendary run on Hawkeye, feels she cannot trust her sister despite desperately wishing not to become a bitter loner like Clint.
Speaking of Fraction’s take on Clint, a text conversation between the two Hawkeyes is reminiscent of their relationship in that book. Considering Kate has also been texting with her former Young Avengers buddies, it will be curious to see where she lands at the conclusion of this mini.
Meanwhile, Susan opens up about her unpleasant experiences with their criminal father. Shen then apologizes for leaving Kate with him as a child. The apology catches Kate off guard and allows for a genuine exchange between the two.
It remains to be seen if Susan’s refusal to leave the resort is really an act of sisterly love, or part of a larger plan to reclaim her ring. A ring that is also a key to a vault. And also a fragment from a cosmic cube. Yeah, the mystery plot is not coming together as neatly as the character development, but we’ve got half a story to iron that out!
Art continues to be a strength for Hawkeye: Kate Bishop. Balám and Junior’s pencils and inks (respectively) provide a very distinct but true to heart version of Kate Bishop. The panel work is thoughtful and precise, allowing for a dialogue-driven issue to be bookended by lively action sequences without shortchanging either story or action.
That said, Brittany Peer’s colors deserve a special shout out. The blues and pinks of the Chapiteau grounds at night, Kate’s purple ensemble, the bombastic Circus of Crime palette. All pitch perfect. Everything comes together for a book that’s not mandatory reading, but a whole heck of a lot of fun.
Hawkeye: Kate Bishop #3
The first half of Kate Bishop's unplanned vacation has been fun, but the back end will determine whether or not this is essential Hawkeye reading.
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