By Jim Beard
It's only fitting that one of Marvel's most dynamic and darling couples, Hawkeye and Mockingbird, wings your way via the dashing duo who put them back together when writer Jim McCann and artist David Lopez proudly kick off HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD #1 on June 3-and according to McCann it's going to be quite a flight.
"Basically, all you need to know is the following," he says. "Hawkeye is a guy with a cocky, wisecracking exterior, impetuous, and despite-or perhaps because of-everything he's gone through over the years, he is loving being back as Hawkeye, and is the world's greatest marksman, something he's achieved on his own without any super powers.
"Mockingbird is an incredibly strong female character who also possesses amazing skills she has gained through hard work and determination, was
 |
| HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD #1 preview art by David Lopez |
McCann classifies these heroes as "incredibly relatable characters," noting that their flaws make them two of the most human characters in the Marvel Universe.
"They are the people we can aspire to be," he notes. "They can make mistakes, contradict themselves, get up and dust themselves off, and go back at it with more gusto than before. They are what I like to call 'Everyone's Heroes.'
"Together, Hawkeye and Mockingbird are each others' mirror; they compliment and infuriate each other. They both get in trouble over their heads and improvise their way out. They eloped years ago, but are not married now-presumably dying does that to a marriage-and so they are trying the one thing they never did: date. They are trying to prove to themselves and each other that this can work, both in action and in the bedroom. Together, they are the Mr. & Mrs. Smith of the Marvel Universe!"
After their turn in the recent NEW AVENGERS: THE REUNION, McCann and Lopez can't wait to lure the lovers into new adventures, some of which might get a bit dicey with the dangerous derring-do.
 |
| HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD #1 preview art by David Lopez |
HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD exists squarely in the Avengers corner of the Marvel U, adding an extra layer of excitement for readers. Not only can one expect to see Avengers popping in and out of the new series, but new characters will also make their bows and begin to weave their ties to our high-flying stars.
"They've both been Avengers and have participated in major events in the Marvel Universe," reminds McCann. "In HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD #1 you see both Steve Rogers and Bucky, and in the coming stories you will see a lot of familiar faces. As for villains, the same holds true-lots of classics and a few new surprises. Crossfire and Phantom Rider are the main baddies in the first storyline and they play a huge role in defining the direction this book will take.
"I'm very excited about the new Phantom Rider. As fans discover the mystery around this character, I think they will really dig it. And Dominic Fortune is a member of Mockingbird's new spy team-the World Counterterrorism Agency, or W.C.A.-and the role he plays in the series is
 |
| HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD #1 preview art by David Lopez |
As much as McCann remains excited about the characters in the book, it's his artistic and editorial team on the series for whom he reserves the highest acclaim.
"David Lopez is incredible," he says. "He takes the script and it's like one of those relationships where someone can finish your sentences, but do it better than you could. His art is bold, dynamic, emotional-everything this book is and more. I can't imagine a better partner in this. If you liked his work in NEW AVENGERS: THE REUNION, wait until you see this! And if you missed that [series], pick up this book. David Lopez is a superstar. Seriously! And Alvaro Lopez's inks combined with Nathan Fairbairn's colors make this a visual feast for readers. Add in assistant editor Rachel Pinnelas and Editor Bill Rosemann as first mate and captain of this comic book ship, and you have an incredible book! Hope you guys love reading it as much as we all love working on it!"
To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook or visit www.comicshoplocator.com
Not a subscriber to Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited yet? Join now!
Download SPIDER-WOMAN and ASTONISHING X-MEN Motion Comics now on iTunes! For more information on motion comics, visit the Marvel Motion Comics hub!"
Download episodes of "X-Men: Evolution", "Wolverine and the X-Men", "Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes", and "The Super Hero Squad Show"
now on iTunes!
Check out the official Marvel Shop for your favorite Marvel Heroes!
