Hawkeye, Volume 2: Little Hits Summary & Key Insights

Matt Fraction's Hawkeye: Volume 2: Little Hits continues the deconstruction of the superhero archetype, focusing on Clint Barton, a less-than-super Avenger, and his surprisingly complex life. Unlike the bombastic battles of his compatriots, this volume delves into the quieter, grittier aspects of being Hawkeye – namely, the aftermath of a near-fatal encounter and the intricate web of relationships he navigates.

The central plot revolves around the aftermath of Clint's injury, which leaves him with lingering pain and a changed perspective. He's struggling with physical recovery, complicated by his ongoing attempts to protect his adopted family – his brother, Barney Barton, and the pizza-loving tracksuit mafia, a seemingly absurd group that nonetheless becomes a surprising source of warmth and loyalty.

The book is less about a single, overarching narrative and more about a collection of interwoven stories illustrating Clint's character. We witness his interactions with his brother, Barney, a compelling character in his own right, struggling with addiction and aiming for a more honest existence. Their brotherly bond, despite its imperfections and underlying tension, forms the emotional core of the volume. Meanwhile, Clint's attempts to manage the tracksuit mafia, involving various humorous and violent encounters, provide a surprisingly poignant counterpoint to the more serious elements.

The Tracksuit Mafia itself is a remarkable creation. Initially appearing as simply comical villains, they evolve into something far more nuanced. Their loyalty to Clint, their surprisingly sophisticated business dealings (albeit within the confines of their tracksuit-clad enterprise), and their shared vulnerabilities humanize them significantly. Through them, Fraction explores themes of found family and the complexities of loyalty even amidst criminal activity.

The artistic style is as vital to the narrative as the writing. The diverse art teams—including David Aja, Francesco Francavilla, Steve Lieber, Jesse Hamm, Annie Wu, and Matt Hollingsworth—contribute distinct visual styles to each chapter, reflecting the fragmented and episodic nature of the storytelling. This stylistic variation mirrors Clint's own fractured state of mind and the disjointed nature of his life. The panels themselves are frequently unconventional, emphasizing the unconventional narrative structure and adding to the book's unique atmosphere.

Overarching themes include family, both blood and found, the meaning of heroism beyond spectacular feats, and the quiet dignity of perseverance in the face of adversity. Little Hits doesn't offer explosive action sequences; rather, it focuses on the smaller, quieter moments that define Clint Barton, showcasing his flaws, vulnerabilities, and ultimately, his endearing humanity. It’s a testament to the power of intimate storytelling within the superhero genre, proving that heroism isn't solely about saving the world, but also about saving yourself and the people you love.