AVENGERS #74

"Even though I'm prone to arguments-I do hate fighting with friends. In Jen's case, though-I guess this is more like foreplay." In Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins' "The Search for She-Hulk, Part 3: Sticks and Stones," the ever-flirty and resourceful Hawkeye battles, one-on-one, with the enraged and power-enhanced She-Hulk, until Bruce Banner arrives with assistance-or more destruction.

Impeccably portrayed by Johns, Hawkeye is full of wit and bravado, courage and fortitude. The opening spread captures Hawkeye's essence as he relishes in the self-proclaimed fact that he's perfect-"always has been"-yet remains focused on saving lives. And though the story continues to feel stretched, it ends with a thrilling cliffhanger, one that promises such potential for danger that even Hawkeye runs for cover.

The art's strength is in motion-Hawkeye dodging in a bowling alley, the blurring speed of his motorcycle, and the painful sequence of impacts as Hawkeye crashes through a forest. Yet, characters' faces are silly with exaggerated expressions. Hawkeye's traditionally smug grin is amplified into a clownish laugh. Captain America's reassuring countenance is undermined by his little boy pout. But the most distracting element is the embarrassing lack of color in Hawkeye's blood.

Overall: B-