Only Hawkeye would be joined by a vicious squirrel in an assault against thugs; and only Hawkeye would chitchat with foes, interrogate a stripper as she's performing, and consult with tourists and tattoo-artists. With a distinct character and fast action, "The High, Hard Shaft: Part 2-Hits and Mrs" by Fabian Nicieza and Stefano Raffaele follows Hawkeye's investigation of a Myrtle Beach stripper as it escalates into a possible Viet Nam conspiracy.

This issue is perfectly paced with mounting action and witty dialogue. Additionally, Nicieza continues to portray a complicated but well-balanced Hawkeye. For example, when confronting his primary opponent at her estate, he is both polite and rude-complimenting her butler on his "mighty fine" lemonade but kicking him in the face moments later. Here, Hawkeye is the resolute and vivacious character familiar to readers.

Raffaele's art is detailed and moody. As Hawkeye hunts thugs in the woods, the densely packed trees arouse claustrophobia, so effectively that you can almost pity the thugs as they're chased by the master archer. Another notable scene demonstrates Raffaele's mastery of movement. Unarmed, Hawkeye tosses a deck of cards into the air, dashes across the room for his bow, shoots, and pins his target card to the wall.

Overall: A-