3.5 stars

While I enjoyed this volume of All New-Hawkeye and definitely read it quickly, I didn't like it as much as the previous volume in this series. This volume explores Clint and Kate's relationship in the aftermath of the events of the previous issue. We move between flash forwards 30 years into the future and the present day seeing how their relationship breaks down and what Clint does to fix it.

On a positive note, I did love how Kate was utilized in this volume. She takes up narrative space that made her a compelling co-lead rather than just a prominent side character. Her relationship with Clint, that tension between caring about him and their friendship and needing space to figure herself out was deftly rendered.

I'd recommend this book and All-New Hawkeye as a whole to people looking for a character-centric narrative. The story is light on plot and I think it was occasionally to its detriment. It didn't feel like there was enough going on to support 6-issues. Jeff Lemire attempted to subvert that by simultaneously playing out a future timeline but that story lacked the tension needed to keep me engaged. I did like seeing the complete breakdown of Kate and Clint's relationship in the future but the emotional stakes weren't palpable enough to impact me as much as I wanted.

Overall I still think this was a well-crafted book. Lemire's character writing was solid Ramón Pérez's art was perfectly suited for the story. I especially loved the small details in his art ie. Kate in flashback being rendered in a different style indicating how removed she felts from her surroundings. I definitely enjoyed reading this series even if it was a tad anti-climactic in the end.