In a universe full of gamma giants, gods of thunder, and armored geniuses, it’s easy to overlook the guy with a bow and arrow. But Hawkeye—Clint Barton—isn’t just a sidekick or a comic relief character. He’s the definition of perseverance. A carnie turned Avenger, Clint brings heart, skill, and sheer nerve to every battle he fights. He’s the guy who stands up when the odds are impossible, who cracks a joke while bleeding out, and who will fire an arrow at a god if it means protecting someone else. Over the years, Hawkeye has gone from underdog to icon, delivering unforgettable moments that mix humor, sacrifice, and breathtaking skill. Whether he’s saving the world or just trying to keep the team grounded, Clint’s legacy is written in arrows and attitude.
#10: Taking Down a Helicarrier with One Arrow (Hawkeye Vol. 4 #3, 2012)
In Matt Fraction and David Aja’s critically acclaimed Hawkeye series, Clint Barton is at his most grounded—and most dangerous. In issue #3, he casually dismantles a rogue S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier using nothing but a single well-placed arrow. The situation is a bureaucratic disaster: a rogue asset is selling dangerous tech, the helicarrier is compromised, and Clint is in the middle of it with only his bow. He’s told to stand down. He doesn’t.
Instead, Clint assesses the entire situation in seconds and fires a USB arrow (yes, a USB arrow) directly into the helicarrier’s systems. He disables the tech, de-escalates the situation, and walks away with his usual sarcastic flair. What makes this moment legendary isn’t just the shot—it’s what it represents. This is Clint at his most precise and understated. He doesn’t need to flex his skills with flashy explosions. He just gets the job done. The art is sharp, the pacing tight, and the message clear: Clint Barton is the guy you call when you want something handled quietly, quickly, and flawlessly. It’s a mic-drop moment for a character who’s often underestimated—and it set the tone for one of the best solo series Marvel has ever published.
#9: Surviving the “Avengers Disassembled” Massacre (Avengers #502–503, 2004)
Brian Michael Bendis’ Avengers Disassembled arc was a game-changer for the team—and a brutal one for Hawkeye. During a chaotic attack orchestrated by a reality-warped Scarlet Witch, the Avengers face overwhelming destruction, including an alien Kree invasion and an onslaught of psychological attacks. Clint’s moment comes when he’s critically injured by a Kree soldier’s blast. His response? He doesn’t back down. He straps a bag of explosives to himself and flies straight into a Kree ship, blowing it to pieces and taking himself with it.
It’s a heroic suicide mission that perfectly encapsulates who Clint Barton is. He knows the odds, knows he’s dying, and still chooses to take out as many enemies as possible to protect his friends. The moment is raw, gut-wrenching, and unforgettable. For many readers, it was the first time Hawkeye was framed not just as a lovable rogue, but as a full-fledged hero worthy of standing beside gods and legends. His death shocked fans, and while he would return later (this is comics, after all), the sacrifice stood as a defining point in his legacy. It wasn’t about winning—it was about going down swinging.
#8: Leading the West Coast Avengers (West Coast Avengers Vol. 1 #1–4, 1984)
While the main Avengers operated on the East Coast, Marvel gave Clint Barton the chance to step into a leadership role with the West Coast Avengers. As the founding leader, Hawkeye assembled a team that included Mockingbird, Wonder Man, Tigra, and Iron Man (James Rhodes). This wasn’t just a geographical shift—it was a major development for Clint’s character. He was no longer the guy cracking jokes in the back. He was the one calling the shots.
Leading a team wasn’t easy for Clint, who’s more used to being a wildcard than a field general. But he rose to the challenge, balancing team dynamics, handling internal conflict, and going toe-to-toe with threats that would’ve overwhelmed lesser heroes. He proved he could think strategically, inspire loyalty, and put the mission first. This leadership arc helped cement Clint’s role as a core Avenger in his own right—not just a backup archer. For fans, it was a joy to see him take center stage, balancing his reckless style with hard-earned maturity. It was the beginning of a new era, one where Hawkeye wasn’t just part of the Avengers—he led them.
#7: Outshooting Bullseye (Hawkeye: Blindspot #4, 2011)
Bullseye is one of the deadliest marksmen in the Marvel Universe, known for turning everyday objects into lethal weapons. So, when Clint Barton faces off against him in Hawkeye: Blindspot, the stakes couldn’t be higher. What makes this duel extraordinary is that Clint does it while losing his eyesight. Slowly going blind from a past injury, Clint knows he’s at a disadvantage—but he engages anyway. The battle is tense, brutal, and visually striking.
Clint’s victory isn’t just about skill—it’s about heart. He outthinks Bullseye, predicting his moves and turning the environment to his advantage. It’s one of those moments that shows Clint isn’t defined by his bow—he’s defined by his determination and instincts. The final blow? Clint takes Bullseye down using only sound and intuition, proving once again that even against someone with a perfect kill record, Hawkeye is never out of arrows—or options. It’s a masterclass in grit, reminding readers why he’s one of Marvel’s most dangerous humans.
#6: Teaching Kate Bishop What It Means to Be Hawkeye (Hawkeye Vol. 4, 2012–2015)
One of the most enduring aspects of Clint Barton’s legacy is his mentorship of Kate Bishop, the second Hawkeye. In Matt Fraction and David Aja’s acclaimed run, Clint and Kate’s partnership is less about training and more about trust, camaraderie, and passing the torch. Clint never talks down to Kate—he treats her as an equal, even when he’s a mess. Through their shared missions, awkward conversations, and moments of mutual frustration, they build a relationship that becomes the emotional core of the series.
What makes this so legendary is the quiet, character-driven approach. Clint isn’t perfect—he’s deeply flawed, often emotionally distant, and a total disaster in his personal life. But with Kate, we see the best of him. He shows her that being Hawkeye means standing up for the little guy, getting back up when you’re down, and choosing to do the right thing even when no one’s watching. Their dynamic is playful, heartfelt, and never forced. Whether they’re chasing down a stolen dog or exchanging sarcastic banter mid-mission, their bond feels real. Clint’s willingness to share his name and identity with Kate is a rare moment of humility and grace, showing that the title of Hawkeye isn’t about ego—it’s about heart.
#5: Killing the Hulk (Civil War II #3, 2016)
In one of the most controversial and jaw-dropping moments in modern Marvel history, Clint Barton kills Bruce Banner. During Civil War II, tensions flare over a new Inhuman named Ulysses who can predict the future. When a vision suggests that Hulk will go on a murderous rampage, the heroes confront Bruce, who reveals that he gave Clint a special arrow capable of killing him—just in case. In the midst of the confrontation, Clint sees Bruce’s eyes flash green and fires without hesitation.
The moment is chilling. Clint doesn’t miss. Banner dies instantly. In court, Clint defends himself by explaining that he saw the signs, that he made a promise, and that he did what he believed was necessary. The moment splits the superhero community and shatters Clint emotionally. He’s haunted by the decision, even as he’s cleared of charges. What makes this moment so powerful is the ethical weight it carries. Clint isn’t a killer. He doesn’t want to be the guy who ends a friend’s life. But he is the guy who honors his promises and protects people—even when it costs him everything. It’s a morally complex, emotionally brutal moment that changed Hawkeye’s trajectory forever.
#4: Surviving as Ronin (New Avengers #27–37, 2007–2008)
After Avengers: Disassembled and his supposed death, Clint Barton returned under a new identity—Ronin. Donning a black, ninja-inspired outfit, Clint took on a more ruthless persona, hiding his identity while fighting alongside the New Avengers. As Ronin, Clint ditched his bow for swords, shuriken, and brutal stealth combat. It was a darker, grimmer phase for him—a man who’d been through death and resurrection and came back more dangerous than ever.
The Ronin arc wasn’t just about changing outfits. It was about Clint reckoning with his role in the world. He fought Skrulls, assassins, and traitors, often using methods he would’ve once condemned. He operated in shadows, sometimes embracing violence to get the job done. But through it all, his core values remained. He protected innocents. He stood up to power. And when the time came, he stepped back into the light. Ronin was Clint at his most feral, but also at his most fearless. It showed that even when he put down the bow, he never stopped being Hawkeye.
#3: Sacrificing His Hearing to Stop Crossfire (Hawkeye Vol. 1 #4, 1983)
One of Clint Barton’s earliest and most defining moments came when he faced the villain Crossfire, who planned to use a sonic brainwashing device to control the minds of superheroes. In a last-ditch effort to stop the device, Clint purposely causes himself to go deaf by jamming sonic-repellent arrowheads into his ears. He disables the device and saves countless lives—but at a steep cost.
This act of self-sacrifice set the tone for Clint’s characterization for decades. He doesn’t just fight smart—he fights with everything he has, even if it means permanent damage. Later stories would revisit and sometimes reverse his deafness, but the moment remained iconic. It emphasized his vulnerability, his humanity, and his willingness to put himself on the line for the greater good. Clint wasn’t just the funny archer anymore—he was a hero willing to endure lasting pain to do what was right. That’s legendary.
#2: Saving the World with a Trick Arrow (Avengers Vol. 1 #223, 1982)
This classic issue features one of the most creative and fan-favorite moments in Hawkeye’s history: the time he fired Ant-Man on an arrowhead into the barrel of a villain’s gun. Tasked with stopping a hijacked tank, Clint teams up with Scott Lang, who shrinks down and rides a specialized arrow directly into the enemy’s weapon systems. The shot is insane, risky, and absolutely perfect—classic Hawkeye.
What elevates this moment is how quintessentially “Clint” it is. He doesn’t just rely on brute force—he thinks outside the box. He trusts his teammates. And he hits an impossible shot that saves the day in a way no one else could have pulled off. This issue has been homaged multiple times, including in the MCU’s Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Endgame, proving that it’s not just iconic—it’s eternal. The arrow shot around the world, and it reminded everyone why Hawkeye is more than just the guy with the bow—he’s the guy with the best aim in the business.
#1: Defending the Apartment Building (Hawkeye Vol. 4 #11, “Pizza Dog Issue,” 2013)
The most legendary Hawkeye moment doesn’t feature a major battle or cosmic threat—it features a man defending his home. In issue #11 of Hawkeye Vol. 4, we experience an entire story from the perspective of Lucky the Pizza Dog as Clint Barton fends off hitmen trying to evict tenants from a Brooklyn apartment building. It’s poetic, experimental, and stunningly emotional. Told largely without dialogue, it captures Clint at his most human: bruised, deaf, and overwhelmed—but still protecting his neighbors with everything he’s got.
This moment is legendary not because of the spectacle, but because of its intimacy. Clint isn’t saving the world—he’s saving people who can’t afford rent hikes. He’s going up against the Tracksuit Mafia with duct tape and determination. He’s bleeding and broken, but he refuses to give up. Through Pizza Dog’s eyes, we see Clint not as an Avenger—but as a man who won’t let the bad guys win on his block. It’s the soul of what makes Hawkeye special. He’s not a god, or a genius, or a monster. He’s just a guy trying to do the right thing, one arrow at a time.
Clint Barton may not have super strength or a magic hammer, but what he does have is the heart of a hero—and the scars to prove it. These moments highlight why Hawkeye has earned his place among Marvel’s greats. Whether he’s saving the world with a trick shot, mentoring the next generation, or standing alone against impossible odds, Clint always shows up. He’s living proof that you don’t need powers to be legendary—just courage, compassion, and perfect aim.
