Charli Ramsey Targets The Ultimate Universe’s Greatest Villain in Ultimate Hawkeye #1

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In #1, a story by Deniz Camp and B. Earl with artwork by Juan Frigeri and Michael Sta. Maria (cover art by R.B. Silva), Charli Ramsey finds herself trapped in a disturbing and complex game. Hawkeye has to use all his cunning to navigate each perilous room of a deadly maze and escape with his life.

Known as Charli Ramsey, this individual stepped up when no one else would. Since then, they’ve been tracking down the world’s most dangerous weapons dealers. Their current target, Ulysses Klaue, is living in fear, but even extensive safety measures won’t protect him from Hawkeye’s arrow. In a deliberate move to show readers, Hawkeye quickly shifts focus to a new target. However, this time things don’t go as planned, as Hawkeye realizes they were anticipated.

Readers Learn More About an Arrow

Ulysses Klaue constantly monitors his incredibly complex security system, which is full of backup features. He has good reason to be worried, as several other big arms dealers have been eliminated lately. Plus, Hawkeye is tracking Klaue from across town. Hawkeye fires a very advanced arrow directly into Klaue’s showy penthouse. The arrow moves skillfully, avoiding the security system’s defenses as if it were self-guided. It then easily strikes Klaue, adding his name to the growing list of deceased weapons dealers.

The abundant narration at the beginning is an interesting technique, but it unfortunately distracts from Hawkeye and takes away from his impact. Essentially, the events unfolding are quite straightforward. This entire scene would have benefited from more surprises and complexity, particularly given its length and pacing. It feels a little drawn out and could have used a few more twists and turns.

The story spends too much time describing Klaue’s security system and detailing it, time that would have been better used developing the main character. As a result, readers get a rather simple scene lacking tension. This wouldn’t be a major issue if the scene were significantly shorter. Furthermore, we don’t gain much insight into Hawkeye beyond learning that they’re prepared to eliminate a dangerous arms dealer. It’s a missed opportunity.

Hawkeye Aims to be Discrete

After advising Tony to disconnect for a bit and recharge, Hawkeye finds himself at a party. But this isn’t just any party-it’s a strange and unsettling event filled with people who crave both pain and pleasure. It’s also where Hawkeye’s next target, “The Senator,” is located. Hawkeye decides to observe and track his target discreetly. However, trouble quickly finds him, as guards are waiting and immediately attack. Hawkeye is overpowered and taken captive, where he’s subjected to a series of disturbing games.

I’m really getting to know Hawkeye as he enters the party – we learn so much more about his background and who he is as a person. It’s definitely a step up from the beginning of the story, but I still feel like the characters could use a little more… something to really make them stand out. Hawkeye immediately jumps back into action, trying to find his next target, but I’m starting to wonder what all of this is costing him personally? It’s making me really invested in his journey, and I’m curious to see where it all leads. You can find more about the author here.

The team then tries a more subtle approach, attempting to locate the senator discreetly, but Hawkeye is quickly discovered. While this creates a complication for their plan, it would have been more impactful if Hawkeye’s own decision led to the obstacle, emphasizing his starting point in this storyline and what he needs to develop. As it stands, this feels like an unexpected and arbitrary turn of events.

A Game of Choices Leaves More to be Desired

Hawkeye finds himself waking up locked in a cell, and is immediately presented with a strange choice: a hammer or a ruler. This is just the beginning, as he’s told real challenges are coming. He picks the hammer, believing it would be a more useful tool – or weapon – than a ruler. Surprisingly, he’s then forced to use the hammer to strike his own hand in order to move on. Each room he enters presents a new, difficult test, ultimately leading him to an underground arena where he’ll undoubtedly have to battle his way to freedom. His opponent appears, and it’s revealed to be none other than Ronin. Both Hawkeye and Ronin are indebted to this organization, and both have had their families taken hostage.

Ultimately, everything came down to a series of decisions. Therefore, the story should have focused on those decisions, with each one driven by Hawkeye’s character *at the time* and supported by an overarching narrative about his growth – who he was, who he needed to become, or who he ultimately became. Having Hawkeye confront Ronin is an excellent way to highlight these choices, as he’s forced to battle a reflection of a man readers already know.

The story had a great opportunity to showcase both the distinctions and common ground between the characters. However, it ended up with a brief fight scene that didn’t live up to the initial promise. Hawkeye is threatened with the death of his family if either combatant backs down. But when he chooses to spare Ronin after gaining the advantage, they inexplicably turn Ronin into gold. While this could be a deliberate tactic to sway Hawkeye to their side, it feels ultimately unfulfilling. Overall, this is a curious idea that doesn’t reveal any new information to the audience.

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2025-10-03 19:58