Mockingbird Appreciation Thread

[Dermie]

Hey everybody!

In honour of Bobbi's recent return and her upcoming miniseries with Clint, I thought those of us who are already fans of Mockingbird could talk about why we love the character, share our favourite Mocky moments, etc, and help hype the character for newer readers who haven't met Mockingbird yet!

One of the things I love most about Mockingbird is her scathing sense of humour. A lot of heroes are quipsters, but with Bobbi it was always more than that--her words were weapons. Her sarcastic 'mocking' of opponents would not only damage their egos, but would piss them off enough to make them sloppy and give her the advantage, or her constant barrage of chatter would distract her opponents from what she was really up to.

I also liked the unique perspective she brought to the Avengers as the first spy in the team. I know that Black Widow and Carol Danvers both joined the Avengers before Bobbi did, but Carol's background as a spy never really came up during her original membership stint, and Tasha never served as an active roster member for any length of time until after Bobbi joined. Mockingbird was the first Avenger to really bring that secret agent background and perspective to the team on a regular basis, and it gave her something unique to bring to the mix.

Anyone else got some love for Mocky to share?

[Dermie]

Some Mockingbird memories....from SOLO AVENGERS #1:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/Mockingbird1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/Mockingbird2.jpg

[Dermie]

Next up...Mockingbird vs the High Evolutionary (from WCA Annual #3). Sure, he ultimately ended up overpowering her...but she almost took him down, which is a pretty impressive accomplishment against a guy who went toe-to-toe with Hercules and the Hulk a few issues later.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/BobbivsHighEv.jpg

(apologies for the uneven scan--that page just did not want to cooperate with the scanner)

[PJC1980]

Hey I love this idea for a thread! I've loved Bobbi Barton since I first started reading my older brother's West Coast Avengers comics when I was about 8. The quote that's been being circulated by the Marvel powers-that-be is that Bobbi is the Mrs. Smith of the MU; I've always thought of her more as the Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner from Alias). Highly trained, and extremely deadly, but not an assassin; just a woman who was always prepared to do what needed to be done. The Avengers generally deal with fairly large scale villains, and it was always great when Bobbi's espionage background and the skills that came with that were able to be integrated in the story.

Besides that, I have always loved characters who are super-heroes and not super-human. Bobbi literally had no powers what-so-ever. Even the other less cosmically powered Avengers usually had an edge over normal humans. Clint would become Giant Man when it fit a writer's whimsy. Cap had a super-soldier serum. The Black Knight had a magical sword. Mockingbird had a staff, intelligence training, and a snarky sense of humor, and she did pretty well for herself.

Here are my top five Mockingbird moments, in order. Sorry, I don't have a scanner to illustrate them!

5. Bobbi and The US Agent West Coast Avengers #81 (I still can't think of them as Avengers West Coast). The US Agent's introduction into this title pretty much coincided with Steve Englehart's departure, and the character's a**hole demeanor went a long way to destroying my enjoyment of it. At one point in the run, there was a vote to determine the active roster, in which Bobbi received only one "aye." The Agent fesses up to being that "yes" vote here...and then tells her he only voted for her because she improves the scenery. Bobbi tosses him across the room. Awesome.

4. Mockingbird vs. The Red Guardian in Avengers Annual #16. Both the East and West Coast Avengers battle the Legion of the Unliving in a game set-up by the Grandmaster. Almost all her teammates have difficulty in their battles for one reason or another...Bobbi demonstrates what becomes one of her defining characteristics, which is a certain level of comfort with death. The Red Guardian gets in one good shot their entire fight...and then she toys with him for a few panels, and dispatches him, cool as a cucumber. (Side bar, I also love the way she is drawn in this book.)

3. Mockingbird vs. Hawkeye Life Model Decoy (West Coast Avengers #27). Hawkeye gets snatched by the Zodiac and is replaced by the new Sagitarrius. Unfortunately, this is the moment that Bobbi chooses to confess to the whole Phantom Rider mess (see Moment #1, below). She quickly realizes that this is not her husband and the two get into a brawl. With a little help from Tigra, she proceeds to completely destroy the android. Fun battle scene, but what makes this a great moment is that the issue preceding had Hawkeye accidentally "killing" the original Sagitarrius himself...and almost losing it with guilt. Slight difference of opinion on the sanctity of a robot's life, great character contrast.

2. Mockingbird vs. Master Pandemonium in West Coast Avengers #9. In one of the best uses of her undercover skills ever worked into the comic, Mockingbird disguises herself as MP's ally Shooting Star and ends up working him for a backstory and a fairly detailed explanation of his abilities. When the rest of the team ends up trapped by his magic, she uses the knowledge she has gained to mute his abilities, and proceeds to beat the tar out him up one side of his hide-out and back down the other.

1. Mockingbird vs. The Phantom Rider in West Coast Avengers #23. Is there any Mockingbird fan out there for whom this is NOT #1? Maybe Jim can top it...tall order, good luck. Kidnapped during a time traveling adventure by PR, drugged into believing she loved him, Mockingbird starts to snap out of it when Hawkeye momentarily dies hundreds of years in the past. When she comes back to herself completely, she confronts PR atop a mountain, and manages to knock him off the cliff. As he hangs from his fingertips, he alternately begs and demands that she help him. Her response is two words: "Drop dead." And he does. A huge turning point for her marriage to Hawkeye, and a huge moment for "the Avenger who does not think like an Avenger," as Steve Englehart once called her.

Wow, this post is really long, hope someone enjoyed it. Well, I did anyway!

[Jim @ Marvel]

Hey guys! Keep 'em coming! I love seeing your favorites!! And PJC, I've been saying the duo are Mr. & Mrs. Smith-like, but where I want to bring Bobbi is back to that Sydney Bristow in Alias (first 2 season, at least. LOL) type roots. Hopefully, you'll see that & like what you see in 15 short days! (getting NERVOUS!!)

By the way, it would blow my mind to see any of the moments in The Reunion be on a thread like this in the future. These are all amazing stories & reasons why Bobbi is a great character.

I'd love to see people's favorite Clint & Bobbi moments since this is as much about the two of them as it is about them individually.

[Dermie]

Here are two of Bobbi's most memorable encounters with Clint's old sparring partner the USAgent! First up is the one mentioned by PJC1980 in his earlier post...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/BobbiUSAgent1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/BobbiUSAgent2.jpg

And then a few issues later, Bobbi visits Clint and the Agent in the hospital. When he has to leave in a hurry, Walker decides to flash his bare body at her...and doesn't exactly get the reaction he hoped for. ;)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/BobbiUSAgent3001.jpg

Oddly enough, the next time USAgent was undressed around her, he made her avert her eyes. I guess since he no longer considered it "appropriate" to be naked in front of her, since she was back together with Clint and was
"officially" a married woman again.

[PJC1980]

Hey guys! Keep 'em coming! I love seeing your favorites!! And PJC, I've been saying the duo are Mr. & Mrs. Smith-like, but where I want to bring Bobbi is back to that Sydney Bristow in Alias (first 2 season, at least. LOL) type roots. Hopefully, you'll see that & like what you see in 15 short days! (getting NERVOUS!!).


The first two seasons of Alias were crazy good, weren't they? If there could be some tip-off for Bobbi to identify a Skrull because they forget that the person they are impersonating doesn't like coffee ice cream, it might be the most awesome homage ever. Kind of a weird parallel what with the replacement Francie storyline on Alias, and the replaced heroes during Secret Invasion.

I was already sold on this, but the way you talk about Bobbi just keeps amping me up. So glad that she's being handled by a writer who sees her potential (by the way, I think you guys nailed the new costume).

[Jim @ Marvel]

The first two seasons of Alias were crazy good, weren't they? If there could be some tip-off for Bobbi to identify a Skrull because they forget that the person they are impersonating doesn't like coffee ice cream, it might be the most awesome homage ever. Kind of a weird parallel what with the replacement Francie storyline on Alias, and the replaced heroes during Secret Invasion.

I was already sold on this, but the way you talk about Bobbi just keeps amping me up. So glad that she's being handled by a writer who sees her potential (by the way, I think you guys nailed the new costume).

Well thank you very much! I hope you feel the same in a week & a half when the book comes out! LOL

[Arion]

Here are two of Bobbi's most memorable encounters with Clint's old sparring partner the USAgent! First up is the one mentioned by PJC1980 in his earlier post...

]
]

And then a few issues later, Bobbi visits Clint and the Agent in the hospital. When he has to leave in a hurry, Walker decides to flash his bare body at her...and doesn't exactly get the reaction he hoped for. ;)

[]

Oddly enough, the next time USAgent was undressed around her, he made her avert her eyes. I guess since he no longer considered it "appropriate" to be naked in front of her, since she was back together with Clint and was
"officially" a married woman again.

That was a very good selection of pages.

[Dr. Hackenbush]

That was a very good selection of pages.

Yeah, I liked reading through those old pages. Good ol' USAgent. Still a tool after all these years.:)

[Dermie]

That was a very good selection of pages.

Thanks. :)

I'd love to see people's favorite Clint & Bobbi moments since this is as much about the two of them as it is about them individually.

Your wish is my command! :) This is from an early issue of West Coast Avengers, when Hawkeye was trying to recruit the Thing for the roster (this was during his leave from the FF) and Bobbi was annoyed that Clint seemed to be ignoring Firebird who was assisting the team at the time, and was clearly interested in joining.

I've always liked this scene since it really shows the fire and passion between these two, and shows that they're a bit different from most superhero couples--can you imagine Reed & Sue or Wanda & Vision, etc, having an argument like this?? *L*

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/argue1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/argue2.jpg

[Jim @ Marvel]

Thanks. :)



Your wish is my command! :) This is from an early issue of West Coast Avengers, when Hawkeye was trying to recruit the Thing for the roster (this was during his leave from the FF) and Bobbi was annoyed that Clint seemed to be ignoring Firebird who was assisting the team at the time, and was clearly interested in joining.

I've always liked this scene since it really shows the fire and passion between these two, and shows that they're a bit different from most superhero couples--can you imagine Reed & Sue or Wanda & Vision, etc, having an argument like this?? *L*


LOVE that scene. And I definitely love the fire these two have. They are SO unique! It's what makes writing them SO much fun.

[Dermie]

Another fun scene, from the HAWKEYE miniseries...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/Hawk2-1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/Hawk2-2.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/Hawk2-3.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/Hawk2-3001.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/Hawk2-5.jpg

[Dermie]

Bonus points for anyone who can identify where these Hawkeye/Mockingbird scenes are from!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/BigTown1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/BigTown2.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/BigTown3.jpg

Here's Bobbi going one on one with the Silver Surfer, trying to break through Doom's mind control of him...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/BigTown4.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/BigTown5.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/BigTown6.jpg

[PJC1980]

Bonus points for anyone who can identify where these Hawkeye/Mockingbird scenes are from!



Ha! Big Town! Nice one...you left out the one where Bobbi kicks Quicksilver around for a few panels :cool:. Then...um...something happens (is it okay to spoil previously published books?), and she goes after Magneto by herself. She's got nerve that one!

[Dermie]

Ha! Big Town!

You got it! :)

Nice one...you left out the one where Bobbi kicks Quicksilver around for a few panels :cool:. Then...um...something happens (is it okay to spoil previously published books?), and she goes after Magneto by herself. She's got nerve that one!

Absolutely she does! And yeah, it was pretty impressive how she took Pietro down despite his speed.

I loved that Englehart used Bobbi in BIG TOWN, and that he was able to revist his Hawkeye/Mockingbird conflict over lethal force storyline *without* the added baggage of Bobbi's rape as a factor in it the way it was in the 616 storyline.

Time for some more Mocky kick-butt action! :)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/Mocky1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/Mocky2.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/Mocky3.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/Mocky4.jpg

[Dermie]

Now for one of Mockingbird's most memorable battles--it became something of a defining moment for the character, and a major turning point in her relationship with Clint: Bobbi confrontation with the Phantom Rider after he kidnapped, drugged and raped her!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/PhantomRider1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/PhantomRider2.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/PhantomRider3.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/PhantomRider4.jpg

[Dermie]

More Mocky fun--from her very first appearance as Mockingbird:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/Bobbi1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/Bobbi2.jpg

[Arion]

More Mocky fun--from her very first appearance as Mockingbird:



I'd love to have that issue.

[BAMF]

I was somewhat familiar with MB since she was around when I got into comics, but since I started out with the X-Verse and neglected the Avengers titles, I never really got the chance to know her. I really enjoyed issue one of The Reunion. I've seen y'all throw some character parallels/comparisons around, and I figured I'd throw mine out there. As I was reading Bobbi's narrative, I couldn't help but read it as Kristen Bell's/Veronica Mars' voice. It's the blonde hair and snark.

[Arion]

I was somewhat familiar with MB since she was around when I got into comics, but since I started out with the X-Verse and neglected the Avengers titles, I never really got the chance to know her. I really enjoyed issue one of The Reunion. I've seen y'all throw some character parallels/comparisons around, and I figured I'd throw mine out there. As I was reading Bobbi's narrative, I couldn't help but read it as Kristen Bell's/Veronica Mars' voice. It's the blonde hair and snark.

That reminds me that I didn't really follow Avengers during the 90's but I got back on the train with Busiek's run.

[Dermie]

After re-reading REUNION #2, here's a memory of a happier time...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/makeup1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/makeup2.jpg

[Arion]

Happier times, indeed.

[Dermie]

On a slightly different note, here is a look at Mockingbird as a villain--Ultron's robot bride Alkhema, who was programmed with Bobbi's brain patterns!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/alkhema1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/alkhema2.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/alkhema3.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/alkhema4.jpg

A few years later, Alkhema returns with an upgraded design...and kicks the crap out of some of the mightiest Avengers!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/alkhema5.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/alkhema6.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/alkhema7.jpg

In some ways I actually like Alkhema better than Ultron as an Avengers foe. She's just as powerful and deadly--but with Bobbi's sarcasm and fire--twisted into something nasty and cruel--she just has more spark and personality than Ultron.

[Dermie]

Alkhema returned again--and had a confrontation with Hawkeye!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/alkhema8.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/alkhema9.jpg

However, their fight is interrupted by Ultron--who has managed to re-create himself through Alkhema. In order to stop Ultron, Clint will have to kill Alkhema...and the last remaining fragment of Bobbi!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/alkhema10.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/eddiejc1/alkhema11.jpg

I'd like to see Clint and the real Bobbi run into Alkhema again at some point. Perhaps Monica Rapaccini and AIM could reassemble her as a weapon to use against Bobbi's W.C.A....

[Arion]

The only Alkhema issue I have is the one done by Perez.

[Manolis]

i remember mockingbird from when i was a kid. she was in the first superhero comic i ever read. the Greek X-Men reprint magazines that were also reprinting stories from other marvel comics, including avengers west coast (yup, instead of the 'actual' avengers book). i loved her in an instant. she had such amazing sense of composure and attitude, she didn't take any shit from her crazy teammates, but still she was so emotive towards clint. i just loved everything about her. she was at once the strongest and most vulnerable character on the team

jim captured the essence of bobbi amazingly in the new series, ;)

[Arion]

I think my first Mockingbird comic was during the Busiek - Perez Avenger's run.

[hamgravy]

Hey Jim - Just noticed that you have a blog here on Jinxworld.

Here's a little tribute I did for Bobbi when Marvel was asking for pet photos in honor of "Pet Avengers."

Her name is Maude but her alias is MAUDEKINGBIRD!!!

She's sorta wearing a new/old goggle combo and had no interest in having them cover her eyes. She's also more preoccupied with chewing on her bo staff (wrapping paper roll) than with fighting the forces of evil.

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt268/hamgravy_photos/MAUDEKINGBIRD_01.jpg

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt268/hamgravy_photos/MAUDEKINGBIRD_02.jpg

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt268/hamgravy_photos/MAUDEKINGBIRD_03.jpg

[Arion]

Great dog pics.

[Jim @ Marvel]

Ham, these are FANTASTIC!!!! Thank you!!!!!!! LOL

Hey Jim - Just noticed that you have a blog here on Jinxworld.

Here's a little tribute I did for Bobbi when Marvel was asking for pet photos in honor of "Pet Avengers."

Her name is Maude but her alias is MAUDEKINGBIRD!!!

She's sorta wearing a new/old goggle combo and had no interest in having them cover her eyes. She's also more preoccupied with chewing on her bo staff (wrapping paper roll) than with fighting the forces of evil.

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt268/hamgravy_photos/MAUDEKINGBIRD_01.jpg

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt268/hamgravy_photos/MAUDEKINGBIRD_02.jpg

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt268/hamgravy_photos/MAUDEKINGBIRD_03.jpg

[hamgravy]

HAH - my pleasure!

Great work on the Reunion - good luck with your upcoming gigs and the next two Cons.

I met you at NYC Comic Con this year (we talked briefly about Jo Chen's renderings of Bobbi's business on the Reunion covers while at Brevoort's "Your Universe" Panel) and yours is one of those personalities that brings spirit to a room and gives the sense that there is a Modern Marvel Bullpen of integrity and good nature.

Have a fun Summer Con Season!

[Arion]

Those dog pics are quite funny.

[Spidey616]

Looking forward to seeing Clint and Bobbi's continuing relationshipn in Avengers The List and Bobbi's new costume drawn by Marko Djurdjevic no less :)

http://marvel.com/i/content/st/1556new_storyimage7866949_full.jpg

[hamgravy]

Wow - those pages are looking so pretty, Spidey.

[Arion]

Wow - those pages are looking so pretty, Spidey.

I have no choice but to agree with you.

[Spidey616]

Next week, WCA reunion in War Machine #8 !

http://www.comicbookresources.com/assets/images/preview/3135/prv3135_pg2.jpg

[Arion]

I haven't been following War Machine. Is it good?

[Spidey616]

I haven't been following War Machine. Is it good?

Is the Space Pope reptilian? The answer-yes! Gets even better with Leonard Manco drawing Bobbi Morse in her new costume :)

[Spidey616]

Some more Clint/Bobbi goodness in Avengers: The List

http://superpouvoir.com/~marv/Marvel/Previews/August_2009/dark-reign-the-list-avengers-first-look-01.jpg

[Arion]

I really like that page composition.

[Spidey616]

Looks like we can expect big things from Bobbi and the rest of the female members of NA courtesy of Bendis and Mike Mayhew this November :D

http://www.comicbookresources.com/assets/images/articles/1249770815.jpg

[Arion]

Looks like we can expect big things from Bobbi and the rest of the female members of NA courtesy of Bendis and Mike Mayhew this November :D

]

Excellent!

[Jim @ Marvel]

[QUOTE=Spidey616;6228487]Looks like we can expect big things from Bobbi and the rest of the female members of NA courtesy of Bendis and Mike Mayhew this November :D

I have read this & it is AWESOME!!!!!!

[Spidey616]

Forget Harvey Dent

I believe in Jim McCann! :thumb:

[Spidey616]

Looks like we can expect BIG things from Bobbi in next week's NA as well. :cool:

New Avengers #56 Preview (http://comics.ign.com/articles/101/1015851p1.html)

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/101/1015851/the-new-avengers-20090819035616308.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/101/1015851/the-new-avengers-20090819035552840.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/101/1015851/the-new-avengers-20090819035554824.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/101/1015851/the-new-avengers-20090819035558043.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/101/1015851/the-new-avengers-20090819035600137.jpg

[Spidey616]

If you haven't already been checking Jim's twitter feed, looks like NA: Reunion artist recently stopped by the Marvel offices and drew some sketches for charity including one featuring Bobbi.

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/2307/34643325.jpg

[Arion]

[QUOTE=Spidey616;6228487]Looks like we can expect big things from Bobbi and the rest of the female members of NA courtesy of Bendis and Mike Mayhew this November :D

I have read this & it is AWESOME!!!!!!

And it is November already.

[Spidey616]

Take a gander at some new Mike Mayhew NA Annual #3 Pages featuring Bobbi!

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/104/1040899/the-final-days-of-dark-reign-20091119042548698.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/104/1040899/the-final-days-of-dark-reign-20091119042550386.jpg