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Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: October 1998
Cover Price: $2.99
Writer: Tom DeFalco
Artist: Jeff Johnson, Dave Ross, Mark Bagley

Augusta Seger comes to Avengers Mansion for help and recruits Hawkeye to stop a destructive computer virus from falling into the wrong hands. However, once they get back to her office, Hawkeye discovers that it was all a ruse and is attacked by Batroc the Leaper, Machete and Zaran. He makes short work of the trio and returns to the Mansion.

With the help of Junior Avengers, Justice and Firestar, Hawkeye tries to find Seger. Their first stop is the jail that Batroc is being kept in. But, this is just another set up. This time, the trio comes under attack by Oddball and other thugs. But, they’re certainly no match for our heroes.

Finally, Firestar discovers that Seger is a renowned biologist that has fallen out of favor with the scientific community. She now goes by the “colorful” name, Albino … and she wants to set up a meeting. Once our heroes get to the meeting spot, they’re attacked by the mastermind behind all of these events, the Taskmaster! Unsatisfied with his ability to mimic the movements of anyone he observes, the Albino has now given him the power to mimic any super power he has seen. But, even still, he’s not powerful enough to defeat three Avengers.

As a Hawkeye fan, I welcome any solo title Marvel is willing to give him but, I’ve rarely been overly impressed with any of them. Unfortunately, this issue doesn’t differ from the trend. Sure, there’s plenty of action to be had … but where’s the characterization? And, Hawkeye doesn’t even deliver the final victory – it’s Justice that gets that claim. And Oddball? The master juggler super-villain? Really?!

Note: This issue takes place just before Avengers vol. III #7

On Ebay: Hawkeye | Tom DeFalco
On AtomicAvenue: Hawkeye

Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: February 2010
Cover Price: $3.99
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Michael Lark

Some of the big bad guys of the Marvel Universe have a meeting that reminds me a lot of their get-togethers from the Acts of Vengeance crossover. But, this time around, they’re even less friendly, as Doctor Doom is demanding that Norman Osborn turn Namor over to him. Now, at this point in Marvel’s continuity, Osborn’s amassed quite a bit of power and is head of H.A.M.M.E.R. (his version of S.H.I.E.L.D.). That power, coupled with his maniacal Green Goblin persona, leads him to turn down Doom’s demand (which is not something one should do, lightly). In response, Doom releases a swarm of insect-sized dangerous robots upon Osborn and his compatriots.

After the swarming menace was defeated, Osborn turned his attention towards Asgard (which was hovering over Oklahoma, at the time). But, once again, he was met with adversity. This time, the President of the U.S. declined Osborn’s request to launch an attack on the “invading” Asgard. Finally, he and Loki decide that an incident will have to be engineered to initiate public outcry against Asgard.

For a one-shot prequel, there’s a lot going on here. Initially, the interaction between Osborn and Doom, was handled very well. Bendis has a keen ear for dialogue and he also demonstrates a strong understanding of both of these characters. For the action lovers out there, the middle of the book appeals to you as the Dark Avengers take on Doom’s tech-swarm. And, finally, you criminal masterminds and 9/11 Truthers will get a kick out of Loki and Osborn planning to orchestrate an incident to inspire national pride and xenophobia.

On Ebay: Siege | Brian Bendis
On AtomicAvenue: Siege