Hawkeye has long held a special place in Marvel Comics, captivating fans with their sharpshooting abilities and rebellious spirit. In a bold move, Marvel Comics introduced a non-binary version of Hawkeye in Ultimates #5, sparking conversation across the internet.
Fans quickly took to Twitter, expressing their support for the new iteration of the character.
"I know it means a lot to people," one fan summed it up perfectly.
"Gender was the last thing I thought of when I saw them. They’re just so f*cking cool," another tweeted,
"Inuit and Métis people in queer spaces really made this choice special and meaningful," one Marvel follower wrote,
The reaction showed how deeply Hawkeye resonates with readers. Some comments delved into the significance of the representation:
“idk why gender is such a big deal for lots of people," one said.
Others praised the creative thought behind the story:
"I can really feel a lot of thought has been put into this book, and this just adds an extra layer of consideration and care."
Many fans also highlighted their appreciation for the storytelling, with one saying:
"This was my favorite issue so far, the care and research you put into it really shows, and I appreciate that."
Some fans were ready to defend the creative decision against inevitable criticism:
"Cool idea. I don't envy the bad faith discourse y'all are likely to get as a result, but neat take."
"Issue was amazing, might be my favorite 6160 book," another enthusiastic response read,
These comments reflect the excitement and sense of importance surrounding the introduction of this non-binary Hawkeye.
The storyline of Ultimates #5 and Hawkeye
In Ultimates #5, the storyline continues as Hawkeye, now revealed as Charli Ramsey, enters the fray. Charli, an Indigenous non-binary character, discovers a high-tech bow and a self-printing quiver originally intended for Clint Barton.
Unlike many heroes who rely on Tony Stark's tech, Charli refuses to let the Ultimates reclaim the bow and arrows, setting up a tense showdown with Captain America.
Armed with trick arrows, Charli engages in a fierce battle with Cap, challenging not just his physical strength but also his understanding of America's history and its treatment of Indigenous people.
Charli Ramsey, who adopts the name "Hawks-Eyes," is driven by a mission to stop Roxxon’s environmental destruction, particularly on their native lands. Throughout the battle, Charli uses their arrows to fight back, narrowly holding their ground against Captain America's shield.
As the fight intensifies, Cap learns more about Charli’s motivations and begins to understand their cause. Despite the conflict, Cap respects Charli’s dedication to justice and even offers to fight alongside them against Roxxon mercenaries.
The new non-binary Marvel character
The new Marvel character, Charli Ramsey, brings a unique identity to the superhero world, one that reflects both modern-day struggles and timeless themes of heroism.
As an Indigenous, non-binary character, Charli embodies both representation and the fight against injustice. Their storyline tackles critical issues like environmental preservation and Indigenous rights, making this version of Hawkeye stand out from the traditional superhero narratives.
Marvel's decision to introduce a non-binary Marvel character reflects a shift toward more inclusive storytelling. Charli’s character goes beyond the binary, highlighting the importance of representation in mainstream media.
By giving Charli the mantle of Hawkeye, Marvel broadens its appeal and shows that heroism is not confined to one identity. The decision resonates with fans, as shown by the positive reactions on social media. The new Marvel character isn't just a reinvention; it's a hero for a new generation.
Read more: 10 iconic differently abled comic book characters from DC and Marvel
With a non-binary Hawkeye in Ultimates #5, Marvel Comics marks a turning point in comic book history. Fans' overwhelmingly positive response reflects the impact of the character.
Representing justice, identity and environmental activism, Charli Ramsey, the new Hawkeye, gives the Marvel Universe much-needed voice. As the story unfolds in future issues, readers will continue to follow Charli's journey with interest.