Mockingbird (Marvel Comics): Difference between revisions

{{redirectsredirect|Bobbi Morse|American football player|Bobby Morse}}

| debut = {{ubl|'''As Dr. Barbara Morse''':|''[[Astonishing Tales]]'' #6 (June [[1971 in comics|1971]])|'''Full appearance''':|''Astonishing Tales'' #12 (June [[1972 in comics|1972]])|'''As Agent 19 of S.H.I.E.L.D.''':|''Astonishing Tales'' #18 (June [[1973 in comics|1973]])|'''As Huntress''':|''Marvel Super Action'' #1 (January [[1976 in comics|1976]])|'''As Mockingbird''':|''[[Marvel Team-Up]]'' #95 (July [[1980 in comics|1980]])}}

In media set in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU), [[Bobbi Morse (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Bobbi Morse]] appeared in the [[Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (season 2)|second]] and [[Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (season 3)|third seasons]] of the television series ''[[Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.]]'' (2014-20162014–2016), portrayed by [[Adrianne Palicki]], while the role of [[S.H.I.E.L.D. (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Agent 19 of S.H.I.E.L.D.]] is adapted to '''[[Laura Barton (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Laura Barton]]''', portrayed by [[Linda Cardellini]] in the 2015 film ''[[Avengers: Age of Ultron]]'' and the [[Disney+]] series ''[[Hawkeye (miniseries)|Hawkeye]]'' (2021).

Mockingbird appeared as a regular character throughout the 2010–2013 ''New Avengers'' series, from issue #1 (August 2010) through its final issue #34 (January 2013). She also co-starred in the 2010 series ''[[Hawkeye & Mockingbird]]'', which ran for 6 issues. Mockingbird became a regular character in the 2013 ''[[Secret Avengers]]'' series by [[Nick Spencer]] and [[Luke Ross]].<ref name="SecretAvengers">{{cite web |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=41551 |title=NYCC: Spencer's "Secret Avengers" are the Newest Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. |last=Richards |first=Dave |date=14 October 2012 |publisher=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=15 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927115401/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=41551 |archive-date=27 September 2013 }}</ref>

After this story, [[Roy Thomas]] took over writing the Ka-Zar strip and in his first story the as-yet-unnamed character makes another brief appearance. The butler at Ka-Zar's estate informs her that his employer is currently in the [[Savage Land]]. The girl then vows to "walk the Savage Land" for "[Ka-Zar's] sake and the sake of the world".<ref>[[Roy Thomas|Thomas, Roy]] (w), [[Herb Trimpe|Trimpe, Herb]] (a). "Deluge!". ''Astonishing Tales'' vol. 1, #7; (Aug. 1971) Marvel Comics p. 19</ref>

In ''Astonishing Tales'' #8 (Oct. 1971), Thomas is joined by co-writer [[Gary Friedrich]] and the character begins to develop—her hair color changes to blonde without explanation and her name is given as "Barbara".<ref>Thomas, Roy & [[Gary Friedrich|Friedrich, Gary]] (w), Trimpe, Herb (p), [[Tom Sutton|Sutton, Tom]] (i). "The Battle of New Britannia". ''Astonishing Tales'' vol. 1, #8 (Oct. 1971). Marvel Comics.</ref> In this issue, Ka-Zar comes upon the site of a plane crash in the Savage Land and encounters a survivor. This man explains that he and his fiancée Barbara flew to the Savage Land seeking Ka-Zar. He mentions that Barbara learned of Ka-Zar's whereabouts from the butler at the Plunder Estate, clearly indicating that Barbara is meant to be the same character as the brunette from the previous two issues. Barbara is shown later in the story; having parachuted from the plane before the crash, she is rescued by a group of World War II veterans who have been trapped in the Savage Land for decades.

Gerry Conway briefly returned to co-write (with Roy Thomas) Barbara's next appearance where she finally meets Ka-Zar and is reunited with her fiancé (whose name is revealed as "Paul").<ref>Conway, Gerry & Thomas, Roy (w), Smith, Barry & [[Sal Buscema|Buscema, Sal]] (a). "To End in Flame". ''Astonishing Tales'' vol. 1, #10 (Feb. 1972). Marvel Comics.</ref> In the following issue (written by Thomas alone), Ka-Zar leads the two characters through the dangerous Savage Land.<ref>Thomas, Roy (w). [[Gil Kane|Kane Gil]] (p). [[Frank Giacoia|Giacoia, Frank]] (i). "A Day of Tigers!". ''Astonishing Tales'' vol. 1, #11 (April, 1972). Marvel Comics.</ref>

''Astonishing Tales'' #12 (June 1972) is a key early appearance for the character, due in part to Marvel's decision to feature [[Man-Thing]] in this issue. At this point, Man-Thing had made only one previous appearance, in the 1971 black-and-white magazine ''[[Savage Tales]]'' #1.<ref>Conway, Gerry & Thomas, Roy (w), [[Gray Morrow|Morrow, Gray]] (a). "The Origin of the Man-Thing!".''[[Savage Tales]] '' vol. 1, #1 (May 1971). Marvel Comics.</ref> A follow-up seven-page Man-Thing story by writer [[Len Wein]] and artist [[Neal Adams]] was commissioned for a version of ''Savage Tales'' #2 that was ultimately never published.<ref>{{Cite journal | last =Johnson | first =Dan | title = Greatest Stories Never Told: Monster Smackdown; Man-Thing or Swamp Thing: Who The Muck Came First? | journal = Back Issue! | issue =6 | page = 18 | publisher = Twomorrows Publishing | date = October 2004 }}</ref> Finally seeing print in ''Astonishing Tales'' #12, the sequence is presented as a flashback and an interlude between the main action of the book.

One of the characters in the Wein/Adams story is a blonde female scientist called "Dr. Barbara Morse". Morse is working on a research project in the Florida Everglades called Project: Gladiator, which is an attempt to replicate the Super-Soldier serum which was used to create [[Captain America]]. This is the same research which Ted Sallis had previously been working on when a flawed serum transformed him into the Man-Thing. In the story, Morse is abducted by [[Advanced Idea Mechanics|AIM]] thugs and is later liberated through the intervention of the Man-Thing.<ref>[[Len Wein|Wein, Len]] (w), [[Neal Adams|Adams, Neal]] (a). "Man-Thing!". ''Astonishing Tales'' vol. 1, #12 (June 1972). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Friedrich remained the writer of the various color Ka-Zar series for the next two years<ref>Friedrich, Mike (w), et al. ''Astonishing Tales'' vol. 1, #15–20 (Dec. 1972 – Oct. 1973). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>Friedrich, Mike (w), et al. ''[[Ka-Zar (Kevin Plunder)|Ka-Zar, Lord of the Hidden Jungle]]'' vol. 1, #1–5 (Jan.–Sept. 1974). Marvel Comics.</ref> and for most of that period he continued to feature Morse as Ka-Zar's sidekick and occasional love interest. In these stories she is depicted as a fully trained S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Contemptuous of his jungle origins, she is Ka-Zar's escort to the city and modern life. Together she and Ka-Zar tackle threats such as the Pusher,<ref>Friedrich, Mike (w), Kane, Gil (p), Sutton, Tom (i). "And Who Will Call Him Savage?". ''Astonishing Tales'' vol. 1, #15 (Dec. 1972). Marvel Comics.</ref> [[Gemini (Marvel Comics)|Gemini]],<ref name="Target: Ka-Zar">Friedrich, Mike (w), Adkins, Dan (p), [[Frank Chiaramonte|Chiaramonte, Frank]] (i). "Target: Ka-Zar". ''Astonishing Tales'' vol. 1, #17 (Apr. 1973). Marvel Comics.</ref> [[Victorius (comics)|Victorius]],<ref name="Friedrich, Mike 1973">Friedrich, Mike (w), Adkins, Dan (p), [[Frank Chiaramonte|Chiaramonte, Frank]] (i). "Gog Cometh". ''Astonishing Tales'' vol. 1, #18 (Jun. 1973). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>Friedrich, Mike (w), Adkins, Dan (p), Abel, Jack (i). "And Men Shall Name Him Victorius". ''Astonishing Tales'' vol. 1, #19 (Aug. 1973). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>Friedrich, Mike (w), Roth, Werner (p), Giacoia, Frank (i). "The Final Battle". ''Astonishing Tales'' vol. 1, #20 (Oct. 1973). Marvel Comics.</ref> [[Gog (Marvel Comics)|Gog]],<ref name="Friedrich, Mike 1973"/> and the [[Plunderer (character)|Plunderer]].<ref name="Target: Ka-Zar"/><ref name="Friedrich, Mike 1973"/> As the series progresses, she begins to wear a regular costume of tinted-glasses, a red one-piece, and boots. Her S.H.I.E.L.D. designation of "Agent 19" is revealed<ref name="Friedrich, Mike 1973"/> and she and Ka-Zar finally kiss.<ref>Friedrich, Mike (w), [[Werner Roth (comics)|Roth, Werner]] & [[Marie Severin|Severin, Marie]] (a). "The Final Battle". ''Astonishing Tales'' vol. 1, #20 (Oct. 1973). Marvel Comics.</ref>

In 1974, the color Ka-Zar series left ''Astonishing Tales'' and was relaunched in the ''Ka-Zar, Lord of the Hidden Jungle'' title. The strip is set once again in the Savage Land and Morse is absent for the first story. She returns in the third issue—explaining that [[Nick Fury]] had sent her on a S.H.I.E.L.D. assignment to look into "El Tigre", a subversive who is exploiting the [[1973 oil crisis|energy crisis]] in South America.<ref>Friedrich, Mike (w), [[Don Heck|Heck, Don]] (p), [[Mike Royer (comics)|Royer, Mike]] (i). "Night of the Man-God!". ''Ka-Zar, Lord of the Hidden Jungle'' vol. 1, #3 (May 1974). Marvel Comics.</ref> This leads her to reluctantly travel back to the Savage Land, where she and Ka-Zar defeat El Tigre and his ally Man-God together.<ref>Friedrich, Mike (w), Heck, Don (p), [[Mike Esposito (comics)|Esposito, Mike]] (i). "A Man-God Unleashed". ''Ka-Zar, Lord of the Hidden Jungle'' vol. 1, #5 (Sept. 1974). Marvel Comics.</ref>

The introduction of [[Shanna the She-Devil]] into Ka-Zar's supporting cast<ref>Friedrich, Mike (w), [[Paul Reinman|Reinman Paul]] (p), Royer, Mike (i). "Return to the Savage Land". ''Ka-Zar, Lord of the Hidden Jungle'' vol. 1, #1 (Jan. 1974). Marvel Comics.</ref> changes Morse's role in the stories of this period. Ka-Zar expresses clear attraction to the more jungle-friendly Shanna from the outset<ref>Friedrich, Mike (w), Heck, Don (p). [[Jack Abel|Abel, Jack]] (i). "The Fall of the Red Wizard". ''Ka-Zar, Lord of the Hidden Jungle'' vol. 1, #2 (Mar. 1974). Marvel Comics.</ref> and Morse is cast as the secondary love interest. This dynamic is most notable in Morse's lone appearance in the Ka-Zar strip in the black-and-white magazine ''[[Savage Tales]]'' (#8; Jan. 1975). Written by Gerry Conway, the story depicts Morse leading Shanna and a group of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents into the Savage Land where they work with Ka-Zar to neutralise a threat to world security. During the course of the adventure, Morse realises that Ka-Zar's affections lie with Shanna.<ref>Conway, Gerry (w), Buscema, John (p), [[Tony DeZuniga|DeZuniga, Tony]] (i). "The Billion-Year War". ''Savage Tales'' vol. 1, #8 (Jan. 1975). Marvel Comics.</ref> This story, first published in late-1974, is the last in which Morse appears as a Ka-Zar supporting character.

A year later, Mike Friedrich returned to the character in a 20-page story with art by [[George Evans (comics)|George Evans]]. Published in the one-shot black-and-white magazine ''Marvel Super Action'' #1 (Jan. 1976), the story is the first in which Morse appears as a costumed super heroine and lead protagonist. While operating as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, she is recruited by a United States Senator to look into corruption in a Latin American branch of the espionage organization. To complete her mission, she "drops out" of S.H.I.E.L.D. and takes on the superhero identity of the "Huntress".<ref>Friedrich, Mike (w), [[George Evans (comics)|Evans, George]] (p), [[Frank Springer|Springer, Frank]] (i). "Red-Eyed Jack is wild!". ''[[Marvel Super Action]]'' vol. 1, #1 (Jan. 1976). Marvel Comics. p. 26–45</ref>

In a text piece in ''Marvel Super Action'' #1, editor [[Archie Goodwin (comics)|Archie Goodwin]] explained how Morse came to be used for this story

{{quoteblockquote|I suggested the title ["Huntress"] and the notion of using S.H.I.E.L.D. to writer Mike Friedrich. He decided to draw upon a character he'd helped develop while scripting the color Ka-Zar comic, and wound up revamping her totally. With a bit of kibitzing from Mike and myself, artist George Evans designed the lady's costume and we were in business.<ref name="msa1">[[Archie Goodwin (comics)|Goodwin, Archie]] (w). "Behind The Action [column]". ''Marvel Super Action'' vol. 1, #1 (Jan. 1976). Marvel Comics. p. 75</ref>}}

Morse's next published appearance was ''[[Marvel Team-Up]]'' #95 (July, 1980) in which she dons a new costume and finally takes on the alias "Mockingbird".<ref>[[Steven Grant|Grant, Steven]] (w), [[Jimmy Janes|Janes, Jimmy]] & Patterson, Bruce (a). "…And No Birds Sing!". ''[[Marvel Team-Up]]'' vol. 1, #95 (July, 1980). Marvel Comics.</ref> This story explains that she has continued to look into corruption in S.H.I.E.L.D. and in doing so has come to be hunted by the organization which mistakes her for a criminal. Teaming up with [[Spider-Man]] (and with assistance from S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury), Mockingbird confronts Carl Delanden, a corrupt S.H.I.E.L.D. branch director. In the ensuing battle, she is shot by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents who are following a previouswere orderordered to subdue her at any cost. The story ends with an unconscious, badly injured but exonerated Mockingbird left in the care of Nick Fury.

In the letters column of that issue, the series' then assistant editor [[Mark Gruenwald]] explained the creative origins of this new iteration of Bobbi Morse:

{{quoteblockquote|'Where did this Mockingbird come from?' some of you may be asking. After all it isn't every day that a new super heroine is premiered in ''Marvel Team-Up''. Well the story behind her creation is this: when I had been writing the ''[[Spider-Woman]]'' book one of my chief objectives was to build up a rogue's gallery that S-W could call her own. One of several characters I conceived and designed was Mockingbird. Showing the sketch to [[Steven Grant]], writer about town, he helped me work out her powers and weaponry. Well I never got round to doing a Mockingbird story before I left ''Spider-Woman'', so I put the idea on the back burner.

Roy Thomas returned to writing the character when he and his wife [[Dann Thomas|Dann]] became co-writers of the rechristened ''Avengers West Coast'' title in 1990. Mockingbird first makes a brief reappearance in the title when she attends an ''Avengers West Coast'' team meeting and stands for election to return to the team, being voted in as an "alternate member" (effectively a reserve member). Hawkeye (who is already a full member, having returned to the series a year earlier) admits he did not vote for her and describes her as his "estranged wife". Mockingbird then returns to Detroit.<ref>Thomas, Roy & [[Dann Thomas|Dann]] (w), [[Paul Ryan (cartoonist)|Ryan, Paul]] (p), Bulanadi, Danny (i). "Grudge match!". ''Avengers West Coast'' vol. 1, #67 (Apr. 1991), Marvel Comics.</ref>

In a later storyline, Morse contacts Barton and states that she is returning to Los Angeles from Detroit to discuss matters with him.<ref>Thomas, Roy & Dann (w), Ross, David (p), Dzon, Tim (i). "Make Way for the Night Shift!". ''Avengers West Coast'' vol. 1, #76 (Nov. 1991). Marvel Comics.</ref> She is then reunited with her husband while he is in the field as Hawkeye, joining him and the Avengers West Coast on a mission<ref>Thomas, Roy & Dann (w), Ross, David (p), Dzon, Tim (i). "There's No Business Like...". ''Avengers West Coast'' vol. 1, #78 (Jan. 1992). Marvel Comics.</ref> after which Mockingbird begins to once again make regular appearances as a cast member of the book. Mockingbird later reveals to Hawkeye that their divorce is almost final<ref>Thomas, Roy & Dann (w), Ross, David (p), Dzon, Tim (i). "The Second Cold War". ''Avengers West Coast'' vol. 1, #88 (Nov. 1992). Marvel Comics.</ref> and Ultron abducts her and uses her thought patterns and personality to create his second robotic 'wife' [[Alkhema]], the two rekindling their romance after she is liberated.<ref name="awc90">Thomas, Roy & Dann (w), Ross, David (p), Dzon, Tim (i). "Death Valley Daze". ''Avengers West Coast'' vol. 1 #90 (Jan. 1992). Marvel Comics.</ref>

The intended interpretation of some of these events is changed by a story that is published 17 years later. ''New Avengers: The Reunion'' #2 (May 2009) asserts that just prior to her abduction by Ultron, Mockingbird was replaced by athe [[Skrull]] impersonator H'rpra, and thus the "Mockingbird" who appears between ''Avengers West Coast'' vol. 1, #89/90 (Dec. 1992/Jan. 1993) and ''Secret Invasion'' #8 (Jan. 2009) should no longer be considered the genuine article.<ref name="nar2">[[Jim McCann (writer)|Jim McCann]] (w). [[David Lopez (artist)|Lopez, David]] (p), [[Alvaro Lopez (comics)|Lopez, Alvaro]] (i). "Kiss Me Deadly". ''New Avengers: The Reunion'' vol. 1, #2 (June 2009). Marvel Comics. p. 20.</ref>

In 1998, writer [[Kurt Busiek]] briefly revived the character in the ''Avengers'' volume 3 series where she appears as a reanimated corpse, a member of the [[Legion of the Unliving]], part of the [[Grim Reaper (comics)|Grim Reaper]]'s plot to destroy the Avengers.<ref>[[Kurt Busiek|Busiek, Kurt]] (w), [[George Pérez|Pérez, George]] (p), Vey, Al & [[Bob Wiacek|Wiacek, Bob]] (i). ''Avengers'' vol. 3, #10 – 11 (Nov. – Dec. 1998). Marvel Comics.</ref>

{{quoteblockquote|About a year-and-a-half ago, we were planning the ending for "[[Secret Invasion]]" and with one character we wanted to get back something that the Skrulls would have taken away. There were a couple of characters on the list for that, but Mockingbird was the one I fought for the most, and as [''Secret Invasion'' series writer] [[Brian Michael Bendis|Brian [Bendis]]] has pointed out, I said that they were like the [[Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005 film)|Mr. & Mrs. Smith]] of the Marvel Universe. He was like, "That sounds great. We can use that".<ref>{{cite web | last=Richards |first=Dave |title=True Romance: McCann Talks "New Avengers: The Reunion"|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19336 |publisher=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=December 31, 2008 |access-date=March 19, 2010 }}</ref>}}

This series also reveals that Mockingbird was replaced by a Skrull just prior to her abduction by Ultron.<ref name="nar2" /> This is a plot-point in the series as it establishes that prior to her abduction Barton and Morse were in the process of being divorced and so she is technically no longer married to him. By the story's conclusion they rekindle their relationship, though they decide to remain unmarried.{{issueVolume needed|c=y|date=February 2013}}

After recovering the Webware from Pisces, Aquarius, and Cancer, Spider-Man gives the status of the mission to Mockingbird and Nick Fury Jr. Mockingbird tells Spider-Man that Leo is still being interrogated and has not snitched yet.<ref>''Amazing Spider-Man'' Vol. 4 #2. Marvel Comics.</ref> During their collaboration she had a brief relationship with Spider-Man.<ref>''Amazing Spider-Man'' Vol. 4 #789. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Secret Empire (comics2017 comic)|Secret Empire]]" storyline, Mockingbird appears as a member of the Underground following Hydra's takeover of the United States.<ref>''Secret Empire'' #2</ref> It is later revealed that she is Maria Hill's inside person in the main Underground.<ref>''Secret Empire'' #6</ref>

Bobbi Morse is a trained S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who graduated at the top of her class<ref name="hwk2" /> and as such she is very proficient in several forms of hand-to-hand combat, including [[Kung Fu]]<ref name=":0">''The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Deluxe Edition'' #8 (July 1986). Marvel Comics.</ref> and [[Taekwondo]]<ref name=":0" /> and familiar with a wide range of weapons. The character usually uses a pair of [[Baton (law enforcement)|batons]] which can be combined to form a single [[Bō|bō-staff]] in combat, weapons with which she has great expertise.<ref name="nar2" /><ref name="Kantor">{{Cite web |last=Kantor |first=Jonathan H. |date=2019-07-07 |title=The 10 Best S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents Of All Time, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/shield-agents-all-time-ranked-comics/ |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref> Morse also used a pair of night vision and vision enhancing goggles, similarly to her once-husband [[Hawkeye (Clint Barton)|Hawkeye]]. She also possesses a [[Ph.D.]] in biology.<ref name="ast12" /><ref name="hwk2" /> During one comic book series, [[Spider-Man]] provided her with a new uniform courtesy of Parker Industries for being their [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] liaison.{{issueVolume needed|c=y|date=September 2018}} This costume came attached with wing-like extensions allowing Morse to glide on wind currents.

To cope with a mortal injury she sustained in a mission, Mockingbird was injected with an experimental serum combining the Super Soldier Serum that gave Captain America his strength and the Infinity Formula that has slowed Nick Fury's aging.<ref>{{Cite web |lastname="Kantor |first=Jonathan H. |date=2019-07-07 |title=The 10 Best S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents Of All Time, Ranked |url=https:"//www.cbr.com/shield-agents-all-time-ranked-comics/ |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref> The obvious consequence of this was that her injuries were healed, but Fury admitted his uncertainty about the formula's long-term consequences on her biology. Thus far, she has exhibited greatly enhanced physical strength, healing and agility.<ref name="New Avengers 2/13" /><ref>{{Cite web |lastname=Erao |first=Matthew |date=2017-01-21 |title=Marvel: 17 Most Powerful Agents Of SHIELD, Ranked |url=https":3"//screenrant.com/most-powerful-agents-of-shield-ranked-marvel-hulk/ |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US}}</ref>

== CulturalCritical impact and legacyReception ==

James Hunt of ''[[CBR.com]]'' compared ''Hawkeye & Mockingbird'' #1 to ''[[Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005 film)|Mr. And Mrs. Smith]]'', saying, "''New Avengers: The Reunion'', which this series spins out of, was one of the highlights of last year, with smart, action-packed writing from Jim McCann casting Hawkeye and Mockingbird as pair as superhero spies/spouses reminiscent of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Mr. And Mrs. Smith. And to my delight, the opening scene of this issue kicks off in exactly that vein. Too often, miniseries granted a full return miss what made the original great, but McCann has nailed it here, quickly reintroducing the setup and setting about expanding the world of the two heroes. [...] For his part, David Lopez' art is fantastic: bright, clear storytelling, fluid and natural-looking figure work, and a brilliant aptitude for the sort of action sequence McCann is writing. The world is detailed and realistic, while Clint and Bobbi are both confident and sexy without being gratuitously drawn. For its part in the Big Avengers reshuffle, everything about the issue screams "Heroic Age". It feels like a new beginning, and it keeps up the high standard already set by "Avengers" and "Secret Avengers". The characters might not be the obvious choice of series lead, but McCann has written a book that seems original without being unfamiliar, and feel traditional while retaining a modern edge. Literally the only thing that upsets me about Hawkeye and Mockingbird is the feeling that it's far from being a sure thing. In many ways, this series has the potential to be the next "SWORD", the next "Captain Britain", the next "Power Girl" -- a—a smart, funny, fresh take on superheroics that winds up ending before its time. This series deserves a long and entertaining run. Let's get the word out."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=James |date=2010-06-08 |title=Hawkeye and Mockingbird #1 |url=https://www.cbr.com/hawkeye-and-mockingbird-1/ |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref> Bryan Joel of ''[[IGN]]'' gave ''Hawkeye & Mockingbird'' #1 a grade of 7.7 out of 10, stating, "It's also interesting that Hawkeye gets first billing in the title, as even though he's the focal point for the issue and provides the narration, for all intents and purposes this is Mockingbird's book. For one, Clint already has regular billing in ''Avengers''; as of this moment, this is the only place readers can catch Mockingbird's adventures. But more importantly, she's a more interesting character since her return. McCann writes Bobbi with an hardened edge and as a bit of an action junkie. She's only ever shown happy when she's throwing baddies from moving vehicles or watching them get impaled with Hawkeye's arrows. We're clearly dealing with a character who's not quite as balanced as she used to be, and a dredging-up of her sexual assault history with the Phantom Rider only serves to reinforce that. Finally, there's also a touch of irony to the title of ''Hawkeye & Mockingbird''. While they've reconciled for the most part, the pair couldn't be on more different paths. Much of the issue is spent with Bobbi purposely ignoring Clint, or the couple furthering agendas that they're keeping hidden from each other. Readers coming into this series expecting hearts and flowers alongside their arrows and battle staves may be disappointed, but ultimately it makes for better reading. There's some definite friction between the two leads, friction which should develop into interesting stories as it moves forward. Is ''Hawkeye & Mockingbird'' #1 a groundbreaking work? No, but it fits well within "The Heroic Age" initiative, providing some old-fashioned superheroics and enough interpersonal drama to keep it engaging along the way. McCann lays the groundwork for what could turn out to be a very rewarding examination of two heroes struggling to make it work in the midst of the Marvel Universe's craziness."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Joel |first=Bryan |date=2010-06-04 |title=Hawkeye & Mockingbird #1 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/04/hawkeye-mockingbird-1-review |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref>

Doug Zawisza of ''[[CBR.com]]'' called ''Mockingbird: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary'' #1 a "gorgeous book that maintains a high standard from start to finish," asserting, "Jones' art is boldly colored by Rosenberg, who keeps the characters in realistic tones and shades but unleashes all sorts of crazy colors and patterns for the backgrounds. Caramagna adds in snappy sound effects (most notably in the morgue), using a different but clean font. He also balances the dialogue and captions throughout the story, keeping Jones' art clean. The story itself is constructed on a plot that exists solely to explain Bobbi Morse to newer readers. Cain does a great job of personalizing Mockingbird, but the story in this issue feels like a tryout. There's just enough here to sample but not quite enough to satisfy. I like what Cain does with the characters and the pacing is smart, but now I'd like to see a story with a slightly bigger scope, as Cain certainly makes Mockingbird worth reading. [...] "Mockingbird: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary" #1 is a decent read with a fun, fast-paced Mockingbird story and an intriguing but thin introduction to Red Widow. Both characters clearly have paths taking them elsewhere from this shared publication, but fans of Mockingbird will be pleased with this purchase. Where those paths wind up remains to be completely revealed, but -- ifbut—if the creative team in place for Bobbi Morse's tale joins her in the future -- thenfuture—then I'll be checking in as well."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zawisza |first=Doug |date=2015-09-03 |title=Mockingbird: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary #1 |url=https://www.cbr.com/mockingbird-s-h-i-e-l-d-50th-anniversary-1/ |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref> Levi Hunt of ''[[IGN]]'' gave ''Mockingbird: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary'' #1 a grade of 9.3 out of 10, writing, "It’s easy to compare this Mockingbird issue to the recent Matt Fraction Hawkeye series (she even mentions the ex herself on the very first page) and while it’s true that this issue does share some stylistic similarities with that series, what sets Mockingbird apart is her confidence. The real-to-life situations, the reflexive humor, and the super spy fun are all present; but what makes Bobbi such an interesting and unique character here is her assuredness and swagger. It’s so fun to watch people who are great at what they do, doing that. That credit goes not only to first-time comic book writer (and bestselling thriller author) Chelsea Cain, but also to Joelle Jones who reflects Bobbi’s confidence perfectly in his clean, assured, and sprightly line work. Now, Marvel, please make this an ongoing series, because this was outstanding."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Schedeen |first1=Jesse |last2=Hunt |first2=Levi |date=2015-09-03 |title=Comic Book Reviews for September 2, 2015 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/03/comic-book-reviews-for-september-2-2015 |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref>

According to [[Diamond Comic Distributors]], ''Mockingbird'' #1 was the 39th best selling comic book in March 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 100 Comics: March 2016 |url=http://www.diamondcomics.com/Article/177285-Top-100-Comics-March-2016 |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=www.diamondcomics.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Comichron: March 2016 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops |url=https://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2016/2016-03.html |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=www.comichron.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 300 Comics Actual--March 2016 |url=https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/34194/top-300-comics-actual-march-2016 |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=icv2.com |language=en}}</ref> ''Mockingbird'' #1 was the 621st best selling comic book in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Comichron: 2016 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops |url=https://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2016.html |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=www.comichron.com}}</ref> In October 2016, the ''Mockingbird'' series topped Amazon's Best Sellers in Superhero Comics & Graphic Novels.<ref>{{Citecite web |last=protectedBaker-Whitelaw |first=emailGavia |date=2016-10-28 |title=Following harassment controversy, Marvel's 'Mockingbird' tops Amazon |url=https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/mockingbird-chelsea-cain-marvel-bestseller/ |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=The Daily Dot |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Brett |date=2016-10-28 |title=Mockingbird Tops Amazon's List Of Bestselling Marvel Graphic Novels |url=https://www.cbr.com/mockingbird-tops-amazons-list-of-bestselling-marvel-graphic-novels/ |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref>

Greg McElhatton of ''[[CBR.com]]'' called ''Mockingbird'' #1 an "utter blast," asserting, "Niemczyk's art is a winner. If I had to compare her to another artist, it would be Frank Cho by virtue of her strong but graceful ink lines and the beautiful, smooth features she gives her characters. Niemczyk's art is more naturally proportioned, though, and includes a wider variety of body types. Niemczyk understands the humor in Cain's script and brings it to life here; she's able to bring Bobbi's montage of stress and interruptions to life in a way that shows Mockingbird as capable while also making the situations funny. Who knew that Iron Man being held by the neck and getting yelled at about quinoa was something we've been missing all these years? There are so many great little touches going on here too, from the hideous wallpaper in each room of the medical center to the carefully constructed shirts and outfits. Even moments like Mockingbird drumming her fingers while having ESP cards shoved in her face again is great, in part because Niemczyk makes it all look natural. Add in some bold and vivid (but never oversaturated) colors from Rosenberg, and this comic just looks gorgeous. I hope the remaining issues are just as much fun, but -- no matter what happens from this point on -- "Mockingbird" #1 is a dynamite debut from Cain, Niemczyk and Rosenberg. Two big, big thumbs up."<ref>{{Cite web |last=McElhatton |first=Greg |date=2016-03-09 |title=Mockingbird #1 |url=https://www.cbr.com/mockingbird-1/ |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref> Jesse Schedeen of ''[[IGN]]'' gave ''Mockingbird'' #1 a grade of 8.6 out of 10, writing, "Marvel's decision to release ''Mockingbird'' #1 one week after Mark Waid and Chris Samnee's new ''Black Widow'' series kicked off seemed dubious. How is one book about a butt-kicking femme fatale and agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. supposed to thrive in the shadow of another book about a butt-kicking femme fatale and agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.? But as it turns out, the two books could hardly be more different in tone and execution. Mockingbird mixes equal parts Spider-Woman and Howard the Duck for a very entertaining look at the life and times of Bobbi Morse. This new series builds on Mockingbird's current status quo. Having been dosed with a combination of the Super-Soldier Serum and the Infinity Formula, Bobbi is understandably a subject of interest and concern for SHIELD's medical staff. This issue opens as a simple, goofy slice-of-life tale as it follows Bobbi on her many visits to the doctor. But writer Chelsea Cain slowly transitions from humor to paranoia and foreboding as it becomes clear that not all is right in Bobbi's world. [...] Mockingbird's new series could have been a simple effort to cash in on the character's recent mainstream exposure. Luckily, it's something much more ambitious and unique than that. This first issue ditches convention and employs a compelling, purposely disjointed structure to offer a glimpse into Bobbi Morse's crazy life."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |date=2016-03-09 |title=Mockingbird #1 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/09/mockingbird-1-review |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref>

*Bobbi Morse / Mockingbird appears in the animated series ''[[The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]'', voiced by [[Elizabeth Daily]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1626038/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast | title = The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes (2010–2012) Full Cast & Crew | publisher = [[IMDb]] | access-date = 2014-11-02}}</ref> LikeThis her comics' counterpart, Morseversion is a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, with ties to [[Hawkeye (Clint Barton)|Hawkeye]] and [[Black Widow (Natasha Romanova)|Black Widow]];, taking theirthe two's place in Special Operations when the former joinedjoins the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]] and the latter seemingly wentgoes rogue. InMockingbird seasonjoined two,[[Nick MockingbirdFury was(Ultimate capturedMarvel bycharacter)|Nick theFury]]'s Skrulls[[Secret Warriors (Team White)|Secret Warriors]], but was captured and replaced by the [[Skrull]] Queen [[Veranke]],. but sheMockingbird later escapes with [[Captain America]] and the Skrulls' other prisoners.

Two separate incarnations of Bobbi Morse and Agent 19 of S.H.I.E.L.D. haveappear appearedas separate characters in media set in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU) [[media franchise]]:

* Bobbi Morse appears in the MCU television series ''[[Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.]]'', portrayed by [[Adrianne Palicki]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/agents-shield-enlists-adrianne-palicki-726118|title='Agents of SHIELD' Enlists Adrianne Palicki as Marvel Favorite (Exclusive)|date=19 August 2014|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=13 October 2014}}</ref> Debuting in the episode "[[A Hen in the Wolf House]]", she was assigned to work undercover within [[Daniel Whitehall]]'s [[Hydra (comics)|Hydra]] branch to protect [[Jemma Simmons]] before extracting her after their cover is blown.<ref>{{cite episode|title=[[A Hen in the Wolf House]]|series=Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.|credits=Dale, Holly (director); Brent Fletcher (writer)|network=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]|airdate=October 21, 2014|season=2|number=5}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=54352 |title=SDCC: Marvel TV Presents "Agents of SHIELD" and "Agent Carter" |publisher=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=2014-07-25}}</ref> Palicki appeared in a recurring role before she was promoted to the series' main cast following the episode "[[Aftershocks (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)|Aftershocks]]".<ref name="PalickiMain">{{cite web |url=http://marvel.com/news/tv/24095/declassifying_marvels_agents_of_shield_aftershocks |title=Declassifying Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Aftershocks |publisher=[[Marvel Comics|Marvel.com]] |date=February 13, 2015 |access-date=February 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214125058/http://marvel.com/news/tv/24095/declassifying_marvels_agents_of_shield_aftershocks |archive-date=February 14, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PalickiMainVariety">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/agents-of-shield-promotes-adrianne-palicki-to-series-regular-1201434285/|title='Agents of SHIELD' Promotes Adrianne Palicki to Series Regular|last=Khatchatourian|first=Maane|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=February 14, 2015|access-date=February 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215132455/http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/agents-of-shield-promotes-adrianne-palicki-to-series-regular-1201434285/|archive-date=February 15, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, she was previously married to mercenary [[Lance Hunter]],<ref>{{cite episode|title=[[Heavy Is the Head (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)|Heavy Is the Head]]|series=Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.|credits=Bochco, Jesse (director); Paul Zbyszewski (writer)|network=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]|airdate=September 30, 2014|season=2|number=2}}</ref> with whom she got back together while working as full-time field agents for S.H.I.E.L.D. Director [[Phil Coulson]] until they are forced to leave the organization following an incident in Russia during the episode "[[Parting Shot]]".<ref>{{cite episode|title=[[Parting Shot]]|series=Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.|credits=Zinberg, Michael (director); Paul Zbyszewski (writer)|network=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]|airdate=March 22, 2016|season=3|number=13}}</ref>

* A Mockingbird series was in development at [[Freeform (TV channel)|ABC Family]] in 2011.<ref name="MockingbirdABCFamily">{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/comic-con-marvel-tv-aka-jessica-jones-hulk-cloak-and-dagger/|title=Comic-Con: Marvel TV Announces Development Slate; Includes Live-Action AKA Jessica Jones (Alias), The Hulk, Cloak And Dagger, Mockingbird, Animated Hulk And The Agents Of S.M.A.S.H., More|last=Daniels|first=Hunter|publisher=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|date=July 23, 2011|access-date=August 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121150011/http://collider.com/comic-con-marvel-tv-aka-jessica-jones-hulk-cloak-and-dagger/|archive-date=November 21, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> After the successful introduction of the character in ''Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'', a spin-off titled ''[[Marvel's Most Wanted]]'', starring Palicki as Morse and [[Nick Blood]] as Hunter, received a pilot order from ABC in August 2015.<ref name="THRPilotOrder">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/adrianne-palicki-nick-blood-star-816692|title=Adrianne Palicki, Nick Blood to Star in Marvel Pilot for ABC|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=August 20, 2015|access-date=August 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822235138/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/adrianne-palicki-nick-blood-star-816692|archive-date=August 22, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 12, 2016 however, ABC announced it did not pick up ''Most Wanted'' for a series.<ref name="THRPilotCancel">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/marvels-most-wanted-agents-shield-spinoff-canceled/|title=Marvel's Most Wanted Passed Over By ABC|last=Freeman|first=Molly|website=[[Screen Rant]] |date=May 12, 2016|access-date=May 16, 2016}}</ref>

* In September 2020, [[Geoffrey Thorne]] revealed he had written a pilot for Mockingbird, with Palicki reprising the role.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2555114/remember-agents-of-shields-mockingbird-was-going-to-get-her-own-spinoff-series-adrianne-palicki|title=Remember When Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Mockingbird Was Going To Get Her Own Spinoff Series?|last=Swann|first=Erik|work=Cinema Blend[[CinemaBlend]]|date=September 20, 2020|access-date=October 13, 2021}}</ref>

* '''[[Laura Barton (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Laura Barton]]''' appears as a retired Agent 19 in the MCU films ''[[Avengers: Age of Ultron]]'' (2015) and ''[[Avengers: Endgame]]'' (2019) as well as the [[Disney+]] miniseries ''[[Hawkeye (2021 TV seriesminiseries)|Hawkeye]]'' (2021),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paige |first=Rachel |date=December 22, 2021 |title='Hawkeye': Laura Barton's Reveal and Keeping Christmas Alive at the Farm House |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/hawkeye-laura-barton-agent-19-christmas|access-date=December 24, 2021 |website=[[Marvel.com]]}}</ref> portrayed by [[Linda Cardellini]].

* Mockingbird appears as a playable character in the [[Facebook]] game, ''[[Marvel: Avengers Alliance]]''.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}}

* Mockingbird appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel: Future Fight]]''.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}}

| ''New Avengers: The Reunion''

| ''New Avengers: The Reunion'' #1-4, and material from ''Dark Reign: New Nation''

| March 2010

| {{ISBNT|978-0785138556}}

| ''Hawkeye & Mockingbird: Ghosts''

| ''Hawkeye & Mockingbird'' #1-6 and material from ''Enter the Heroic Age''

| January 2011

| {{ISBNT|978-0785144182}}

| ''Hawkeye & Mockingbird/Black Widow: Widowmaker''

| ''Widowmaker'' #1-4 and ''Solo Avengers'' #14-16.

| March 2011

| {{ISBNT|978-0785152057}}