For the most part, the spinoff stories arising from the House of M event have been much stronger than the core crossover title itself, but this is not one of those times. Bendis's characterization and his exploration of the frustrations of being a journalist are strong, but the story revolves around a Big Event from House of M that lacked the impact the creators intended. In this issue, bendis delves into Hawkeye's feelings about his death in the mainstream Marvel continuity, but since I didn't care much about it when it happened, it's hard to muster any enthusiasm about it now, months later.
Mutants may be the dominant species on the planet, but The Daily Bugle still dominates new York as a top-notch newspaper. Reporter Kat Farrell isn't a happy camper these days, annoyed that her mutant boss is quick to quash any stories that are potentially embarrassing to the man who runs the House of M: Erik Magnus, AKA Magneto. Kat soon finds herself face to face with another human with a bone to pick with their mutant master. Hawkeye is a member of a growing human underground resistance, and he's just learned that he's supposed to be dead.
Lark's art certainly captures the noir mood for which the story strives, but at times, it's too dark. The Bugle publisher's design seems completely random and generic, and Hawkeye just doesn't have the impressive presence that's called for. He's supposed to be larger than life, but Kat really doesn't seem that small when they meet. Still, Lark and Gaudiano's work here conveys the grounded nature of this corner of the Marvel Universe and the people who work at the Bugle. The colors converge nicely to establish a sullen yet intense tone in the climactic scene.
This story has its foundation not only in House of M, but in Bendis's "Avengers Disassembled" event from last year, so it's far from the most accessible story. This reads more like a scene Bendis didn't have room for in House as opposed to a related issue of The Pulse.
In the end, perhaps what hinders this story the most is that it's difficult to understand why Hawkeye does what he does. His anger and intensity at the end of the issue works, but his reasons for going to the Bugle (as opposed to a library, for example) to investigate a past that never happened doesn't make sense. Neither does his decision to unload his emotional baggage on a reporter, of all people. Furthermore, the previous issue featured a scene that wasn't unlike the core premise of this issue, as we saw a damaged and desperate Wolverine speak with reporters as well. 6/10
