Thanks to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. I became interested in the character Mockingbird (Bobbi Morse). As sad as it was to see her and Hunter leave the show (yes, there was weepiness), I’m hoping they return since their spin-off wasn’t picked up for next season. She’s actually been around in the comics since 1977, showing up in other hero’s books or as part of a team. Only recently did Marvel give her a title all her own. So, of course, I’m reading it.

The first issue of Mockingbird wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. It’s a bit of a different take on the character than the show, and likely closer to her true comic book persona (I’ll have to read some of her earlier appearances to find out). But it’s not a bad thing. I rather like the personal life/behind the scenes sort of feel that it has – if you’ve read any of Fraction’s Hawkeye run, it has a bit of a similar feel with the everyday life aspects. And her character has a lot of depth (and issues… so many issues).

The second issue involved Hunter in a very compromising situation and was so much fun. The third got a little serious, but still had the banter I’ve already come to expect of the character. This is good quality storytelling with a character that more people need to know about. So I’ll be sticking around and reading more.

But there was one thing I wondered about that I had to check a Marvel wiki for: why is she called Mockingbird? That hasn’t always been her codename (she was Agent 19, among a few others). Apparently, it’s because she taunts opponents while fighting them. Now admittedly, actual mockingbirds have the name because they mimic other bird songs. But going with “mocking” in the other sense really does fit the character.