The Unstoppable Force: Is Hawkeye the Most Powerful Avenger in the MCU?

Summary

Hawkeye's defeat of Wanda Maximoff in Avengers: Age of Ultron showcases his underestimated power level.

While the attempts of other Avengers at defeating Scarlet Witch have proven unsuccessful, Hawkeye effectively caught her off guard, showcasing his quick thinking and strategically placed tactics. Hawkeye's composed demeanor and skill in overcoming personal challenges during Avengers: Age of Ultron establish him as the most skilled Avenger during that period, solidifying his rightful position among Earth's most formidable heroes.

The debate surrounding the strongest MCU Avenger has persisted for over a decade, and recently fans have been embroiled in a quarrel over unexpected evidence suggesting that Hawkeye may be a contender. Equipped with only a bow and arrow, a sharp wit, and lightning-fast reflexes, Hawkeye often finds himself at the receiving end of jokes whenever discussions on the power levels of the MCU Avengers arise. Even Hawkeye himself acknowledges his unconventional role in supernatural events during Avengers: Age of Ultron, as he remarks, "Look, the city is flying, we're fighting an army of robots, and I have a bow and arrow. None of this makes sense."

Nevertheless, Twitter user Lunwi astutely points out that it was in Avengers: Age of Ultron that Clint Barton, with his seemingly modest powers, managed to accomplish what no other hero in the MCU timeline could: defeating Wanda Maximoff, also known as Scarlet Witch. While there may be nuances to consider, it is hard to refute the fact that Barton's quick thinking and well-placed taser arrow achieved what seemed impossible. However, this argument fails to acknowledge a few minor details that contradict the claim that Hawkeye is the strongest Avenger in the MCU - although he is certainly underestimated.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Hawkeye Isn't The Strongest Avenger - But He's Way Stronger Than Many Fans Think

As critics of the original claim pointed out, Maximoff hadn't taken up the title of "Scarlet Witch" during this period, which holds significance as she was at her most vulnerable. Comparing the challenge of facing Maximoff in Avengers: Age of Ultron to facing the current Scarlet Witch is incomparable in every aspect. Additionally, one could argue that both Thanos and even War Machine have incapacitated Wanda in Avengers: Infinity War and Captain America: Civil War, respectively, placing Barton among the ranks of three Marvel characters who have achieved this feat, and one of two who possess no superpowers.

During the particular sequence, Barton proved himself as the only Avenger capable of subduing Wanda Maximoff. Although he wasn't facing Scarlet Witch, this achievement holds considerable value. Even Thor, who is believed to be the only Avenger capable of defeating Scarlet Witch, fell short where Hawkeye succeeded. Barton managed to catch Wanda off guard, a feat the other Avengers couldn't replicate, showcasing his true power in the MCU. Both Hawkeye and Black Widow deserve recognition for keeping pace with super soldiers, gamma-irradiated giants, and an actual god.

It is suggested that during the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron, when many of the core Avengers faced personal challenges, Hawkeye and his composed nature emerged as the most skilled Avenger at that time. Having previously experienced mind control in The Avengers, he may have had better preparation to resist it this time. Regardless, while Hawkeye may not be the strongest MCU Avenger, he undoubtedly deserves his place among Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

Source: Lunwi