Barney Barton

Barney Barton is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Roy Thomas and Gene Colan, the character first appeared in The Avengers #64 (May 1969). Barney Barton is the older brother and a recurring antagonist of superhero Clint Barton / Hawkeye. Publication history Barney Barton debuted in The Avengers #64 (May 1969), created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Gene Colan. He later appeared in the 1983 Hawkeye series, by Mark Gruenwald. He appeared in the 1987 Solo Avengers series, by Tom DeFalco. He appeared in the 2003 Hawkeye series, by Fabian Nicieza. He appeared in the 2009 Dark Avengers series, by Brian Michael Bendis. He later appeared under the codename Trickshot in the 2011 Hawkeye: Blindspot series, by Jim McCann. He appeared in the 2010 The Avengers series, by Brian Michael Bendis. Fictional character history Barney Barton was born in Waverly, Iowa. He lost both his parents at a young age when his father, an abusive alcoholic, lost control of his car and collided with a tree. Barney and his younger brother Clint Barton were sent to an orphanage. They stayed there for six years before running away to join the Carson Carnival of Travelling Wonder as roustabouts. The Swordsman, a member of the carnival with a popular swordplay act, selected Clint to be his new assistant. Feeling overlooked, Barney became jealous and bitter. Later, when Clint was severely injured at the hands of the Swordsman for discovering his embezzlement scheme, Barney condemned his brother for not remaining loyal to his mentor. Barney, having had enough of the carnival, decided to enlist in the army. He suggested that Clint should join him and make a fresh start. Clint declined his offer. Barney told his brother that the offer still stood, and he would wait for him if he changed his mind. The next morning, Barney stood at the bus depot, waiting and hoping his brother would change his mind. When Clint did not show up, a sorrowful Barney got on the bus and left his old life behind. As the bus was departing, Clint arrived, having changed his mind. However, he was too late. Barney later became an FBI agent. His first assignment was to work undercover as a bodyguard for a criminal called Marko. Unbeknownst to him, Clint and his new mentor Trick Shot attempted to rob the criminal's mansion. Barney was shot with an arrow by Clint. When Clint learned what he had done, he refused to leave his brother's side and turned against Trickshot.