- Ultimately, Deadpool #2 is a little messy — but as Wade himself says, that doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile.
Deadpool #2
Mirka Andolfo & Arif Prianto (Cover); Chris Bachalo (Pencils); Chris Bachalo & Tim Townsend (Cover); David Curiel (Colors): Wayne Faucher (Inks); Livesay (Inks); Salena Mahina (Logo Design); Jamie Mendoza (Inks); Victor Olazaba (Inks); Kelly Thompson (Writer); Tim Townsend (Inks); Al Vey (Inks); VC’s Joe Sabino (Letters)
Marvel Comics
January 8, 2020
Wade Wilson — everyone’s favorite unkillable snark machine – is two issues deep into a fresh run with Marvel Comics, and, as typical with a good Deadpool series, the wit is thick and the violence occurs frequently. The art is a little affected by mocap style blurriness, but the issue is still a wild ride that fully takes advantage of his chaotic and over the top world.
In the first issue, Deadpool was hired to slay the monster king after monsters took over Staten Island – exercising a centuries-old legal claim on the New York City. Blaylock, the man who hired Wade to do the assassination job, only wanted him to get the monsters out of the way, but (oops!) in monster law, killing the king of the monsters means you become the new king. You’d think Deadpool taking over as head of an ancient monster clan would mean nonstop fun for Wade — sadly, being a royal means, um, having to do royal duties, including taking care of the monsters in his charge and trying to keep the peace.
But that also means he’s come to care for the monsters he’s now protecting, specifically Jeff, an adorable and speechless Land Shark, and his adviser, the handsome and no-nonsense Bellus. Bellus has disappeared after possibly betraying Wade, but that’s the least of his concerns. In an attempt at urging humans to return to the newly renamed “TBD Island” and foster a bond between humans and monsters (and generate lots of tourism dollars), Deadpool makes a commercial. But while Wade desperately yearns for the job to become fun already, conflict arrives in the form of the disappearance of hundreds of monster citizens and the arrival of Kraven the Hunter. Then one of Wade’s Marvelverse frenemies shows up to make things a little more difficult.
Even if Wade’s not having much fun, the audience will if they buy a copy of this issue. Deadpool #2 is incredibly easy to pick up and sink into – a pretty darn hard to resist package of really sharp writing and fun creature design, and a sprightly plot in which Deadpool finds a cause among the creatures he rules over.
The character designs by Chris Bachalo are what caught my eye in particular. Deadpool’s surrounded by a royal guard including characters like Bun-Bun the Destroyer and Kohlaab the Pile (a big, pink, sentient, gelatinous blob of goo) – and there are lots of fun little details, like the tentacled monsters trying to eat two young humans during Wade’s commercial shoot. But I do have to add that the art is glazed over with a fuzzy sheen, as if trying to evoke motion in every panel. Its lack of clarity and sharpness is annoying sometimes.
Kelly Thompson’s writing equals the character design in building a sense of fun. There are wonderfully silly pop culture references — the best catchphrase stems from Galaxy Quest – and Wade and Kraven are very much in character. While Wade’s characterization combines flickers of immature behavior and adventure-seeking bloodlust, the core of his personality — the principled part who roots for the underdog – shines through. And Kraven — who is forever in pursuit of the next big game, no matter how illogical that battle might be — is pure hunter here, and the right level of chaotic to go toe to toe with Wade. The plot makes me want to know more about the new characters introduced as Wade’s new monster family — we don’t spend a lot of time with them, another minor flaw to the narrative.
But one surprise cameo — and that character’s choice of words when it comes to Wade’s new monster friends – feels a little like it was inserted for the sake of allowing Wade to speechify about how he’s just as usual and monstrous as they are under his mask.
Thus, Deadpool #2 is a little messy — but as Wade himself says, that doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile.
