The latest volume of DEADPOOL, written by Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn, has really won us over. What began with a gory and comedic story arc quickly transformed into a fun ride that shows consistent signs of depth and occasionally sprinkles in just the right amount of darkness. That's exactly what Wade Wilson, a.k.a. Deadpool, needs to avoid feeling like a walking punchline and these co-writers have been delivering the goods. Today's issue, DEADPOOL #35, is technically a jumping on spot and, if you've read our review, you know we think it's awesome. So awesome, in fact, that we want to have a detailed discussion about it. So, find a beverage (or snack, but be sure not to talk with food in your mouth), grab the issue, get cozy, and let's discuss it.
Oh, and there's obviously spoilers in here. Not sure how you wouldn't know that by now given the title and all that, but we feel obligated to let you know.
Usually an issue of DEADPOOL goes heavy with the depth or heavy with the comedy, but it's not every day we see both balanced so perfectly. Right off the bat, the layout allows the co-writers to offer some emotional beats and some laughs back to back. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly was a, well, ugly time for Wade Wilson, but now that he finally has his daughter, Ellie, we can't help but cheer for the guy. He's been through so much darkness, despair and torment in his life, so to see him try and bond with his daughter is heartwarming. Unfortunately, she has a lot of questions -- and understandably so -- and he's just not sure how to answer them. It's these subtle moments where the creative team brings their A game. Deadpool tries his best to avoid hurting her and pretty much most of the truth he could offer would indeed hurt the girl. He even refuses to take off his mask, likely thinking his own daughter would fear him. How heartbreaking is that?
Artist Mike Hawthorne gives Deadpool expressions that'll pull every ounce of empathy you've got in you. These bits are complemented by the issue's "big bad," Dracula, as he attempts to modify a Spider-Slayer. You know, so he can punch Deadpool really, really hard during the day. Wade did steal his fiance, after all.
There isn't anything hysterical like the "pull my finger" gag between Ellie and Wade in this one -- it's purely focused on Deadpool trying to do the right thing. Actually, doing the right thing is basically the theme of this chapter. Sure, Deadpool later puts a homeless guy's life in danger (we'll get to that), but we're talking about Wade's way of doing the right thing. After Agent Preston realizes they should stop talking because Deadpool's clearly struggle with his answers, Deadpool visits Ellie's grandma. Why, you ask? To let her know that her granddaughter is safe. See, Deadpool isn't just a heartless clown, people. Okay, maybe the scene does take a comedic turn which involves dentures, slushies, and puking, but the point remains: this issue's all about Wade trying to help others.
Ellie's grandma isn't the only visit on his schedule, either. If you've been following the volume -- if not, go catch up now, slacker -- then you know Deadpool's friends from North Korea's Weapon X program are in trouble. Luckily for them, Deadpool has some very, very intelligent friends associates. Kim and the other experiments meet Wade and the X-Men at the Jean Grey School. There's some banter here and there, but there's one encounter which pulled my heartstrings. Perhaps I'm just a sap, but if you've been reading the volume, then you know what Kim has endured and this was such a happy bit between him and Kurt Wagner.
Heartfelt scene, isn't it? Well, in true Deadpool fashion, it isn't long before the jokes and laughter fade away and the hints of darkness begin to emerge. In this case, a room that's meant to inspire hope and fix Kim and his allies' medical condition only brings back terrible, terrible memories. The layout really allows this bit to resonate and it helps us see just how much the Merc with a Mouth can relate to what Kim is feeling.
Even though the mercenary's spewing quite a few comedic remarks, the issue has mostly been character-driven and focused on showing that Wade's not just some emotionless killer with a healing factor. Enter Dracula to lighten the mood! The big action scene seems like the co-writers had a blast with it. Wade's witty and rude, but Dracula's written like your cliche, overconfident villain who loves to monologue. The dynamic between the two is hilarious because Wade decides to momentarily play along with his generic rambling and then foils his plans by using... stairs!
Deadpool's eluded Dracula, but he can't just let the Spider-Slayer wander the streets of New York. That's downright irresponsible, you know? To solve this conflict, the co-writers came up with something so absurd and funny. Seeing as it's a New York subway, there's a homeless person and Deadpool enlists the dude's help. Wade has the poor guy dress as him and then distract Dracula. While the robotic foe is distracted, Wade puts thermite on his back and the opponent begins to burn.
The bit with the homeless guy is full of entertaining dialogue ("Jaysis!"), but even this scene is proof of the co-writers' impressive handling of the book. Even after all of the absurd and over-the-top laughs, Dracula's final moments as the Spider-Slayer are spent commenting on Deadpool's physical condition (the homeless dude is wearing his costume, remember?). After all of these smiles and gags, we're once again reminded that Deadpool may joke and mess around a lot, but a lot of that is to cover up just how damaged he is on the inside. To avoid making the moment too heavy-handed, there's a bathroom joke immediately after it. What? Like you wouldn't have an accident if a giant robot with Dracula's face in its chest chased after you?
When all is said and done, we're left wondering about Kim's condition. Wade needs to rush back to the X-Men's place and Beast requests just one thing from Wade: his liver. Oh, and the biggest spoiler of all: Michael is late with his part of the cable bill. What a magical mooch.
Do you share our enthusiasm for the issue? Tell the world how you feel about DEADPOOL #35 and the run in general in the comments section below.
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