The Good
There's so many corny idioms or sayings I could use to express my feelings for the second chapter of "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly," but instead I'm just going to be blunt and say this: it's awesome. The surprisingly strong tonal shift from the last issue was no fluke at all, friends. Co-writers Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn follow-up their superb first chapter of this tale with an even better one. Hard to believe, I know, but it's that damn good.
The two writers are doing an impressive job fleshing out this plot and keeping matters refreshing. This is unlike any story we've seen from them so far in the series and they're introducing some very interesting elements. At first, I couldn't help but wonder why these new characters would willingly agree to be held in a camp with such poor defenses, but it's all explained in due time and makes sense. They've also provided a link to a character introduced in the volume -- one you've probably already forgotten. It's a new dynamic loaded with potential to grow Deadpool even further... if it's true, that is. And even if it's not, it's a great way to switch things up right now.
They're also doing a masterful job bringing out the more serious and darker take on Wade. There's proper justification for him acting the way he is and I'm honestly loving every single panel of it. And when there's serious Wade, you can expect him to step up his melee game, too. The action in this issue is staggering. We've seen Wade get his rear handed to him a good deal in this book, but the fights in this issue are absolutely brutal (I mean, he rips a guy's freaking larynx out!) and seriously badass stuff. If his guard takedown in the rain isn't cinematic, then I just don't know what is. While did an excellent job Duggan and Posehn scripting these scenes, it's Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire's artwork which makes the moments truly impress. Shalvey's rougher and twisted style is the perfect compliment to Duggan and Posehn's darker script. Everything here works. From the bleak environment and weather to Wade's body to the shocking violence... it's all amazingly detailed and is the perfect look for this story.
The Bad
There was a significant lack of Deadpool in a Cosby sweater. But really, I have no major complaints. Fantastic issue. Not even dedicating two whole pages to only captions took away from it.
The Verdict
I don't know about you, but this feels like it's going to be Duggan and Posehn's definitive Deadpool story. They've scaled back the fart jokes and are instead nailing it with a compelling, emotional and really, really engrossing story. You wanted serious Deadpool? Well, you've got it.
Oh, and if you're one of the people who dropped this book because you weren't a fan of the humor, I implore you to give this series a second chance and pick up issue #15. Seriously, I rarely use "implore," so that should help emphasize just how much I mean it.