The Good
The "lost issues" have been working their way up the decades and they've finally reached the '90s, the era of big guns, lots of pouches, and hidden feet. We know co-writers Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn are more than capable of bringing the funny with these absurd chapters -- we'll get to discussing that soon enough -- but first and foremost, artist Scott Koblish and colorist Val Staples make this an especially hilarious trip back into the '90s. These two did a killer job emulating Rob Liefeld's work and seemed to have plenty of fun with all of the qualities that comes with it. The character anatomy and designs are spot on and then exaggerated to enhance every laugh. Sabretooth's hair is hysterically over-the-top and the big battles are such a crowded and amusing mess. Everything is laid out perfectly so feet always remain just out of sight. Whether it's an energy blast, smoke, or the way they're positioned, you'll never get a direct look at anyone's feet (the closest I spotted was seeing them under a cloth). It's fantastic and so much fun to look at. What makes this visual journey standout even more is the fact the two successfully incorporate a more serious and twisted turn of events very well while still using this often mocked style. One minute you're smiling at a ridiculous look at Sabretooth and Deadpool crammed in a car, the next we're pulled into a dark scene that's laid out in such a great way and Deadpool looks seriously intimidating. They even have a swift bit of Victor Creed showing a little bit of sympathy and I thought it was a surprisingly effective moment.
When you buy a "lost issue," you expect a ton of silliness and that's exactly what the co-writers give us. The jokes aren't as out-there or consistently good as some of the other chapters, but there's more than a few really good bits of dialogue and there's even a brief cameo for Zach Galifianakis fans. They obviously embrace all of the stereotypes of the '90s with open arms and it is a good time, but there's a good amount of substance in this one, too. It won't strike you nearly as hard as The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, but if you look past the sharp dialogue between Creed and Wilson (loved the rip-off exchange), you can see there's a bit of depth behind the dynamic.
A big emphasis in this issue is revealing more of Wade's history with Butler. This sheds a little more light on the mythos Duggan and Posehn are bringing to the Merc with a Mouth's world and it all wraps up on a surprisingly heartwarming note and has us wondering whether that final line will stick. Last but not least, the "big reveal" is dialogue-free and, as said above, this allows Koblish and Staples to hit us with a more haunting sequence.
The Bad
Visually, the handling of Deadpool's "big scene" was top notch, but it just wasn't as compelling as some of the volume's other emotional moments were. That's likely because Adsit has been building up the anticipation for this scene for a decent amount of time now. Maybe others will find it shocking or more emotionally gripping, but for me, it kind of played out as expected.
Personal gripe (doesn't impact the score): it would have been cool to see a bigger teaser for Wade's next story. I'm still left wondering where they're going to go with the Nightcrawler clone from North Korea. But good things come to those who wait, right?
The Verdict
DEADPOOL #34 is a very satisfying read for fans of the volume. On top of the steady flow of comedy and having a total blast mocking the '90s, Duggan and Posehn also push their plot with Butler front and center and end it all on a strong emotional note. Plus, Koblish and Staples prove yet again why they continue to receive my praise and respect. Everything the two writers throw their way, they're able to put it on the page with an impressive amount of talent and always deliver the appropriate tone. However, new readers will likely feel pretty lost and will be left wondering why certain characters pop up and how they're connected. It's a bummer for them, but loyal fans are more than likely going to appreciate how this volume's expanding history is included in this entertaining chapter.