Deadpool #16 – Review

by Brian Posehn, Gerry Duggan (Writers), Declan Shalvey (Artist), Jordie Bellaire (Colorist)

The Story: Deadpool and Agent Preston tries to go away from Butler’s hold as they discover the type of experiments he is doing in his camp.

The Review: It’s not always easy for writers and readers to accept a mood-change. Sometimes, a political book tries to incorporate a bit of action to pepper things up, to disastrous results. Other times, it can be the opposite, as a book change just a bit to let some new ideas flow into it, to freshen things up before it gets repetitive or simply stale.

The latter is what’s happening to Deadpool, who tells a story that is far more character-oriented, with a darker take on things than is usual for the Merc with a Mouth. Humor has always been a regular thing in the book featuring Wade Wilson, yet there is so much pop culture references and poop jokes that can be thrown at the readers before it gets rather tiring. Thankfully, both Posehn and Duggan understand this very well as they focus on some darker ideas, while providing just enough levity to satisfy some of the Deadpool fans.

The opening page actually sums this issue and the very recent take quite well, as Wade tries to cheer himself up, slicing a turkey as if it was a happy family reunion. However, as the page progress, it is revealed to be merely a figment that even his imagination doesn’t seem to accept. His humor is gone, revealed as his way of escape from all his pain and the uncertainty of his life. This take continues toward the issue, as Deadpool himself is unable to continue due to the reveals given to him by Butler himself. Not wishing to go on like this, Agent Preston takes over for him as their interaction and their reaction to what is happening cements the psychological Duggan and Posehn are trying to do.

Deadpool #16 – Review

By Daniel Way (Writer), Paco Medina (Pencils), Juan Vlasco (Inks), Marte Gracia (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Given how the recent “X” crossovers have turned out, I’m a bit concerned about what’s going to happen to Deadpool now that Wade is headed towards becoming one of the X-Men. Now, granted, I do realize that the Deadpool “X” arc isn’t a true crossover so it might not be such a bad thing for the series. One thing’s for sure though: If any series can enter X-Men territory and come out unscathed, it’s Deadpool.

The Story: After initially getting rejected by the X-Men, Deadpool finds himself being cautiously welcomed back by the mutants. Meanwhile, the X-Men deal with a strange media circus that’s being caused by a young mutant’s father.

What’s Good: I hope this makes sense…Deadpool #16 is, in reality, only half of a Deadpool comic. The other half is an X-Men comic that Daniel Way wrote with his Deadpool pen. Is that a bad thing? Surprisingly, it’s not.

As expected, humor is a large part of what makes Deadpool #16 such an entertaining book. While the story is certainly strong enough to move things along (especially in regards to the Domino and Dagger scenes), there’s no question that bringing the funny is what Way does best when it comes to his Deadpool series. Way gives the X-Men humorous dialogue whenever Wade is somehow involved in their conversations and uses the mutants in a way that makes Deadpool come across as far more sympathetic than usual. However, that’s not to say that Wade’s being soften up by Way. Quite the opposite, in fact. The Merc with a Mouth is as unpredictable and crazy as ever throughout Deadpool #16. Case in point: I doubt you’ve ever seen pancakes used in such a way.

Paco Medina is quickly becoming one of my favorite Marvel artists. Since he started on the Deadpool series, I’ve wanted to see what he would do with other characters. Now that I’ve seen him handle the X-Men, I can’t help but wonder why Marvel isn’t putting him on more books. With the help of Juan Vlasco’s inks and Marte Gracia’s vivid colors, Medina’s pencils are stylish, clean and a little sexy, and loaded with the type of personality that needs to be seen more often.

What’s Not So Good: While Deadpool #16 looks great and proves to be extremely entertaining, some of the storytelling is a bit clunky. While the family issue between a mutant and her father that takes up a chunk of the book eventually becomes relevant, it takes up more page space than it’s worth. Also, a scene that meshes Deadpool and Domino’s encounter with Domino’s status report to Cyclops doesn’t really flow all that well. It comes across as far more convoluted and complicated than it should.

Conclusion: Deadpool continues to be one hell of a fun series. If you aren’t reading it than you’re definitely missing out on one of Marvel’s best monthlies.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny