Deadpool #17 – Review

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

The Story: With Captain America and Wolverine now rescued, it’s time for them to get out of there, but not without causing a whole lot of damage before they go.

The Review: It was too good to be true. A Deadpool arc which features a more serious take on the character, focusing on his psyche and just how dark the character truly is could not keep the excellence forever. The psychological take on the character and the way his legacy was twisted up, despite his best attempts at not making it so was just too much for its own good, as the arrival of Captain America and Wolverine detracts from all of that.

Now, before I go too far in the negative intro to this review, I wouldn’t say that this is a bad comic. There are several aspects of the issue that were handled with obvious care and an obvious desire for fun, like the action. The big battle that Captain America, Wolverine, Deadpool and the captive of the meta human camp is actually filled with all the violence, gore and bombastic hyperbole of super heroic action that one could very much expect from a book featuring the Merc with a Mouth. The pacing is also well kept as there is enough variety in the action to allow it to be properly exciting throughout the issue.

What’s much less exciting is how the story and the whole take on Deadpool seems to return to utter goofiness. While the crazed take on Wade Wilson can be easily explained through the fact that this is the way he acts around those he respects in some weird way, it still feels a bit too fast as Poshen and Duggan abandon the introspective take on the character almost completely in favour of the action. The plot progression is also affected by all this, as this issue mostly revolves around the action and not on the direct conflict with Butler and the mystery of what he said to Deadpool. It’s a bit strange to say, yet it feels like the inclusion of Captain America and Wolverine, two popular characters, didn’t do much good in this particular story except provide more material for super hero action.

Deapool #17 – Review

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

The Story: Cyclops sends Domino to do what she can to keep Deadpool from killing Mr. Kincaid. Meanwhile, Norman Osborn relishes watching the mutant’s situation and does what he can to make it even worse.

What’s Good And What’s Not So Good: I didn’t really mind seeing Deadpool take a back seat to the X-Men last month because of the type of story Daniel Way is telling with “Want You To Want Me.” Way had to set up the situation with Mr. Kincaid and the X-Men, so it made sense to use Deadpool as an obstacle rather than the main character. That same approach doesn’t really work as well in Deadpool #17. While the comic is certainly funny (when Domino comes face to face with her biggest fear, I literally laughed out loud) and Deadpool flavored (Way’s ‘pool dialogue is as humorous as always), the X-Men just simply aren’t as entertaining as Deadpool is. Sure it’s fun to see some of them dragged down to his level and the Norman Osborn stuff is unexpectedly clever, but, as a whole, Deadpool #17 is more entertainingly solid than memorably good.

Simply put, the idea behind the current Deadpool arc is far better than the way it is being executed. Deadpool as walking potential PR disaster for the mutants is a funny, clever way to use the character in a way that fits really well within current Marvel continuity. Instead of focusing on the way Deadpool navigates the situation, however, Way chooses to focus on how the X-Men and Osborn react and deal with Wade Wilson. That is fine and dandy to a point, but when I pick up a Deadpool book I do it to read a story mostly about Deadpool, not the X-Men or Norman Osborn (both the X-Men and Osborn have enough books anyway…Deadpool has just recently started to catch up).

As expected, Deadpool #17 is one slick looking book. Paco Medina and his team do a fine job telling the story and their character work is really strong (thought the focus on Domino’s body is quite obnoxious). While some of the exaggerated expressions are a bit much and a few panels look rushed, as a whole, I’m really happy with the artwork throughout the latest issue of Deadpool.

Conclusion: A little more Deadpool would have gone a long way towards making Deadpool #17 a better comic book. While it’s far from bad, Deadpool #17 isn’t as strong as some of the other issues of Deadpool.

Grade: C+

-Kyle Posluszny

 

WCBR’s Picks Of The Week

Ray’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Sweet Tooth #3 – Jeff Lemire’s haunting, bizarre apocalyptic tale continues to make a strong campaign for best new series of the year.

Most Anticipated: Batman and Robin #6 – The legit Batman book is finally here, and it’s too bad we’re only getting treated to one good Batman read a month. It’s the conclusion to “The Revenge of the Red Hood,” and I’m expecting Grant Morrison to deliver.

Other Top Picks: Unwritten #7, Deadpool #17, Strange #1, Sword #1, Red Robin #6, The  Walking Dead #67, Green Lantern Corps #42

Kyle’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: The Marvelous Land of Oz #1 – While it doesn’t quite have the “Wow factor” that The Wonderful Wizard of Oz #1 had, the first chapter of The Marvelous Land of Oz is one heck of a success regardless.   I’d say more, but Joe’s review about the book is absolutely spot on, so be sure to check it out if you haven’t already.

Most Anticipated: Sky Doll: Doll Factory #1 – The first Sky-Doll mini-series is one of my favorite minis of all time.  Its vibrant visuals and sharp social commentary left me dying for more.  Now, months later, more has finally arrived.  To say I have high hopes for Doll Factory would be quite the understatement.

Other Top Picks: Batman and Robin #6, Unwritten #7, Deadpool #17, Strange #1, Sword #1, Vengence of Moon Knight #3, X-Force #21, Tracker #1, The Walking Dead #67, and Witchblade #132

DS’ Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Doctor Voodoo: Avenger of the Supernatural #2 – This was a week packed with good books, but Doctor Voodoo #2 took the title. Marvel sorcery, Daimon Hellstorm and magical conspiracies made for a fantastic followup to the first issue.

Most Anticipated: Strange #1 – Stephan Strange has always been one of the most powerful, compelling figures in the Marvel Universe. Now that he’s no longer Sorcerer Supreme, what does he do? I can’t wait to see! Close second/third: Batman and Robin #6 – Batman against the Red Hood and Batgirl #4 – new costume, new arc, surprise hit!

Other Top Picks: Daredevil #502, The Flash: Rebirth #5, Red Robin #6, Titans #19

Alex’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Sweet Tooth #3 – Jeff Lemire hits a home run in an issue that’s substantially better than last month’s.  The bond between man and boy is strengthened and the horror of the devastated, post-apocalyptic setting is put in the forefront.  Nonetheless, despite the intensity, Lemire’s trademark sparseness and minimalism is maintained.  A fantastic, dark, and emotionally significant book.Most Anticipated: Punisher MAX #1 – Jason Aaron is one of the best writers in comics today and, thus far, everything he’s touched has been gold.  This Wednesday, he tries to fill the shoes of Garth Ennis, bringing along Ennis’ old partner in crime, Steve Dillon.  If you’ve checked out the preview, Dillon’s work here looks like we’ve stepped into a time machine and jumped back to his work in the 90s, and that certainly conjures a great deal of nostalgia on my part.  I love Punisher MAX, I love Ennis, I love Aaron, I love Dillon.  Bring it on.

Other Picks: Hellboy: Wild Hunt #8, The Unwritten #7, Daredevil #502, Fables #90, Batman & Robin #6, DMZ #47, The  Walking Dead #67, Green Lantern Corps #42

Joe’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Marvelous Land of Oz #1 – Skottie Young and Eric Shanower continue their beautiful, fun adaptation of Frank L. Baum’s Oz series.  I read this comic book twice: once for the story, and once again to drool over the artwork.  This is a perfect comic for adults and children alike.

Most Anticipated: X-Force #21 – There’s really no contest as to what I’m most excited about this coming Wednesday.  X-Force is without a doubt the best X-Title on the stands, and with the Necrosha event in full swing, there’s no better time to be reading this series.

Other Top Picks: Usagi Yojimbo: Yokai HC, Batman and Robin #6, Booster Gold #26, Green Lantern Corps #42, REBELS #10, Red Robin #6, Fables #90, Unwritten #7, Angel #27, Walking Dead #67, Amazing Spider-Man #611, Daredevil #502, Cable #20, S.W.O.R.D. #1, Realm of Kings Imperial Guard #1, Strange #1, Dark X-Men #1, Punisher MAX #1, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly #5