The Good
If you're a fan of Deadpool, then the idea of the character being tossed into the zombie apocalypse should equal an automatic purchase (and if you don't like Wade, why are you reading this?). Thankfully, this series is off to thoroughly entertaining and strong start.
Writer Cullen Bunn's premise is simple: Deadpool was in a food coma after eating one too many chimichangas and, when he wakes up, the undead have taken over. It likely sounds familiar to you and that's obviously intentional. Now, Deadpool fighting zombies is always a good thing, but Deadpool talking to himself? Well, if it isn't in the right hands, that could grow tiresome very quickly. Even though nothing made me burst into laughter, Wade's not completely obnoxious, either, and there were definitely some comments that'll at least make you smirk. Thankfully, it's not long before Wade is through chatting by his lonesome and begins slicing and dicing the zombies. The action is a bit brief but it's badass nonetheless. Bunn's doing a nice job balancing Wade's sillier side with his lethal side.
There's one key element which sets this apart from standard zombie stories and it's uncertain whether or not it'll actually become a big factor. Bunn also introduces something we've seen in plenty of other zombie tales, but at the moment, we literally have no idea what to expect next, so he's definitely done a fine job hooking my curiosity.
Ramon Rosanas' art is a great fit for the story. His handling of Wade is commendable. From his goofier moments to his more serious one, the Merc with a Mouth always looks solid. More impressive, however, is the attention to detail in the world. Be it the feeling of isolation in such a huge city or a violent encounter with a swarm of the undead, the panels just feel right. The quality is consistent, too. The decision to make everything (except for Wade and his panels) black and white is perfect. It almost makes you believe Deadpool's wandering around in the same world as Rick Grimes or he's in a classic zombie movie. It's funny and effective at the same time.
The Bad
The zombie apocalypse spreading is something we've seen a gazillion times before (that's a rough estimate), so I wasn't the biggest fan when the book decided to spend two pages on colored flashbacks. The black and white (with Deadpool colored) visuals were really immersive, so yanking us out of that just to show us the infection spreading really didn't add anything except for a good joke or two.
Minor gripe: Part of me finds it very tough to believe Wade's the only hero left, so here's hoping there's a cameo or two along the way.
The Verdict
THE WALKING DEADPOOL NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEADPOOL is off to a great start. The clever coloring is very enjoyable and compliments the tone of the book extremely well. Despite a bit of exposition, Bunn gets things moving quickly and we're hit with some awesome action and two plot points that leave us with quite a few questions. Now I'm legitimately curious to see where this book will take us next. My fellow Deadpool fans, do yourself a favor and check this one out.
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