Comic Vine Review

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Deadpool #41 - Wade's No Good, Horrible, Very Bad Day

4

Deadpool's had a rough time, so the guy thinks a mercenary mission will help clear his head.

The Good

This is an issue that shows how well co-writers Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn can balance emotion and comedy. I mean, we're talking about a chapter in which Deadpool is trying to figure out where he belongs. Does he stay with Agent Preston and his daughter? Maybe he hangs out with Michael? Or maybe he spends some quality time with his wife? No, he winds up at a place where Butler experimented on him because that seems to be the only place where he really feels at home. How twisted and powerful is that? This guy now has a variety of friends and loved ones in his life, yet he's never felt more alone. You really did a number on Wade, AXIS.

It's not long before the issue travels into much, much sillier territory, but the little dose of character is hugely appreciated and there's still hints of that when things begin to take goofier turns. The comedy here may not be as strong as previous issues (it's tough to follow the absurdly funny last issue), but there's still some good gags and it has me plenty interested in seeing how this story will lead us to #45, the final issue. Not only will they focus on character and comedy, but it looks like the upcoming issues will give the series an organic way to offer a more serious message, too.

Salva Epsin's style feels more far more cartoonish than what we usually see from the title, so it works really, really well when it comes to the levity. It may not deliver darker emotions as effectively as previous talent did, but it's a sharp and consistently fun looking issue. Throw in Val Staples' coloring -- the guy always does a great job on this title -- and this ends up feeling like an animated movie. These don't feel like static images; these characters and settings come to life in amusing ways. Also, it's a minor thing, but I really appreciate how the issue puts actual video games on the TV screen. It's a small touch yet manages to make the setting feel a little more immersive.

The Bad

I thought both Omega Reds are dead? Hopefully this appearance will be explained in the next issue. I'm very curious to see how this character is utilized and honestly, I'm a little skeptical. The character is a powerhouse and won't be easy to put down. Just ask Wolverine. I'm really hoping this individual wasn't brought back only to be downplayed. I guess we'll just have to wait and see! Also -- and more importantly -- there's only 4 issues left in this series and, as of right now, this doesn't really feel like it's building towards something huge and out of the ordinary. It's pretty much a whole lot of silly and fun set-up. It's safe to assume this will more than likely turn into a way more compelling situation, but right now I'm not really feeling that weight. There's good displays of depth here and hints of a more powerful narrative, but it quickly turns into lighthearted fun.

The Verdict

The end of DEADPOOL is nigh! While this may not feel like the beginning of the end, it's still a comic that had me totally absorbed. Espin and Staples are a great visual team for the comedy and the script has plenty of it. But this issue isn't just laughs! This one has a strong, character-driven opening and continues to show hints of Wade's depth throughout the lighthearted journey. What's especially interesting is this comedic adventure is dipping into far more political material and I'm sure that's something they'll explore in the upcoming issues. DEADPOOL #40 is proof these writers can deliver a serious message and make us laugh at the same time. Sure, things get silly pretty quickly, but Duggan and Posehn still have a great handle on the character and I can't wait to see what'll happen next.