The Good
This issue is a great example of how co-writers Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn can balance silly fun and much heavier material. We're talking about an issue that had me laughing out loud multiple times and those awesometastic bits of levity didn't take away from the darker and more emotional scenes that were sprinkled in. I obviously can't get into details because I don't want to spoil anything for you, but I think, so far, this is the high point of the current story. Okay, maybe they go a little overboard with the references, but there's still plenty of excellent banter in here and it doesn't take away from the more serious direction the story is taking. It's the kind of issue that gives us badass and wacky Deadpool -- and the plot does the very same thing. It's twisted and silly, but serious when it needs to be.
Whoa, they've found a way to bring Shiklah into this! This is a great surprise because it really feels like she's been in the background for a majority of the time. There's a lot of story elements to balance (Deadpool's mission, friends at home, Shiklah, another organization), but seeing as there's another issue and then the last one is going to be ginormous, I'm not concerned that the writers have put too much in the story.
I enjoyed the tone of this issue more, but the formula is similar to the last issue. Once again, it ends with a look at ULTIMATUM and, once again, it's a scene that's hilarious but also foreboding. We're not getting a lot of material here, but it absolutely has me anxious to see what'll come next. Also, I feel like "bold move, Carl" is a compliment that everyone should start saying.
Salva Espin and Val Staples' pages have been a perfect fit for the more cartoonish, silly and fun moments in this story. Thankfully, the energetic, exaggerated and colorful visuals don't take away from the issue's more powerful scenes. Just like the writers, these two artists are able to present the compelling and funny beats equally well. Whether it's a goofy thumbs up or a horrifying scene, the artwork really sold the moment for me, bringing to life the characters, settings, and effects in a praiseworthy and oh-so-pleasing way for my eyes. This issue takes some really twisted turns and they absolutely nail 'em. I mean, the splash page with the "just die" line? Wow. Really reminds us that Wade isn't just some goofball yet it still manages to put just a bit of humor in there. (Come on, the arm being yet another thing on his belt is pretty amusing.)
The Bad
There's a few moments in here which feel a little too familiar, and when the rest of the issue is so creative and captivating, they stand out. For example, something like Omega Red dealing with his own goons is something we've already seen, so instead of that feeling cool or shocking, it's just kind of expected. And as much as I laughed at the final scene, part of me was hoping for a little more material there since there's only two issues left in the series and it's clear they're going to play a huge part.
The Verdict
The latest story may have started as mostly sill fun, but now the creative team is giving the narrative some much needed weight. They still bring the laughs and there's a whole lot of entertaining and twisted action, but now they're finding a way to get you emotionally invested, too. The bad news: DEADPOOL is racing towards its end. The good news: It's looking like it'll say "goodbye" with a story that's able to deliver everything you'd want from it. A good Deadpool story needs to make you laugh and deliver an emotional gut-punch. Thankfully, that's exactly what this one is doing.