Connect with us
'Savage Avengers' #17 review
Marvel

Comic Books

‘Savage Avengers’ #17 review

Savage Avengers #17 teams up Deadpool and Conan the Barbarian. Nuff said.

Savage Avengers throws its hat into the King in Black event this week, and it finds its characters locked up in a common police jail cell. To be fair, it’s nothing new for Conan the Barbarian or Deadpool, but with rampaging Symbiotes taking over the world, it’s a touch of an inconvenience. The latest issue is a great first part of the team-up you didn’t know you needed, but Gerry Duggan and Kev Walker certainly knew you’d love. I sure did.

You certainly don’t need to read the main event to understand this comic. Aliens are rampaging outside the police department, but what else is new at Marvel Comics? The beauty of this issue is how it leans into the characterizations of Conan and Deadpool and riffs off them. They’re both killers (and quite good at it), but they’re also realists in their own way. Conan has been involved in superhero stories for a good chunk of time now, and Duggan utilizes that to show how Conan has been normalized around their behavior. Meanwhile, Deadpool is his usual kooky self and plays the part of a clown, but with easily hurt feelings.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

Plotting-wise, the story doesn’t have too many scene changes, but as the first part of a small side story, it does well enough to change up the focus. First, Conan and Deadpool are stuck in a cell, and soon they’re moving on from there to more dangerous situations. The beauty of this issue is how Duggan writes Deadpool, be it off the cuff jokes or commentary on the situation, or Conan’s deadly serious but honest nature about killing. It’s a good combo. Duggan delights with more than a few great gags and riffs on comics history. His Deadpool continues to be one of the best ever, and it shows here.

Savage Avengers #17

Stay down, meat popsicle! Marvel Comics

This issue’s art by Walker is good at capturing volume within space. Conan’s face is carved from a block for stone and 3D in its articulation. Layouts are simple, but explore the focus getting closer or further away, to let the reader take in the characters. There’s an almost caricature nature to Walker’s work here, with an overly expressive Conan and how Deadpool’s ability to heal is taking to some gruesome places.

Backgrounds are simple, which helps bring the focus on the characters. Color artist Java Tartaglia keeps colors muted in brown grays and darker colors. Deadpool is the brightest thing in the book, but even the red of his costume is darker in tone. Given the circumstances of the event, the color choices match the atmosphere well.

A third character is introduced, who plays the part of the straight man to the Conan and Deadpool duo. He’s a deep cut for Marvel fanatics and should be an interesting character to follow if he can make it out of this story arc alive. He’s introduced rather quickly but does well to serve as the barometer in the room so we can be properly aware of how insane Deadpool or Conan can get.

The King in Black tie-in stories have been the best part of the event, and Savage Avengers #17 continues that trend. This is a great team-up book between Deadpool and Conan that ties into the event just enough — especially for Conan fans — to be well worth a look.

'Savage Avengers' #17 review
‘Savage Avengers’ #17 review
Savage Avengers #17
The King in Black tie-in stories have been the best part of the event, and Savage Avengers #17 continues that trend. This is a great team-up book between Deadpool and Conan that ties into the event just enough -- especially for Conan fans -- to be well worth a look.
Reader Rating2 Votes
8
Highly entertaining team-up book
Duggan writes a great Deadpool
Walker's style suits the character focused story
Ties into the event well enough to make it matter
The book is a bit stale on pace since it barely moves out of the police station
9
Great

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1 I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1

‘I Heart Skull-Crusher!’ #1 review: Apocalyptic squad goals

Comic Books

New DC Black Label 'Zatanna: Bring Down the House' out June 25th New DC Black Label 'Zatanna: Bring Down the House' out June 25th

New DC Black Label ‘Zatanna: Bring Down the House’ out June 25th

Comic Books

DC Preview: Action Comics #1063 DC Preview: Action Comics #1063

DC Preview: Action Comics #1063

Comic Books

Sink your teeth into new 'Blood Hunt' teeth series covers Sink your teeth into new 'Blood Hunt' teeth series covers

Sink your teeth into new ‘Blood Hunt’ teeth series covers

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup