It’s the year of Deadpool and Wolverine thanks to their upcoming movie, so why not pair two of the greatest creators to ever work on the characters together in Deadpool & Wolverine: WWIII? Adam Kubert, the first artist to ever have them fight, and Joe Kelly, the greatest writer to ever pen Deadpool, join forces this week on a new miniseries pitting the two together. But are they friend or foe? Yes!
There are themes in this comic that elevate it a touch above a fight comic, though it’s not far off from fight comic-centric storytelling. One theme is the idea of monsters and how Wolverine opens the story as a monster hunter but fully admits he’s a monster himself. This theme works as Deadpool takes on a transformation by the end of the issue, and both take a licking in various ways.
The battle damage these characters can take is on full display throughout the issue. Wolverine will stick his claws into Deadpool casually or slash at him tactically. It’s a nice reminder they’re both invulnerable. And seriously, who else could take this punishment?
Kelly maximizes Deadpool’s annoyance with solid dialogue. Wolverine serves as the point of view character, and his grumbling hatred of Deadpool is depicted well in the captions. You’ll be right there with him every step of the way.
What are you on about?
Credit: Marvel
The art is spectacular, with Kubert’s now-iconic choices like forcing the reader to turn the entire comic on its side to read from top to bottom. Layouts vary in interesting ways, and the details are always sharp and pleasing. The dynamic range Kubert implores is proof enough that he’s a master. The fight choreography is also solid keeping you invested with every swing of the claws or blast of a gun.
As far as the main threat is concerned, there’s something to be desired. The first villain they face seems to be talking gibberish, or at least it doesn’t make much sense. By the end of the issue, some kind of cult is involved in powering up people, but we’re given little to go on. It’s a slow-boil story in that regard. Your interest doesn’t waver too much, though, since Wolverine gets to do some detective work and follow clues to find Deadpool.
If you’re looking for a good fight comic, Deadpool & Wolverine: WWIII delivers and then some. The art is dynamic, and the characterization of its heroes is spot on. I was left wanting as far as what the threat is, but it’s clearly a slower reveal sort of story.
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