Now that Wolverine and Carnage have had their bloody fun, it’s Deadpool’s turn to bring the joys of anthology comics to fans this week. This anthology series continues to tell stories in only black, white, and red, and in its first outing, there are three stories worth getting bloody over. Can Tom Taylor, Phil Noto, Ed Brisson, Whilce Portacio, and James Stokoe bring the blood, guts, and humor we’ve come to expect from Deadpool?
Simply put, hell yes. The preview gives you a taste of all three and it’s easy to surmise all are way over the top and bring Deadpool’s loud personality to the forefront of each story. The first story is titled “Red All Over” and is by Tom Taylor, Phil Noto, and Joe Sabino. The first page reveals Deadpool is in need of help, but with most turning him down he’s onto Honey Badger!
Noto and Taylor work well together, capturing the zany nature of Deadpool and Honey Badger’s inability to be grossed out or even weirded out by Deadpool. It makes them a good pair, especially since they’re on a mission Honey Badger would totally get behind. Deadpool is quite funny in this one too, with some good zingers to cling to.
What a great lesson!
Credit: Marvel
The second story titled “Hotline to Heaven” is by Ed Brisson, Whilce Portacio, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Joe Sabino. Per the title, this is all about Deadpool trying to find a copy of Hotline to Heaven, a Bea Arthur movie he will stop at nothing to find. Portacio’s art is great, with a gritty ’90s style that leans into the inks. The use of red is used mostly in Deadpool’s costume but it allows the sound effects to lift off the page well too.
Given Deadpool’s proclivity to The Golden Girls, one can surmise the irrationality of the character to find the Bea Arthur movie. Brisson captures his voice well while letting Portacio go ham on the violence and action. It’s a good combo.
Wrapping up the book is James Stokoe’s “Born in the Uszorsusr” which has Wade encounter a new nation within Canada’s borders. This is possibly the silliest story of the bunch as one might guess from the choice of hat and tank in the preview. Stokoe uses red quite a bit as shading and sky cover giving the story a dystopian feel. The hyper detailing works quite well with the level of chaos at work in the tale. It also has some fun jokes at the expense of Canada. Now that’s a win!
Of the three stories, Brisson and Portacio’s feels the most complete with a beginning, middle, and end. Customary of this series, many of the tales end up feeling like a single scene or a bit of action that ends before you know it. For that reason, the book is good, but may not satiate your Deadpool itch.
Deadpool: Black, White & Blood #1 is a natural fit for this series that loves its blood and action. The opening issue features some of the best talents in comics and it shows. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and you’ll find plenty here to enjoy.
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