It has been well over a year since Deadpool had his own ongoing series, and while a 30th anniversary special and news of a new movie is great, it’s really exciting that Alyssa Wong and Martin Coccolo are taking the reins this week. Sure he’s on X-Force currently, but what is he up to on his solo adventures? According to the preview, he’s captured by Harrower, attempts to assassinate Doc Ock and tries to join the Atelier assassins club. Sounds ambitious for the usually lazy Deadpool!
Deadpool #1 opens with Deadpool waking up surrounded by monstrous plants after being put under. We soon learn his healing factor is a major boon for growing crops, or in this case, a Symbiote. After figuring out Harrower’s whole deal–with a beautiful full-page splash of the character straight off a tarot card–we smash cut to what Deadpool was doing before he got kidnapped and drugged. The manic energy of the series is alive and well under Wong and Coccolo.
Fans nervous that Deadpool wouldn’t be funny should breathe a sigh of relief. Wong understands Deadpool’s kooky side as well as when to insert jokes. There are plenty of dirty jokes, and Deadpool’s entire vibe is spot-on. I wouldn’t say I was bursting out laughing, but the character is written well and accurately.
“You’re probably wondering how I got here…”
Credit: Marvel
Everyone will be talking about a new love interest, which is, frankly a breath of fresh air. For too long, Deadpool has been pining over Shiklah, and it’s time for him to branch out! It’s also fun to see Deadpool a bit dumbfounded and without words, thanks to him falling for someone.
Art is big and splashy. Coccolo delivers a paranoid moment well via a familiar scene from Always Sunny in Philadelphia, for instance, and the pencils have a voluminous feel thanks to colors by Neeraj Menon. It’s very Marvel by way of Kirby, and in your face. Deadpool is a bit hunkier than usual, with a thick body and sharp-looking costume. Coccolo puts extra details in the mask to help convey his expressions.
Regarding plotting, this issue drops you into a tough spot for Deadpool and unpacks how we got here. Motivations for Deadpool to join the Atelier assassins club or further development of his love for Valentine are scant. That said, as far as Deadpool comics go, this book has plenty to chew on. Essentially Deadpool is racing to save his plan and hide while manically escaping and talking his mouth off. For most, that’s enough!
Deadpool #1 comes out of the gate swinging, introducing some clever villainy on his body while showing his romantic heart is as strong as ever. Read this one for the in-your-face art and exciting love interest budding from an assassins club far too good for Deadpool – and we love him for it.
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