Everyone’s favorite unkillable merc with a mouth, Deadpool, returns in a new title. Following a breakup with his partner, Valentine, Wade returns to his mercenary life with his symbiote dog, Princess, at his side. While hunting a low-level criminal, he encounters a new villain impressed with his immortality. Deadpool #1 by Cody Ziglar and Rogê Antônio sets up a fun and exciting adventure that will appeal to long-term Poolheads and new fans alike.
The essential aspect of Deadpool lies in the balance of humor with his more sad emotional core, which Ziglar perfectly expresses. Also, each new creative team brings a different sense of humor when it comes to writing Wade Wilson, where Ziglar’s writing evokes the classic strokes of the character while bringing his sensibilities. A great gag-evoking Chainsaw Man got an excellent laugh out of me. Humor serves as a shield for Wade to hide away from his self-pity and hatred, and I feel the writing struck a solid balance between them. I emotionally felt for Wade as he tried to get his life together after breaking up with Valentine. However, I wish we got to see it on the page instead of it being referenced in his narration boxes. I do hope Valentine pops up later in the series, considering how Princess from the previous run has a significant role, along with Ellie, his daughter, who will be a major part of it.
Ziglar also establishes a new villain by introducing Death’s Grip, which provides a more supernatural angle for the upcoming series. Despite not learning much about him, the reader is given plenty of interesting crumbs about him, which makes him instantly fascinating. He is a different antagonist to Wade, who is intensely interested in the mercenary. With Wade focusing on the isolation caused by his immortality, I cannot wait to see how Death’s Grip will tie into it.
Antônio’s great art enhances Ziglar’s humor and action. He provides the right amount of zaniness and violence by depicting Deadpool’s attitude and presence. Specifically with a fourth-wall-breaking joke as Deadpool and Princess travel across portals on a double-page spread. I do appreciate Antônio not showing away from the violence but embracing it. Deadpool loves guns and swords, after all. Guru-eFX’s coloring brings a punchy action feel while delivering the perfect shade of red for his costume. VC’s Joe Sabino lettering expertly switches between Wade’s narration boxes and other minor comedic details in the dialogue.
Deadpool #1 is a solid first issue for what to expect from Ziglar and Antônio. Filled with humor and action, it will satisfy fans of the character. I cannot wait to see where the pair takes the regenerating degenerate in the future.
Story: Cody Ziglar Art: Rogê Antônio
Color: Guru-eFX Letterer: VC’s Joe Sabino
Story: 8.3 Art: 8.6 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
