It’s time for another entry into Marvel’s line of original graphic novels. And with Deadpool still riding a wave of increased mainstream popularity and a sequel to his hit 2016 film set to hit screens in 2018, what better way to celebrate than an all-new standalone tale that sees his original co-creator cut loose in Deadpool’s first original graphic novel? Deadpool’s been shooting, stabbing, and otherwise annoying people for a long time now. He’s made a lot of enemies. One that he can’t quite place is the brutal Thumper, who keeps showing up out of the blue to pound him into jelly. What is Deadpool’s past connection to this beefy face-masher?
In many ways, this graphic novel is both a celebration and throwback to the early 90s Marvel where Deadpool made his debut. Amongst many nostalgia releases, this one comes off as extra authentic/ Firstly from an artistic standpoint, you have Deadpool co-creator Rob Liefeld (co-founder of Image Comics and one of the definitive comic artists of the early ‘90s) who immediately manages to evoke the early ‘90s X-Men vibe that this release is going for. But there is also clear evidence that Liefeld has grown as an artist since his New Mutants/X-Force days. The art is tight throughout in a way that merges the ‘90s style Liefeld is known for with the more cinematic style of superhero comics present today. Deadpool’s opening fight with Thumper delightfully sets the tone in this regard, and the return of popular Deadpool supporting cast and ‘90s X-Family stalwarts Domino, Cable and the rest of X-Force only enhances the feel.
Story wise, it helps that on the writing front that Liefeld’s co-authors Chris Sims and Chad Bowers have plenty of experience revisiting ‘90s era Marvel with their work on X-Men ’92. They both clearly have a fondness for this era of Marvel history and it results in a standalone story that actually builds on the Deadpool mythos as well as expanding the circumstances around his origin story. Sims and Bowers do a great job in channelling the insane comedy the Deadpool character is known for into his morose origin story and the more straightforward time period he made his debut in. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to see some Deadpool craziness but be prepared for the story to go in some dark and sometimes sad directions. The Thumper character particularly is surprisingly deep and his conflict with Deadpool sees some emotions stir in Wade we don’t see too often. All of the rest of the characters are on point too, with Domino being a particularly fun presence.
If you are a fan of Deadpool, it’s probably a no-brainer that you should pick this up. Any anyone looking for a nostalgic throwback to ‘90s style comics are in for a real treat.
Deadpool: Bad Blood is out now from Marvel
9781302901530 – H/B £20.99
Post by Leo