Jim Lemoine
Mar 28, 2002, 02:18 am
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/dpool-065.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/dpool-065t.jpg" align=left alt="Deadpool #65"></a>Reviewed by: Jim Lemoine, darkkelf@earthlink.net
Quick Rating: Great!
Story Title: Healing Factor: Prologue
After the most successful hit of his career, Deadpool lives it up and makes new friends, and they all play happily together!
Written by: Gail Simone
Art by: UDON with Alvin Lee, Rob Ross, Eric Vedder, A-Zero, & TR2
UDON Chief: Eric Ko
Lettered by: Dave Sharpe
Assistant Editor: Mike Raicht
Editor: Mike Marts
Editor-in-Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
Forget what I said in my review of Deadpool: Funeral for a Freak #2. That issue was not when Wade Wilson returned from the dead. He really makes his return in this issue, Deadpool #65, a great book that at last returns to us the Deadpool with whom we’ve laughed, cried, maimed, and mocked.
Deadpool #65 marks a return in many ways for Deadpool. Not only are we finally seeing him act like his good old sadistic self again, but he’s also spending his time focusing on the root of his life: his mercenary activities. Deadpool’s wit has returned while the ludicrous situations have remained in place; however, for the first time in 3 months, those situations are actually funny. And, of course, it’s a return to the regular numbering system as we jump straight from last month’s #4 to this month’s #65.
The beautiful cover by our friends at UDON really sums up what the issue was: a return to form for Wade Wilson.
The issue opens with Deadpool pummeling and taunting various thugs in a classic Wade scenario. These scenes are reminiscent of the old Joe Kelly issues from the beginning of this series in that Deadpool is actually laugh-out-loud funny as he’s beating the crap out of various stooges. We also see just a slight shade of a conscience as he methodically goes about his business of wounding and maiming. This is once again the Deadpool you’d be ashamed to show your mother, and that’s a great thing.
The art is also very impressive. UDON have proven themselves to be the masters of formerly undreamed of lighting effects in comic books, and since Deadpool #65 opens up at night, you really get a chance to see what these guys are capable of. Of course, I have to ask, not being from the Far East… do Japanese crime lords and thugs really have hair that stupid-looking, or is that just UDON’s always-on manga styling?
Deadpool accidentally kills all four crimelords at the restaurant he’s raiding, and inadvertently makes himself a legend. The scene where the crimelords fall over dead is very funny and perfectly captured by UDON. After that, we’re treated to a somewhat confusing fight sequence. The thugs are apologizing to Deadpool as they shoot at him? All of them miss except for one who shoots his butt? Do Japanese criminals all have that weird colored Mohawk thing going? And… umm… why does Deadpool bring the turkey out with him? Not that I wouldn’t, it did look delicious.
Fast forward to six months later: Deadpool’s working out at a mercenary gym. The whole health club sequence is a huge farce, but it’s marginally believable and very amusing. Apparently, Wade’s hit turned him into the most revered assassin this side of Bullseye, and he’s surrounded by wannabe’s from AIM and Hydra. The characterization of Deadpool is especially dead-on in this sequence, with Wade acting as both an arrogant jerk and a hilarious prankster.
Wade Wilson has become more successful than even we’d ever dream, we discover, as he drives to the headquarters of D.P., Inc., a stylish office with mirrored walls, beautiful art and sculptures, mood-lighting, and… um… another guy with a colored Mohawk! What’s up with that?
Wade’s foxy secretary Sandi (who he uncharacteristically never hits on) mentions an obligatory costume change for our man, and I can only hope this isn’t a foreshadowing to the possible Agent X relaunch. Some things shouldn’t be messed with, and Deadpool’s costume is classic. Besides, the folks at UDON draw it better than just about anybody!
We’re also introduced to Deadpool’s new biographer, a sanity-challenged bum Wade affectionately names “Ratbag.” Ratbag’s surreal dialog throughout the issue is some very, very funny stuff, and he really seems to hit it off with Deadpool… although you’re never sure quite why since he’s completely incomprehensible. But who cares? This guy is hilarious! Note to some former writers of Deadpool: This is how you introduce a hobo buddy who’s actually funny.
‘Pool again shows a bit of conscience as he accepts a contract to fly to Germany that very night for a new hit job, and he allows Ratbag to accompany him. The hit goes bad, however, when the job is revealed to be a ploy by another mercenary named the Black Swan. Apparently, Black Swan (who doesn’t exactly have the most intimidating name in the assassin circles, I think) blames Wade for ruining his hit on the Japanese crimelords, and he’s got some weird mutant power that can freeze ‘Pool in his tracks. He proceeds to deliver a massive beating unto Wade, and then sends him back home to be discovered by Sandi the secretary.
A complaint here: I’m not really sure how the Swan’s power works, what he intended, or why he set Wade free. After all, in the words of Scott Evil, why not just kill him? Also, if he’s “deleted files and corrupted programs” in Wilson’s brain, does that mean Deadpool has lost his memory again, or is he brain-damaged (well… more brain-damaged?), or is it just a temporary effect? None of this is really made clear to us, which is slightly annoying, but I suppose all will be revealed next month.
Another minor complaint: I still say Deadpool isn’t being drawn ugly enough. The guy should be a hideous mass of warts and pustules, but his skin almost looks normal whenever he takes off a glove or his mask. One of the most defining aspects of Wade’s character is that ugliness, so I hate it when artists try to make him look better than he should. Also minor, I’m not totally comfortable with the whole manga-ish style of the issue, as I’m not sure it suits Deadpool. But I have to admit, after reading this issue the whole way through, UDON has done a lot to convince me that it could work.
By far the best part of the book is what Gail Simone brings us: a return to witty one-liners and cruel jokes that are actually funny. From Wade’s “Whistle while you Merc” song to his firing a few rounds, just to be sure he’s looking at his target… from Ratbag’s biography notes and baseball-eating to his entire dialog, the book is filled with moments that will make you laugh out loud. It’s wonderful to see a funny Wade Wilson again.
All in all, a triumphant and excellent start for the new team of Gail Simone and UDON. Deadpool seems to at last be returned to his former glory, which should hopefully bring this book the increase in sales that it definitely now deserves. I find myself eagerly awaiting next month’s issue for more sadistic tomfoolery, and of course, my new favorite supporting character, Ratbag.
ART:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xnone.jpg
STORY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xnone.jpg
OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xnone.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics (http://www.x-worldcomics.com/x/bstore/newbooksmain.html) and save!
Quick Rating: Great!
Story Title: Healing Factor: Prologue
After the most successful hit of his career, Deadpool lives it up and makes new friends, and they all play happily together!
Written by: Gail Simone
Art by: UDON with Alvin Lee, Rob Ross, Eric Vedder, A-Zero, & TR2
UDON Chief: Eric Ko
Lettered by: Dave Sharpe
Assistant Editor: Mike Raicht
Editor: Mike Marts
Editor-in-Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
Forget what I said in my review of Deadpool: Funeral for a Freak #2. That issue was not when Wade Wilson returned from the dead. He really makes his return in this issue, Deadpool #65, a great book that at last returns to us the Deadpool with whom we’ve laughed, cried, maimed, and mocked.
Deadpool #65 marks a return in many ways for Deadpool. Not only are we finally seeing him act like his good old sadistic self again, but he’s also spending his time focusing on the root of his life: his mercenary activities. Deadpool’s wit has returned while the ludicrous situations have remained in place; however, for the first time in 3 months, those situations are actually funny. And, of course, it’s a return to the regular numbering system as we jump straight from last month’s #4 to this month’s #65.
The beautiful cover by our friends at UDON really sums up what the issue was: a return to form for Wade Wilson.
The issue opens with Deadpool pummeling and taunting various thugs in a classic Wade scenario. These scenes are reminiscent of the old Joe Kelly issues from the beginning of this series in that Deadpool is actually laugh-out-loud funny as he’s beating the crap out of various stooges. We also see just a slight shade of a conscience as he methodically goes about his business of wounding and maiming. This is once again the Deadpool you’d be ashamed to show your mother, and that’s a great thing.
The art is also very impressive. UDON have proven themselves to be the masters of formerly undreamed of lighting effects in comic books, and since Deadpool #65 opens up at night, you really get a chance to see what these guys are capable of. Of course, I have to ask, not being from the Far East… do Japanese crime lords and thugs really have hair that stupid-looking, or is that just UDON’s always-on manga styling?
Deadpool accidentally kills all four crimelords at the restaurant he’s raiding, and inadvertently makes himself a legend. The scene where the crimelords fall over dead is very funny and perfectly captured by UDON. After that, we’re treated to a somewhat confusing fight sequence. The thugs are apologizing to Deadpool as they shoot at him? All of them miss except for one who shoots his butt? Do Japanese criminals all have that weird colored Mohawk thing going? And… umm… why does Deadpool bring the turkey out with him? Not that I wouldn’t, it did look delicious.
Fast forward to six months later: Deadpool’s working out at a mercenary gym. The whole health club sequence is a huge farce, but it’s marginally believable and very amusing. Apparently, Wade’s hit turned him into the most revered assassin this side of Bullseye, and he’s surrounded by wannabe’s from AIM and Hydra. The characterization of Deadpool is especially dead-on in this sequence, with Wade acting as both an arrogant jerk and a hilarious prankster.
Wade Wilson has become more successful than even we’d ever dream, we discover, as he drives to the headquarters of D.P., Inc., a stylish office with mirrored walls, beautiful art and sculptures, mood-lighting, and… um… another guy with a colored Mohawk! What’s up with that?
Wade’s foxy secretary Sandi (who he uncharacteristically never hits on) mentions an obligatory costume change for our man, and I can only hope this isn’t a foreshadowing to the possible Agent X relaunch. Some things shouldn’t be messed with, and Deadpool’s costume is classic. Besides, the folks at UDON draw it better than just about anybody!
We’re also introduced to Deadpool’s new biographer, a sanity-challenged bum Wade affectionately names “Ratbag.” Ratbag’s surreal dialog throughout the issue is some very, very funny stuff, and he really seems to hit it off with Deadpool… although you’re never sure quite why since he’s completely incomprehensible. But who cares? This guy is hilarious! Note to some former writers of Deadpool: This is how you introduce a hobo buddy who’s actually funny.
‘Pool again shows a bit of conscience as he accepts a contract to fly to Germany that very night for a new hit job, and he allows Ratbag to accompany him. The hit goes bad, however, when the job is revealed to be a ploy by another mercenary named the Black Swan. Apparently, Black Swan (who doesn’t exactly have the most intimidating name in the assassin circles, I think) blames Wade for ruining his hit on the Japanese crimelords, and he’s got some weird mutant power that can freeze ‘Pool in his tracks. He proceeds to deliver a massive beating unto Wade, and then sends him back home to be discovered by Sandi the secretary.
A complaint here: I’m not really sure how the Swan’s power works, what he intended, or why he set Wade free. After all, in the words of Scott Evil, why not just kill him? Also, if he’s “deleted files and corrupted programs” in Wilson’s brain, does that mean Deadpool has lost his memory again, or is he brain-damaged (well… more brain-damaged?), or is it just a temporary effect? None of this is really made clear to us, which is slightly annoying, but I suppose all will be revealed next month.
Another minor complaint: I still say Deadpool isn’t being drawn ugly enough. The guy should be a hideous mass of warts and pustules, but his skin almost looks normal whenever he takes off a glove or his mask. One of the most defining aspects of Wade’s character is that ugliness, so I hate it when artists try to make him look better than he should. Also minor, I’m not totally comfortable with the whole manga-ish style of the issue, as I’m not sure it suits Deadpool. But I have to admit, after reading this issue the whole way through, UDON has done a lot to convince me that it could work.
By far the best part of the book is what Gail Simone brings us: a return to witty one-liners and cruel jokes that are actually funny. From Wade’s “Whistle while you Merc” song to his firing a few rounds, just to be sure he’s looking at his target… from Ratbag’s biography notes and baseball-eating to his entire dialog, the book is filled with moments that will make you laugh out loud. It’s wonderful to see a funny Wade Wilson again.
All in all, a triumphant and excellent start for the new team of Gail Simone and UDON. Deadpool seems to at last be returned to his former glory, which should hopefully bring this book the increase in sales that it definitely now deserves. I find myself eagerly awaiting next month’s issue for more sadistic tomfoolery, and of course, my new favorite supporting character, Ratbag.
ART:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xnone.jpg
STORY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xnone.jpg
OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xnone.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics (http://www.x-worldcomics.com/x/bstore/newbooksmain.html) and save!