Everyone’s favorite merc with a mouth is back in a new solo series that doubles down on his lethal moniker. Deadpool has been experimented upon, drugged, and blown into smithereens on multiple occasions. He has been attacked by symbiotes like Carnage and has been a host to not one but four symbiotes, with one origin story of Venom having a direct link to Wade. Deadpool #1, written by Alyssa Wong with artwork from Martin Coccolo, colors by Neeraj Menon, and letters from VC’s Joe Sabino, brings back that Klyntar connection in Deadpool’s life as he tries to revamp his job description.
Deadpool #1 starts with the Regenerate Degenerate groggily waking to find himself confined by vines and surrounded by exotic flora. Harriet Bromes, also known as the Harrower, has taken Deadpool captive and sedated him to inject a small piece of the symbiote Carnage into his body with her biofission and biofusion powers. Her goal is to create an improved version of said symbiote using the merc’s body as the base for the experiment. Meanwhile, Wade wants to be an elite mercenary and has accepted an assassination contract from the enigmatic Atelier. In 48 hours, he needs to dispose of the one and only Otto Octavius, but his current conundrum complicates things.
Deadpool stories are usually fun, replete with crass humor, gory physical comedy, and frequent fourth-wall breaks. Alyssa Wong does away with such formalities for the most part and gives Deadpool #1 a rather convoluted start. On one side, the humor is still on point, with references to the first Deadpool movie and pop culture memes. Even the titular character’s bumbling attempt to woo his crush shows the merc’s soft side. But the conflicting tones of the two narratives don’t do this first issue any favors. Both his involvement with Harrower and his work as a mercenary feel fairly generic, but the introduction of the symbiote Carnage is an offbeat surprise that could lead to some interesting developments.
The artwork of Deadpool #1 is gnarly in places where it needs to be, fixating on the minute details and intricate layouts. Coccolo’s work feels removed from the usual goofiness and gore associated with the character. His lines are lithe, and they also give each movement weight, which is great for long action scenes. Neeraj Menon’s colors work in conjunction with the art to create a pastel-like effect in every panel. The colors are bright and give the red and black of Deadpool something to stand out against as the lighting leaves a soft afterglow.
With Deadpool trapped in a situation that is surprisingly out of his control, Deadpool #1 is a wild ride from start to finish. The multiple plot elements tie together to keep the wheels churning as Wade brings his troubles with him on his mission. This first issue makes up for its lack of humor with symbiote and intrigue. The debut issue is not a good jumping-off point for new readers and feels a bit rough around the edges, but Deadpool #1 still manages to pack the story with swashbuckling action and promises more fun adventures are on the way.
