The Merc with a Mouth is back with a bigger mouthful than normal, thanks to the Carnage Symbiote living in his body. Chosen by the Harrower as an unwilling host, assigned by the Atelier to kill Dr. Octopus, partnered with Lady Deathstrike, and crushing hard on Dr. Valentine Vuong, Deadpool has his hands full — all four of them!
Written by Alyssa Wong, with art by Martin Coccolo, colors by Neeraj Menon, and letters by VC’s Joe Sabino, Deadpool #2, entitled “Comrades at Arms (and Arms and Arms),” follows the Regenerating Degenerate as he attempts to assassinate Doc Ock while evading the Harrower. Thankfully, Deadpool is always ready to throw hands, and this time, he has a few extra to spare.
This new solo run for the newly Krakoa-backed Deadpool focuses directly on the consequences of the Absolute Carnage event and the strain of Symbiote infections that nearly drove humanity to the brink. The Harrower’s plan — using Deadpool’s nigh-indestructible body to host Cletus Kasady’s Symbiote — is brilliant, both for the character within the story and on the part of writer Alyssa Wong. Deadpool’s sarcastic and chipper brand of black humor pairs well with body horror. For the most part, Wong plays up the humorous elements of the mercenary’s predicament. The emerging symbiote, a comical and exaggerated presence, is the perfect means to achieve humor, horror, and suspense all at once.
Wong’s writing stays true to Deadpool’s distinctive referential humor, character, and speech. It’s always a treat to watch Deadpool banter away cheerfully, especially contrasted by the straight man Dr. Octopus, the laconic Harrower, and the irascible Lady Deathstrike. Deadpool #2 comes hot on the heels of the Atelier Invitation arc of the previous issue, immediately leading into the Harrower’s introduction. The Symbiote and assassination plotlines converge in this issue, which, while fun, is rather chaotic. With so much happening at once and with even more plotlines introduced, Deadpool #2 can be an exhausting read.
The body horror black comedy in this issue wouldn’t be nearly as strong without Coccolo and Menon’s artwork. Coccolo’s fluid, soft, and grainy line art carries the narrative’s flow. Each page is a flurry of activity and motion, with nary a pause in between. Details are everywhere — in the lines of faces, machinery, debris, blood, and distended Symbiote appendages. Deadpool’s Symbiote mutation, in all its forms, is repulsive in an appealing way, grotesque without being too hard on the eyes. If anything, the graphic quality of the art adds to this issue’s overall charm. Menon’s colors play a huge role in emphasizing, yet downplaying, the gross quality of the art. The palette is soft, muted, and almost gentle, with seafoam green, butter yellow, and pale pink dominating the backgrounds — making the obvious redness of the gore stand out.
At times, the multiple storylines in this issue can feel as unwieldy as an extra pair of Symbiotic arms, but Deadpool #2 is a solid entry in this promising series. Wong delivers the signature wit that only the Merc With a Mouth can provide, and Coccolo brings energy and humor to each scene, making this issue a fun, unforgettable adventure.