Review – Deadpool #4 (Marvel Comics)

Monster Vs. Monster Hunter in Deadpool #4

Wade’s reign as the King of Monsters continues in Deadpool #4, but one must wonder how long it will last, primarily when he’s actively being hunted. After all, killing an unkillable king would be quite the feather in one’s cap, yes?

For those that haven’t been following Deadpool’s latest series, here’s a quick update. Monsters have taken over Staten Island, and thanks to a strange series of events…Deadpool has become their king. That in itself is enough drama, but naturally, there’s more to it than that.

Thus far, the sort of chaos that only Deadpool can create has fueled the entire series. All while showing us a different side of the monster community so frequently overlooked. It’s also provided a new perspective on Wade himself.

Writing

Deadpool #4 was a dramatic and entertaining read from start to finish. Kelly Thompson has proven again and again that she knows how to balance the chaos that reigns around Deadpool. More than that, she’s turned it into something both intense and powerful, at times.

This issue includes a dramatic fight that readers have been eagerly looking forward to – we knew that was coming. What is surprising is the amount of impact it carried with it. This is a version of Deadpool we don’t get to see every day.

It’s quite refreshing to see Deadpool go from his quirky ways to somebody weighed down by the constant loss in his life. It’s a reminder that under all of that bravado and banter, there’s a real person.

There’s also a short story at the end of this issue, which is an absolute joy. For one thing, it helps to balance out the tension and sense of loss created by the events that just occurred. For another, it revolves around Jeff the Land Shark (and his previous owner, Gwenpool). It’s adorable and funny and perfect for fans of either character.

Art

The artistic team working on Deadpool #4 is absolutely massive. A fact that shows. The scenes portrayed in this issue are dramatic and entertaining. All with dynamic lighting and tons of little details. Though I might be slightly biased since I love the art style they’ve opted to go with.

Deadpool #4’s artwork was essentially split into two projects. There’s the main plot, and then there’s ‘Jeff & Wade’ (the moment I gushed about above). Working on the first part, you’ll find Chris Bachalo (pencils), Wayne Faucher (inks), Al Vey (inks), Livesay (inks), Jaime Mendoza (inks), Tim Townsend (inks), Derek Fridolfs (inks), and David Curial (color).

Meanwhile, for ‘Jeff & Wade’, you’ll find Irene Strychalski (artist) and Rachelle Rosenberg (colorist). Working throughout the entire issue is the letterer, VC’s Joe Sabino. Their work really unified it all.

Conclusion

Deadpool #4 was every bit as chaotic and entertaining as I was hoping. But more than that, it added weight and import to everything that Deadpool and the monsters have gone through up to this point. It gives us hope for what can potentially follow, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing that.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.