Review – Deadpool #8 (Marvel Comics)

Deadpool #8: Love and War

The one and only Deadpool is looking to save the day and create a little mayhem in the process. That sounds pretty normal for him, all things considered. Yet Deadpool #8 is anything but the usual affair for this hero.

Or should we be calling him King Deadpool? He might have a fit if he’s titled incorrectly. After all, he worked hard (sort of) to get that title. More importantly, he’s worked pretty hard to maintain that title and to earn the respect of his people (monsters).

The irony, of course, is that he is currently away from his people and his island. All in the hopes of saving a small village and the woman he may or may not be completely falling for (hey, it wouldn’t be the first time).

Writing

There is no such thing as a slow start. Not in Deadpool #8, at any rate. This issue picks right up where the last one left off. That is to say, in the middle of the action, with Deadpool very much in need of doing his job.

Kelly Thompson has created a fascinating narrative here. It’s tempting to say that there’s an easy answer or solution, but that would be an injustice to the characters involved. Instead, Deadpool is forced to navigate a surprisingly complex situation. We all know how much he loves complications.

It’s quite fascinating and a little bit entertaining to see him do so. Despite those heavier tones, there is certainly plenty of humor to be found within this issue. That humor runs the gambit, from the classical humor known to his character to more nuanced moments.

All of which create a highly entertaining issue. The different themes and tones work well to balance the other out. All while setting the scene for the next issue, where we’re probably going to see even more fighting. It’s Deadpool; you’ve got to expect some fighting!

Art

The artwork inside Deadpool #8 may just be some of the best of the series. So far, at any rate. I am fully anticipating more fun surprises from this creative team, and who can blame me there? Gerardo Sandoval (art/inks), Victor Nava (inks), Chris Sotomayor (colors), VC’s Joe Sabino (letters) all have been working together on this project.

Their work is paying off. The action is detailed and graphic, but in a way that is well-suited to Deadpool. More than that, it does feel like there’s something at stake during this fight—both for personal reasons and thanks to the bigger picture.

There are at least a dozen new characters portrayed within this issue, and they are oddly cherubic, even when they possibly shouldn’t be. It’s a nice juxtaposition to the evil that is trying to destroy them all, that is for certain.

The colors are bold and bright, much like the leading character himself. All of which is made more noticeable by the darker color palette of the monsters they’re facing. Deadpool’s bright red outfit really does pop against the swarm of darkness. Talk about cover image material.

Conclusion

Deadpool #8 is a surprising issue, full of action, and so much more. It’s the more that is surprising, in this case. His character is being pushed to all-new levels in this plot arc, which is starting to show.

There are so many questions left to be answered about what has been done, which will make the wait for Deadpool #9 a bit painful. But it’s going to be worth it. I just know it.

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.