THE DESPICABLE DEADPOOL #287
Writer: Gerry Duggan
Penciler : Scott Koblish
Colorist : Nick Filardi
Letterer : VC’s Joe Sabino
Release Date : 10/11/17
Price : $3.99
Plot: Deadpool is hunting down Cable to collect him for a contract, but as always, things don’t go according to plan for Wade Wilson, which causes his hunt to become a little more complicated.
Story: The story within The Despicable Deadpool definitely has a classic Deadpool feel, which is a lot of fun. The character almost goes back to his roots and Gerry Duggan just knows how the character operates and what type of writing works the best for the story. The plot in this issue really opens up and feels rather basic because it’s a simple cat and mouse game that focuses more on action, but that doesn’t takeaway from advancing the story along. The plot within Despicable Deadpool continues to dive into the back and forth nature of the character. With Wade working for Stryfe, it creates another complicated situation where the character doesn’t necessarily operate as a clear cut hero or villain.
This is the classic nature of Deadpool as a character though, and is why his stories become a lot of fun to read. Duggan definitely has this idea well plotted out and has Wade get way in over his head, where he will probably play both sides and not fully reveal his hand until he has to. The character always seems to be behind the curve but is one step ahead, and this issue has Deadpool diving right into the thick of things by taking away Cable’s techno arm and having him be captured by time police. The story takes a nice step forward but clearly sets up for another ridiculous solo mission for Deadpool, which is exactly what readers should want if it is executed correctly.
Art: The art in The Despicable Deadpool is what elevates the level of fun within the comic, providing a very action packed style. The issue’s main focus is the visual tussle that happens between Deadpool and Cable, going back and forth as they try to out-power one another. The writing is, as expected, on the nose by addressing the anime-esque style that hits the page, but everything that Koblish and Filardi fill the page with works really well. The action is spot on and over the top, which works well for a book like this because of its ability to nail the fast paced nature that these scenes have.
At the same time though, the style is used really well to express lots of intense facial expressions from Cable. The stylistic choice to show a closeup and a sideways headshot [in the panel above] are a unique way to show off the pain that Cable is going through when losing his arm. There are multiple times when Filardi provides The Despicable Deadpool with great closeups of Cable’s face, which should be largely appreciated considering the book’s main character spends a majority of his time in costume.
Verdict: The Despicable Deadpool definitely has everything on track for a Deadpool book. Duggan knows this character well and can write the perfect amount of humor into the character’s dialogue while still providing an interesting story premise. Deadpool works well when the book puts the character into ridiculous situations that he always manages to find his way out of, so as long as that continues to be the plan with over the top action and artwork, this book is a fun read.
Rating: 4/5