REVIEW: ‘Deadpool,’ Issue #6

Deadpool #6 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Kelly Thompson, art by Kevin Libranda, colors by Chris Sotomayor, and letters by VC’s Joe Sabino. The King of Staten Island, the one and only Deadpool, has decided enough is enough. It’s time the great Monster Island should open up political conversations with Krakoa in order to build a relationship that will last a lifetime. That’s if Deadpool can go five minutes without screwing the whole thing up.

Previously, Smash Smash, a giant half Kaiju who had reached maturity, discovered the uncontrollable urge to plunder and destroy. King Deadpool chased his friend over to Manhattan from Staten Island, with Jeff the Shark in tow, to put the monster down before it destroyed the city.

Now in Deadpool #6, the Monarch with the mouth has begun international relationship building. And the nation that’s first on his dream board? Why, it’s Krakoa of course. We all know how much mutants love Wade Wilson, especially Wolverine, so naturally, everything goes according to plan (of course it all goes pear-shaped!).

Thompson is absolutely reveling in this continued plot as things get a little more bonkers. This tie-in issue to X-Men, and Krakoa, is utterly hilarious as the up-and-coming nation must decide on how best to manage the unmanageable Deadpool. Thompson merges these characters together so well. The contrast is so stark between the serious attitude of the Mutants who are seeking their long overdue freedom and King Deadpool who is literally a tornado of trouble.

Thompson’s writing is deeply layered with humor, with jokes from Wade acting like a toddler wanting to be included to the mutants who are split on whether they want to keep Jeff the shark as their mascot or stuff him and mount him on their walls. The best highlights are when Emma Frost first meets Jeff and can’t decide whether she wants to turn him into a handbag or keep him as a pet. Such is the mystical allure of Jeff the shark!

Libranda’s art should be extremely appreciated, for while Thompson marries the tone of the X-Men and Deadpool together, so too must the art fuse these two styles together. As far as the art goes, mission accomplished. Once Deadpool crosses through the Krakoan portal, the visuals for the island are undeniable. The action sequences were lively and paralleled the tone of the dialogue so effortlessly. To be able to see Deadpool go toe to toe with Wolverine, Magik, Storm, Polaris, and others was incredibly delightful.

Sotomayor brings an absolute wealth of experience with his coloring abilities, and he leaves nothing to chance in this issue. With the introduction of several X-Men, Krakoa, Deadpool, Jeff, there were so many unique styles that the colorist had to get right. I will say it again though, credit to this creative team as they all captured the essence they were shooting for.

Sabino gets a very specific shoutout for a certain panel, and, being completely honest, I’m caught between loving it and also heavily disliking it.  Early on in the issue, Deadpool goes on an absolute tear about the fact that Staten Island doesn’t have its own Krakoan gate as he stands atop his throne and rants to his subjects. The dialogue bubble is huge and reads as if Wade is barely taking a breath, which fits with the character, but it looks visually terrible in the same breath. It’s difficult to digest.

Ultimately, the issue is a great addition to the library of Deadpool storylines. Thompson and the rest of the creative team brought their A-game. This is an undeniably brilliantly funny issue that is more than worthy of your hard-earned dollars. If Thompson can keep knocking out stories like this, then Deadpool fans can sit back and enjoy the hurricane of comedy.

Deadpool #6 is available in stores now.