REVIEW: ‘Deadpool Samurai’ Volume 2

Last year, Marvel and VIZ Media launched their collaborations. This year, they’ve jumped headfirst into violence, fourth-wall-breaking dark humor, and a bunch of superhero mayhem with Deadpool Samurai. Written by mangaka Sanshiro Kasama and illustrated by mangaka Hikaru Uesugi, Deadpool Samurai Volume 2 is published and localized in English by VIZ Media. The translation is done by Amanda Haley, with touch-up art and lettering by Brandon Bovia.

If you’re unfamiliar with how Deadpool Samurai works, it’s simple. Iron Man and the Avengers have established the newly formed Samurai Squad, and they need Deadpool to help. So, the merc with a mouth moves to Tokyo makes friends, and finds himself battling gods. In Deadpool Samurai Volume 2, Deadpool has proven to be a core member of the Avengers Samurai Squad, as befits such a well-loved, respected, efficient, and handsome hero. The team consists of him, Sakura Spider, Neiro, and Kage—the symbiote. But Loki is still lurking in the shadows, determined to lure Deadpool to the side of darkness through his wicked schemes. And the scheme for this volume? Deadpool versus Thanos with a whole lot of weirdness.

Deadpool Samurai Volume 2 is absolutely unhinged in a hybrid of comic book and manga references that just work. It’s erratic, it’s chaotic, and it’s just Deadpool being Deadpool with a few new friends. There isn’t really much to add to my commentary outside of what I’ve already written about in my review of Deadpool Samurai Volume 1. There really is nothing cohesive about this manga other than Uesugi’s dedication to taking a character we know and love to the absolute max.

Nothing about Deadpool Samurai Volume 2 feels like it’s pulling punches. The jokes and situations all push boundaries, and the violence is really off the charts. More importantly, though, in all of the chaos, we still get the chance to learn more about the new characters in a way that doesn’t toss them to the side. This is most felt with Kage, who is now my favorite symbiote. Additionally, the way that Uesugi uses the chemistry between the different character types keeps the story interesting.

Uesugi’s art works for Deadpool and the original characters added for this manga series. However, I can’t help but find myself side-eyeing the odd iterations of the Avengers like Cap or Iron Man. But maybe this very different style is meant to keep existing Marvel characters in its western artstyle and mostly separate from the manga’s overall aesthetic. Whatever the reason, it’s my one big gripe with this series.

But let’s be honest, you’re showing up for Deadpool Samurai Volume 2 because you love Deadpool, and if you love him, you won’t be disappointed. Sure there isn’t any real narrative cohesion, and a lot of the 4th wall-breaking jokes feel more slammed in than built-up, but it all works. The choice helps the character thrive and makes this manga series one to pick up for Deadpool fans.

Deadpool Samurai Volume 2 is available June 14, 2022 wherever books are sold digitally and physically.