REVIEW: ‘Deadpool/Wolverine’ Issue 1

Deadpool/Wolverine Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Benjamin Percy, with art by Joshua Cassara, colors by Guru-eFX, and letters by Joe Sabino.

Deadpool recruits Wolverine for a job, but something even weirder than normal is going on with the Merc with a Mouth. This issue is a great blend of two worlds. The opening features the two worlds of either character alongside something else that is interfering with both.

Deadpool is in a crazy fight scene filled with blood and violence. Wolverine is in a bar in Canada, which, coincidentally, is also filled with blood and violence. The meeting has similarities and differences from the regular team-up between Wade and Logan. There are barely any formalities or introductions, just the mission.

There is something off with Deadpool, too, a mystery that continues long into the issue. Deadpool/Wolverine Issue 1 has periods of quiet, which is unheard of in a comic containing Deadpool. Percy always drags the plot forward, mainly by throwing or shoving the healing heroes into their latest adventure. Many callbacks and returning characters are there to be beaten up. The strange force guiding the heroes is a complete unknown until a certain word is said. And from there, things start clicking into place with a shocking final guest.

These two characters are so recognisable that the reader can immediately pick up when something is wrong. Deadpool is so quiet for much of the book, or the voice that comes out isn’t his. When he speaks, something else comes through. It generates an eerie feeling that the writer utilises superbly. Logan is there to provide narration and dialogue, and there is a constant expectation for crass responses or chaotic diatribes to come towards him. They don’t come.

Instead, there is a sinister, uncaring voice with its own agenda and mission that Wolverine is just tagging along with. When Deadpool’s true voice does return, it is more effective because it is rare within the book. Percy has that personality nailed, and the dialogue flows brilliantly. Wolverine’s narration helps build the unease, describing the unusual voice coming from Deadpool.

The art is magnificent. The comic may be quieter regarding Deadpool’s voice, but the violence is still dealt with in excess. The slicing claws, flying bullets, and spinning swords do damage that Cassara spills all over the pages. There is a terrific variety of fights, depending on the location. On the ground, in the air, in multiple locations. Where Wolverine and Deadpool go, death and destruction follow.

Both heroes have instantly recognisable and consistent designs. The details are exceptional, from the noticeable size difference between Wade and Wolverine to the little point at the back of Deadpool’s mask. The healing factors are displayed with a gruesome specificity, showing how their bodies put themselves back together. This allows Cassara to damage them again and again.

The colors are fantastic. The signature tones are present for almost the entire book: yellow for Logan and red for Wade. But the fascinating part is how they react and alter depending on the lighting and other stimuli in the panel. It shows attention to detail on multiple levels.

This is also true in the lettering, which is crucial to the issue’s storytelling. Deadpool’s famous yellow word balloon is toyed with to show when he is speaking with a different voice, making it definitively clear. There is even a transition within a singular balloon, which is absolutely incredible to see.

Deadpool/Wolverine Issue 1 shuts the characters up to draw readers in. Taking away Deadpool’s motormouth shakes up the concept of the series whilst tapping into one of the most beloved series that may be completely unknown by modern readers. It’s still a visceral physical comedy with enough blood to overflow a vampire’s banquet. The overserious replacement for Deadpool is perhaps just as funny as his extreme insanity because it is so unexpected.

Both characters and their respective tones have joined together into a glorious mix in Deadpool/Wolverine Issue 1, with that extra influence that makes the team-up feel new.

Deadpool/Wolverine Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.