REVIEW: ‘Undeadpool’ Issue 1

Undeadpool Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Tim Seeley, art by Carlos Magno, colours by GURU-eFX, and letters by Joe Sabino.

This is part of the Age of Revelation crossover. A team of young mutants, desperate to be known as heroes, encounter a deadly, undead Merc with a Mouth.

In the depths of this dystopian mutant future, a bizarre slasher horror emerges. There’s an intriguing structure to the storyline of Undeadpool Issue 1, as the young heroes are the centre of attention. Brand new, there is a lot to like about these kids. They’re energetic, intriguing, and have multiple stories within just Undeadpool Issue 1. The first battle shows that they’re capable of fighting well, and they have a glorious destination in mind. But as they set off, it becomes clearer that there’s something else in the twisted woods.

The reveal is striking and fascinating, as Undeadpool Issue 1 transitions from a hopeful team book into a classic horror. Deadpool has been transformed by the X-Virus, his body functioning solely on murderous instinct rather than a rational brain (if Deadpool can ever be considered rational). The pace slows down then, but not out of safety; in fact, the kids are in constant danger, as a mutated Deadpool-style figure tries to kill them one by one.

Seeley uses many classic tropes fantastically, adapting them into this satirical take. The teenagers go off on their own, separating themselves with secrets that ultimately put them in danger. It’s a clever idea that is sometimes strangely paced and presented. The deaths are oddly delivered, sometimes front and center, sometimes to the side. And then Undeadpool Issue 1 completely changes again, with a shocking ending that transformed this part of the crossover entirely.

The time and the characters within Undeadpool Issue 1 are bizarre yet enthralling. It’s a perfect mix of Deadpool with a horror movie. Deadpool barely speaks in the comic, but the narration is intense. It’s filled with the crass humor Wade Wilson is known for, while also providing context for what happened. And what’s even more fascinating is the fact that Deadpool’s mind can function, but not power his body at all. This means you get the terrifying, speechless killer and Wade’s signature dialogue.

It’s also worth exploring how much detail and attention Seeley gives to the four victims, or wannabe X-Men. All four are brand new. They are slight legacies, but with sensational creativity to make a quartet of interesting figures. But they are kids, which leads them to make stupid mistakes. The fear that sets in is horrifying, and it’s not without cause.

The art is insidious and menacing in Undeadpool Issue 1. The Revelation Territories have become overrun with trees and other forms of nature. Elsewhere, it’s beautiful and stunning. But in the context of a horror comic, those trees become sinister, concealing dangerous beings. Even before Deadpool enters the picture, the new heroes face frightening and freakish monsters. The design of the four new characters is excellent and truly inventive. Existing heroes inspire them, but those references are subtle.

Then comes Undeadpool, the villain of the issue. The changes to Wade’s appearance as he becomes a mindless, cannibalistic creature are not as drastic as they could be. But underneath the costume are painful, same-sickly wounds. The most dangerous part of the design is the broken kitana, which Wade uses to kill those unlucky to meet him.

The deaths are delightfully gruesome, but not always presented front and center of the panel. That actually makes Undeadpool Issue 1 more disturbing and frightening, because the danger can come from anywhere. The only downside to the art is Fantastica, a character with elastic powers. While much of this first chapter is meant to be off-putting, her stretched body parts never look right or effective.

The colors are wonderfully atmospheric. It’s incredibly dark and melancholy, highlighting how gloomy the entire area has become. Black and dark gray times are common along the brown and green woodland, which is far from welcoming. Deadpool’s costume has not lessened in vibrancy, but now that iconic look is associated with terror. The lettering is fantastic for highlighting which voice is speaking. Deadpool is synonymous with a yellow, weird balloon, so to see something purposely disconcerting.

Undeadpool Issue 1 is such a playful approach to the slasher genre. The comic is certainly peculiar, and at times it doesn’t fully know what it is, but that’s because it’s a Deadpool comic. It’s a very dark story that is also self-aware and tries to be sadistically funny, too. It’s silly and yet spooky. The creativity is phenomenal, and the idea is wonderfully seasonal. And the ending suggests that the next issue is entirely unpredictable.

Undeadpool Issue 1 is available now wherever comics are sold.