By Daniel Way (writer), Carlo Barbieri (pencils), Walden Wong (inks), Marte Gracia(colors), VC’s Joe Sabino (letters)
The Story: Deadpool uses his new toy to explore the galaxy, meet new aliens…and get into far more trouble than (at least part of him) bargained for.
It’s a well-worn cliché that sending a character into space is the last resort of a tapped-out writer. I don’t believe that’s the case here; there are too many fanciful creatures and changes of scenery to accuse Way of lacking creativity. The aliens are goofy, but in a fun and (mostly) non-annoying way, the action is fun (and is interesting even when it’s not.) Deadpool’s voice is strong as always when Way is the one writing him and his ‘conversations’ with himself are actually the best part of this issue. (That’s usually not the case; writers–Way included–tend to use the ‘alternate personality’ aspect for in-jokes or throwaway one liners, and not much more.)
The Review: I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, and I’ll be a broken record: Deadpool works best when he’s playing off a straight character. Much of the humor of Deadpool comes not from Deadpool himself, but from people’s reactions to him. Way is usually very good at that, but has rather lost focus here. The aliens are the real stars of this issue, and keep Deadpool from reaching the real humor potential that he has. So a bit of an off-issue (and it may be a bit of an off-arc, though thankfully Deadpool arcs never last very long) but by no means an irreversible misstep.
Conclusion: A fun issue, but not one of Way’s best. I wasn’t sold on this arc at all given the premise, and the first issue has done nothing to dissuade me. We’ll see what Way has in store though; if anyone can pull this out, it’s him.
Grade: C-
-SoldierHawk
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