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Comic Book Review: The Despicable Deadpool #298



  • Gerry Duggan (writer)
  • Mike Hawthorne (artist)
  • Terry Pallot (inker)
  • Jordie Bellaire (colorist)
  • VC’s Joe Sabino (letterer)

Wow, Wade Wilson really is living up to the name “Despicable Deadpool.” The second chapter of “The Marvel Universe Kills Deadpool” never slows down and it’s packed with consistently solid gags and legitimately fun action. This issue doesn’t offer a lot of character insight or move the plot forward all that much, but it does offer a ton of great-looking entertainment.
First off, let’s talk about the artwork and lettering. For years now, Gerry has been proving that he can do tremendous work with Deadpool, but without good visuals that match the story’s tone, his stories – along with any other comic book writer’s work – just wouldn’t make as much of an impact. Thankfully, Gerry’s collaborated with some amazing artists, colorists, inkers, and letterers over the years, and Despicable Deadpool #298 is no exception. Hawthorne, Pallot, and Bellaire absolutely nail both the intensity and hilarity of the fights in this issue, the settings that they take place in, and all the energy behind every action and reaction.

Hawthorne’s use of perspective is especially great in this issue, allowing us to properly appreciate all the big hits and expressions, as well as follow the fast-paced action in a really engaging and cinematic way. I mean, just take a minute to look at Bullseye and Taskmaster knocking out Deadpool. Sure, it’s a bit of a spoiler (sorry), but it’s terrific how you get the funny moment of the two fists crashing against Deadpool’s face, following Deadpool as he falls (and the drips of blood following his downfall), the villains’ reactions as they look down on Wade, and then it fades to black. It would’ve been so easy to just show the two punching Deadpool and then another panel of them standing over him, but instead we follow the entire sequence in a way that gives it so much more life – the story flows instead of feeling static. It’s phenomenal storytelling, and that’s just one example of how perspective is used to keep us in the story.

Sabino’s lettering makes sure every joke lands. Thanks to Sabino’s work, we can better hear Deadpool’s tone and appreciate which words have an extra emphasis. Letterers deserve a ton of credit for making sure we “hear” everything the way it’s intended. I know that’s obvious, but it’s worth saying because they really don’t get the kind of praise that they deserve, and good lettering truly does enhance the whole experience. Meanwhile, Bellaire’s coloring and Pallot's inks do an excellent job giving the issue a consistent look, but once Deadpool and Bullseye start brawling on top of a fire, I absolutely love the way they used the flames and shading to make Hawthorne's pencils feel even fiercer. It’s a short-lived but gripping moment. 
The only bummer about Despicable Deadpool #298 – and some of the previous issues – is that it feels like such a quick read. It’s a total blast, but it’s so fast-paced that it’s easy to breeze through it, even when taking time to properly absorb all the pages. By the time it’s over, it sinks in that there are only TWO ISSUES left in this outstanding run. The series is so much fun that it keeps leaving me wanting more. Thankfully, the final issue will be oversized and I’m optimistic that it'll be fun and emotional. I love these fun issues, but when Gerry gets into the really heavy stuff, that’s when the story really sticks in your head.

Extra thoughts:
  • Bullseye and Deadpool’s headbutt battle: Is this an intentional nod to the headbutt battle between Wonder Woman and Superman in Justice League? Also, I’m wondering if Bullseye’s comment about never being “out-headbutted” is because the team is aware he has an adamantium-laced skull, or if it’s just because he’s such a ridiculously unstable person? Or maybe both?
  • Yes, Juggernaut is obviously jobbing (to be fair, his ego plays a major role) but I love that it’s a callback to his unforgettable battle with Spider-Man – defeated by wet cement yet again!
  • I love the handling of Bullseye’s expressions. If he’s not shocked or in pain, he either has a twisted smirk on his face or it looks like he’s full of rage – it’s perfect for the Daredevil villain.
  • Taskmaster’s dialogue sometimes feels a little out of character, but that’s okay since he plays a great role (I love the way he encourages his new ally) and it fits the story. 
  • I would’ve loved to see Deadpool’s fight with Rhino (they’ve had some amusing encounters in the past, so there’s a lot of potential with the dialogue), but I understand why there wasn’t room for that. 

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