Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Deadpool #13
Marvel Comics
Posehn, Duggan, Koblish & Staples
Deadpool isn't a comic for everyone. There's a lot of bad jokes and some marginally good stories that can sometimes get lost in the overly grotesque presentation or caricature nature of the storytelling. However, if you are into the style of this book then some of the issues really stand out among the others. This is one such issue as it's another "lost" issue that manages to place the comic's look and feel back in the 1970s but leaving the current day stamp on it. It's a very good read.
Deadpool in New York City during the 1970s seems like he would fit in just fine. Plenty of crime, unsafe subways, adult themed Times Square and plenty of sights to simply make fun of. Deadpool answers an ad for "Heroes For Hire" believing the group is looking to hire new heroes. Luke Cage and Iron Fist are not amused by Deadpool showing up for an "interview".
While barging in on an actual client looking to hire the duo, Deadpool injects himself into the situation. Basically, a widow is being harassed by a local thug looking to shake her down for protection money for her restaurant. Her husband already murdered, she fears for her life and that of her busty daughter. Deadpool concocts a plan but doesn't really fill in his new "teammates".
The comic is good. It's funny, it's gross, it has a good story, it makes use of a lot of super hero stereotypes from the 70s, it jabs fun at how comics were made back then but it also manages to introduce a villain. The nice aspect to these lost issues is that it allows for Deadpool to establish a villain that then appears to have a long history with him when they "reappear" in the present. It's probably the best trick to the whole continuity problems these characters face.
The artwork isn't quite 1970s, but it does give that look and feel. The panels basically appear like they were printed on paper 40 years ago but have more modern art. The details are all there in terms of background, costumes and other visuals to make the book look the part of a late 1970s book. The artwork is very good in this book.
This issue of Deadpool provides a nice one and done story. Obviously the groundwork here will lead to more stories down the road, but for now, this issue is a good standalone story. Obviously the book is a "period piece" especially in terms of references, but it's done very well. If you like your comics to be standalone or your stories to be a little tongue-in-cheek then check this out.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
