Jason Pearson (1970–2022)

If there’s a character that sums up what Grant Morrison’s termed the ‘dark age’ of comics it’s Deadpool. Created by Rob Liefeld, enfant terrible (emphasis on the terrible) Deadpool combines frankly tedious ultraviolence with half-arsed postmodernism, the character being self-aware enough to know he’s a comic strip character. Often that’s just an excuse to add a layer of funny to the violence, an easy way to fit a quip in and unless you’re playing with layers of reality and show more unreliable narrators it quickly becomes tedious.

Fortunately Duane Swierczynski’s interested in exactly that, which is the book’s saving grace. In all honesty aside from the playing with the concept of an unreliable narrator this book isn’t for me – I’m at the point where I find ultraviolence tedious and don’t particularly like the Jason Pearson’s scuzzed up artwork. Gore as a spectacle became tired a long time ago, particularly if you’ve watched a horror film in the last twenty years. Maybe I’ve been too immersed in culture but even the last few frames of the story weren’t particularly fresh (to pick an obvious antecedent: the Buffy episode ‘Normal Again’). Perhaps I’ve just been reading mainstream comics too long and even the ones which aim high don’t appeal now…. actually no, it’s probably just the quipping psychopathic antihero. Kudos to the writer for a brave attempt but in the end even a fondness for postmodernism can’t get me past the central character being an archetype of everything I least enjoy about comics. show less

There's been a massacre in Mexico, and Deadpool has been called to testify in front of Congress to explain himself and his band of mercenaries (Bullseye, Domino, and Silver Sable).

Now THIS is the kind of Deadpool comic that I enjoy reading. Swierczynski does an excellent take on the character. Deadpool cracks his jokes and breaks the fourth wall (repeatedly), but not in an idiotic way. Instead, he's actually funny (unlike Way's version...) and witty. The comic also is sad and serious in show more appropriate times, which gives Deadpool much more depth than Way's version ever did. I love that Neena and Lester are included in this. And this comic shows just how unreliable a narrator Deadpool is, and just how skewed his worldview is. In the end, you're left wondering if any of the story "really" happened, or if it was just some huge hallucination. Love it! show less

I've always been interested in Deadpool but as with most comic book characters I've not read, I didn't know where to start. I first encountered the character a few years ago when Marvel attempted to bring Deadpool to the silver screen casting Ryan Reynolds in Wolverine: Origins. Most people felt that this was a perfect choice as Reynolds is known for his sarcastic delivery which fit the character perfectly – plus, he’s a fan. I don’t think anyone could have predicted just how badly show more they would screw it up.

In 2009, Marvel launched a new imprint entitled, Marvel Knights. Knights was going to be responsible for releasing stories that were described as "outside the box" and would challenge the reader's views of their favorite Marvel heroes. Having worked on several Marvel books in the past, Duane Swierczynski was tasked with writing a 4 issue Deadpool mini-series.

Following a bloody massacre in Mexico, Deadpool is forced to sit in front of his superiors and explain his role in the whole ordeal. While doing so, The Merc With A Mouth gives us a glimpse into his origins, his first mission and just why he refuses to show his face.

For my first Deadpool experience, I felt this was a pretty decent effort. You've got his trademark wit, his dark humor and the consistent breaking of the fourth wall (Deadpool is known for blatantly acknowledging he's in a comic book). I kind of expected the odd chuckle but didn't realize just how damn funny this character is. Kudos to Swierczynski for bringing that humor out.

Other than the Wolverine book I read a few months back, this is the most violent Marvel book I've read. That's not a complaint, I can't imagine Deadpool not surrounding himself with a good amount of bloodshed. I mean, what do you expect from a superhero that carries pistols, a couple of swords and is a contracted mercenary? Lots and lots of death.

I guess the only real issue I had about the book was the artwork. Granted, it's not all bad but I think I've had my fill of women with unrealistic busts. It's hard to really blame the artist for what appears to be an industry standard but it comes across as distracting and a little unnecessary.

I'm certainly not finished with Deadpool yet. There's a lot more out there and I intend to start tracking it down. I'm not so sure if this is the best place to start but it's worth checking out.

Cross posted @ Every Read Thing show less

What can I say about Deadpool: Wade Wilson's War? For one thing, it is hilarious. Plenty of that Deadpool humor and fourth wall breaking. Plus, Deadpool in a Michael Jackson mask is so ridiculous you can't help but laugh. For another thing, I feel like it really gives us a sense of just how messed up Deadpool truly is. I mean, you think you know, and then this graphic novel comes along and it blows you away just how deeply broken he is. I also really enjoyed watching Bullseye, Domino and show more Silver Sable play sidekicks to Wade. It made for a truly interesting team! Lastly, I love how the ending was handled. You can't tell fact from fiction and the end will leave you questioning the whole story for days after you've put it down.

All in all, I loved this graphic novel and I'd recommend it to fans from the new to the established. In my opinion, this is definitely one to pick up! show less