I wouldn’t mind seeing Deadpool don the spider-suit more often. Can anybody say, team-up series!
A comically cute baby Deadpool open up our tale expunging on his and Spider-Mans back stories in a way only Deadpool can. His Ultimate Alliance reference is not only humorous, but actuate for those of you who have played that game. Our story is really simple and easy to follow, but offers enough laughs, at the expense of both characters, that gives it a unique feel. Spider-Man, back in his own body, is dealing with being hunted by Chamaeleon and having to way to track him down. Somehow he is bypassing his natural spider-sense and making life a general bad time. That where the lovable Deadpool comes into the equation, finding Spider-Man at his wits end and becoming super best friends forever and tacking Spider-Mans problem.
The story moves along at a brisk pace, but never feeling like there is too much going on. Writer Christopher Hastings does a marvelous job of having Deadpool really become one with Spider-Man. Even though this is clearly a Deadpool book it still feels like one of the better “fun” stories that Spider-Man used to be known for. You’ll enjoy the story so much that chances are you’re going to wish this was a mini-series event instead of just an annual. Comic books offer a great deal of depth when tacking characters and issues, more so lately with the indie push, so it’s really refreshing to just be able to read a comic that doesn’t ask anything of other than to simply have a good time.
Jacopo Camagni is on art duties for the book and does a spectacular job of bringing Spider-Man, Deadpool, and the book in general to life. Facial emotions are important, and more difficult when dealing with full-face masks, and Jacopo really nails it. The characters and world have a slightly exaggerated feel which works well for this kind of book without ever becoming distracting. Even for a book that is more on the cartoon side of things, body proportions and motion is pretty spot on. Seeing Deadpool swing around town as Spider-Man never gets old and the self-referential humor the book spews forth will generate some audible laughs from readers. Deadpool Annual #2 isn’t going to win any awards, but as pure entertainment it knocks it right out of the park. I’m not sure what’s next for Jacopo Camagni art wise at Marvel, but I for one would love to see him get art duties for a nice long Deadpool run.
While the story isn’t anything great, it is in the execution and use of characters where it really finds its magic. Even something as cliché as having our hero (slightly drugged up… OK, severely drugged up) facing off against his partner and a copy makes for some a really entertaining situation. Panels flow smoothly from page to page and word balloons fill space in a pleasing way to the eye. It’s the kind of comic that nails its premise on the head. You’ll be excited to turn the page to see what kind of wackiness Deadpool will encounter next, and when its all over you’ll be left wanting more in a good way. Plus, who doesn’t love a giant five story mouse made up of snake people parts.
Deadpool Annual #2 does exactly what an annual should do. It gives fans a fun and rewarding single story that I think many books lack these days. I know that these huge arcs and storylines with their dark and gruff nature are all the rage, but sometimes you just want to sit back, relax and enjoy a nicely told singular story; one that doesn’t require years of backstory to enjoy.
If you are a fan of Deadpool or heck, a fan of Spider-Man you are going to want to pick this one up ASAP.
Deadpool Annual #2
STORY BY: Christopher Hastings
ART BY: Jacopo Camagni
PUBLISHER: Marvel Comics
COVER PRICE: $4.99
RELEASE DATE: Wed, May 21st, 2014
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