Watering down the 'pool.

The greatest Bea Arthur lover to ever wear a mask ...

For those of you that are unaware, I like comics.  There’s no shame in it.  They’re awesome.  As such, from now on, I’m going to start writing about them.  Jess and I will also be doing a regular article regarding what’s new and what’s coming up in the world of the illustrated word!

Now, for those of you who did not see the Wolverine movie of late, Deadpool is yet another of Marvel’s anti-heroes.  He was created and grew to prominence in the late 80′s/early 90′s, right when The Punisher and Wolverine were at their violent peak.  Here’s a quick breakdown:  Deadpool, the Merc with a Mouth (real name Wade Wilson) is a mercenary who has received a version of Wolverine’s much vaunted healing factor.  He was given this to counter a cancer which was ripping through his body.  The problem being that the healing factor is continually recreated cells to make up for the cancerous ones that are dying off … even those in his brain.  He is insane due to his brain continually growing over itself, but in a “cracks jokes whilst disembowelling people” kind of way.  He is, arguably, the best mercenary in the world, but due to his mental state is causing more problems than he should.

Okay, so now that you’re caught up I’m going to get straight to it: Deadpool is getting the biggest push of his franchise’s career, and it’s going to destroy him. As in the early nineties with The Punisher and Silver Surfer, Marvel is giving a multitude of titles to a character that simply cannot sustain them all.  Deadpool’s resurgance is due, in no small part, to the Cable & Deadpool series which was written perfectly by Fabian Nicieza.  It was a great title that worked well.  “Then why can’t the other titles?” I hear you ask.  First off, shut up.  This is my article.  Secondly, that title worked because the writer was perfect for the character.  Whereas, as is becoming very apparent, not every writer works quite as well with Deadpool.

Suited monkey with automatic machine pistols …

At the moment Deadpool is appearing in: Deadpool, Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth and Deadpool Corps (just released). As well as that there are plans for a Deadpool Noir series, which places him in depression era. On top of all of that he is currently the cameo of choice, and is currently has a regular appearance in X-Men. It’s at this point that I tell you that I am writing not as an impartial reviewer, but as an impassioned fan: CUT DOWN HIS TITLES! As a result of his over-exposure The Punisher did not return to his former glory until the mid naughties. To be fair, I don’t feel he has returned to his glory and won’t for still some time to come. This is, without a doubt, Deadpool’s future unless something can be done.

Will Marvel heed this warning? No, they won’t. They’ll milk this puppy dry. Yeah, that’s right, they’re going to milk a PUPPY dry. How’s that for a mental image? The other problem being Deadpool will have his own movie coming out in the future, starring the perfectly cast Ryan Reynolds. Once this movie comes out, there will be a whole new group of people willing to buy whatever Deadpool’s name is attached to. Slowly, the purity will die away and we won’t see Deadpool on our shelves for a few years.

So, ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy Deadpool whilst you can. The newly released Deadpool Corps does not appear to hold much potential, but Deadpool and Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth are still solid. As I say this is the first of what should be many articles in regards to the world of comicdom. Until next time gentle readers … DC SUCKS!