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Deadpool (1997) #-1, 0-33
Deadpool by Joe Kelly Omnibus
Wade Wilson is a self-loathing killer for hire...but he dreams of being a hero. So when an interdimensional organization reveals that his destiny is to save the world, is it the chance for redemption Deadpool has longed for - or is it too good to be true? Either way, with reluctant allies like Siryn, Monty, Weasel and the elderly prisoner Blind Al, and formidable foes like Taskmaster, Typhoid Mary and T-Ray - who carries a soul-shattering secret that could destroy Deadpool - the odds are stacked against the merc with a mouth! Joe Kelly's hilarious, brutal, twisted and definitive take on Deadpool is collected in one oversized hardcover! COLLECTING: Deadpool (1997) 1-33, -1, 0; Daredevil/Deadpool Annual '97; Deadpool/Death Annual '98; Baby's First Deadpool Book ; Amazing Spider-Man (1963) 47, 611; material from Deadpool 900
1094 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1999
24 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Joe Kelly
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 14, 2021
The true start of the legend that is Deadpool in his first ongoing title, bringing on the likes of Weasel, Blind Al, Ajax, Illaney, Mercedes and more. Joe Kelly kills it, with the expansion of Wade and his universe. I read the comic books Deadpool season one - #1-17, #-1, Annual #1, Wizard special.
I then read the comic books Deadpool season one - #18-33, Deadpool & Death #1, Deadpool Team-Up #1. The core arcs are Dead Reckoning and the final arc where we get to see where Wade's insanity came from! A truly classic phase of the franchise that is now rocking the cinematic world. Virtually everything that works well with Deadpool today... came from Joe Kelly's remarkable inaugural run! 6.5 out of 12 overall.
I then read the comic books Deadpool season one - #18-33, Deadpool & Death #1, Deadpool Team-Up #1. The core arcs are Dead Reckoning and the final arc where we get to see where Wade's insanity came from! A truly classic phase of the franchise that is now rocking the cinematic world. Virtually everything that works well with Deadpool today... came from Joe Kelly's remarkable inaugural run! 6.5 out of 12 overall.
January 14, 2016
I rarely write reviews but after 1160 pages of Deadpool I felt I had to review it. Let's get this out of the way early this isn't as much fun as Daniel Ways run. Though to be fair it's clear Daniel ways run was clearly inspired by Joe Kelly. Also the collection is very 90's that means bright colors, hugely over muscled characters, and the world's about to end. I personally enjoyed the art and felt it complemented Deadpool who is such a crazy and silly character. There is a story of redemption and Deadpool dealing with his past. Then there's the bad part of 90's where Deadpool is prophesied to save an alien messiah. That isn't a problem in of it self until you get to the supporting characters, which are all 90's tropes. You have Zoe the female character who has total faith in Deadpool to the point of obsession but for no real good reason. Her personality traits are being obnoxious and career driven and that's it. The only saving grace of the character is that she isn't dead pool's love interest thank God for that! Next there is Noah the token black character whose sole purpose is to die and say a few important things. Than worst character is Dixon the cliché evil boss who justify all of his actions by saying it's to save the world. Yet all of his plans are idiotic and frankly just don't make sense. Finally there is Monty the guy with no skin, who can see the future, and is the comic relief character. In this cast of losers he is the only good character that makes the overly long and slow story bearable.
Now onto the good dead pool is definitely at his best when he's fighting losers whether they be heroes or villains. It's immensely satisfying to see him beat up a bunch of losers. One of my favorite is Deadpool going back in time and being horrified by Peter and Norman Osborn hair. Seriously I always felt they had the creepiest unexplained hair ever.
http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub...
Joe adds some great side characters for Deadpool to interact with such as Weasel the literal sidekick punching bag and blind Al who is like a twisted version of Aunt May. Also besides Deadpool being hilarious he's also somewhat scary. I always thought Deadpool was a silly ridiculous character but wow he actually scared me at times. Let's be clear It's not because of what he does to his enemies but what he does to his friends.
http://38.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m99...
Overall the book was worth my time but I would have been disappointed if I had actually bought this book.
Now onto the good dead pool is definitely at his best when he's fighting losers whether they be heroes or villains. It's immensely satisfying to see him beat up a bunch of losers. One of my favorite is Deadpool going back in time and being horrified by Peter and Norman Osborn hair. Seriously I always felt they had the creepiest unexplained hair ever.
http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub...
Joe adds some great side characters for Deadpool to interact with such as Weasel the literal sidekick punching bag and blind Al who is like a twisted version of Aunt May. Also besides Deadpool being hilarious he's also somewhat scary. I always thought Deadpool was a silly ridiculous character but wow he actually scared me at times. Let's be clear It's not because of what he does to his enemies but what he does to his friends.
http://38.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m99...
Overall the book was worth my time but I would have been disappointed if I had actually bought this book.
September 11, 2016
King-size (1). In the context of the Deadpool Classic volumes, this issue was amazing, because you got to see Deadpool's really mediocre origins, then suddenly Joe Kelly came around, and Deadpool rocked. However, within the context of the Omnibus, you open the pages and immediately find what you expected: funny with a little fourth-wall breaking. If anything, it's a little underdeveloped in this first outing, so you have to remember how groundbreaking and revolutionary it was [8/10].
Siryn & Death (2-5). Interesting to be reminded of what story arcs were like in the '90s. These four issues are held together by Siryn and by Wade's health problems, but they also hold together as individual issues, from the fight with Taskmaster to the one with the Hulk. These issues tap down the craziness from the first issue a bit, and so aren't quite as good. The good core of them is Wade relation with Siryn and his moral dilemmas [6+/10]
Paradigm Lost (-1). A great historical look at Deadpool: who he was and what he was. It's all the more interesting for the fact that Deadpool only shows up for a single panel! I'm also intrigued by where this story is going! [8/10]
Typhoid Mary (6-8 + Annual). This is another story that's brilliant. It actually starts off a little slow, but the Annual offers a major character revelation about the nature of Deadpool, while also giving some important closure to Daredevil, then the final issue in the arc builds on Deadpool's character in interesting ways. So, it's not always about the funny [7+/10].
Deathrap (9). A dull one-off villain and a story that just isn't that amazing [5/10].
The Great Lake Avengers (10-11). The meeting with the GLA that takes up the first issue is fun [7/10], but it's the 64-page issue #11 that's superb which its fun mockery of '60s Spider-Man comics. It's an amazing homage and satire at the same time, just superb [9/10].
Drowning Man (12-14). I've never been that thrilled by T-Ray but the Love Triangle between Deadpool, Siryn, and Mary really comes off well here, and we continue to get lots of great focus on Wade's character. Having some fallout afterward is also nice for such a major confrontation (and it gives other characters a chance to shine, and show how much Wade looks like a monster from the outside, even while seeking redemption). [7/10].
LL&L (15-17). Wow, it's increasingly obvious that Kelly is telling the long (soap operatic) story. This is a great setup, with LL&L being an intriguing organization and the setup for Wade as hero being ... weird. I also loved the Bullseye issue in the middle, which really put Wade's character in perspective [7+/10].
AJAX (A+18-19). The Death annual is one of Deadpool's best stories, both for the great Weapon X backstory and for his relationship with Death herself, something that I'd love to see explored further. The other two issues of this arc are a bit slower because there's so much fighting ... but they've still got a terrific ending. [7+/10].
Wizard Zero. Ugh. Pointless fighting. No plot. Just barely saved from absolute horribility by a little bit of humor [2/10].
Prelude to Dead Reckoning (20-22). This feels like a bunch of water treading before the Dead Reckoning event. Sure, we get some hints of badness in LL&L, and sure we get a preview of Dead Reckoning, but there's also a lot of wasted space. The long casino digression is the worse, but the fight with Cable is also pretty pointless (though it sets up their continuing relationship in later comics [5/10].
Dead Reckoning (23-25). A nice explanation of how all the puzzle pieces fit to date. (Check.) An epic conclusion to the arc. (Check.) Some nice twists along the way to support a surprising ending. (Check.) My only complaint about this arc is that it's too long thanks to the oversized first and last issues [7/10].
A Short (26). The overall plot of these issues is just barely comprehensible. Despite that, the Arabic rescue (26) is quite funny [7/10].
Mercedes (27-30). The introduction of Mercedes offers some nice momentum and mystery for a comic that was drowning in its own absurdity. But, oh, that first issue (#27) with Dr. Bong reveals how Deadpool could really disappear up its own backside. On the other hand, Bullseye (#28) reveals how a better focus on action can meld that absurdity into a real story. Overall, an interesting story for the backstory and character connections, even if absurd Deadpool has gotten old [6/10]
The End (31-33). Kelly's writing style has long ago gotten tiring, but this is nonetheless an excellent end to his storyline, explaining Mercedes and who Deadpool is rather magnificently — and giving even more weight to his heroic arc [7/10].
Baby's First Deadpool. Actual satire, but I really didn't care [1/10].
Pinky Swear (900). Kelly returns years and years later, and this is actually quite a funny story. Maybe his humor is better in short doses rather than in mega-stories [7/10].
Spider-Man. A good use of Deadpool in another title (thanks to Kelly's writing) [6/10].
Overall, these stories are clearly groundbreaking, and definitely funny, but they also get old. It took me over a year to read through the whole omnibus, just because it was more of the same. So, some good stuff here, but it's a pretty dense brick to try and work through.
Siryn & Death (2-5). Interesting to be reminded of what story arcs were like in the '90s. These four issues are held together by Siryn and by Wade's health problems, but they also hold together as individual issues, from the fight with Taskmaster to the one with the Hulk. These issues tap down the craziness from the first issue a bit, and so aren't quite as good. The good core of them is Wade relation with Siryn and his moral dilemmas [6+/10]
Paradigm Lost (-1). A great historical look at Deadpool: who he was and what he was. It's all the more interesting for the fact that Deadpool only shows up for a single panel! I'm also intrigued by where this story is going! [8/10]
Typhoid Mary (6-8 + Annual). This is another story that's brilliant. It actually starts off a little slow, but the Annual offers a major character revelation about the nature of Deadpool, while also giving some important closure to Daredevil, then the final issue in the arc builds on Deadpool's character in interesting ways. So, it's not always about the funny [7+/10].
Deathrap (9). A dull one-off villain and a story that just isn't that amazing [5/10].
The Great Lake Avengers (10-11). The meeting with the GLA that takes up the first issue is fun [7/10], but it's the 64-page issue #11 that's superb which its fun mockery of '60s Spider-Man comics. It's an amazing homage and satire at the same time, just superb [9/10].
Drowning Man (12-14). I've never been that thrilled by T-Ray but the Love Triangle between Deadpool, Siryn, and Mary really comes off well here, and we continue to get lots of great focus on Wade's character. Having some fallout afterward is also nice for such a major confrontation (and it gives other characters a chance to shine, and show how much Wade looks like a monster from the outside, even while seeking redemption). [7/10].
LL&L (15-17). Wow, it's increasingly obvious that Kelly is telling the long (soap operatic) story. This is a great setup, with LL&L being an intriguing organization and the setup for Wade as hero being ... weird. I also loved the Bullseye issue in the middle, which really put Wade's character in perspective [7+/10].
AJAX (A+18-19). The Death annual is one of Deadpool's best stories, both for the great Weapon X backstory and for his relationship with Death herself, something that I'd love to see explored further. The other two issues of this arc are a bit slower because there's so much fighting ... but they've still got a terrific ending. [7+/10].
Wizard Zero. Ugh. Pointless fighting. No plot. Just barely saved from absolute horribility by a little bit of humor [2/10].
Prelude to Dead Reckoning (20-22). This feels like a bunch of water treading before the Dead Reckoning event. Sure, we get some hints of badness in LL&L, and sure we get a preview of Dead Reckoning, but there's also a lot of wasted space. The long casino digression is the worse, but the fight with Cable is also pretty pointless (though it sets up their continuing relationship in later comics [5/10].
Dead Reckoning (23-25). A nice explanation of how all the puzzle pieces fit to date. (Check.) An epic conclusion to the arc. (Check.) Some nice twists along the way to support a surprising ending. (Check.) My only complaint about this arc is that it's too long thanks to the oversized first and last issues [7/10].
A Short (26). The overall plot of these issues is just barely comprehensible. Despite that, the Arabic rescue (26) is quite funny [7/10].
Mercedes (27-30). The introduction of Mercedes offers some nice momentum and mystery for a comic that was drowning in its own absurdity. But, oh, that first issue (#27) with Dr. Bong reveals how Deadpool could really disappear up its own backside. On the other hand, Bullseye (#28) reveals how a better focus on action can meld that absurdity into a real story. Overall, an interesting story for the backstory and character connections, even if absurd Deadpool has gotten old [6/10]
The End (31-33). Kelly's writing style has long ago gotten tiring, but this is nonetheless an excellent end to his storyline, explaining Mercedes and who Deadpool is rather magnificently — and giving even more weight to his heroic arc [7/10].
Baby's First Deadpool. Actual satire, but I really didn't care [1/10].
Pinky Swear (900). Kelly returns years and years later, and this is actually quite a funny story. Maybe his humor is better in short doses rather than in mega-stories [7/10].
Spider-Man. A good use of Deadpool in another title (thanks to Kelly's writing) [6/10].
Overall, these stories are clearly groundbreaking, and definitely funny, but they also get old. It took me over a year to read through the whole omnibus, just because it was more of the same. So, some good stuff here, but it's a pretty dense brick to try and work through.
September 13, 2015
Sometime between being created as a gritty and multi-pouched Deathstroke parody
And devolving into Marvel’s Bugs Bunny:
Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness made Deadpool a real character with actual pathos, crafting one of the best and underappreciated gems of Marvel’s oft maligned 90s output. This is the definitive Deadpool run.
Wade Wilson, better known as Deadpool, is a seemingly carefree merc for hire. He takes the jobs that pay the best and loves the violence that comes along with it, joking a mile a minute while relishing the mayhem. His possession of a powerful healing factor means he always comes out successful.
At first glance, Deadpool seems like a dark version of Spider-Man. But while Spidey jokes in battle to hide his nerves, Deadpool does it to mask his insecurities. He wants to be a good person, but he’s a jerk. He wants to be good looking, but his time in Canada’s Weapon X project left him a disfigured mess. He wants to be a hero but he’s a villain.
If there’s one word then to describe Kelly’s run, it’s redemption. The first arc, for example, focuses on Dr. Killebrew, one of the scientists behind the Weapon X program that gave Wolverine his metal skeleton. Killebrew regrets the inhumane experiments he was a part of – including one that gave DP his powers, and seeing an opportunity to help Wade, he goes for it, even knowing that his payment will likely be death by Deadpool’s sword or knife or, really anything sharp near ‘Pool.
The larger story, told over these 30+ issues, deals with Deadpool’s own quest for redemption. Like I said, Deadpool desperately wants to be a hero, and at the book’s start, he has that possibly dangled in front of him in the form of destiny. The fact that Kelly can make you root for a guy with the emotional stability of a spoiled child, a spoiled child with an arsenal he’ll use to maim and torture anyone who gets in his way, is an amazing feat.
And Deadpool actually has a supporting cast, here, and they each help to bring out different aspects of the main man. Weasel is his sad sack sidekick/techman, but quite hilarious in his own right. Siren is Deadpool's crush (his stunted emotional maturity makes this the most apt description of her role), a real hero who encourages Deadpool and asks as his inspiration. T-Ray is Deadpool’s nemesis, with a grudge whose origin is mysterious, ever to even Deadpool.
Blind Al is the best, a twisted take on Aunt May, a hostage of Deadpool’s who, at least initially, seems more like his equal. I love that she can dish out the vitriol right back at DP. She always us to see Deadpool at his most human, but also at his most frightening.
This story has tons of heart, tons of violence, and yes, it’s hilarious. If you’re going to pick up any Deadpool book, this is the one I’d recommend.
(Plus this collections contains Deadpool #11, one of the most hilarious pieces of fiction of all time)
kit: Twitter | Tumblr
And devolving into Marvel’s Bugs Bunny:
Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness made Deadpool a real character with actual pathos, crafting one of the best and underappreciated gems of Marvel’s oft maligned 90s output. This is the definitive Deadpool run.
Wade Wilson, better known as Deadpool, is a seemingly carefree merc for hire. He takes the jobs that pay the best and loves the violence that comes along with it, joking a mile a minute while relishing the mayhem. His possession of a powerful healing factor means he always comes out successful.
At first glance, Deadpool seems like a dark version of Spider-Man. But while Spidey jokes in battle to hide his nerves, Deadpool does it to mask his insecurities. He wants to be a good person, but he’s a jerk. He wants to be good looking, but his time in Canada’s Weapon X project left him a disfigured mess. He wants to be a hero but he’s a villain.
If there’s one word then to describe Kelly’s run, it’s redemption. The first arc, for example, focuses on Dr. Killebrew, one of the scientists behind the Weapon X program that gave Wolverine his metal skeleton. Killebrew regrets the inhumane experiments he was a part of – including one that gave DP his powers, and seeing an opportunity to help Wade, he goes for it, even knowing that his payment will likely be death by Deadpool’s sword or knife or, really anything sharp near ‘Pool.
The larger story, told over these 30+ issues, deals with Deadpool’s own quest for redemption. Like I said, Deadpool desperately wants to be a hero, and at the book’s start, he has that possibly dangled in front of him in the form of destiny. The fact that Kelly can make you root for a guy with the emotional stability of a spoiled child, a spoiled child with an arsenal he’ll use to maim and torture anyone who gets in his way, is an amazing feat.
And Deadpool actually has a supporting cast, here, and they each help to bring out different aspects of the main man. Weasel is his sad sack sidekick/techman, but quite hilarious in his own right. Siren is Deadpool's crush (his stunted emotional maturity makes this the most apt description of her role), a real hero who encourages Deadpool and asks as his inspiration. T-Ray is Deadpool’s nemesis, with a grudge whose origin is mysterious, ever to even Deadpool.
Blind Al is the best, a twisted take on Aunt May, a hostage of Deadpool’s who, at least initially, seems more like his equal. I love that she can dish out the vitriol right back at DP. She always us to see Deadpool at his most human, but also at his most frightening.
This story has tons of heart, tons of violence, and yes, it’s hilarious. If you’re going to pick up any Deadpool book, this is the one I’d recommend.
(Plus this collections contains Deadpool #11, one of the most hilarious pieces of fiction of all time)
kit: Twitter | Tumblr
February 17, 2016
I rarely read comics. When I do, I only read the ones that get really good reviews (like this one) so I'm probably spoiled a bit. That being said, this was my first foray into the life of the merc with a mouth. The story itself was decent - the main arc is pretty good with a good twist-then-twist-again that I didn't see coming. It definitely lulls in the middle though. The whole story with Typhoid was just kinda… boring, maybe? Unnecessary? Pointless? Whatever it was, you can definitely skip whole sections of the book without being lost in the narrative.
I will say, though, that the ending of the book (after the whole main arc finishes) is genius. The ending alone deserves 5 stars. Fantastic, wonderful, and completely unexpected.
Finally, possibly the best single issue in the collection is The Amazing Spider Man #611. It's the last one in the book, not part of the main story or anything, but it was written by Kelly for Spidey's storyline I guess (I'm no comic book expert here). It had me laughing out loud the whole way through. And Eric Canette's artwork is gorgeous.
Anyway, it is an uneven story line, hence the 3 stars. But definitely pick it up if you're curious about the delightfully insane Deadpool.
I will say, though, that the ending of the book (after the whole main arc finishes) is genius. The ending alone deserves 5 stars. Fantastic, wonderful, and completely unexpected.
Finally, possibly the best single issue in the collection is The Amazing Spider Man #611. It's the last one in the book, not part of the main story or anything, but it was written by Kelly for Spidey's storyline I guess (I'm no comic book expert here). It had me laughing out loud the whole way through. And Eric Canette's artwork is gorgeous.
Anyway, it is an uneven story line, hence the 3 stars. But definitely pick it up if you're curious about the delightfully insane Deadpool.
February 27, 2016
It's hard for me to NOT give this five stars. I loved reading these comics as a kid and I loved them even more this time around.
This tome collects Joe Kelly's run of Deadpool. 33 issues! For me, this is the definitive Deadpool.
If it wasn't for Joe's writing and humour I don't think Deadpool would be the 'merc with a mouth' that we know him to be today.
Sure, give Rob Liefield credit for drawing the guy, but I gotta give Joe the credit for giving him a voice and a soul.
There's also a huge element of Joe's Deadpool that you don't see too often anymore. The pathos. The emotional damage. The incredibly scary temper tantrums. He even breaks down in tears at one point in the book because he didn't live up to his own expectations of being a hero.
In the new Deadpool film, Wade is constantly being harassed about joining the X-Men, being the hero the world needs him to be.
Which is fine, but I always loved the dynamic where he wants to be a hero more than anything else, but is constantly reminded of his incredibly dark past. Be that in the form of people he'd wronged, or just emotional hangups.
It's always been the other way around for me. Deadpool WANTS to be a hero. Deadpool WANTS to be an X-Man. Deadpool WANTS to redeem himself. It's just that he's so annoying and broken that nobody else wants him to be those things.
But yeah ... this book is great. Maybe more so for me than people looking to 'try' out the character.
This tome collects Joe Kelly's run of Deadpool. 33 issues! For me, this is the definitive Deadpool.
If it wasn't for Joe's writing and humour I don't think Deadpool would be the 'merc with a mouth' that we know him to be today.
Sure, give Rob Liefield credit for drawing the guy, but I gotta give Joe the credit for giving him a voice and a soul.
There's also a huge element of Joe's Deadpool that you don't see too often anymore. The pathos. The emotional damage. The incredibly scary temper tantrums. He even breaks down in tears at one point in the book because he didn't live up to his own expectations of being a hero.
In the new Deadpool film, Wade is constantly being harassed about joining the X-Men, being the hero the world needs him to be.
Which is fine, but I always loved the dynamic where he wants to be a hero more than anything else, but is constantly reminded of his incredibly dark past. Be that in the form of people he'd wronged, or just emotional hangups.
It's always been the other way around for me. Deadpool WANTS to be a hero. Deadpool WANTS to be an X-Man. Deadpool WANTS to redeem himself. It's just that he's so annoying and broken that nobody else wants him to be those things.
But yeah ... this book is great. Maybe more so for me than people looking to 'try' out the character.
September 18, 2015
Finally I've managed to finish this tome of a book and complete the story of the Merc with a Mouth - what a journey.
After reading some of Deadpool's other mini-series and realising how great the character is, I started looking for some of his longer storylines. Everywhere I looked I just saw people saying how good Joe Kelly was at writing Deadpool and now I couldn't agree more.
In this collection Deadpool is not just like some cartoon character constantly saying stupid things and making jokes. He is an extremely deep character with a frightening and terrible past, prone to horrific mood swings and capable of awful things. This book had me feeling sorrow as much as it had me laughing.
This collection is absolutely huge so I'll split my rating into the different parts,
- Joe Kelly's run of writing a Deadpool monthly series (issues #1-33, #-1 and #0) [5 stars].
- Daredevil/Deadpool Annual '97 [5 stars].
- Deadpool and Death Annual '98 [5 stars].
- Baby's First Deadpool Book [1 stars - I don't know what they were thinking with this one, just skip over it].
- Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #47 [2 stars] and #611 [3 stars].
Overall, well-worth the price I paid for it and a tremendous example of how good comic books can be.
After reading some of Deadpool's other mini-series and realising how great the character is, I started looking for some of his longer storylines. Everywhere I looked I just saw people saying how good Joe Kelly was at writing Deadpool and now I couldn't agree more.
In this collection Deadpool is not just like some cartoon character constantly saying stupid things and making jokes. He is an extremely deep character with a frightening and terrible past, prone to horrific mood swings and capable of awful things. This book had me feeling sorrow as much as it had me laughing.
This collection is absolutely huge so I'll split my rating into the different parts,
- Joe Kelly's run of writing a Deadpool monthly series (issues #1-33, #-1 and #0) [5 stars].
- Daredevil/Deadpool Annual '97 [5 stars].
- Deadpool and Death Annual '98 [5 stars].
- Baby's First Deadpool Book [1 stars - I don't know what they were thinking with this one, just skip over it].
- Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #47 [2 stars] and #611 [3 stars].
Overall, well-worth the price I paid for it and a tremendous example of how good comic books can be.
February 14, 2017
How do you review 1000 pages of Deadpool? Joe Kelly certainly helps. The writing is great.The way he develops Deadpool is wonderful. He is the same Merc with a Mouth, but there's a lot of emotion in this Omnibus. He makes Deadpool a pretty deep charactter...who sometimes fights men in chicken suits, hallucinates about Bunnies, and trashes old Spider-Man comics.
Ther art--and there are a lot of artists--is outstanding all the way through, with some of Ed McGuinness's best work.
I hahad some reservations before diving into this. I like Deadpool, but a massive Omnibus of Deadpool? That seemed like it would be too much Wade Wilson, and I expected to read a bit here and there, but I loved it. After Joe Kelly's first few issues, I knew I had to keep reading until the end. Now I love Deadpool. Maybe it's like a Stolkholm Reading syndrome.
And I finished just in time for the movie.
Ther art--and there are a lot of artists--is outstanding all the way through, with some of Ed McGuinness's best work.
I hahad some reservations before diving into this. I like Deadpool, but a massive Omnibus of Deadpool? That seemed like it would be too much Wade Wilson, and I expected to read a bit here and there, but I loved it. After Joe Kelly's first few issues, I knew I had to keep reading until the end. Now I love Deadpool. Maybe it's like a Stolkholm Reading syndrome.
And I finished just in time for the movie.
June 4, 2020
A mixed bag.
Joe Kelly's run on Deadpool is acclaimed by many, often listed among the best out there. While I'll agree Kelly some laughters and a handful of genuinely interesting storylines, in truth this run is rather uneven. It seems to take quite a bit for Kelly to grow into writing the merc with a mouth in a way that's genuinely funny, while the storylines are at times too confusing or contrived.
Flat out, I can say the main overarching storyline with the Messiah was... not great, at least not for me. But then again, I like my heroes when they're doing stuff other than saving the world at large. However, there are gems in this run that make it worth a read: The episodes with Typhoid Mary are great, the short time-travel one is a riot, and every single scene in The Hellhouse is great. The last arc is also easily the high point of the run and where Kelly seems to nail Deadpool the best. From all characters, Blind Al is easily the standout as she always manages to make things fun.
As for the art, it's average, really. Standard late-90s comic artwork, it's not ugly but also nothing you'd really want to frame and hang on your living room. It's serviceable, but that's it.
I read this through Marvel Unlimited, so I can't really talk about value for price - it is well worth the cost of a MU subscription, particularly since you can read a lot more than just this during that month. Had I bought this, and paid the $39.99 MSRP I probably wouldn't be too happy about it. But for what I invested it was well worth it.
Joe Kelly's run on Deadpool is acclaimed by many, often listed among the best out there. While I'll agree Kelly some laughters and a handful of genuinely interesting storylines, in truth this run is rather uneven. It seems to take quite a bit for Kelly to grow into writing the merc with a mouth in a way that's genuinely funny, while the storylines are at times too confusing or contrived.
Flat out, I can say the main overarching storyline with the Messiah was... not great, at least not for me. But then again, I like my heroes when they're doing stuff other than saving the world at large. However, there are gems in this run that make it worth a read: The episodes with Typhoid Mary are great, the short time-travel one is a riot, and every single scene in The Hellhouse is great. The last arc is also easily the high point of the run and where Kelly seems to nail Deadpool the best. From all characters, Blind Al is easily the standout as she always manages to make things fun.
As for the art, it's average, really. Standard late-90s comic artwork, it's not ugly but also nothing you'd really want to frame and hang on your living room. It's serviceable, but that's it.
I read this through Marvel Unlimited, so I can't really talk about value for price - it is well worth the cost of a MU subscription, particularly since you can read a lot more than just this during that month. Had I bought this, and paid the $39.99 MSRP I probably wouldn't be too happy about it. But for what I invested it was well worth it.
January 4, 2022
N'étant pas du tout fan de deadpool de base et des "delires" qu'il apporte à l'univers, je souhaitais depuis longtemps découvrir la plupart de ses séries, histoire de peut-être changer d'avis. Et bien ça part déjà mal.
Un début très lent, beaucoup de sous intrigues en même temps, la plupart étant trop "barrés" pour moi, peu d'intérêt pour les enjeux et les confrontations, un récit très lourd en dialogues mais beaucoup sont peu interessants voir inutiles. Quelques fulgurances qui m'ont plus malgré tout, notamment la relation entre Wade et Teresa allant de paire avec l'intrigue sur le docteur killbrew, l'histoire sur Vanessa, l'intrigue sur Tiphoid Mary, et les rapports entre Deadpool et Al. Mais ces issues ne sont qu'une poignée au sein de ce long run.
En bref, une série qui passe trop de temps sur des récits osef, et pas assez sur ce qui m'aurait le plus intéressé. Tout le monde parle de ce run comme un classique, j'en suis d'autant plus déçu. (Mais les dessins sont sympas et collent au style cartoon du perso).
Un début très lent, beaucoup de sous intrigues en même temps, la plupart étant trop "barrés" pour moi, peu d'intérêt pour les enjeux et les confrontations, un récit très lourd en dialogues mais beaucoup sont peu interessants voir inutiles. Quelques fulgurances qui m'ont plus malgré tout, notamment la relation entre Wade et Teresa allant de paire avec l'intrigue sur le docteur killbrew, l'histoire sur Vanessa, l'intrigue sur Tiphoid Mary, et les rapports entre Deadpool et Al. Mais ces issues ne sont qu'une poignée au sein de ce long run.
En bref, une série qui passe trop de temps sur des récits osef, et pas assez sur ce qui m'aurait le plus intéressé. Tout le monde parle de ce run comme un classique, j'en suis d'autant plus déçu. (Mais les dessins sont sympas et collent au style cartoon du perso).
March 28, 2018
Here's the thing with Deadpool, he's Deadpool. Enough said.
Seriously though, if you're going to read Deadpool I suggest starting with the Joe Kelly run because you really do get a deeper and more well rounded view of Deadpool and his life, the decisions he makes, and why he makes those decisions. If you've ever found yourself asking "who even is this guy really? Some 2nd rate Spiderman with more muture content? Why does anyone even care?" then read this because this is your answer, but in a much much more bearable way than we see him onscreen. This Joe Kelly series is the original definition of Deadpool's mania and source of his hype. I highly recommend to any Deadpool fan.
Seriously though, if you're going to read Deadpool I suggest starting with the Joe Kelly run because you really do get a deeper and more well rounded view of Deadpool and his life, the decisions he makes, and why he makes those decisions. If you've ever found yourself asking "who even is this guy really? Some 2nd rate Spiderman with more muture content? Why does anyone even care?" then read this because this is your answer, but in a much much more bearable way than we see him onscreen. This Joe Kelly series is the original definition of Deadpool's mania and source of his hype. I highly recommend to any Deadpool fan.
April 29, 2023
Joe Kelly's run on this character has been my favourite version of Deadpool that I've read so far (I haven't read that much yet, to be fair). But this book had everything you want in a comic book and mixed the humour and seriousness perfectly.
Being a less mainstream Marvel character meant for a lot of lesser known characters showing up in this book, which is a lot of fun. There were a lot of fun random stories in here along with the few overaching plot lines that it would return to, which were also really enjoyable.
Being a less mainstream Marvel character meant for a lot of lesser known characters showing up in this book, which is a lot of fun. There were a lot of fun random stories in here along with the few overaching plot lines that it would return to, which were also really enjoyable.
March 21, 2018
Good, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. Coming from the movies, I was expecting more wacky humor. There's definitely comedic overtones, and it was a good read, but it was different then I expected.
October 31, 2020
One of the defining runs on Deadpool, Joe Kelly introduced much of what made fans love the character, and it’s all on display here. Over the top action, pop culture references and wisecracks galore.
April 22, 2021
It was fun but had most of the comic tropes of the time which can get kind of grating. This is also before the time when they really leaned into the madness aspect of Deadpool. Overall, it was fun. Good, not great.
February 14, 2018
holy crap its huge
September 21, 2015
The Joe Kelly storyline of Deadpool does an amazing job of setting up the Merc with a Mouth a crazy origin story and even more insane story arch. Deadpool has fallen for a girl, the problem is...she's a hero! Deadpool is then set with two options: continue in his oh so loveable gun for hire ways or get his $@!# together and go the straight and narrow and become a hero himself. Deadpool goes through various ups and downs, lefts and rights, all while slipping in and out of sanity (or lets face it, his insanity). The Joe Kelly story has great sidebars, quirky comments, and excessive violence that helps bring Deadpool into the hearts of the reader. My biggest complaint...I felt like there could have been more quirky dialogue and more fourth wall breaking. However, if you are looking to get in to the world of Deadpool, this is easily the best place to start!
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December 27, 2022At its best, this is transformative work on the character that explores some meaty themes about heroism, redemption, free will, and more. And when I was reading it during its initial run, that's what stuck with me (well, that and how funny Joe Kelly's dialogue is). Re-reading it as a collected edition, it's also clear that this is, um, kind of a mess in parts. The ending is utter nonsense, and it starts slow. In some ways, the Joe Kelly DEADPOOL run is an argument against the structure of comics -- it's basically a 25-issue run with another 6-8 issues tacked on at the end that don't work, and if it were a straight 3-act-structure piece of storytelling in those first 25 issues, with an ending that was allowed to be the end, it'd have been great. Oh, comics.
December 15, 2024
Pretend it's 4.5 stars!! This run was the first time I read any Deadpool comics, I really liked it!! I LOVE morally complicated characters who get redemption arcs, especially if they're emotionally constipated and FUNNY!!! I normally have trouble focusing on comic books but this kept my attention pretty well! There were some pretty funny moments in the series and the plots were pretty interesting. I'm holding back on that .5th star for a couple things (wish there was a lilmore character exploration, average creepiness towards women, i like being constantly entertained and sum parts were boring, wish they wrapped up some things with Al and Weasel) but mainly cuz DEADPOOL STOP DISSING ON ILANEY I LOVE HER STOP CALLING HER FAT AND CRAP.
February 1, 2014
Někde mezi ** a ***. Nemít to v omnibusu, zabalím to nejspíš po prvních pár číslech. Jak jsem zvyklej na současného Deadpoola, tak mi tohle první pojetí, kdy hledá jestli je/není hrdina příliš nesedlo a humor je bohužel přes 10 let starej a v narážkách na americký celebrity z devadesátek se nechytám. Navíc postavy alá Blind Al jsou prostě... divné.
Je tu pár dobrých příběhů, ve dvou číslech tu je Bullseye <3 (překvapivě přátelské pojetí), kolem Dead Reckoning je to super, ale nic z čeho bych byl u vytržení.
Je tu pár dobrých příběhů, ve dvou číslech tu je Bullseye <3 (překvapivě přátelské pojetí), kolem Dead Reckoning je to super, ale nic z čeho bych byl u vytržení.
April 5, 2016
This book was too much 90's for me. I have always preferred Deadpool as a supporting character then a main character but it was pretty cool to see the starting place of a lot of elements of the film. It took pretty decent towards the middle when it starts to really build to Kelly's big storyline but falls apart at the end. There is a big twist and it's so dumb. I read that they retconned it pretty fast. But the couple of issues where Blind Al and Deadpool travel back in time to 60's Spider-Man comics was so good.
December 21, 2014
50% of this book was really bad. First time reading about deadpool . The storyline is flat all the way until half way through and it finally gets back to the main plot. The art made everyone look as muscular and big as the hulk. I get that regeneration can be attractive but at least try explaining how does he even begin to have the talent of being a mercenary ? I didnt enjoy the jokes preferred spider-man's. Perhaps deadpool wouldve fair better in a mature content graphic novel.
November 16, 2015
I hadn't read any Deadpool yet, and the library where I work ordered a 1300-page Deadpool omnibus, so I figured... well, here we go!
It took me FOREVER to read this thing, but I did really like it. Deadpool, while of course being hilarious, also drew me in because while he's seriously nuts, super-ultra-violent, and messed-up emotionally... he's trying to be good.
I guess now I need to read the other incarnations of Deadpool and see if my impressions hold up.
It took me FOREVER to read this thing, but I did really like it. Deadpool, while of course being hilarious, also drew me in because while he's seriously nuts, super-ultra-violent, and messed-up emotionally... he's trying to be good.
I guess now I need to read the other incarnations of Deadpool and see if my impressions hold up.
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February 9, 2016I have officially given up getting through the entire omnibus. I enjoyed what I read, but it's too heavy (physically) for me to want to continue ... especially after finding out the movie is based on a different version of Deadpool. Oh well, a good read, but I prefer my comics in smaller chunks.
March 25, 2015
I wish I could give this over five stars.
December 3, 2015
33 full issues of the original '97 Deadpool by Joe Kelly plus a bunch of other extras and behind the scenes stuff. Good read, but definitely not PC or PG.
Want to read
August 4, 2016Deadpool by Joe Kelly Omnibus - DM Variant - TBR
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December 7, 2016can i plaese read this book
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