Deadpool: Bad Blood

Deadpool: Bad & Badder Blood

by Rob Liefeld, Chris Sims, Chad Bowers

Deadpool-more popular than ever before-in his first Original Graphic Novel! Deadpool's been shooting, stabbing, and otherwise annoying people for a long time now. He's made a lot of enemies. One that he can't quite place is the brutal Thumper, who keeps showing up out of the blue to pound him into jelly. What is Deadpool's past connection to this beefy face-masher? And what's up with Cable, Domino, and the others on the cover? Are they going to show up in the book? ( They are!) Deadpool co-creator Rob Liefeld on pencils and inks teams with writers Chris Sims and Chad Bowers (X-MEN '92) to tell the tale of his greatest creation (just roll with me here) getting his heinie handed to him! Check it out-efore Deadpool checks YOU out!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Marvel, Superheroes, Collections, Comic Book, Fiction

112 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2017

About the author

Rob Liefeld is an American comic book writer, illustrator, and publisher. A prominent artist in the 1990s, he has since become a controversial figure in the medium.

In the early 1990s, self-taught artist Liefeld became prominent due to his work on Marvel Comics' The New Mutants and later X-Force. In 1992, he and several other popular Marvel illustrators left the company to found Image Comics, which rode the wave of comic books owned by their creators rather than by publishers. The first book published by Image Comics was Rob Liefeld's Youngblood #1.

He is married to actress Joy Creel.

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

To see Rob Liefeld draw mutants again was a big enough pull for me; so nice to see X-Force back under Liefeld's pencils. The story was OK, Deadpool's ne'er before seen nemesis has been attacking him for years; so Deadpool pulls Domino into the affair to see if she can help him work out the rationale of Thumper's attacks. An OK read, very coolly old-school drawn 6 out of 12, Three Star read.

2024 read

[Jokoloyo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This graphic novel could be better if they make it thinner, cut some pages. There is no real story here, old stuff with some new villains. (By new, I mean I haven't seen them before).

For me this work is in border between 1 star and 2 star rating. I like the art, so it is 2 star for now.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Good: Chris Sims and Chad Bowers write some funny jokes. The Batman v Superman one cracked me up.

The Bad: Liefeld's art has gotten somewhat better but he still draws Deadpool's head as if he's wearing a helmet. Shatterstar's sword kept switching back and forth between one blade and two in true Liefeld style.

The Ugly: I don't think Liefeld drew a single background in the whole book. If there a lazier artist in comics than Leifeld?

[Gianfranco Mancini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad storyline (really took 3 authors writing this??? Oh good grief!) and Liefeld still has problems drawing human anatomy (his old Heroes Reborn Cap on steroids still gives me nightmares... Brrrr!), but all the references to Rob's old X-Force run that I used to love (I was young and stupid then, just stupid now) and that unicorn splash page (oh man, that was just glorious!) made this graphic novel turn all around the wheel from crap to great.



Loved it!

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little one-shot.

I feel like Liefeld's art has gotten better since I last paid attention to him... except for a few panels where he forgets how human backs work. But that's probably just me mostly remembering his worst of the worst.

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deadpool - more popular then ever before - in his first original graphic novel!

Good for you, DP - I just wish this wasn't such a mediocre 'debut.' Oh sure, he gets in a handful of good wisecracks (I liked his demolishing response to the "He belongs to Canada" threat), but we've come to totally expect that, and at one point the plot nicely avoids going in a predictable direction in regards to a figure from the past. So it was not altogether bad, but it was sort of forgettable.

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. I like the more serious Deadpool. Yes, Deadpool is still insane, talks a lot, and had no boundaries but here he is more badass than a raving madman.

A couple of times a year Deadpool is beaten to "death" but an unstoppable, walking tank he has named Thumper. This time Deadpool is bringing some "friends" to help him out. What is his connection to Deadpool?

I like the artwork Deadpool looks a lot cooler, deadlier, and the book is full of big fight scenes. I wish Deadpool was more like this in the current comics. Like here I wish more was made of Deadpool's fighting skills, not just he can heal from anything. The book finishes with a couple of sketch pages.

[Dan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Brutally bad. I have NEVER read a Deadpool story that I have enjoyed, and...the trend continues.

[Dimitris Papastergiou · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok.

Liefeld's art was never a huge problem for me.. especially when I was young.. I would notice of course all the shit but it wouldn't bother me much and never does on superhero comics. Of course I talk about the way someone draws feet for example Liefeld here. I DO However have a problem with movements/poses that couldn't happen for real and there was a few in here that made me cringe.

If I loved something here was the dialogue at the beginning, it was funny, the story was not interesting... and the whole thing that brought back people and situations and shit that happened back in the 90s, really fucked it up for me.

I really loved the colouring though. It was SO good!

Anyway, if you love Deadpool, read it. Though you're not missing anything.

If you love Liefeld, read it. He definitely improved on his artwork since I last read him and dunno how much of the others wrote in this one, but it definitely has that 90s-Liefeld feeling to it while reading it and even though it wasn't a story that stands out, it had that nostalgia from back in the days in it.

[Guilherme Smee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Os trabalhos de Rob Liefeld indeferivelmente acabam sendo polêmicos. Isso porque ele é o desenhista ruim que as pessoas adoram odiar. Foi chamado para desenvolver a primeira graphic novel do personagem mais famoso que criou: Deadpool, o mercenário tagarela. Poderia ser um desastre como muita coisa em que ele coloca a mão, mas Deadpool: Sangue Ruim, acaba sendo um show de nostalgia dos anos 1990. Estão lá diversos personagens da fase de Liefeld nos mutantes x: Cable, X-Force, Dominó, Garrison Kane, o Arma X, etc. A história faz mais sentido do que muitas outras histórias de super-heróis mais conceituadas que temos por aí e lida com o passado, ou melhor, com a infância de Wade Wilson, nosso Deadpool. Tudo começa com ele enfrentando mais uma cria do projeto Arma X, o Batedor. Seu retorno à memórias do passado vão revelar as ligações de Wade com o tal personagem parrudo. Vale lembrar que este quadrinho é muito mais ação e muito menos o humor característico que se tornou marca-registrada do Comediante Carmesim.

[Kevin Duvall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty fun quick read. The jokes and dialogue are good (Deadpool is an easy character to overdo, but the script writers keep it in check), and the action sequences are well laid out. But Rob Liefeld has the same problem he always did: he can draw dynamic action, but his characters’ hands are all fists, their feet look like hooves, and their faces are ugly as sin.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad story but a little bit forgettable. Deadpool confronts someone from his past and has to make some tough decisions along the way.

Super quick read, enjoyable for any deadpool fan. But you definitely shouldn't go out of your way to read this one.

[Bekka · Rating 3 out of 5]

An alright comic, but the storyline didn't really grab me and I found myself not really caring what was going on.
TW for violence, human experimentation, cancer mentions, explosions, blood, gore, mentions of severe injury, guns.

[Simon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible. Just, fucking terrible.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!! I love Deadpool!!!!!!

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Edit: moved it to two stars because the story is so bad. I felt guilty for giving it better.
I am giving this three stars because the art is pretty good, but the story doesn’t even deserve that. It was boring and Deadpool wasn’t nearly as funny as he usually is. This was a rather large disappointment. I am happy I borrowed it and didn’t buy it.

[J.M. Giovine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legendary “Deadpool” co-creator Rob Liefeld, with the assistance of writers Chris Sims, and Chad Bowers, deliver the character’s first original graphic novel, in canon with the regular continuation, and with the illustrations of Liefeld himself. “Bad Blood” explains the background of one of “Deadpool’s” recurrent foes, who happens to be one of Wade’s childhood friends, and who’s also related to the “Department H”, the responsible of turning Wade Wilson in another “Weapon X” attempt. First thinking the villain is after him, Deadpool is aided by his longtime partner, “Domino”, and recruited by “Department H” head figure, Garrison Kane, who is the newest incarnation of the “Weapon X” program, and who’s hunting down Thumper, thinking “Deadpool” is the key to catch him once and for all. Going back all the way as to connect this with the classic “X-Force” series in the 90s, back when Liefeld was in charge of the whole title, this one brings back the old-fashioned feel related to these characters; “Deadpool” doesn’t feel a 100% a jokester, in fact, his personification and dialogues felt more in line with his first incursions in comics, back in the original series from 1992, 1993 and 1994. There’s an evident balance between his constant abuse of humor, and his role as a killer, and someone connected emotionally to somebody else. In this case, his childhood friend, Miles Ellison. Not only that, but Liefeld manages to bring the classic line-up of “X-Force”, lead by “Cable”, and with “Domino”, “Shatterstar”, and “Warpath”, all with the same style from the 90s, but with a little modernized update to not fall into the exaggerated stylization from back in the day.
In fact, the biggest highlight of this title has to be Liefeld’s art. The script truly feels like something he’d work in, but the artwork complements the retro sensation while reading this, and not to diminish the artist, but his style nowadays feels like what he might’ve wished in his early years; the proportions are improved, and even the pencil work feels different, quite refined and thicker in the strokes, which makes the overall artwork rather appealing to look at. Regarding the way he places his panels, if you ever read a title illustrated by him, you might find out quite the similarities between that and this one; he does uses a combination of splash-pages, and full-body figures to encompass the entire page, with a little bit of an abuse in the amount of white backgrounds, but overall, this is a completely different visual experience than the one from his 90s works.
The plot, as I said, has “Deadpool” clashing against an enemy that turns out relates to his past, and the actual antagonist of the story is Kane as the newest “Weapon X”. The script might not have been made by Liefeld, but sure enough, he came up with the main plot alright. It’s what I was referring to when I said this felt more in line with “Deadpool’s” earliest series. In words of the iconic Malcolm in the Middle: “I like that we never learn a lesson or anything, he just gets to pound on everyone”, and that’s exactly what this title is. As a graphic novel it doesn’t offer much, and as “Deadpool’s” first installment in that format, there’s really not much to add aside from the retroactive continuity with classic “X-Force”, and “Deadpool” series, but part of the fun is that the title is just an action packed, well-drawn, and quick enough read. Liefeld’s art is a standout- never thought I’d say that-, and the throwback to the 90s era in flashbacks, as well as in tone, makes this a highly enjoyable addition for the “Deadpool” collection. The lesser phony and childish take, the more action-oriented, and aggressive looking version of the character is what I tend to like the most, which happens to be the stuff that came before the 2010s for some reason.
I’m glad Liefeld returned to draw, and provide the concept for this plot, and as far as I know, there’s a sequel to this graphic novel titled “Badder Blood” that apparently adds “Wolverine” and “Cable” as guest characters so, yeah, I’m actually eager to check that one out, since the first installment was a moderated surprise regarding the “Deadpool” library.

[Ashe Catlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last thing I read by Rob Liefeld was complete garbage and if this wasn't Deadpool I probably wouldn't give a damn either but the art in this is gorgeous.

The story yeah not so much, it's a mess and that's putting it nicely. Deadpool has been hunted for years by this guy call Thumper, who's been trying to kill him. We get an X-Force flashback and then Canadian Weapon program, none of it builds off each other or adds to the narrative. We also get a childhood friend of Wade out of nowhere and then it ends. This is honestly the best summary you're going to get because it's so incoherent and cobbled together without basic story plot points.

Domino even changes clothes mid page, which is something I would hold Rob accountable for cause he's a great artist and should have caught on. I don't hate this story I was able to read it in one go and I'm glad he gets who Deadpool is, he's not this kid friend character Marvel has been pushing the last few years. He's a merc and a killer, Rob gets that.

I would say this is a 2 star book but I loved the art so much I'm bumming it up one.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the more well-written Deadpool titles i've come across lately. While Deadpool remains the fast-talking character I expect to see, this story takes a more serious direction that actually manages to work quite well. The art is effective, the plot is tightly constructed and fully developed, and the story is entertaining.

Facing off against a mysterious enemy, Deadpool finds himself facing old friends and foes while confronting parts of his past from well before he ever became Deadpool. The legacy of the Weapon X program is a horrific one, and Liefeld strikes an effective balance here between Deadpool's character and the story being told.

I wouldn't want all Deadpool comics to have this sort of tone, but "Bad Blood" is a strong showing and an (unsurprisingly) effective portrayal of the character.

[Beelzefuzz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Art - 2 stars/5
Story - 1.5 stars/5
Nostalgia factor - 7 stars/5

This is godawful, but I loved every minute of it. If you were never a fan of Liefeld's X-Force in the '90's then this may not be your thing. It is clear Liefeld never read any Deadpool comics once X-Force ended. What is not clear is why it took three people to write this when there are maybe 3 pages of story in total here.
Liefeld's art is as bad as ever. Many of the poses seem directly copied from classic X-Force books. Check out the last page for a classic example of Liefeld's eschewing of human-type proportions and even of continuity in proportions as Deadpool's back becomes broader than the side of a barn.

I loved it, but I do recognize that this is not good.

[Lainy122 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite what people may think, Deadpool is actually a quite difficult character to pin down. He has to be an anti-hero who does the right thing (sometimes for the right reasons, but not always and certainly not often).

He has to be unkillable but not unstoppable, relentless but certainly not infallible.

He needs to be incredibly smart, but his brain is so messed up that he also needs to be incredibly stupid - a perfect representation of an idiot savant.

And most importantly, he needs to be funny without becoming a joke.

This story at least avoided that last one - although they did it by including very little humour at all. This was an alright comic book story, it just wasn't a Deadpool story. Big old meh from me.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

BAD BLOOD is a more serious take on the Deadpool character. While I definitely fall into the camp (if there is one out there in fandom) of wanting off the wall comedy in my DEADPOOL comics, then BAD BLOOD is a decent exception. He does make some jokes, but this definitely fall under the category of wisecracks as opposed to the more traditional Deadpool style humor.

The story beats found here aren't terribly original, but they are handled well and work to develop the title character. At the end of this I felt is a wise move to downplay the comedy this time around. It allows the writers and artists to remind the reader that, yes, Deadpool is the "Merc with a mouth" but that he is also a very, very dangerous man.

[Jed Kudrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadpool is officially my favorite Marvel superhero, but I've always had a tough time between him and Spider-Man being my favorite Marvel comic books. This one was amazing - it was funny, action-filled, but still had the emotionally connecting touches as well. I love that regardless of Deadpool having such a twisted moral alignment, he does what he thinks is best and if that means trying to save your childhood friend that you stood up for that could've otherwise been easily bullied, then by all means. I think my main problem is that Deadpool just works so much better in movies and TV shows, especially with Ryan Reynolds playing him. Overall, though, like I said - amazing and I loved it - makes me even more excited for when Deadpool 3 comes out.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Deadpool as a character. Unfortunately that means having to frequently put up with Rob Liefeld's art and writing, neither of which is ever really good. He can only draw characters in a handful of poses, feet are simply triangles, and his stories are formulaic at best. Thanks for Deadpool, Rob. Now leave him to more capable hands.

Edit: I just realized Rob didn't write this. Sims and Bowers did. Oh well. It still wasn't anything earth-shattering.

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rob Liefeld revisits his characters as Deadpool and Domino search for a weapon left behind by Tolliver. (Gold star if you know who that is.) Garrison Kane is involved somehow (thought he was dead). With a flashback showing the Liefeld era X-Force.

This was fine. I had a pretty good idea of what to expect going in. As much as people like to complain about Liefeld's art, I appreciate Marvel letting him come back and do stuff and get a paycheck.

[Edward Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty standard Deadpool tale,; nothing particularly great, and I've never been a huge fan of Liefeld's art work in any case. The story is too stand alone, and didn't have any of Deadpool's more recent characters in it, so it felt like it really belonged way back in the 90s when Deadpool first started out and before Joe Kelly made him good.

[Blake Standard · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Felt kind of restricted. Had this early 90's X-Force centric vibe to it that made me all nostalgic. Not as close to the border of insanity as Deadpool usually is. Although, Deadpool's comment about certain body parts being attached or not was a hilarious inside dig at Liefeld that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Garrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

What?!? I mean, inviting Liefeld back was always bound to be a mixed bag, but, what?!? I mean, other than old home week: Kane, Cable, Domino, Shatterstar, etc. what did this do/have? If you were nostalgic for old 1990s Deadpool stories, this one does have a core of semi-sweetness, and was mildly engaging.

[Connor McKenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a long time Deadpool fan, almost from his inception I really enjoyed this. Story had a couple of weak points but Deadpool's characterization was spot on and it was nice to see figures like Garrison Kane again. Liefeld's art seems better than usual here, its weak at points but never weak enough to drag down the experience.

Overall definitely above average Deadpool.

3.5/5

[Ian Morales · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was super excited to pick this one up as I love Deadpool. It was fun read, but a forgettable one. Unless this is a kickoff volume to a killer new series, I won't end up buying this for my collection.