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Deadpool: World's Greatest
Deadpool: World's Greatest, Vol. 7: Deadpool Does Shakespeare
All the world's a stage, and he's a major player! Forsooth, Deadpool will face a comedy of errors when he gets trapped in the works of William Shakespeare! Whether it turns out to be a midsummer night's dream, or much ado about nothing, it's sure to be Deadpool as you like it! Fingers crossed that all's well that ends well, so Wade can return to the tragedy that is his regular life in the Marvel Universe!
Collecting: Deadpool 26-27, material from 21
Collecting: Deadpool 26-27, material from 21
112 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2017
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271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 24, 2019
Marvel's really upping it's ante at price gouging fans of Deadpool. This collects only 3 stand alone issues, 26, 27 and 21. The first 2 issues are solid, the first being a Valentine's Day issue with Deadpool going on a date with Shiklah when Madcap gets involved. The second was a precurser to Secret Empire. The final issue is pure garbage. Deadpool is in a Shakespearian world for some reason. It was an absolute chore to even finish. Hey Marvel, how about waiting and actually giving us 6 issues of content before putting out a collection?
September 24, 2019
I have seen both Deadpool movies and had fun watching both of them. I do enjoy the device - breaking the 4th wall.
Our 1st chapter we see Captain America showing up and he has a hydra tattoo, what the heck is going on there? That made no sense to me. I don't like that idea.
The rest of the book was written by Ian Doescher who rewrote the Stars Wars Saga as a Shakespearian play. They are a whole lot of fun. Well, in this story, Ian basically takes the most famous lines, characters and stories, puts them in a blender and just mixes them all together with Deadpool in the middle. I do love Shakespeare so I found much enjoyment in this story. It was funny. It was so good that I want to read the rest of this series. I think it will be fun.
Our 1st chapter we see Captain America showing up and he has a hydra tattoo, what the heck is going on there? That made no sense to me. I don't like that idea.
The rest of the book was written by Ian Doescher who rewrote the Stars Wars Saga as a Shakespearian play. They are a whole lot of fun. Well, in this story, Ian basically takes the most famous lines, characters and stories, puts them in a blender and just mixes them all together with Deadpool in the middle. I do love Shakespeare so I found much enjoyment in this story. It was funny. It was so good that I want to read the rest of this series. I think it will be fun.
August 22, 2017
This one was OK; reasonably funny but with nothing really driving the story other than the gags. Here's hoping there's more actual plot in the next volume...
March 13, 2019
SUPER FAST REVIEW:
This contains 3 issues.
The first one is entertaining but nothing special.
The second one is great- a fun, fantastic team up between Deadpool and Captain America. Very humorous and actiony!
Then the third one (Shakespeare themed) is good because it’s funny and has good action but the ending’s confusing and I can’t stand the “thou, thee, dost, etc.” dialogue (I know it’s satiric but still annoying after a good 10 pages and at times is hard to understand).
So yeah, this is a fun book but one I would put in the good, not great category.
4/5
This contains 3 issues.
The first one is entertaining but nothing special.
The second one is great- a fun, fantastic team up between Deadpool and Captain America. Very humorous and actiony!
Then the third one (Shakespeare themed) is good because it’s funny and has good action but the ending’s confusing and I can’t stand the “thou, thee, dost, etc.” dialogue (I know it’s satiric but still annoying after a good 10 pages and at times is hard to understand).
So yeah, this is a fun book but one I would put in the good, not great category.
4/5
May 1, 2019
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
Three Deadpool issues wrapped in one hot chimichanga.
I expected most of the stories to be aligned with the titular one (as presented by the cover), but alas, I was left with an issue that was a continuation of a Madcap storyline (which I have not read), a somewhat boring time traveling story with a plot centering on murdering Hydra-Cap with guest appearance from Deadpool, and the highlight of the collection: Deadpool Does Shakespeare, which was an absolute classic.
If you enjoy Shakespeare and Deadpool then do not miss out on reading this issue!
It was cleverly and seamlessly done, and if you know your Shakespeare then the entire reading experience will turn into a fun, spot the play and lines game! I couldn't help but laugh at Deadpool's rendition of iambic pentameter and interpretation on Shakespearean plays. I loved it - had the entire comic collection been like this issue I would have definitely rated it higher.
Also, shoutout to my friend Petal @Floralbookay for getting me this copy from Shakespeare & Company. #youagoodbro.
Three Deadpool issues wrapped in one hot chimichanga.
I expected most of the stories to be aligned with the titular one (as presented by the cover), but alas, I was left with an issue that was a continuation of a Madcap storyline (which I have not read), a somewhat boring time traveling story with a plot centering on murdering Hydra-Cap with guest appearance from Deadpool, and the highlight of the collection: Deadpool Does Shakespeare, which was an absolute classic.
If you enjoy Shakespeare and Deadpool then do not miss out on reading this issue!
It was cleverly and seamlessly done, and if you know your Shakespeare then the entire reading experience will turn into a fun, spot the play and lines game! I couldn't help but laugh at Deadpool's rendition of iambic pentameter and interpretation on Shakespearean plays. I loved it - had the entire comic collection been like this issue I would have definitely rated it higher.
Also, shoutout to my friend Petal @Floralbookay for getting me this copy from Shakespeare & Company. #youagoodbro.
June 17, 2017
This was awesome! I wasn't the biggest fan of the 2nd story about Captain America because it seemed out of place, but the first one gave us a nicely set-up Shikla joke and then...Shakespeare. Deadpool in iambic pentameter is what my funny bone needed. Watching him set up a battle royale between the Bard's greatest characters was absolute genius.
May 28, 2017
Sometimes the trade editions of comics end up with a strange amalgamation of stories in a volume. This is one of those volumes.
The first story included here is a Valentine's Day story. Deadpool does on a date with his wife Shiklah (showing the relationship is very much still alive) but is called away when Madcap kills someone. I had much the same complaint here as I did with the main Madcap story in the last volume. Having a villain constantly doing bad things and getting away is really annoying and it's happened yet again here. At least Deadpool seemed more on top of things here which makes a nice change.
The next story is something of a teaser for Deadpool's role in the 'Secret Empire' event. Some time travellers come back in time to kill Cap, knowing he is now affiliated with Hydra. Deadpool and Phil Coulson help, though they are unaware of the Hydra link. There wasn't much content but it was a strong set up for Secret Empire and I'm intrigued how Deadpool will react when he finds out his good friend and mentor turns out to be leader of Hydra.
Finally there's the titular Shakespeare story. Deadpool finds himself in a weird amalgamation of Shakespeare plays, featuring elements of Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Hamlet, King Lear and minor elements of a few others. It's one of those properly silly Deadpool stories but is has a clever twist- the speech is done entirely in Shakespearean Iambic Pentameter. Deadpool's fourth wall breaks and pop culture references, here anachronisms, somehow work brilliantly in this form.
None of the stories here are essential and you could easily miss out this volume altogether. But the Shakespeare story is a lot of fun and the others set-up future series storylines.
The first story included here is a Valentine's Day story. Deadpool does on a date with his wife Shiklah (showing the relationship is very much still alive) but is called away when Madcap kills someone. I had much the same complaint here as I did with the main Madcap story in the last volume. Having a villain constantly doing bad things and getting away is really annoying and it's happened yet again here. At least Deadpool seemed more on top of things here which makes a nice change.
The next story is something of a teaser for Deadpool's role in the 'Secret Empire' event. Some time travellers come back in time to kill Cap, knowing he is now affiliated with Hydra. Deadpool and Phil Coulson help, though they are unaware of the Hydra link. There wasn't much content but it was a strong set up for Secret Empire and I'm intrigued how Deadpool will react when he finds out his good friend and mentor turns out to be leader of Hydra.
Finally there's the titular Shakespeare story. Deadpool finds himself in a weird amalgamation of Shakespeare plays, featuring elements of Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Hamlet, King Lear and minor elements of a few others. It's one of those properly silly Deadpool stories but is has a clever twist- the speech is done entirely in Shakespearean Iambic Pentameter. Deadpool's fourth wall breaks and pop culture references, here anachronisms, somehow work brilliantly in this form.
None of the stories here are essential and you could easily miss out this volume altogether. But the Shakespeare story is a lot of fun and the others set-up future series storylines.
January 24, 2018
This shorter Volume of Deadpool does not skimp on the hilarity, despite its length. 3 issues only here:
1) Battling against Madcap. Funny insanity vs. psychotic insanity, but who is who? LOL Also, as foreshadowing for the next Volume, we see a lot of hostility between 'Pool and Shiklah.
2) A pre-Secret Empire issue featuring Hydra-Cap. 3 men with powers, claiming to be from the future, are using their abilities until Cap arrives. Bringing Deadpool with him, Cap stops them, but only after manipulating 'Pool to murder for him. Wade ends the issue questioning if he murdered because he wanted to, or did Cap get him to? And what does that mean if he did? (see Secret Empire)
and 3) Deadpool in a Shakespearean mash-up, using (mostly) proper Shakespeare language and themes. I underestimated how hilarious this would be. SO funny....
Can't wait for the next Volume, though I wonder how it will unfold... Recommend.
1) Battling against Madcap. Funny insanity vs. psychotic insanity, but who is who? LOL Also, as foreshadowing for the next Volume, we see a lot of hostility between 'Pool and Shiklah.
2) A pre-Secret Empire issue featuring Hydra-Cap. 3 men with powers, claiming to be from the future, are using their abilities until Cap arrives. Bringing Deadpool with him, Cap stops them, but only after manipulating 'Pool to murder for him. Wade ends the issue questioning if he murdered because he wanted to, or did Cap get him to? And what does that mean if he did? (see Secret Empire)
and 3) Deadpool in a Shakespearean mash-up, using (mostly) proper Shakespeare language and themes. I underestimated how hilarious this would be. SO funny....
Can't wait for the next Volume, though I wonder how it will unfold... Recommend.
May 14, 2017
[Read as single issues]
I've had my rant about Deadpool trades before, I expect. Gimmick issues are stupid and ruin trade collecting, etc. etc.
Case in point, this volume collects issue 26 which is a Valentine's themed issue, and issue 27 which is a stealth-Secret Empire prelude issue. And then there's the Shakespeare story from issue 21.
All of these are silly, skippable, except maybe issue 27.
I don't even have the energy to review this properly. Can I have a proper story next time please?
I've had my rant about Deadpool trades before, I expect. Gimmick issues are stupid and ruin trade collecting, etc. etc.
Case in point, this volume collects issue 26 which is a Valentine's themed issue, and issue 27 which is a stealth-Secret Empire prelude issue. And then there's the Shakespeare story from issue 21.
All of these are silly, skippable, except maybe issue 27.
I don't even have the energy to review this properly. Can I have a proper story next time please?
September 10, 2017
Deadpool is possibly the weirdest hero Marvel has ever produced.
The first two stories that made up the collection were so-so, even if one of them did include Captain America.
But, the last story, the titular one, was a classic.
Absolutely hilarious. It was a case of spot the play and spot the lines. Seamlessly, beautifully done, and extremely funny.
Loved it.
The first two stories that made up the collection were so-so, even if one of them did include Captain America.
But, the last story, the titular one, was a classic.
Absolutely hilarious. It was a case of spot the play and spot the lines. Seamlessly, beautifully done, and extremely funny.
Loved it.
December 31, 2018
A pretty solid Deadpool graphic: the first story continued the Madcap arc and had a couple nice twists and turns in it. The stuff with Shiklah I could do without, just because I think that whole relationship is weird (I'm not a fan of stories that start diving into occult/supernatural elements), but I can put up with it for the other Deadpool stuff. The second story included Deadpool, but was really more of a tie-in to the Captain America/sleeper-Hydra-agent stuff. As someone who's not as much of an avid Marvel reader, it didn't really grab me. Interesting enough, but... meh. Marvel doing that weird sleeper-agent story line (and other similarly strange plot choices) is why I'm a bigger DC fan. (Not that DC hasn't had their fair share of weird story choices *cough*New 52*cough*, so... yeah, personal preference on which company's weird story stuff is less annoying.) The final comic, which is actually what the title advertises, was definitely the most fun. As someone who has read a lot of Shakespeare for classes (and for fun, because I'm apparently a glutton for punishment), there was as much smart humor as their was stupid humor. Deadpool talking in Shakespearean language with his Deadpool-ness was jarring in all the right ways, and it was impossible not to chuckle as he manipulated all of the different Shakespeare stories and poked fun at all of the different tropes. Clearly, this was written by someone who understands Shakespeare as much as comics. An English professor probably wouldn't enjoy it, but someone who had to sit through Shakespeare college classes... very enjoyable indeed. Worth a read, especially since it's a shorter graphic, but the highlight is definitely the last story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2018
Two of my favourite things, and I am so relived that I really enjoyed this. This is the Deadpool that I know and love, he's sarky, annoying, and completely inappropriate, which is exactly why I love the Merc with the mouth. Even though this is #7, I just jumped straight it, and it very usefully gives you a little recap, so I didn't; have any problems. It also alludes to that controversial Cap storyline, which I am very intrigued by, and want to check out. The Shakespeare was done perfectly, balancing the comedy, and absurdity, with a decent storyline. I want more!
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January 29, 2018
Not having read Deadpool before (but having seen the movie), I wasn't sure what to expect from this graphic novel. The issues that are contained in this volume were fun reads, though they were a bit disconnected, which may have been by design. For this reason, when taken as a totality, the graphic novel read unevenly, though the individual issues were quite enjoyable. As long as you keep the "it has multiple issues" aspect in mind, then I would certainly recommend this graphic novel.
July 12, 2018
Issues #26 and #27 were fine - I felt like they were average comic book fare. However, the featured story (Issue #21 - Much Ado About Deadpool) was great. Ian Doescher (author of the Shakespeare Star Wars series) wrote this particular issue. In MAAD, we see our beloved Merc with a Mouth speaking in iambic pentameter, killing off a few famous Shakespearean characters, and making nerdy smart remarks. As a Shakespeare and Deadpool fan, I could not be more pleased with this story. Five stars!
May 27, 2018
This review is solely of the Shakespeare section since I haven’t read the other books in this series to understand the other stories.
It doesn’t have the pizzazz of the Shakespeare Star Wars, but it is still rather funny. I like seeing the meeting of worlds of Shakespeare because it is quite entertaining. Keep up the good work Ian.
It doesn’t have the pizzazz of the Shakespeare Star Wars, but it is still rather funny. I like seeing the meeting of worlds of Shakespeare because it is quite entertaining. Keep up the good work Ian.
July 17, 2017
Somewhat of a letdown after the near excellence that was Vol. 6. There are only 2 main issues of the comic and then a "Deadpool in the world of Shakespeare" special which was OK, but wasn't nearly as clever or funny or essential as it seemed to want to be.
September 3, 2021
Frumpkin's sake, don't ever do a Deadpool/Shakespeare crossover again. It's obnoxious and unfunny and it harms my gentle Eng Lit sensibilities, wah wah.
But seriously, there's so much you could do here; just because the word 'pastiche' is thrown around doesn't make it so. Takes skill to do pastiche, do it right, do it well. This was pretty bad.
There was also a Valentine's day issue here, and I...remember a heart in a box, that was a hilarious lark! Seven out of five! But not really.
But seriously, there's so much you could do here; just because the word 'pastiche' is thrown around doesn't make it so. Takes skill to do pastiche, do it right, do it well. This was pretty bad.
There was also a Valentine's day issue here, and I...remember a heart in a box, that was a hilarious lark! Seven out of five! But not really.
September 8, 2022
Not used to reading comics but for Deadpool I did 😂😂😂
May 30, 2025
the 3rd issue saved this one frankly
September 20, 2019
I was in Stratford when I picked this up and I was not paying much attention -- I thought it would be just one Deadpool/Shakespeare thing, but it included two other issues. I don't read a lot of Deadpool so the first one, a bit of Deadpool vs Madcap, seemed fine but was largely lost on me. The second was a prelude to Secret Empire, which I really Do Not Like and wasn't interested in. And the Shakespeare one was pretty much what I expected: Deadpool is stuck in some kind of Shakespearean mashup because reasons. Shakespearean puns are made, lots of people are killed, something something Deadpool. 2.5 stars?
January 22, 2021
The period piece was f****** annoying
July 20, 2017
3.5ish? I don't know.
The first issue in this volume continues the central Deadpool storyline I wanted and is excellent. It holds to the feel and plot that is finally working in this run.
The second issue jumps to a completely different story and it's... fine? But the hyrda version of Captain America doesn't have much of anything to do with the Deadpool story I was hoping to read, so whatever. For what it is, it's well done.
Finally, Deadpool Does Shakespeare. Right up front they describe it as "Some hack writing as William Shakespeare" (or at least something along those lines). And they deliver what they promise. It's a manic mess of Shakespeare references and cameos, psudeo-Shakesperean writing, and Deadpool ridiculousness. It ultimately feels like the joke is the point - without much substance behind it - but it got some laughs from me, so I enjoyed it well enough.
All in all, this volume provides a brief return to the Deadpool story I wanted, alongside some needless but entertaining digressions. Not ideal, but not a waste of time either.
The first issue in this volume continues the central Deadpool storyline I wanted and is excellent. It holds to the feel and plot that is finally working in this run.
The second issue jumps to a completely different story and it's... fine? But the hyrda version of Captain America doesn't have much of anything to do with the Deadpool story I was hoping to read, so whatever. For what it is, it's well done.
Finally, Deadpool Does Shakespeare. Right up front they describe it as "Some hack writing as William Shakespeare" (or at least something along those lines). And they deliver what they promise. It's a manic mess of Shakespeare references and cameos, psudeo-Shakesperean writing, and Deadpool ridiculousness. It ultimately feels like the joke is the point - without much substance behind it - but it got some laughs from me, so I enjoyed it well enough.
All in all, this volume provides a brief return to the Deadpool story I wanted, alongside some needless but entertaining digressions. Not ideal, but not a waste of time either.
May 6, 2019
Only three stories in this collection, all wildly different. First, another Madcap story that again fails to properly conclude, but now with more Shiklah troubles for Wade; then, a Coulson and Hydra Cap story in which Coulson catches Hydra Cap planting evidence after he got Wade to kill somebody that serves as little more than a Secret Empire tie-in prologue; and finally, a very strange Shakespearean pastiche that isn’t even funny. C’mon, Deadpool team, less of this, please. And either finish the Madcap stuff posthaste, or stuff using him so often.
March 6, 2018
Hilarious! Deadpool has been fired from the Avengers and is about to get a talk from Captain America when a bunch of Captain America haters from the future have come to kill him. Deadpool helps Cap fight them.
Then suddenly Deadpool is in a different Shakespearean dimension where he's living out a bunch of Shakespeare plays. So fun!
Then suddenly Deadpool is in a different Shakespearean dimension where he's living out a bunch of Shakespeare plays. So fun!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2018
Although the main plot of "Worlds Greatest" doesn't move along much, I did enjoy it nonetheless because Deadpool :)
The main bulk of this volume is the "Shakespearean Deadpool" story, which i think people only get super into if they're Shakespear fans to begin with? It reminded me a lot of "Deadpool Killustrated".
The main bulk of this volume is the "Shakespearean Deadpool" story, which i think people only get super into if they're Shakespear fans to begin with? It reminded me a lot of "Deadpool Killustrated".
May 16, 2018
Fantastic read, filled with references to Shakespeare and Peter Parker, and a brief appearance from Coulson!
Sadly I got a bit lost towards the end, as I have no previous experience of the villain in question. And then it tied into the Hydra Cap story line, which I have absolutely no interest in whatsoever.
Overall though, great story line, great concept, great read!
Sadly I got a bit lost towards the end, as I have no previous experience of the villain in question. And then it tied into the Hydra Cap story line, which I have absolutely no interest in whatsoever.
Overall though, great story line, great concept, great read!
February 6, 2019
A fun comic that explores Shakespeare and Valentine's Day with Shiklah.
-Why should emotions receive their own festivals? Is there a holiday dedicated to the people you hate?
-It’s called Thanksgiving, Shiklah.
-Shiklah and Deadpool (Deadpool #26 “Heart-Shaped Box”)
https://nicolewbrown.blogspot.com/201...
-Why should emotions receive their own festivals? Is there a holiday dedicated to the people you hate?
-It’s called Thanksgiving, Shiklah.
-Shiklah and Deadpool (Deadpool #26 “Heart-Shaped Box”)
https://nicolewbrown.blogspot.com/201...
February 14, 2019
As my first foray into Deadpool, I picked a random trade paperback available at the library. It was entertaining. I definitely had no context for a lot of what was happening, but I was still entertained. Deadpool cracks me up. I'm curious about the Captain America story included here, though I'm unsure where I would find out what happens with that storyline.
August 15, 2019
Supongo que tiene que ver con la colección a la que pertenece. Pero los tres relatos se sintieron demasiado acelerados y con eventos que pasaban sólo porque sí.
Hay cierta genialidad en la unión de las obras de Shakespeare. Pero faltaron paginas para explorarla. Tal vez si no hubieran perdido el tiempo con la historia del corazon en la caja y el imperio secreto...
Hay cierta genialidad en la unión de las obras de Shakespeare. Pero faltaron paginas para explorarla. Tal vez si no hubieran perdido el tiempo con la historia del corazon en la caja y el imperio secreto...
June 22, 2017
I did enjoy the storyline that moves us forward to Secret Empire especially since Coulson/Deadpool work well together.
But I did not dig Deadpool Does Shakespeare which is unconnected to the rest of the volume.
But I did not dig Deadpool Does Shakespeare which is unconnected to the rest of the volume.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews