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Deadpool Classic
Deadpool Classic, Vol. 2
Landau, Luckman, and Lake want Deadpool to rebuild himself as a hero - but he'll be lucky to pull himself together as he is His healing factor's down, and the only thing that'll juice it up is a dose of the Incredible Hulk's blood - administered by the Weapon X alumnus who helped make Deadpool what he is in the first place Not even mad science can mend a torn heart, though, as Deadpool's infatuation with X-Force's Siryn (later of X-Factor) is challenged by Typhoid - who turns heads as easily as she cracks skulls When she sets off on a grudge match against Daredevil, can Deadpool contain a killing machine even more off kilter than he is? Also featuring wily weapon-boy Weasel, hostage extraordinaire Blind Al, and the Taskmaster, later of Avengers: The Initiative Collects Deadpool #2-8 and #-1, and Daredevil/Deadpool Annual 1997.
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2009
107 people are currently reading
1110 people want to read
About the author
Joe Kelly
1,001 books205 followersLibrarian note:
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There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
February 13, 2014
Not much more I can add to what’s already been written in other reviews. Deadpool was never meant to be taken too seriously, especially considering he was rather blatantly “borrowed” from DC (Wade Wilson vs Slade Wilson). In a masterstroke, he was given a history with Weapon X and the rest wrote itself.
The only odd thing here is that this particular volume actually starts with issue #2 of the (classic) first Deadpool series. Reason being, issue #1 is collected in the previous book (Deadpool Classic, Vol. 1) along with some first appearance one-shots, cameos and a mini-series. The only reason this is a problem, is that now you actually have to read Volume 1 first, because who is going to start reading a series at issue #2?
Now that my single complaint is out of the way, all that’s left to say is that this is a pretty solid collection that includes a Daredevil crossover and a showdown between Deadpool and The Hulk. What’s more, the closing storyline with Typhoid Mary is morbidly fascinating, if a bit unsettling, and could only ever succeed in a Deadpool story. There’s also a creepy story unfolding around T-Ray, which I’m hoping will be explored in Deadpool Classic, Vol. 3.
Recommended.
The only odd thing here is that this particular volume actually starts with issue #2 of the (classic) first Deadpool series. Reason being, issue #1 is collected in the previous book (Deadpool Classic, Vol. 1) along with some first appearance one-shots, cameos and a mini-series. The only reason this is a problem, is that now you actually have to read Volume 1 first, because who is going to start reading a series at issue #2?
Now that my single complaint is out of the way, all that’s left to say is that this is a pretty solid collection that includes a Daredevil crossover and a showdown between Deadpool and The Hulk. What’s more, the closing storyline with Typhoid Mary is morbidly fascinating, if a bit unsettling, and could only ever succeed in a Deadpool story. There’s also a creepy story unfolding around T-Ray, which I’m hoping will be explored in Deadpool Classic, Vol. 3.
Recommended.
January 25, 2016
Deadpool, of all comic characters, is taken the LEAST seriously, so why would anyone want to analyze these books critically? Me. I keep asking myself. Why is Deadpool SO popular in this era in spite of Marvel's expectations that he would be a second rate character that NOBODY would take seriously? In an interview, Joe Kelly said they were constantly expecting the book to be canceled "every 5 seconds."
Maybe the lack of oversight helped. First of all, this is a redemption story with which modern readers are familiar. Deadpool was transformed into an insane, amoral assassin. In this story, he must find a cure for himself, but in order to do it, he has to work with the doctor that made him what he was. A love interest, Siryn, acts as his moral compass. Not only does Wade need to heal his body, he needs to heal his soul. Once his body is healed, can he let the doctor live? We're given Hellhouse, which used to be a Catholic orphanage that was shut down in disgrace, as a representation of Wade's soul. We're also given a fight with an also ailing Hulk, whom Deadpool flippantly dismisses as a "monster," when "True Believers" know the Hulk is probably less of a monster than Deadpool. In the end, Siryn manages to convince Wade not to kill the doctor. He's redeemed by her hope in him, by cheesy love.
That's where we pick up cheesy. The book is self-reflective. Deadpool and the other characters are aware that they are characters. They break the fourth wall and speak directly to the reader to explain who they are and what's happened in a previous episode "in character" at one point. Combined with Deadpool's "mouthy" jokes and numerous pop cultural references, the book becomes metafiction. Deadpool doubts he's a good guy. The writers go one step further and doubt that the reader is going to buy into all this at all. We're reading for entertainment, to distract ourselves from the seriousness of life. Underneath is a very dark DOUBT about heroism and the possibility of redemption. I think, culturally, we can relate to this. The world feels messed up. Can we fix it?
Maybe the lack of oversight helped. First of all, this is a redemption story with which modern readers are familiar. Deadpool was transformed into an insane, amoral assassin. In this story, he must find a cure for himself, but in order to do it, he has to work with the doctor that made him what he was. A love interest, Siryn, acts as his moral compass. Not only does Wade need to heal his body, he needs to heal his soul. Once his body is healed, can he let the doctor live? We're given Hellhouse, which used to be a Catholic orphanage that was shut down in disgrace, as a representation of Wade's soul. We're also given a fight with an also ailing Hulk, whom Deadpool flippantly dismisses as a "monster," when "True Believers" know the Hulk is probably less of a monster than Deadpool. In the end, Siryn manages to convince Wade not to kill the doctor. He's redeemed by her hope in him, by cheesy love.
That's where we pick up cheesy. The book is self-reflective. Deadpool and the other characters are aware that they are characters. They break the fourth wall and speak directly to the reader to explain who they are and what's happened in a previous episode "in character" at one point. Combined with Deadpool's "mouthy" jokes and numerous pop cultural references, the book becomes metafiction. Deadpool doubts he's a good guy. The writers go one step further and doubt that the reader is going to buy into all this at all. We're reading for entertainment, to distract ourselves from the seriousness of life. Underneath is a very dark DOUBT about heroism and the possibility of redemption. I think, culturally, we can relate to this. The world feels messed up. Can we fix it?
February 22, 2025
“This quasi-heroic stuff isn’t an exact science you know…”
Deadpool never spoke anything truer than this in one of the comics included in Deadpool Classic, vol. #2. He is an emotionally damaged mercenary who seems to often become confused about what part he wants to play. He releases evil mutants from cells because he’s been hired to do so only to spend the rest of the comic trying to save their souls and sometimes bystanders from the psycho-mutants’ murderous acts. Evil people seem to surprise him when they begin doing more evil he never sees coming. Deadpool also has some difficulty maintaining whatever virtue in himself he is trying to nurture. He loses his temper. Deadpool goes to his dark side when he loses his temper. Like another familiar mutant says, you won’t like him when Deadpool loses his temper…
I have copied the book blurb because it is accurate:
”Landau, Luckman, and Lake want Deadpool to rebuild himself as a hero - but he'll be lucky to pull himself together as his healing factor's down, and the only thing that'll juice it up is a dose of the Incredible Hulk's blood - administered by the Weapon X alumnus who helped make Deadpool what he is in the first place. Not even mad science can mend a torn heart, though, as Deadpool's infatuation with X-Force's Siryn (later of X-Factor) is challenged by Typhoid - who turns heads as easily as she cracks skulls When she sets off on a grudge match against Daredevil, can Deadpool contain a killing machine even more off kilter than he is? Also featuring wily weapon-boy Weasel, hostage extraordinaire Blind Al, and the Taskmaster, later of Avengers: The Initiative Collects Deadpool #2-8 and #-1, and Daredevil/Deadpool Annual 1997.”
The artwork is as gorgeous as the plots are quasi-dark. Being hopeful for Deadpool’s redemption is as futile as being one of his fictional friends. I fear we readers will never see him completely sane and succeeding entirely as a ‘good’ Avenger. Good enough, or good sometimes, is all that we can hope for him. But damn! The Motormouth definitely can quip! Not politically correct. Not ever.
Deadpool never spoke anything truer than this in one of the comics included in Deadpool Classic, vol. #2. He is an emotionally damaged mercenary who seems to often become confused about what part he wants to play. He releases evil mutants from cells because he’s been hired to do so only to spend the rest of the comic trying to save their souls and sometimes bystanders from the psycho-mutants’ murderous acts. Evil people seem to surprise him when they begin doing more evil he never sees coming. Deadpool also has some difficulty maintaining whatever virtue in himself he is trying to nurture. He loses his temper. Deadpool goes to his dark side when he loses his temper. Like another familiar mutant says, you won’t like him when Deadpool loses his temper…
I have copied the book blurb because it is accurate:
”Landau, Luckman, and Lake want Deadpool to rebuild himself as a hero - but he'll be lucky to pull himself together as his healing factor's down, and the only thing that'll juice it up is a dose of the Incredible Hulk's blood - administered by the Weapon X alumnus who helped make Deadpool what he is in the first place. Not even mad science can mend a torn heart, though, as Deadpool's infatuation with X-Force's Siryn (later of X-Factor) is challenged by Typhoid - who turns heads as easily as she cracks skulls When she sets off on a grudge match against Daredevil, can Deadpool contain a killing machine even more off kilter than he is? Also featuring wily weapon-boy Weasel, hostage extraordinaire Blind Al, and the Taskmaster, later of Avengers: The Initiative Collects Deadpool #2-8 and #-1, and Daredevil/Deadpool Annual 1997.”
The artwork is as gorgeous as the plots are quasi-dark. Being hopeful for Deadpool’s redemption is as futile as being one of his fictional friends. I fear we readers will never see him completely sane and succeeding entirely as a ‘good’ Avenger. Good enough, or good sometimes, is all that we can hope for him. But damn! The Motormouth definitely can quip! Not politically correct. Not ever.
December 6, 2011
Thankfully, this volume of Deadpool Classic concentrates solely on the Kelly run with the character. I'll be honest, I remember Deadpool being a lot funnier back in 1997. Then again, much of the humor is very dated, and much of it wasn't really meant to be funny in the first place. Deadpool was almost a gag book, but Kelly actually committed to fairly serious storylines and character development. Which is what makes Deadpool still a pretty interesting title to read, even ten years after most of the jokes stopped being funny. The art... Well, it's basic late 90s comic standard. It does nothing for me now, but pretty much every comic was being done in this style at the time (ok, maybe not quite as cartoony) so consider it a product of its time. The one exception is Deadpool -1. The big Marvel gimmick of 1997 was Flashback Month, when a decent number of titles would convert for one issue into backstory, with retro art. So we get a Deadpool before he was Deadpool story, minus the Deadpool since it concentrates on his hooker-with-a-heart-of-gold girlfriend. I could've done without that, to be honest.
July 29, 2013
Wow, that was sexist. All the female characters were either prostitutes or at one point pretended to be one, except for two - one a blind old woman and the other Siryn who was totally cool with Deadpool watching her sleep. Hm. And the was Typhoid Mary was spoken to and treated, especially at the mercenary club was kind of shocking. Guess no one thought women were reading comics in the 90s.
October 18, 2016
This was so much better than volume 1. I'm really loving the 1997 series. Great artwork, great writing, and of course, it brings the humor.
February 8, 2016
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 series, this is the one I’d recommend you start with.
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 series, this is the one I’d recommend you start with.
kit: Twitter | Tumblr
June 17, 2013
Really, a lot of fun. The stories showcase Deadpool's sense of humor quite well; definitely for people who don't take their comics too seriously. It's also clear that Kelly has long-term plans for the series, judging from his use of supporting cast and dropped hints. The art is a little too lazy for me--the colors pop, and the layouts are solid, but everything is a little too cartoon-y, and the blank backgrounds just make me think the artist couldn't keep up. But, anyway, it doesn't detract too much. Overall, it certainly makes me want to read the next volume.
October 13, 2016
El dibujo estilo asiático le da un toque... diferente. No me acostumbré, pero la entrada de ese Hulk más raro de lo normal, le hace ganar enteros.
October 5, 2015
Before I started reading Deadpool, a friend warned me that he didn't think the Merc with the Mouth was a great solo character. He said that Deadpool is better in small doses, like when he shows up as a cameo in someone else's issue or as part of a team. Naturally, I decided my friend was crazy, because just look at Deadpool's movie trailer.
As it turns out, I should have taken the warning a little more seriously.
When I first started reading Deadpool (in the last volume) I laughed a few times. And I did it again with one of the first issues in this volume. But then it just got to the point where it felt like the author was trying too hard. It was like Joe Kelly HAD to cram something humorous into every panel. This had the effect of taking the sting out of some of the jokes.
I like Deadpool a lot more during his (very rare) moments of vulnerability. That counter-balance makes the humorous moments so much better! Unfortunately, for every one serious page there are 20 silly ones. Pretty sure I'd prefer it the other way around.
My other, bigger complaint about Deadpool is the way he treats women. Yeah, I know, he treats everyone like crap, so it shouldn't be that big a deal. But when he calls Siryn, the object of his affection, things like "toots" and "broad," it just makes me wonder why the hell she's hanging out with him in the first place.
In the end, I found myself tiring of Deadpool a little bit . . . right up until I reached the issues with Typhoid Mary and Daredevil. Note to all comic authors: if you want me to like your book, end it on a Daredevil cameo. Odds are you'll get a favorable review.
Overall, Deadpool's not bad, and I'll certainly read some more of his collections. If nothing else, it's nice to familiarize myself with the characters before the movie comes out.
As it turns out, I should have taken the warning a little more seriously.
When I first started reading Deadpool (in the last volume) I laughed a few times. And I did it again with one of the first issues in this volume. But then it just got to the point where it felt like the author was trying too hard. It was like Joe Kelly HAD to cram something humorous into every panel. This had the effect of taking the sting out of some of the jokes.
I like Deadpool a lot more during his (very rare) moments of vulnerability. That counter-balance makes the humorous moments so much better! Unfortunately, for every one serious page there are 20 silly ones. Pretty sure I'd prefer it the other way around.
My other, bigger complaint about Deadpool is the way he treats women. Yeah, I know, he treats everyone like crap, so it shouldn't be that big a deal. But when he calls Siryn, the object of his affection, things like "toots" and "broad," it just makes me wonder why the hell she's hanging out with him in the first place.
In the end, I found myself tiring of Deadpool a little bit . . . right up until I reached the issues with Typhoid Mary and Daredevil. Note to all comic authors: if you want me to like your book, end it on a Daredevil cameo. Odds are you'll get a favorable review.
Overall, Deadpool's not bad, and I'll certainly read some more of his collections. If nothing else, it's nice to familiarize myself with the characters before the movie comes out.
July 24, 2023
#1 deadpool classic, vol. 1 ★★★☆☆
#2 deadpool classic, vol. 2★★☆☆☆
#3 deadpool classic, vol. 3 ★★★☆☆
#4 deadpool classic, vol. 4 ★★☆☆☆
#5 deadpool classic, vol. 5 ★★★☆☆
#6 deadpool classic, vol. 6 ★★☆☆☆
#7 deadpool classic, vol. 7 ★☆☆☆☆
#8 deadpool classic, vol. 8 ★★☆☆☆
#9 deadpool classic, vol. 9 ★★☆☆☆
#11 deadpool classic, vol. 11: deadpool: merc with a mouth ★★★☆☆
#12 deadpool classic, vol. 12: deadpool corps ★★★☆☆
#13 deadpool classic, vol. 13: deadpool team-up ★★★★☆
#14 deadpool classic, vol. 14: suicide kings ★★★☆☆
#15 deadpool classic, vol. 15: all the rest ★★★☆☆
#17 deadpool classic, vol. 17: headcanon ★★★☆☆
not into this one
cw: violence, fatphobia, ptsd, misogyny, ableism, transphobia,
#2 deadpool classic, vol. 2★★☆☆☆
#3 deadpool classic, vol. 3 ★★★☆☆
#4 deadpool classic, vol. 4 ★★☆☆☆
#5 deadpool classic, vol. 5 ★★★☆☆
#6 deadpool classic, vol. 6 ★★☆☆☆
#7 deadpool classic, vol. 7 ★☆☆☆☆
#8 deadpool classic, vol. 8 ★★☆☆☆
#9 deadpool classic, vol. 9 ★★☆☆☆
#11 deadpool classic, vol. 11: deadpool: merc with a mouth ★★★☆☆
#12 deadpool classic, vol. 12: deadpool corps ★★★☆☆
#13 deadpool classic, vol. 13: deadpool team-up ★★★★☆
#14 deadpool classic, vol. 14: suicide kings ★★★☆☆
#15 deadpool classic, vol. 15: all the rest ★★★☆☆
#17 deadpool classic, vol. 17: headcanon ★★★☆☆
not into this one
cw: violence, fatphobia, ptsd, misogyny, ableism, transphobia,
July 29, 2018
Volume 2 is a vast improvement to Volume 1. There's a much more developed character arch for Deadpool and the conflicts are much more developed and nuanced throughout. One of the nice things about starting early in Deadpool's canon is that there's so many references to pop culture in the 90's! As someone who grew up in the 90's it's nice to get some of the references.
In this volume we meet characters such as Vamp, Typhoid Mary, and Dare Devil. I knew some about Dare Devil, but for some reason it escaped me that he and Deadpool crossed paths. The connection between them is Typhoid Mary, who's a psychotic villain that Dare Devil is trying to bring down and Deadpool's trying to save. It creates a very interesting conflict.
Fans of Deadpool will know that he very much embraces the dark side of life. He's cynical to the max. He's convinced he's a monster and tends to ignore some of his better qualities. Early on in this collection, Siren tells Deadpool that there's more to him than his ability to kill. He doesn't believe it for himself, but he does at least take this idea and use it to reexamine his actions. When he juxtaposes himself to Mary, he realizes there may some truth to Siren's comment. For me, this showed just how important it is to have people in your life who see you for your best self, even if you can't see it yourself. Sometimes believing it because someone else believes it about you can be the first step to you finding the good in ourselves.
In this volume we meet characters such as Vamp, Typhoid Mary, and Dare Devil. I knew some about Dare Devil, but for some reason it escaped me that he and Deadpool crossed paths. The connection between them is Typhoid Mary, who's a psychotic villain that Dare Devil is trying to bring down and Deadpool's trying to save. It creates a very interesting conflict.
Fans of Deadpool will know that he very much embraces the dark side of life. He's cynical to the max. He's convinced he's a monster and tends to ignore some of his better qualities. Early on in this collection, Siren tells Deadpool that there's more to him than his ability to kill. He doesn't believe it for himself, but he does at least take this idea and use it to reexamine his actions. When he juxtaposes himself to Mary, he realizes there may some truth to Siren's comment. For me, this showed just how important it is to have people in your life who see you for your best self, even if you can't see it yourself. Sometimes believing it because someone else believes it about you can be the first step to you finding the good in ourselves.
November 27, 2011
Joe Kelly has a talent for humour - his run on JLA was very entertaining - and here his humour comes in handy in the weird-verse that is Deadpool. However, I find Kelly's humour a little more corny here than I remember. Which means either (a) Deadpool demands a huger calibre of insanity and sharp wit, (b) JLA is an easier target - all the bombast and seriousness of deadly earnest heroes, or (c) Kelly's talents improved between '97 and '03.
In fact, the ending to the first chapter is entirely cartoonish - as in, that's how a Bugs Bunny cartoon ends.
Thankfully that's not how the whole volume is. In fact, while the humour is usually there it's toned down and supplanted by a serious, dramatic tone that makes me glad I picked this up. To see DP rendered almost human by circumstances is a pleasure.
The action and twists are very fine, and Kelly's rendition of Daredevil is good enough to pass for a real gig. I'm impressed enough by where Kelly takes us (especially after the farcical start) that I'd actually recommend this book. A little pathos is an unexpected surprise, and as Declan says in his review, the quest for redemption adds welcome depth.
The art is very 90's - bold thick lines, exaggerated physiques, clear primary colours. Good but definitely a relic of the bygone era.
In fact, the ending to the first chapter is entirely cartoonish - as in, that's how a Bugs Bunny cartoon ends.
Thankfully that's not how the whole volume is. In fact, while the humour is usually there it's toned down and supplanted by a serious, dramatic tone that makes me glad I picked this up. To see DP rendered almost human by circumstances is a pleasure.
The action and twists are very fine, and Kelly's rendition of Daredevil is good enough to pass for a real gig. I'm impressed enough by where Kelly takes us (especially after the farcical start) that I'd actually recommend this book. A little pathos is an unexpected surprise, and as Declan says in his review, the quest for redemption adds welcome depth.
The art is very 90's - bold thick lines, exaggerated physiques, clear primary colours. Good but definitely a relic of the bygone era.
April 30, 2013
Containing Deadpool #2-8, Deadpool #-1 (a standalone flashback to his past), and Deadpool/Daredevil Annual 1997, this is a surprisingly united collection: at this point, Deadpool's story is a morality saga. On an issue by issue basis, this may be ponderous or simplistic or ignored--but as the issues stack up, the topic gains subtlety and becomes an increasingly effective motivation to plot and character which steers the series away from frivolous mutant-battles-of-the-month. Deadpool's running narrative often offers some counterbalancing levity, but it can also stand in violent contrast to his actions. The art is much sleeker and more unified than in Volume 1 (Deadpool #-1 is a distinct exception), but there were some printing flaws in the imprint I read. I don't want to oversell this volume: it's not stellar storytelling, but Joe Kelly is finding his stride and it reflects throughout these issues.
gave-up-on
December 9, 2015My Brief Bookshelf Overview: amusing, awkward-or-cheesy-writing, gave-up-before-finishing, hell-of-a-ride, playful, read, story-not-intriguing-enough
Additional Notes: This collection contains Deadpool issues #2-8, #-1, and Daredevil/Deadpool '97.
It certainly makes sense how Kelly's Deadpool would appeal to many people; he's a decent writer, and appears to have at least a serviceable sense of humor. Some of the parts I read in this volume were genuinely funny, but too many of the jokes were either ineffectual or made references that I just missed entirely. I'm convinced Kelly is a better writer than Daniel Way, but I preferred Way's Deadpool much more, maybe partly because it was a tad bit more serious (and/or violent?).
Additional Notes: This collection contains Deadpool issues #2-8, #-1, and Daredevil/Deadpool '97.
It certainly makes sense how Kelly's Deadpool would appeal to many people; he's a decent writer, and appears to have at least a serviceable sense of humor. Some of the parts I read in this volume were genuinely funny, but too many of the jokes were either ineffectual or made references that I just missed entirely. I'm convinced Kelly is a better writer than Daniel Way, but I preferred Way's Deadpool much more, maybe partly because it was a tad bit more serious (and/or violent?).
February 10, 2016
3.5 stars. I was into the story with Siryn. There was some good character development and morality issues. I felt I was left hanging a little with the Hulk part but I guess I'd have to go read his comics to find out what happens with him. The Typhoid Mary storyline was interesting and carries on with the idea of morality. The addition of Daredevil was also pretty great.
August 5, 2009
Yay for Joe Kelly. His first monthly work. Trying to make an anti-hero into a hero. Humorous while not completely ignoring the character work. If it wasn't Joe Kelly, I'd probably give it 2 stars. In other words, I am a terrible reviewer.
January 28, 2017
Enjoyable, but...
I expected more humor. I just didn't get that from this collection. Overall, a good collection. A lot of history and and introduction to some interesting characters/ back story.
I expected more humor. I just didn't get that from this collection. Overall, a good collection. A lot of history and and introduction to some interesting characters/ back story.
April 14, 2015
Art: awful. Story: mediocre. I won't be reading anymore "classic" Deadpool. The new series spoiled me...
July 2, 2018
Volume 2 is a vast improvement to Volume 1. There's a much more developed character arch for Deadpool and the conflicts are much more developed and nuanced throughout. One of the nice things about starting early in Deadpool's canon is that there's so many references to pop culture in the 90's! As someone who grew up in the 90's it's nice to get some of the references.
In this volume we meet characters such as Vamp, Typhoid Mary, and Dare Devil. I knew some about Dare Devil, but for some reason it escaped me that he and Deadpool crossed paths. The connection between them is Typhoid Mary, who's a psychotic villain that Dare Devil is trying to bring down and Deadpool's trying to save. It creates a very interesting conflict.
Fans of Deadpool will know that he very much embraces the dark side of life. He's cynical to the max. He's convinced he's a monster and tends to ignore some of his better qualities. Early on in this collection, Siren tells Deadpool that there's more to him than his ability to kill. He doesn't believe it for himself, but he does at least take this idea and use it to reexamine his actions. When he juxtaposes himself to Mary, he realizes there may some truth to Siren's comment. For me, this showed just how important it is to have people in your life who see you for your best self, even if you can't see it yourself. Sometimes believing it because someone else believes it about you can be the first step to you finding the good in ourselves.
In this volume we meet characters such as Vamp, Typhoid Mary, and Dare Devil. I knew some about Dare Devil, but for some reason it escaped me that he and Deadpool crossed paths. The connection between them is Typhoid Mary, who's a psychotic villain that Dare Devil is trying to bring down and Deadpool's trying to save. It creates a very interesting conflict.
Fans of Deadpool will know that he very much embraces the dark side of life. He's cynical to the max. He's convinced he's a monster and tends to ignore some of his better qualities. Early on in this collection, Siren tells Deadpool that there's more to him than his ability to kill. He doesn't believe it for himself, but he does at least take this idea and use it to reexamine his actions. When he juxtaposes himself to Mary, he realizes there may some truth to Siren's comment. For me, this showed just how important it is to have people in your life who see you for your best self, even if you can't see it yourself. Sometimes believing it because someone else believes it about you can be the first step to you finding the good in ourselves.
August 14, 2018
Highly entertaining for the most part. Had never heard of the villainess Typhoid Mary before and can't say her part in Deadpool's comics made me a fan. But to be completely transparent about that, it's mostly her name that bothers me; how are all these men falling over a woman who goes by TYPHOID Mary? Do they not know what typhoid is? Do they not know that the original Typhoid Mary was a carrier of that disease? I don't know. I just think there's a reason we don't name characters after diseases. Why not have a Malaria Melissa? A Smallpox Susan? A Bubonic Plagued Peggy? Yech.
Didn't intend to go on that mini rant but guess I'll leave it in...…..for the most part I really liked this one. The story arcs are improving, as is the action. Deadpool is increasingly funnier, and the supporting cast is getting better too. Love Blind Al and Weasel.
Didn't intend to go on that mini rant but guess I'll leave it in...…..for the most part I really liked this one. The story arcs are improving, as is the action. Deadpool is increasingly funnier, and the supporting cast is getting better too. Love Blind Al and Weasel.
June 24, 2019
Я думав, що після першого тому я не буду марнувати свій час на цю серію, адже якесь воно було не таке. Та пізніше, трапивши на відео в ютубі, де чувак пояснив, що пригоди з Дедпулом, таким яким ми його звикли бачити, не варто починати з Deadpool Classic, Vol. 1, а з цього тому, бо тут все складається повністю з рану Джо Келлі який прекрасно пише цього героя.
Ну і що ж, він був цілком правий, адже це був той крутий, веселий та моментами все-ж серйозний Дедпул. І це було те, що я хотів побачити, адже герой не відсилається постійно до чогось, чого ми не зрозуміємо і натомість є багато кумедних моментів, котрі однозначно заставлять посміхнутись і приємно провести час. Не шедевр, місцями історія занадто розтягнена, але вартує уваги.
Ну і що ж, він був цілком правий, адже це був той крутий, веселий та моментами все-ж серйозний Дедпул. І це було те, що я хотів побачити, адже герой не відсилається постійно до чогось, чого ми не зрозуміємо і натомість є багато кумедних моментів, котрі однозначно заставлять посміхнутись і приємно провести час. Не шедевр, місцями історія занадто розтягнена, але вартує уваги.
November 18, 2022
3.5
الرسم يقدر يكون أحسن - ما أهتم لو ذا فالتسعينات... شفت كومكس لباتمان تسون فالتسعينات ورسمهن يذوب قلبي - وجو يقدر يخفها شوي من ناحية النكت المسيئة لمجموعة مضطهدة وحدة على الأقل كل إشيو 🙄 الفاتفوبيا والنكت على ذوي الإعاقات والنساء ما تنتهي !!!! وأتفهم حقيقة إنه ويد شخص سيء قبل لا يصيرله إللي صارله وإنه ما شخص لطيف علشان أتوقع منه يفكر قبل لا يهين الخلق اللي حوله، بس هالنكت واضح مكتوبين علشان يخلونا نضحك.... وأنا ما ياس أضحك:/ (بعضهن ما يصدرن من ديدبول حتى) ويد يقدر يكون مهين وسيء وساخر لأقصى درجة بدون لا يكون ميسوجيني ومقرف كذيه......
اهمشي أظن جو بشكل عام يفهم ديديبول من نواحي أخرى - غير الهيومر مالته يعني 🙄 - وأحب بنائه لشخصيته جداً - خصيصاً فموضوع علاقته مع إنسانيته ورغباته الداخلية - وأحب كيف أسلوبه معاه هو show don't tell ؟؟؟ لايك ويد ما يتكلم وايد عن هالأشياء وغالب كلامه عبارة عن نكت غبية.... بس أنا أفهم كلشي يحس فيه !!!! متحمس للياي :]
الرسم يقدر يكون أحسن - ما أهتم لو ذا فالتسعينات... شفت كومكس لباتمان تسون فالتسعينات ورسمهن يذوب قلبي - وجو يقدر يخفها شوي من ناحية النكت المسيئة لمجموعة مضطهدة وحدة على الأقل كل إشيو 🙄 الفاتفوبيا والنكت على ذوي الإعاقات والنساء ما تنتهي !!!! وأتفهم حقيقة إنه ويد شخص سيء قبل لا يصيرله إللي صارله وإنه ما شخص لطيف علشان أتوقع منه يفكر قبل لا يهين الخلق اللي حوله، بس هالنكت واضح مكتوبين علشان يخلونا نضحك.... وأنا ما ياس أضحك:/ (بعضهن ما يصدرن من ديدبول حتى) ويد يقدر يكون مهين وسيء وساخر لأقصى درجة بدون لا يكون ميسوجيني ومقرف كذيه......
اهمشي أظن جو بشكل عام يفهم ديديبول من نواحي أخرى - غير الهيومر مالته يعني 🙄 - وأحب بنائه لشخصيته جداً - خصيصاً فموضوع علاقته مع إنسانيته ورغباته الداخلية - وأحب كيف أسلوبه معاه هو show don't tell ؟؟؟ لايك ويد ما يتكلم وايد عن هالأشياء وغالب كلامه عبارة عن نكت غبية.... بس أنا أفهم كلشي يحس فيه !!!! متحمس للياي :]
December 6, 2024
Joe Kelly's run on Deadpool was incredibly important, groundbreaking, and fun in the 1990s. It has, however, aged like fine milk. The jokes are flat. The misogyny, the brief racism, even the basic structures of humor have changed since this came out, and this is a snapshot of a time when humor was shitty. I don't blame Kelly for this, it was just the style of the era.
If I didn't know how much better this series gets (while also getting much worse at points), I'd leave it out of my X-Men Headcanon, but while not particularly funny anymore, the book is well-paced with its action and development and has some interesting Marvel continuity moments.
Is it worth reading? Not really. If you're doing a historical readthrough, it's fine, but it just isn't the rollicking good time it was in 1997.
If I didn't know how much better this series gets (while also getting much worse at points), I'd leave it out of my X-Men Headcanon, but while not particularly funny anymore, the book is well-paced with its action and development and has some interesting Marvel continuity moments.
Is it worth reading? Not really. If you're doing a historical readthrough, it's fine, but it just isn't the rollicking good time it was in 1997.
January 4, 2024
This is the third of fourth time I've read this now...
They were still fleshing out the character here. Two miniseries did some of the work, but HERE they got to do the heavy lifting. They already had him turn his back on being a hero. His meetings with Killebrew, T-Ray, Typhoid Mary, and Siryn show his battle with his past and seeing if he can get rise above.
The art is some of my favorites from the late 90's. I like that cartoon/anime style for him. This is years before his ultra violent period.
Bonus: Typhoid Mary before her marriage to the Kingpin..25 yrs later? Plus, her origin! Crazy.
Bonus Bonus: Explain Taskmaster's outfit colors? Ugh. Red and purple since when?
They were still fleshing out the character here. Two miniseries did some of the work, but HERE they got to do the heavy lifting. They already had him turn his back on being a hero. His meetings with Killebrew, T-Ray, Typhoid Mary, and Siryn show his battle with his past and seeing if he can get rise above.
The art is some of my favorites from the late 90's. I like that cartoon/anime style for him. This is years before his ultra violent period.
Bonus: Typhoid Mary before her marriage to the Kingpin..25 yrs later? Plus, her origin! Crazy.
Bonus Bonus: Explain Taskmaster's outfit colors? Ugh. Red and purple since when?
June 25, 2024
Classic 'Pool! Kelly and McGuinness (and co.) really define Deadpool here, his first ongoing book. He was on the rise, but this really gelled to the magical brew we know, way back in '97! The fun cartoony style, self-deprecating personality with heart, Blind Al, it's all here.
The story arcs with Siryn and Typhoid Mary were particularly excellent. This is missing issue 1 since they tucked that into the back of the previous collection, but all in all this is one of the best books to hop on board with ol' Wade.
The story arcs with Siryn and Typhoid Mary were particularly excellent. This is missing issue 1 since they tucked that into the back of the previous collection, but all in all this is one of the best books to hop on board with ol' Wade.
August 5, 2024
3.5/5 I haven’t read a Deadpool book that I actually liked (other than Mark Waid) and I just thought he was a character that I would hate due to obnoxious writing and any lack of stakes. Here though the original run that made him a B list star is the book to turn me around. Joe Kelly balances the goofy silliness with a tragic backstory that is slowly explored. Deadpool is a joke character but there’s a reason why which gives it reason. I’m gonna keep reading this series and so far I’m having fun which is something I never thought I would say while reading a Deadpool book.
October 9, 2021
Wow the sexism is real in this one... It started off so promising for me, I loved the art in this run and I was interested in learning more about Deadpool as a character. And let me tell you, I learned he's a sexist pig whose "humour" relies on putting down people (CW: sexism, ableism, fatphobia, general dickishness). I couldn't get passed the excessive sexualisation of every single female character (except the blind character...) and the constant chauvinist remarks. Not for me.
January 2, 2018
Definitely not getting the love for this. Art and story are mostly fine but there's nothing about it that stands out. would have been 3 stars but towards the end of the volume there's a long tedious Deadpool/Daredevil crossover and the writing devolves into tiresome quipping. here's to hoping volume 3 will be better.
October 31, 2020
Meh. Not a great read, this. Annoying much of the time. Fairly insulting bits of dialogue about all sorts of groups and issues - women, Eskimos, gender nonconforming, mental illness.
And what is up with the old woman he has imprisoned in his house? That's not just weird, it's, um, I don't even know.
And what is up with the old woman he has imprisoned in his house? That's not just weird, it's, um, I don't even know.
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