A Not So Solem(n) Encounter — Reviewing ‘Deadpool’ #13

Now that the (surely sales bumping) spider-web filled crossover is behind them, the Deadpools can get back to business. Right now their business is revenge … and, well, business isn’t the best. But, hey, at least they have a shiny new Godly related power sword to help with the cause.

It’s time to put that sword to use and dig up some clues as Cody Ziglar, Rogê Antônio, Guru-eFX, and Joe Sabino serve up the beginning of the end for this series. Granted we’re getting a three-issue  Wolverines- and Deadpools-filled spinoff mini-series. So the fun still has a bit longer to go.

Deadpool #13 is a bit of an intriguing experience.

While I wasn’t the biggest fan of Solem when the character debuted, I do enjoy that some Krakoan era things are still around. Creators like Ziglar are making it work and not letting it all fade into the sunset. That seems to be what Marvel wants on one hand, but can’t really seem to do in execution (that’s a whole other story).

Anyway, back to this issue.

It feels good to have Antônio back to help close things out. This allows that ‘full circle’ kind of appeal that tends to pop up in so many of our nerdy brains.

Visual energy is high with this particular style. It allows the facial expressions and body language unfettered space to fly and grow. This sells every single emotional beat to the audience without question, flirting with a style that dances between the lines of rough and smooth, as well as grounded and whimsical. Characters and spaces come with plenty of heft and genuine purposeful feeling on the page.

It just fits a character such as Deadpool like a glove.

Matching the art stride for stride is the colors. Guru-eFX drops in those heavier beats alongside the more vibrant lighter statements, employing a color palette which straddles the proverbial line just like an accomplished tightrope walker. This keeps things closer to a grittier street coloring level even as they dip into realms that are still fantastical.

As noted in the past two reviews, the crossover with Miles Morales worked well for this book. It wasn’t a deviation from the plotline (their struggles for work to stabilize their organization) nor a distraction. Elements from that story are ferried into this portion of the overall story. Ziglar has demonstrated such care with these characters and came in hard with a plan. As sad as I am to see this series end, the complete story arc we’re getting has been one of the best the character has ever had.

It’s wild that Deadpool is all over the place for Marvel, yet they won’t let any of his titles last longer than 10-15 issues anymore. I guess it could be the market, but I have a feeling it’s a choice. Marvel does love their shiny glowing temptation new number 1 issues.

Look at that, I feel into another tangent hole again. Picking up some bad habits from ole Wade, clearly.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This is my favorite type of Deadpool focus. Funny, irreverent, heart-felt, and forward-moving. These stories allow the character to be more than the obnoxious wall-breaking clown he so often becomes. He demonstrates that he’s more of the man who has clear damage but also uses the humor and other stuff as a mask over the mask.

Those voices are clear as Sabino really lets them sing, tapping into the right fonts and modifications as needed to shift meaning or impact. Each bit of dialogue dances through the pages like they’re picking up on Deadpool’s abilities. It’s never too heavy or too light, framing the rest of the artwork perfectly.

Deadpool #13 is now available from Marvel Comics.