Review: Deadpool – The End #1

In the coming months Marvel Comics is planning on releasing a number of one-shots that, presumably, tackle the last adventures of any number of luminaries of the Marvel Universe.  Dr Strange, Captain America, Spider-Man and more all have one-shots scheduled.  However, when I saw that Deadpool was on the docket I knew that I had to see what end was predicted for the “merc with a mouth”.  I was not disappointed.

I hesitate to give too much detail in this review because I don’t want to spoil the reveals.  However, I do want to note that Joe Kelley (Uncanny X-Men, Action Comics) did a very good job tying up a number of long running Deadpool plot points.  In this book we finally get to see the final disposition of the relationship between Lady Death and Deadpool.  We also see the final fate of Deadpool’s daughter and the ultimate fate of Wade Wilson and the world itself.  Of course, it wouldn’t be a Deadpool book without a modicum of self-referential humor, fourth wall breaks and a plethora of possible endings.

The line work by Mike Hawthorne is solid but uneven at times.  There are many panels that are drawn to a very high standard.  However, there are the occasional panels or figures who appear unfinished or are not inked and shaded to the same standard as the rest of the book.  When held against some of the more detailed panels, of which there are quite a few, the disparity in details is starkly contrasted.  The color in the book is top of the line and illustrates the cosmic nature of much of the adventure and the utter insanity that ultimately follows Deadpool.

All in all this is a fun book and one that is executed to a very high standard with a few minor flaws.  I recommend it to all fans of Deadpool.

Writing – 5 of 5 Stars
Art – 4 of 5 Stars
Inking – 4 of 5 Stars
Color – 5 of 5 Stars

Overall – 4.5 of 5 Stars

Writer – Joe Kelley
Artist – Mike Hawthorne
Inker – Victor Olazaba
Color – Ruth Redmond
Letters – Joe Sabino