Catch a glimpse of Deadpool’s distant future.
With the previous volume of Deadpool, writers Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn often broke up longer story arcs with standalone issues that thrust Wade Wilson into bygone eras of the Marvel Universe. That’s more or less the thinking with Deadpool #6. This issue has the distinction of introducing a new version of Deadpool into the world of Marvel 2099. But whereas past interlude issues were mostly goofy little side-stories, this issue looks to have a far more profound and dramatic effect on the franchise.
This issue is immediately distinguished by the fact that it’s not all that funny. Sure, it’s satirical in its examination of late 21st Century life, culture and politics. It even boasts one amusing gag in the form of a team of Hydra Agent Bobs. This issue pays more than a little homage to The Dark Knight returns in its general presentation and its use of talking media heads. But in general, the tone is pretty grim, reflecting a general shift in Duggan’s run. The mystery of just who this new female Deadpool is, what their connection to Wade Wilson is and how certain dark events in the past paved the way for this unhappy future are very much at the center of the story. This makes for a bleak, tragic read that adds an extra sense of foreboding to the rest of the series. Are these events in Wade’s life inevitable, or merely one possible eventuality?
Scott Koblish’s art fits the gritty futuristic setting nicely. The outlandish costume designs are a fun throwback to early ’90s Marvel and the early days of the 2099 imprint. Again, Koblish’s methodical grid layouts call back to The Dark Knight Returns, but he uses them for more than just talking heads. This format really enhances the extended conversation between the new Deadpool and her prisoner, highlighting the big emotional beats and maintaining a strong sense of pacing throughout.
This issue winds up ending on a far more open-ended note than any interlude before. While this is a bit annoying considering it may be a while before this story is picked up again, it’s also a testament to Duggan and Koblish’s work that this seemingly innocuous tale can leave the reader craving more.
Once again, Gerry Duggan’s Deadpool run thrives by downplaying comedy in favor of drama. What seems at first like a goofy little side-story winds up being a sobering look at the future of Wade Wilson and his loved ones in the year 2099. Bring on more Deadpool 2099!
