If you are attempting to read Deadpool without knowing anything about this character, then you ain’t nothing but a jive turkey.  That’s right, you’re dippin’ and dappin’ and don’t know what’s happenin’.  So let me tell you the real deal.  Deadpool is a mercenary.  He is also a psychopath who talks to a voice in his head.  He will walk up to you, tell you who placed the hit and then shoot you in the face.  He’s witty, talks A LOT and annoys almost everyone, which pretty much sums up why he’s also called the Merc With a Mouth.

This issue is a blast from the past, the good ole days of the afro (my oldest brother still wears a ‘fro).  Deadpool reads a Heroes for Hire ad in the newspaper, and decides to apply for the job in person.  If you know Deadpool, then you know there was some ruckus when he arrived at the office.  Actually it began BEFORE his arrival.  He literally walks through the office door of Luke Cage, aka Power Man and Danny Rand, aka Iron Fist.  They quickly become irritated and annoyed by Deadpool’s presence but the three of them team up to take down The White Man.  Well, Power Man and Iron Fist were hired for the job.  Deadpool pretty much hired himself.

WARNING TO PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN:  Deadpool is mentally unstable, and he is extremely violent.  Please read with caution around your children.  If Deadpool is  involved, then so is violence.

I am still enjoying this Marvel NOW! title.  Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn are the creative writers of this funny, but violent series.  I LOVE this throwback issue, especially Deadpimp.  Deadpool is so hilarious.  There were a few times where I said, “Will you shut up?”  or “You talk extremely too much and too crazy!”  This well written script is funny and is filled with page turners.  If you weren’t born until after the 70’s then you won’t be able to appreciate this story to its’ fullest.

The creative art team consists of Scott Koblish (artist) and Val Staples (colors).  These two did an amazing job.  I love how the coloring of the page borders, especially the edges, replicate those of an aged comic.  I like the afros, bell-bottoms, costumes and Deadpimp and The White Man’s pimp suits.  And I love that pick in Deadpool’s hair on the cover!

I couldn’t help but reminiscence about the good ole days while reading this story.  I was a child but I remember it well.  My oldest sister had a white t-shirt that read, “Jive Turkey” on the front.  I remember using the phrase, “I’m hip” (my brothers and I still use it occasionally) and my sister and I won dance contests (remember the dance called the “bump”).  There were street parties, no disrespecting our parents or any other adults, and we played outside from sun up til sun down.

But enough of my shuckin and jivin.  I’m getting ready to play some old school music.  Parliament, Rose Royce, Ohio Players, KC and the Sunshine Band, and the Sugarhill Gang.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I recommend this Marvel NOW! title to mature readers only.

He’s a violent, anti-hero, witty, and mentally unstable mercenary. He’s Wade Wilson, aka DEADPOOL, the merc with a mouth. And he still has Agent Preston trapped in his head. Preston, for those who don’t know, was a S.H.E.I.L.D. agent that was killed by a dead George Washington in issue #6. Michael, the necromancer that raised the presidents from the dead, was able to transport Agent Preston’s mind into Deadpool’s head. They’re also still hanging with Benjamin Franklin’s ghost.

When Deadpool arrives at the location of Daniel Gump, the guy that’s next in line on the hit list from Vetis (a demon that Deadpool made a deal with to get Michael’s name off the list), Spider-Man surprisingly shows up to take down Gump as well. Deadpool would call this issue a team-up. Spider-Man? No way.

I LOVED this story. It’s Deadpool so you know that violence is a key factor. It is also hilarious. Deadpool annoyed the heck out of Spider-Man the entire time. They’re fighting Gump’s hired super villains, while at the same time Deadpool tries to talk to Spider-Man about joining the Avengers. He also flirts with Spider-Man. A LOT. He even calls him “sweetums.” A very irritated Spider-Man handled Deadpool quite well. I laughed so loud and hard. Twice. Because I read it twice in a row. And I’m going to keep reading this issue whenever I want a good laugh.

WARNING TO PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN: Deadpool is not suitable for young readers. It is violent and gory. Please exercise caution when reading around young children.

Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan are the writers of this funny but violent series, and I think it’s their best issue yet. Dialogue is funny as always. Character interactions are phenomenal. I really like the relationship between Deadpool and Agent Preston. A normal, down to earth woman is stuck in the head of an insane mercenary. The ghost of Benjamin Franklin is very funny. I like when he floated inside of the gentlemen’s club. Spider-Man is as arrogant as ever, and even Deadpool sensed something was different about him (remember he’s Otto Octavius). These creative geniuses have a way of combining violence, comedy and interpersonal relationships into one good story after another.

The art team includes Mike Hawthorne (artist) and Val Staples (colorist). They are excellent visual storytellers. Lifelike characters. Finely detailed with just the right amount of lighting, especially with the explosions and fight scenes. I like the panel where Spider-Man’s reflection is Otto Octavius. I also like how Deadpool’s reflection is Agent Preston. It brought tears to my eyes. The panel with Spider-Man crawling up the wall with Deadpool on his back (and the dialogue) is funny. The funniest are the panels with Deadpool flirting with Spider-Man and pink hearts are floating above Deadpool’s head.

I am still enjoying this Marvel NOW! title and definitely plan to continue reading the series.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I highly recommend this title for mature readers only.