The penultimate issue of this wacky series set in the 80’s is out today and Deadpool is facing off against the man that buried the symbiote-wearing Spider-Man: Kraven the Hunter! Doesn’t look good for Deadpool, but is it good?
Deadpool: Back in Black #4 (Marvel Comics)
So what’s it about? Check out our preview ya galoots!
Why does this book matter?
Cullen Bunn wrote a pretty hilarious second issue, and Salva Espin captured the hilarious moments quite well. Add in the gore and graphic nature of Deadpool and you have a winning formula!
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Nice recap!
This issue starts to lay down the details that’ll be important when things wrap up next month and it does so in intriguing ways. Avoiding spoilers here, but let’s just say the symbiote is kinda angry at old web head. Among these story elements is Kraven the Hunter who really does think this is Spider-Man under the symbiote and not Wade. He proves to be an admirable foe, striking Deadpool down and filling him with poison (which ends up leading to a wonderfully drawn full page montage).
Much of the best humor comes from Bunn making fun of the most obviously over the top Kraven. Deadpool himself is kooky and silly as he should be and never breaks from his usual schtick. Fans of Venom should check in on this issue simply for the fun fact reveals that will dictate some character traits later on.
Espin keeps the action clear and easy to follow, with plenty of fun faces for Deadpool to emote via his symbiote mask. Kraven looks formidable in all his muscular, hairy glory and his expressions are top notch to sell a few humorous moments. I really dug the purple sky by colorist Ruth Redmond, and she does well to make Kraven pop in his scenes too.
It can’t be perfect can it?
This is punch-em-up comics from beginning to end with very little in the way of plot progression or character work. It’s clear Bunn is dropping details here and there to connect this to Marvel Universe mythos though it does make you wish there was more meat to the plot. This issue was far less humorous than issue #2 too, which reduces to another superhero fight comic and not much more.
“Rhino milk”
Is It Good?
If you dig Venom you need this comic in your life. If you dig Deadpool, and the idea of giving him even more powers, you shouldn’t miss it either. While entertaining, I did wish there was more to this issue, though it’s certainly worth it for most.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
