If you’re like me, your first question when seeing this cover is how the hell Howard the Duck even got in a Deadpool costume. Follow ups include: Does he have a healing factor, can he hear voices in his head, and does he have an even better sense of humor? We find out in this issue, but is it good?
Deadpool the Duck #1 (Marvel Comics)
So what’s it about? Read the preview with pictures!
Why does this book matter?
Cash grab? Probably. Silly as hell, you betcha! Stuart Moore and Jacopo Camagni are splashing the two silliest characters in the Marvel universe together and doing so without making a single apology. Sounds like a good time to me.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Rocket’s inclusion makes sense.
Generally speaking this is a good time. Deadpool jokes abound as he talks to himself and even brings back an old toy that has mysteriously disappeared (probably because it’d make most stories fizzle in seconds). Said device connects him to Howard the Duck’s world in a plausible way and ends up playing a big part as far as answers to my questions in the intro go. Before we get there, Moore does a nice job establishing Deadpool’s state of mind, then cuts to Howard the Duck and his state of mind. Clearly, Deadpool is a bit more laissez-faire than Howard (who’s pretty damn serious) so the combination makes sense in some sense. The plot offers up a third character (who offers a few jokes due to his movie success) too, who appears to be the main villain of sorts.
The art in the book is detailed and clear. Camagni may not draw a lot of backgrounds, but generally these characters are talking out loud to nobody anyway (and usually to themselves). Deadpool looks a bit trim, but solid and Howard looks realistic (especially with his tail poking out of his pants). The colors by Israel Silva do a good job capturing the reds of Deadpool among the drab new living quarters he takes up in to start the issue. His eyes are ever expressive and you have to dig the voice in his head who gets a Star Wars ghost vibe that’s cute enough to give you chuckles just from the visuals.
It can’t be perfect can it?
I didn’t find this issue all that funny. The apparition Deadpool speaks to is certainly worth a few chuckles, but generally the jokes don’t come fast enough. The use of visual gags is rather light, which felt like a lost opportunity too.
Is It Good?
Silly and over the top, Deadpool the Duck combines two of the most over the top Marvel characters and hopes for the best. I’m holding out for more humor, but this issue does set things up quite well.
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!
