Spider-Man/ Deadpool

Writer Joe Kelly Artist Ed McGuinness Publisher Marvel Format Ongoing

There’s no way that even SpiderMan can out-chatter the Merc With The Mouth. Instead, Spidey is forced to be the mature adult when Deadpool decides to start hanging out with him in order to learn how to be a better hero. Little does Spidey know that Deadpool’s been hired to assassinate Peter Parker – except no-one told him that Spidey and Parker are the same person. Shenanigans and penis jokes inevitably ensue.

The art by Ed McGuinness is dynamic and expressive – quite a feat considering both leads are wearing full-face masks – and writer Joe Kelly gets as close to the wire as Marvel will allow with the genitalia-obsessed Deadpool’s dialogue.

Deadpool here is also close to the film version of the character – weird as hell, but likeably earnest and devoted to those he loves.

The only downside to SpiderMan/Deadpool is that, inevitably, Spidey is cast as the killjoy and his usual wit and charm are lost. The fun of Spidey-Deadpool team-ups is always Spider-Man’s resistance to them, but that could be better balanced with his sense of humour.

Ra ting In most Marvel team-ups, Spidey is the chatty one, driving others to distraction. But not here.

This is perhaps a more intelligent and linear-minded Deadpool than we’re used to.