A review by adelaidemetzger_robotprophet
Deadpool Classic, Vol. 9 by Gail Simone, UDON Studios

5.0

I held off for the longest time to get into this volume and it was partly because I was uncertain of where Gail Simone would take the story. The trend in the previous Deadpool Classic stories was that every writer who wasn’t Joe Kelly seemed like they felt the need to draw their Deadpool to a conclusion, leaving it up in the air for a potential story the next writer could form. Gail Simone does that, but instead of leaving Deadpool hanging in the hands of someone else, she continues her Wilson-story by erasing his name and creating a completely new character--but with the same-ish personality. Enter Agent X. Enter a very confused Wade Wilson fan.

At the first sign of this happening, I paused, audibly saying things like, “I’m not liking where this is going,” and “I don’t think I like this.” But when I realized Agent X’s story continued with the same side characters from Simone’s Deadpool issues, I kept reading.

I’m so glad I did.

Simone does a great job with character chemistry and personality (this is her strongest trait in story-writing). I wasn’t only into this new Alex Hayden personality and his relationship to his new friends and enemies, I was now extremely interested in Task Master and his affectionate connection to Sandi. Who knew the toughy had a soft spot that was surprisingly attractive (can you tell I‘m a girl)? I hate to say it, but I like this new band of anti-heroes WAY more than when Weasel and T-Ray were around.

Simone’s comedy is great. I haven’t laughed at a Deadpool volume since four issues prior to this one and this finally broke my straight-lipped streak. The Agent X issues were especially funny. I’m really glad the series went in this direction, but you can definitely tell that with Agent X came change in the Deadpool goggles fans wear today. Things like the 2013 Deadpool game portrays Wade as a boob-loving, overly unbalanced mercenary with no care for anyone. It’s disappointing that fans who haven’t read Kelly’s original character are introduced to Wade Wilson through an overly exaggerated point of view with only one, 200mph speed and little-to-no plot development.

I’m not a purist. I enjoyed the 2011 series and I’m looking forward to the Marvel NOW series. But I really believe that Classic Deadpool has the best personality. I now have Gail Simone’s trust in the character and can’t wait for the next one.