Review by Frank Plowright

As indicated by the cover designs, Alyssa Wong and Martin Coccolo’s two volumes of Deadpool are set during the X-Men’s Krakoa era, when Deadpool was a member of black-ops squad X-Force. That meant minimising his mercenary activities, but there’s still time to earn a few bucks on the side, and it’s solo Deadpool on offer here.

It’s rather a mixed batch, with a short story illustrated by Geoff Shaw opening the collection. Wong has Deadpool as a lifeguard watching over a selection of younger mutants on a Krakoa beach engaging in mock combat. There’s not enough plot or jokes to fill even the short page count showing why Deadpool’s heading back to solo work, and it’s an indication of what follows.

Coccolo is great throughout, serving up action, conversation and pratfalls with well judged mood and expression. It’s the Deadpool we want to see, twisted into daft poses. Wong, however, doesn’t make the most of the opportunity. The jokes are hit and miss, and an extended plot of infecting Deadpool with a Venom symbiote as he attempts to carry out a contract to murder Doctor Octopus is dragged on far too long. It’s further complicated by being a test as Deadpool wants to join the Atelier, a group of elite assassins. Why? It doesn’t make sense and isn’t explained. Too much time is spent on the not very interesting Harrower, a Poison Ivy substitute, and the Deadpool romance subplot is another damp squib. Wong just doesn’t maximise Deadpool’s potential.

There are a few twists, but as presented it takes so long for them to arrive, the effect is diminished, and one case appears as random as Valentine Vuong’s attraction to Deadpool. While serving no great purpose here, the Atelier are given a visual individuality by Coccolo, and the ending leads into Vol. 2 where a larger role is indicated.