Spider-Man/Deadpool #41
Matthew David Clarke
Recap
Spideypool’s road trip is in full web-sling (yeah, I know, but I write the recap first so give me a minute to get warmed up, ok?) as Spider-Man drives their new ride, upside-down on the underside of a bridge. They hit most of the major tourist traps, somehow managing to encounter villainy at every turn, before agreeing to find somewhere a bit quieter.
They stay on the campsite for five pages and discuss, well…
At the next stop they continue in the same vein before being rudely interrupted by giant bugs.
The bugs soon retreat and Spidey tags them with a Spidey-tracer (another perk of being a superhero, you get to name everything you own after yourself and no one questions it.) They follow the tracer above ground and find an even gianter giant bug. Fortunately Bug (from Micronauts and Guardians of the Galaxy - this isn’t going to get confusing at all…) has subdued the giant bugs. There’s a big hole in the road, they all agree to look into it (bud dum.) Their progress does not go unobserved… TO BE CONTINUED…
Review
There’s not much of a story to speak of in this issue and the funny thing (and I use the word funny deliberately) is that this is beneficial.
I actually disagree with the above panel. In the previous issue the plot seemed to get in the way of what this series is about, the two leads talking nonsense and cracking jokes.
The humour is character based, we’re treated to a discussion of our heroes’ differing monologue styles and some of the reasons behind them. It’s also nice to see Spidey making a few jokes as he’s frequently reduced to playing the straight-man in this series.
You’d think that the trade off would be that the art has to take a back seat at times (see what I did there?) but there are still some standout panels and Deadpool is wonderfully expressive despite the mask. The state shaped panels during the road trip montage are also a nice touch and there’s some clever fourth wall/panel breaking going on. The lettering during the bug hunt is perfect.
The issue is pretty light on ideas but really when put in context that’s a minor gripe because this series is back to doing what it’s supposed to be doing. It’s silly, it’s a bit lightweight, it’s a return to form.
Final Thoughts
One of the funniest books I’ve reviewed. It focuses on what it’s good at and doesn’t let a story get in the way of a good joke.
Spider-Man/Deadpool #41: On A Road To Nowhere
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 7/107/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 8.5/108.5/10
- Cover Art - 8/108/10