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Preview art by
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By Jim Beard
With Deadpool, you can always expect the unexpected. Take the kickoff of his brand-new ongoing series, DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH, on sale July 1—sometimes words fail to convey the absolute insanity of the 'Pool's world, but writer Victor Gischler gives it a go.
"I would describe the plot this way: Deadpool is dropped down a deep, deep hole, and we get to watch all the bumps and scrapes as he tries to climb back out again," he says. "It would seem to be starting out as the usual kind of situation for Deadpool. He's being hired to do a job. He wants to get paid. That's Deadpool. But finding himself in the Savage Land face to face with his own Zombie self! Well, the head anyway."
That's right folks, the Marvel Universe's most talented and talkative mercenary teams up with his own head from an alternate universe and hilarity and hi-jinks ensue—
if they survive each other, that is.
"This relationship is still evolving," explains Gischler. "It's sort of like a Hope-Crosby road picture in a way. They're a team, sort of, but also antagonistic. Both are mad, but regular
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Preview art by
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Deadpool is actually trying to accomplish something whereas the Headpool loves being along for the ride."
Readers met the detached zombified head of Deadpool in the MARVEL ZOMBIES 3 limited series and it quickly became not only a fan favorite but a rising star in its own right. A story to encompass both downright delightful Deadpools became a necessity.
"The origin [of the project] is really great because it's actually kind of unclear in hindsight," Gischler notes. "I've written novels and screenplays in addition to comics, and I can tell you that the collaborative process is most important for me with comics. [Editor] Axel Alonso and I went back and forth again and again until we felt we had the right idea. I think it really took both of us to make it work.
"Mission Statement:
madness."
As his fervent followers know, Wade Wilson's adventures usually include a healthy dollop of both panic and panache as well as a liberal soaking of humor. It's a balance that
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Preview art by
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scribe Gischler not only embraced for DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH but also approached as a challenge.
"Some of the funniest things are also the darkest things," the writer says. "I suppose that shows you where my warped little brain is. Bad things are funny when they happen to other people. I think the key is knowing the Deadpool character. If you know Wade well enough, then the rest balances itself."
Interested Marvel fans may wonder if foreknowledge of MARVEL ZOMBIES will be key to enjoying DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH, but Gischler puts those folks at ease:
"It would be cool for readers to know all about the Zombie stories and the Zombie Universe, but it's not 100% necessary to read MERC WITH A MOUTH," he insists. "We catch you up pretty well. Zombie Headpool is hanging with us in this universe for a while and seems to have made the transition well. He's quite adaptable."
Both the story and the writer benefit from the inclusion of artist Bong Dazo, a talent who Gischler rates among the brightest of the rising stars.
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Preview art by
Bong Dazo |
"I think Bong's style perfectly reflects the blend of comedy and action," he states. "I was thrilled as hell when I saw those first pages Bong finished. I knew it was gonna be gangbusters!"
Deadpool and his new buddy come out swinging in DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH #1, available everywhere on July 1. For more Deadpool, check out Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited!
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