On the train ride that has become Deadpool, it is typical for his rise and fall in entertainment value from month to month. This of course is because Marvel insists on playing up the clown angle while pushing aside the stone cold killer assassin persona. Too bad, because if they could find a balance, Deadpool could become an important part of the Marvel Universe instead of the sideshow they have turned him into for the sake of profit.
With this issue Deadpool enters the vampire foray found in the "Curse of the Mutants" story arc. At first glance, this would seem like a horrible idea. But like always, you can never predict which of Deadpool's books will turn out to be a quality read.
Long time Deadpool writer Daniel Way, was able to create an entertaining read using these two overexposed themes (Deadpool and vampires.) While still too heavy on the humour side in my opinion, the book did have me laughing, which is a rare talent that Way possesses.
Deadpool is hired by an older sect of vampires; who refuse to buy into Xarus' (son of Dracula's) coup, to protect them from a vampire clan known as the Claw Sect. Of course the fine line between hiring Deadpool the assassin and Deadpool the clown are obvious, as the vampires begin to reconsider their choice.
There is the usual inner dialogue, cluelessness and even the newer trend for Deadpool of involving an unwilling romance partner, but all in all there wasn't much new. So the book made for a fun read. Bang Dazo's art continues to impress me, but I'm still waiting for that big moment that changes Wade Wilson's lot in the Marvel U.
Some of the highlights in this issue include Deadpool's insistence on calling the vampires Draculas (I love when he picks up on a minor annoyance like this and doesn't let it go!) The vampires’ description of a coup to him was pretty funny as well.
So in closing, the Deadpool template remains the same. I guess it just depends on how you look at it. Is it, "If it's not broke, don't fix it!" or is it, "Don't be afraid to explore new ground."? Whichever camp you fall in to will dictate your opinion of this book.