Normally, one would think of the Punisher as being the Marvel character who’s racked up the most “#1’s” in their publishing history, but there are others who’ve been giving Frank Castle a run for his money in that regard in recent years – and Deadpool has to be one of them.
Now, it’s important we don’t refer to the upcoming Deadpool #1 as a strict reboot – because it isn’t. If it were, than that’d mean the House of Ideas would be scrapping all previous continuity relating to the Merc with a Mouth, which they most certainly are not. Instead, they’re simply rolling back D. Piddy’s solo title to “#1” yet again. Think of it as a soft reboot, perhaps.
As you’d expect, the new status quo also comes with a fresh creative team. This time, readers will be greeted by writer Kelly Thompson and artist Chris Bachalo. And if you require something to whet your appetite in the meantime, then you can feast your eyes upon the first piece of promo art below.
Right now, I’m sure a percentage of you are groaning upon reading the news saying yet another relaunch/soft reboot/whatever you want to call it is in the works, and that’s understandable. Both Marvel and DC have certainly fallen back on this practice many times over in recent years, but we all must understand why.
In short, comic books don’t rake in as much money as movies do, and it sure does seem like people are reading less and less literature overall these days. If slapping a “#1” on a cover helps boost sales and keeps these titles alive, then who are we to fault the publishers? Plus, it’s more inviting to new readers who may be intimidated by decades of established continuity.
Getting back to Wade Wilson himself, here’s the official solicit for the opening chapter to his new adventure:
Deadpool’s newest mercenary job has him going after the King of Monsters, who has claimed a new kingdom for his monstrous subjects…on Staten Island! But you know what they say, when you come at the king, you better not miss! The Merc with a Mouth finds himself neck deep in political intrigue, monster law, and a monster hunter out for blood! It’s like The Crown but with even more swords and monsters! Can Deadpool’s smooth charisma and deft diplomacy allow him to keep his head, or will he be royally screwed?
Deadpool #1 arrives in comic shops this November.