Review: Spider-Man/Deadpool No. 42, a pest problem

Ever wondered what would it be like for Spider-Man and Deadpool to face off against hordes of giant insects? Neither did we, but let’s take a look at Spider-Man/Deadpool No. 42!

Just when you think things can’t get any weirder for the Web-Slinger and the Merc With a Mouth, the series always finds a way to prove you wrong. And that’s the case with Spider-Man/Deadpool No. 42, where our heroes must venture inside a cave filled with huge killer insects. The good thing about this, however, is that it manages to tackle a completely bizarre storyline on a great way most of the time. But as good as the execution is, this is the first time that I, as a fan of the series (and not even as a reviewer), feel there is no clear direction for where our heroes are going.

Ever since Robbie Thompson finished with the Master Matrix storyline, the series has had Spidey and Deadpool just reacting to what happens around them, and not doing  any sort of effort to tell a new (engaging) story. And while that problem wasn’t very noticeable in previous issues, it certainly starts to show in Spider-Man/Deadpool No. 42. Nonetheless, not everything is bad, and that’s why we’re here for! To tell all the things that the issue made right, and the ones it could improve upon.

The good

If you’ve been following previous reviews of the series, you know I’m a fan of the way it looks, and with good reason. Matt Horak nails every illustration with his incredible attention to detail and the overall tone of the drawings. Every expression a character makes is believable and, of course, the insects do look big, menacing and even somewhat disgusting (which is what he was going for). The coloring is also great, even if it’s not as consistent as the illustrations. However, the way the issue changes from a red color palette in some panels to a darker blue one feels natural and flawless. As a result, you have a comic book that looks good all the way through.

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The fourth-wall breaking is not as good in this issue as in other entries in the series, but it’s entertaining for most of the time.  It’s always funny to read everything Deadpool has to say about the strange situations he and Spider-Man find themselves in, and how the later reacts to his comments.

Finally, the issue brings an end to the “Road Trip” storyline and gives us a glimpse of where our heroes will be going next. And not only does it looks promising, but it makes you want to read right away what will happen after the events of issue No. 42.

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The bad

As I mentioned earlier, perhaps the biggest flaw about this issue is that it really shows that it needs a new direction. It feels like our heroes are just reacting to what happens around them, instead of following a proper narrative. And even when the whole purpose of the road trip was for them to strengthen they friendship, the series barely does any work to do so.

There is a section in this issue where Spidey and Deadpool have a little discussion, and even if it’s entertaining to see (the illustrations are just perfect there), the reason why they discuss just feels forced. It’s like Robbie just wanted to add some friction to the relationship so that our heroes could solve the problem and get closer in the process, but it doesn’t pay off the way it should’ve.

Not only that, but also some jokes and fourth-wall breaking feel a little bit forced, and they don’t really hit the mark. Don’t get me wrong, though, for the most part they do an incredible job at keeping the reading engaged and entertained, but there are some that could’ve been avoided. Also, Spider-Man does something here that doesn’t really feel very Spider-Man-ish. It won’t have any repercussion in the series at all (if you read the comic, you’ll know why), but it still feels out-of-place.

In conclusion, Spider-Man/Deadpool No. 42 is not as good as other entries in the series, but it makes a good job at entertaining the reader and at delivering good-looking illustrations. Although it also succeeds at proving the series needs a brand new direction and also new development for our heroes.

Are you excited about our heroes starting a new arc in the series with issue No. 43? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to stick around with Whatever A Spider Can for everything Spider-Man related.

Grade: B-