X-amining Deadpool #5

"The Doctor Is Skinned! (or: The End Of Our First Story Arc)"

May 1997

In a Nutshell

Deadpool's healing factor is restored, after which he must decide the fate of Doctor Killebrew.

Writer: Joe Kelly

Penciler: Ed McGuiness & Kevin Lau

Inkers: Nathan Massengill

Letters: Richard Starkings & Comicraft

Colors: Matthew Pain

Editor: Matt Idelson

Editor-in-Chief: Bob Harras

Separations: Digital Chameleon

Plot

In the wake of the gamma infusion, Doctor Killebrew declares that while Deadpool won't be quite as invincible as he was previously, he will make a full recovery. Happy to hear it, Deadpool plots his next move: killing Killebrew. Meanwhile, at the Hellhouse, Weasel is telling a story about Deadpool when T-Ray angrily enters, declaring his intent to kill Deadpool, whom he finds deeply annoying. His rant is interrupted when a new job comes over the wire; T-Ray is the only one of the mercs willing to take it. Back at Killebrew's house, Siryn appeals to Deadpool's better nature, and convinces him to let Killebrew live. Deadpool tells the doctor to seek out his other victims, and help them like he helped Deadpool. Back at the X-Mansion, Deadpool admits his feelings for Siryn. She tells him she's too busy leading X-Force, but believes he's on the right path, and they may have a future together. Elsewhere, T-Ray finishes his job, then sets his sights on Deadpool. 

Firsts and Other Notables

Deadpool's healing factor is restored in this issue, though Killebrew notes that it won't be as super-charged as it was previously (making it a more standard "he can fight and be okay, but not regrow limbs" kind of thing). While this seems like an effort to bring the character down to Earth, power-wise, I have no idea if it sticks in the short-term. In the long-term, of course, it doesn't. 

Artistic Achievements

Kevin Lau, who penciled X-Force #61-62, handles the T-Ray sequences in this issue. 

A text piece at the end of the issue explains the process involved in rendering the art in issues #4 and #5 directly from pencils to colors. A common practice nowadays, it was groundbreaking for the time.

A Work In Progress

T-Ray's back is shown to have a giant X tattoo on it, crossing out the names of the people he's killed. The name "Wilson" appears, but is not crossed off. 

Young Love

Deadpool and Siryn have a surprisingly straightforward conversation about their feelings, effectively agreeing to remain just friends but leaving things on good terms. 

Austin's Analysis
The crux of Deadpool #5 is something of a rarity for this madcap, violent, Looney Tunes-esque young series: a moral dilemma. It's not even something that plays out against the backdrop of an action sequence, or via metaphor. It's just Deadpool saying, "I'm going to kill Killebrew" and Siryn trying to convince him, just with words, that he's a better person than that. Unfortunately, while the relative zag is appreciated, it doesn't quite work. Certainly, plenty of drama and artistic verve can be generated simply from two characters talking. But the tonal whiplash relative to this series' usual energy is almost too much. And Ed McGuiness, despite clearly being a nascent superstar already in his young career, doesn't quite have the chops yet to liven up "two people having an honest conversation with deep, moral implications" (the later scene between Siryn and Deadpool on the X-Mansion works much better, because McGuiness has a more lively setting to work with than "generic room"). The series could benefit from taking it down a notch — this is probably the least schtick-y issue with the fewest pop culture references yet, and it's the better for it — but this is perhaps too many notches, too soon. 

Next Issue

The unending stream of ancillary content continues with Juggernaut #1!

Like what you read? Then support us on Patreon & gain access to exclusive reviews of Classic X-Men, X-Men: The Animated Series and more!

Become a Patron!