Typically, the Deadpool miniseries are decent, but almost all of them have one minor flaw: it takes a bit of time for the plot to get underway. This isn't necessarily an issue when you're reading a trade collection, but for the individual issues, it does make the story seem slow, initially. This is still true for this particular issue, but that doesn't make it bad. It just leaves you wanting more.
So far, the plot seems to be fairly simple: Deadpool is looking for some kind of alien menace and his newfound 'spirit animal,' Wolverine, is advising him on house decorating matters in a temporary facility. It's weird, but it's a Deadpool product, so I've learned to expect that.
Meanwhile, Howard is feeling depressed due to some recent calamities in the world and trying to snap himself out of it. He's trying to get away from all the chaos and find a quiet location. Just some peaceful contemplation and relaxation, basically.
Rocket Raccoon interrupts Howard's melancholy state, saying that something has been done to him. Before he can elaborate further, he goes feral and starts repeating 'space rabies.' They accidentally collide with Deadpool's potential new residence, and a mistake with the Merc With The Mouth's old teleporter mashes up Howard and Deadpool.
It almost strikes me that the concept could be a reflection of the manic-depressive state, or bipolar disorder. Deadpool would represent the manic side, full of excitement, recklessness, and most definitely a hallucination or two. The Wolverine 'spirit animal' definitely proves that. Howard would represent the other side of the coin, the depressive state. As noted earlier, he is definitely in the onset of a depression slump and taking steps to alleviate the affects. The literal combination of the two could be a depiction of it, but it's also possible that I am reading too much into it.
Despite the slow start, it is a good story. I appreciate the way that it sets up Deadpool and Howard's current emotional states. I'm not sure precisely what will happen with 'Deadpool The Duck' in the rest of the miniseries, but if I'm being perfectly honest, I wouldn't mind a whole series just of Deadpool as a duck going on various adventures. The art is also great, providing a clean, clear cut feel to the story.
Deadpool The Duck #1 is written by Stuart Moore and drawn and colored by Jacopo Camagni and Israel Silva. You can find it at your local comic book shop.
Zachary Krishef is an evil genius. Do not question his knowledge of Saturday Night Live trivia or Harry Potter books.
