Most Deadpool stories fall into one of two categories. The first kind is jokes from toe to tip. The second wears its goof-meat on a skeleton of pathos. Night of the Living Deadpool—in which Wade Wilson wanders through a zombie apocalypse—belongs to the first group.
Much of Bunn’s story revolves around Deadpool’s responses to common zombie tropes. As it progresses, more interesting ideas come forward involving how the merc’s healing factor interacts with the zombie virus. The book ends on one that I’d like to see explored further—conveniently, there is a sequel that does just that. The biggest issue I had with Night of the Living Deadpool was that it lacks much of a supporting cast; that means there is a lot of Deadpool narrating and talking to himself, and it can be a bit much.
Rosanas’s art in Night of the Living Deadpool is a treat. Not only does it look great, but he plays with color in response to the zombie outbreak. For much of the book, Deadpool is the only figure in color, exploring a desolate, black and white world.
I can’t say that Night of the Living Deadpool is a must-read comic. If you’re in the mood for a goofy story that plays with zombies, you may have a good time reading it. Go in prepared for Wade to talk to himself constantly, and don’t expect an emotional core, and you’ll likely have fun.
Collected in
Night of the Living Deadpool (#1-4)
Deadpool Classic, Vol. 17 (Deadpool: Wade Wilson’s War #1-4, Deadpool Pulp #1-4, Night of the Living Deadpool #1-4, Return of the Living Deadpool #1-4)
Deadpool Minibus, Vol. 1 (Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #1-4, Deadpool Killustrated #1-4, Deadpool Kills Deadpool #1-4, Night of the Living Deadpool #1-4, Deadpool Vs. Carnage #1-4)
Credits
Writer: Cullen Bunn | Artist: Ramon Rosanas | Letterer: VC’s Joe Sabino | Covers: Jay Shaw | Editor: Jordan D. White