I’ve never been a big Deadpool fan, except for Joe Kelly’s issue #11 where Deadpool goes back and time and takes over for Peter Parker in Amazing Spider-Man #47 (which was one of the single funniest superhero comic books stories since Dan Vado and Evan Dorkin’s O Squad). But when I heard that two of my favorite comic creators (David Lapham and Kyle Baker) would be teaming up for a Deadpool Max comic, I knew I needed to read this. Unfortunately I found out after 4 issues were already out, but I was able to track down previous issues and read them. So how is it?

The character Deadpool is characterized in one of Marvel’s favorite techniques, which means that his past is subject to change from writer to writer and even issue to issue. He is a cypher that can be molded into whatever shape is needed for a story. His powers are basically regeneration and extremely capable fighter with weapons or hand to hand. He is also somewhat schizophrenic and has often been played for laughs.

Lapham and Baker go all out with Deadpool and his handler, Agent Bob. Due to his issues, Deadpool is unpredictable and tends to disregard any and all plans that Agent Bob sets up. So most issues feature Bob trying to get Deadpool to do a job and setting up a perfect plan, which then gets foiled by Deadpool going insane. The comic (as evidenced by it’s MAX label) is frequently vulgar, violent, sexist and all around hilarious. Lapham’s writing and humor is in overdrive with Baker’s cartoony art style making a perfect match for the story and subject matter. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re looking for a demented superhero book by two top comics talents, then check out Deadpool Max.