Deadpool Vs Old Man Logan (2018)

Writer – Declan Shalvey 

Artist – Mike Henderson 

Deadpool vs Old Man Logan was another graphic novel that I picked up when I visited the CLP’s Beechview location awhile back. 

Old Man Logan is on the trail of a mutant named Maddie after Cerebro identifies her during a routine scan. Deadpool is after Logan for twenty-five bucks the Merc with a Mouth missed out on thanks to Logan. Deadpool chases after Logan, as Logan chases after Maddie. Both missions go south when Agent Hart and Genform Industries make contact and try to take Maddie for their own nefarious purposes. Both Wade and Logan will do whatever it takes to keep Maddie safe. They will both learn a valuable lesson in heroics thanks to this young girl. 

This is as close as we came to having a Deadpool vs Wolverine match-up or team-up for that matter. At the time, the real Wolverine died and Old Man Logan ended up on Earth 616 after the events of Secret Wars (2015). Reading the opening recap page, this was also the timeframe where Deadpool went back to his villainous ways for a brief period.

As I was finishing up the last two issues of this trade, I thought about the story and its good, not great. I enjoyed the conflict between Wade and Logan and how their opinions on Maddie flip about halfway through the story. Logan tries to be a white hat and bring her back to Xavier’s School for her own safety, until a secret revealed by Agent Hart causes Logan to change his tune and course of action. Deadpool wanted nothing to do with Logan’s mission until Logan asked him to help Maddie no matter what the cost. Wade is unwavering and won’t listen to what Logan has to say on the matter until he realizes he had been a fool all along after Maddie ultimately betrays him. 

Did you ever read a comic and wish the story was different? Maybe think to yourself, “I could have written something better?” That’s how I felt at the conclusion of this mini-series. There are so many directions to take these two characters and the storyline seems too simple, too paint by numbers. Shalvey should have swung for the fences on this one. He played it too safe this time around. 

I really loved Henderson’s art and my favorite sequence takes place in Issue Number Four – it’s a splash page of Logan doing what he does best – his claws extended, attacking Genform henchmen, in over their head, guns blazing. The best part of this scene is a lab technician thinking he’s helping save the day by stabbing Logan in the leg with a scalpel. The next page is a nine – panel layout of henchmen losing their heads (literally) as Logan stands triumphant, teeth bared in a snarl, tired from what just took place. Oh yeah, this trade has PARENTAL ADVISORY stamped on the back. Why is this warning never on the front of the cover? WHY?

I was hoping this would be a worthy recommendation to share with those wanting to read a comic to prep for Deadpool and Wolverine coming out later this Summer. I feel that this is one that can be passed on. It’s sad to say so but I have to be honest with my assessment and tell you it’s not really worth your time. It’s disappointing cause the first issue was a quick read and had me excited to see what would happen next. My excitement fizzled out pretty quickly, which almost never happens! Oh well, you read and you move onto the next trade in your pile. If you feel like checking this mini-series out, review be damned, Deadpool Vs Old Man Logan is available instantly on Hoopla if you’d like to read it. 

I’d like to see how this stacks up against Deadpool Wolverine WWIII #1, which I picked up on New Comic Book Day (Week of May 1, 2024). Keep your eyes peeled for my review of that comic very soon.