Deadpool #21 (2016) – A Twisted Revenge & Theatrical Chaos Collide
Genre
🧨 Action | Superhero | Comedy | Psychological Thriller | Parody
This issue blends fast-paced action with Deadpool’s signature fourth-wall-breaking humor and horror-tinged psychological tension. The Shakespearean parody adds a unique literary twist, delivering a dynamic mix of slapstick, drama, and introspection.
Main Characters
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Deadpool (Wade Wilson) – The unpredictable, regenerative mercenary with a mouth as lethal as his weapons.
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Madcap – A deranged villain and Deadpool’s dark mirror, capable of regeneration and psychological manipulation.
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Shakespool – A theatrical alternate persona of Deadpool, featured in a satirical Shakespeare-inspired tale.
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Supporting Ensemble – Includes various costumed characters and parodied versions of Shakespearean figures.
Writer
✍️ Gerry Duggan – Known for his long-standing run on Deadpool, Duggan masterfully balances chaotic humor with surprising emotional depth.
Artist
🎨 Matteo Lolli – Brings expressive, energetic visuals that enhance both the gruesome horror of Madcap and the absurdity of the Shakespearean segments.
Editor Details
🖋️ Jordan D. White (Editor) – Oversees the Deadpool line with a strong focus on continuity and tonal balance, allowing for wild creativity without losing narrative cohesion.
Publisher and Brand
🏢 Marvel Comics | Marvel NOW! (2016)
This issue falls under the Marvel NOW! initiative, aimed at refreshing the Marvel Universe with accessible storylines and modern storytelling.
Release Year
📅 2016
Brief Plot Summary
Deadpool #21 kicks off the unsettling new arc titled “It’s Not a Tumor”, spotlighting the grotesque and vengeful return of Madcap, one of Deadpool’s most disturbing foes. Their history, filled with betrayal and body horror, comes to a boiling point in this oversized issue. As Madcap’s presence becomes increasingly threatening, Deadpool must navigate psychological warfare and a haunting descent into madness.
The second part of the issue dives into a 60-page literary romp titled “The Mercenary of Venice,” where Deadpool becomes Shakespool. Written in Shakespearean verse by Ian Doescher, this parody hilariously reimagines the Merc with a Mouth in a 16th-century drama of love, murder, and monologue.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
📚 “It’s Not a Tumor” Arc – Marks the resurgence of Madcap, whose unique regeneration and mental instability make him a terrifying villain. This storyline delves deeper into the psychological layers of Deadpool’s character, pushing him to the edge.
🎭 “The Mercenary of Venice” – A one-of-a-kind Deadpool story blending Elizabethan theater with absurd comic book antics, highlighting his versatility beyond modern-day chaos.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
🧠 Many fans theorize that Madcap represents a fractured part of Deadpool’s psyche—some interpret their conflict as a metaphor for Wade's internal battle with trauma, identity, and madness.
🎭 In “Shakespool,” readers have speculated that the entire tale might be a hallucination or metaphorical journey, symbolizing Deadpool's struggle for artistic legitimacy in a world that only sees him as a joke.
Review Summary
⭐ 4.5/5 – A Genre-Bending Triumph
Deadpool #21 is a rollercoaster of narrative styles. The horror-driven return of Madcap is disturbing yet deeply compelling, offering high-stakes emotional conflict. Meanwhile, the Shakespearean parody is an unexpected delight—clever, verbose, and absurd in the best ways possible. Matteo Lolli’s art is dynamic, adapting seamlessly between gritty intensity and over-the-top theatricality. Gerry Duggan continues to showcase Deadpool as not just a punchline machine but a multifaceted antihero with surprising pathos. A must-read for fans who enjoy humor, horror, and high-concept storytelling. 💥🎨📖
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
