Marvel Comics

Deadpool #23 (2016)

Comic Books Library
by Comic Books Library August 06, 2025
Deadpool #23 (2016)


Deadpool #23 (2016) – Comic Review & Breakdown

🧬 Genre

Action | Superhero | Dark Comedy | Psychological Drama

🎭 Main Characters

  • Deadpool (Wade Wilson) – The Merc with a Mouth; a chaotic anti-hero known for his regenerative abilities and irreverent humor.

  • Madcap – A twisted villain with regenerative powers and a thirst for psychological warfare, making him one of Deadpool’s most personal enemies.

  • Preston – S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and Deadpool’s reluctant ally, trying to keep him grounded.

  • Shiklah – Deadpool’s wife and Queen of the Monster Metropolis.

  • Hydra Bob – Occasional comic relief and unwilling participant in Wade’s exploits.

✍️ Writer

Gerry Duggan
Duggan continues his long and acclaimed run on Deadpool, masterfully balancing emotional depth with absurdist comedy.

🎹 Artist

Matteo Lolli
Lolli brings crisp linework and dynamic expression, managing to juxtapose grotesque violence with animated humor—essential for a Deadpool tale.

🖋️ Editor

Jordan D. White
White’s editorial direction maintains continuity while allowing enough creative freedom for Duggan’s unique voice to flourish.

🏱 Publisher and Brand

Marvel Comics
Part of the All-New, All-Different Marvel initiative post-Secret Wars (2015).

📅 Release Year

2016

📖 Brief Plot Summary

Deadpool #23 dives deep into the unraveling psyche of Wade Wilson as Madcap’s revenge plot takes a sinister turn. Tired of being the punchline in someone else’s joke, Deadpool finally decides to flip the script. As Madcap torments him psychologically and emotionally, Wade chooses to settle the score—not with snark, but with cold, calculated retaliation. This isn’t just about fighting a villain—it’s personal, painful, and profound.

đŸ§© Notable Arcs or Storylines

This issue continues the overarching "Deadpool vs. Madcap" storyline, one of the most emotionally resonant arcs in Duggan’s run. Madcap, once merged with Deadpool during a healing experiment, seeks revenge for the torment he endured inside Wade’s fractured mind. Their split left Madcap resentful and psychologically broken—leading to a conflict that explores identity, trauma, and vengeance in a uniquely Deadpool way.

💭 Fan Theories or Interpretations

Some fans interpret Madcap as the darker reflection of Deadpool’s inner psyche, almost like a psychological echo. Their connection through shared healing factors and mental instability raises questions: Is Madcap simply what Deadpool could’ve become without his support system? Others believe the arc symbolizes Wade finally confronting his guilt and self-hatred after years of masking pain with jokes.

⭐ Review Summary

Deadpool #23 delivers on all fronts—đŸ’„ emotional intensity, 💣 explosive action, and 🎭 sharp wit. Duggan’s writing digs deeper than ever into Deadpool’s character, peeling back the slapstick to reveal raw humanity. Matteo Lolli’s art complements this perfectly, shifting from comedic beats to darker tones with visual precision. Madcap proves to be a hauntingly effective villain, not through brute strength, but with his cruel understanding of Wade’s vulnerabilities. This issue isn’t just another punchline—it’s a gut-punch of narrative depth.

đŸ§ đŸ’„ A must-read for Deadpool fans who crave more than just the laughs.


Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)

Deadpool #23 (2016)
Language : English