No one has really been able to make this book work for me besides Joe Kelly, but Gail Simone and Udon are coming the closest of anyone else so far. The book still seems like a bunch of gags in search of a plot, but at least the gags are funny, often laugh-out-loud funny, and the artwork is clear and attractive. Simone weaves together a story with a truly warped and funny take on the concept of buddy movies. The overall plot that is driving Simone's first arc is moving a little slowly, as each issue is chockful of throwaway gags and funny non sequiturs, but the general effect is that of a fun and lightweight read.
If nothing else, Simone deserves credit for her take on the Rhino. I had thought that "Flowers for Rhino" would be the most unusual and funny take we'd see on Rhino, but in this issue we see him turned into a keychain, used as a pair of nunchuks and sprayed with cheese, among other indignities. The interaction between Deadpool and Rhino, and the sheer lunacy of Rhino's plight, is what made the issue for me. Not so enjoyable for me is Ratbag, who continues to serve as little other than a non sequitur machine, and whose running at the mouth I don't actually find all that funny.
Back in Uncanny X-Men, it was revealed that Juggernaut was a huge Dazzler fan. That sort of behavior must be common against the big invulnerable types, as Rhino has a similar fannish affection for Dazzler. This makes for my other favorite gag in the issue, as the miniscule Rhino gets to meet and help protect the object of his affection. Simone avoids the easy route of making fun of Dazzler's costume and disco-themed background and goes for a more interesting take on the character. Which makes sense, as most of the fun to be had at Dazzler's expense comes from the artist.
Udon Studios is delivering an unusual and fun art performance on this title. I have to admit that I sometimes find their work a little stiff, or the "animated" style of the artwork a little too glossy for Deadpool's uncostumed appearance or the dirty Ratbag. However, in general I think they have a style that works well for both the action and the humor required in the scripts. Their take on mini Rhino is particularly amusing, and they perfectly captured the style of "Chick tracts" in the spoof about the evils of disco, a crucial part of that gag.
Funny as the book is, I do miss some of the darker aspects of the book that were a highlight of Kelly's run. Alongside the various gags, this book has generally had an aspect of self-examination and a dark streak with Deadpool's rather psychotic past, and that element seems to have been lost. Simone has started work on a plot with the assassin who is out to get Deadpool or the hints of something bad going on with Sandi, but at this point they are just that, hints of more to come.
