This issue serves several different purposes, including wrapping up some of the things Simone introduced in her short Deadpool run, closing up a long-running (and long-troubled) series and seguing into Agent X. This is a tall order, and the story does feel a little compressed as a result. However, while the story could have used another issue or two to breathe, there's a lot to like here, and even more reason to expect Agent X to be something pretty good. Simone is blending humor and tragedy in a way not seen on this title since the early days, and Udon's artwork, while not always perfect, is great for the action sequences.
Over the last few issues, Simone has introduced some new supporting characters and subplots, some good, some not-so-much. Sandi, Wade's assistant, has been a very interesting character who I hope to see carry over into Agent X. Even if she doesn't, though, she provided one of the best sequences of this issue, when Deadpool tracks down her abusive boyfriend to deliver some payback. And the capper of that scene was darkly funny and very satisfying. Also, while I've never been a fan of random non sequitur spouting Ratbag, I was impressed that Simone tied the character into the final storyline. I'm still of the opinion that the story would have been much improved if Ratbag had been left out entirely, but his story arc comes to a better conclusion than I would have expected.
The big driving plot of Deadpool, however, has been the confrontation between Deadpool and his polar opposite, the suave and serious mercenary Black Swan. That also comes to a satisfying conclusion this issue, as Deadpool fights the villain not so much by over-powering him but by playing on his weaknesses, which happen to be pretty vulnerable to Deadpool's somewhat goofy strengths. I've seen plenty of duels between powerful equals, but the more interesting fights are generally the ones where the hero is the underdog, and Simone and Udon do a great job here of showing that the Black Swan was the heavy favorite going into this fight.
Speaking of Udon, I still have some problems with their work, in particular the less-than-ugly Deadpool and occasional storytelling glitches in the action. For the most part, though, their action storytelling is very solid, and the final fight between Deadpool and Black Swan is very well done. And while I could use a little more expression and detail in the characters, the basics of the storytelling are generally very strong. In addition, the color work and the resulting "animated" look continues to stand out as one of the more unique looks on the stands.
I'll be honest, I think that some of these stories, including the Black Swan's revenge, Sandi's boyfriend and even the story arc of Ratbag could have used some more issues to develop. Some of these endings, including why Ratbag's redemption is at all important to Deadpool or how quickly Jerry went from notiecably abusive to cartoonishly vicious, came a bit suddenly. However, the overall craft at work here is strong, the book remains very funny and Simone has shown that she understands that Deadpool isn't just a gag factory, that it works better with a storyline attached. I have high hopes for the clean start of Agent X under this creative team.
