Comic Retrospective: ‘Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe’

Every now and then, we here at Comics Bulletin like to run back the clock and take a look at come excellent comics. Today, we’re looking at Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe by Cullen Bunn (Author), Dalibor Talajic (Illustrator). 

Back before Ryan Reynolds became the face of the MCU’s Merc with the Mouth, Deadpool (created by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld) had numerous incredible comic runs. Some particular standouts include Deadpool (1997–2002) and Cable & Deadpool (2004–2008). Then, in 2012 Cullen Bunn and Dalibor Talajic created a dark alternate universe version of the Marvel Universe, in which the titular character, now even more of a homicidal maniac, decides to take it upon himself to systematically slaughter every hero and villain on Earth.

The 4-issue series was the first part of a Killogy, which later included Deadpool: Killustrated and Deadpool Kills Deadpool. It also spawned some other projects, including Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe Again. But for now, we’re focusing on the original 4 issues.

The series begins with Wade Wilson being committed to Ravencroft Asylum by the X-Men. The idea is to have him cured of his madness, but the doctor — being Psycho-Man in disguise —  brainwashes Wilson. He opens Deadpool’s eyes to his fictional, and therefore futile, existence. As a result, Wilson embarks on a no-holds-barred rampage across the world, slaughtering everyone in his path.

This comic is wildly brutal; far more bloody than the Deadpool stories that came before it. Many of the heroes that Deadpool kills feel rushed, as a result of trying to fit in as many deaths as possible. For instance, Bruce Banner is killed by Deadpool, shortly after the Merc was healed after being ripped to shreds by Hulk. The Avengers hardly even put up a fight. Probably the most engaging scene of Deadpool killing a superhero was his murder of Spider-Man.

It also takes meta to another level entirely. The ending (spoiler), takes readers directly into the writer’s room, featuring fictionalised cameos from writer Cullen and artist Talajic. At the time, it was one of the most meta comics ever, and to be fair, it’s still up there today.

To say Deadpool Kills the Universe is a top tier graphic novel would be something of an overstatement. It’s not groundbreaking, nor is it anywhere near the finest arcs for the character. But it’s a chaotic, joyride of a blood-fest for people who like that sort of genre-bending thing. One of the most popular criticisms of the arc is that it focused on delivering shocks rather than story — and that just about sums things up.

You can find Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe here.