Back from the dead, so-to-speak, the Merc with a Mouth returns to the land of the ongoing series as he takes on his new role, King of the Monsters. Kelly Thompson and legendary artist Chris Bachalo take a trip to Staten Island as Wade Wilson takes on a job that may well be just outside of his pay grade. An entertaining introduction chapter, Bachalo sells the series on his own with his unique pencil work, oddly befitting for none other than Deadpool.

Opening the chapter is utter evisceration at the hands of the Monster King, Wade begrudgingly garners the aid of monster hunter, Elsa Bloodstone. As the two begin to find themselves over their heads, Wade comes up with an explosive idea to take down the king once and for all. Victorious once again, the two mercenaries go their separate ways, at least for now. The newly crowned King Deadpool finds his new role is not all it's chalked up to be. 

Bachalo's signature style brings each monster to life with their own distinct looks. Whether bored in his Manhattan apartment looking for someone to talk to or being utterly ripped in half by a horrific monster, Bachalo has the chops to deliver a real sight to behold no matter the material. Back by an army of inkers, the difference between each page goes completely unnoticed. While David Curiel, on the other hand, makes excellent use of simple tools to bring the series to the page in beautiful colorwork.

Kelly Thompson brings the fun and quips to the series without banging the readers over the head with forced chimichanga jokes only a pre-teen would enjoy. With this oversized issue to kick off the series once again, Thompson covers a far bit more ground, especially with a character as fast and loose as Wade Wilson. In what was an unexpected yet welcomed heartfelt surprise between Wade and Gwenpool, the female mercenary makes a meta-commentary about her fleeting existence, then leaves her dog with Wade since he "always has a reliable book" and will give him a better life.

A mixed bag filled with high octane action, comedy, heartwarming moments, sexual tension, and an unexpected murder this series is kicking off with an absolute bang! Thompson and Bachalo play off of each other exceptionally well and create the perfect jumping-on point for fans of the Merc with a Mouth.

Grade: A+