Deadpool # 1 2023 NM-

Deadpool #1 (2023), written by Alyssa Wong with art by Martin Coccolo, launched a new era for Wade Wilson focusing on body horror and a high-stakes mercenary audition. Though technically released in late 2022, it is often categorized as the 2023 volume because the bulk of its run and collections debuted that year. 

Plot Synopsis

• The Audition: Wade aims to make his reputation as a top-tier mercenary official by auditioning for an elite, mysterious guild of assassins known as The Atelier.
• The Mission: To earn his spot, Deadpool is given 48 hours to find and kill one of the most famous villains in the Marvel Universe: Doctor Octopus.
• The Twist: During his mission, Wade is kidnapped by a new villain named Harrower. She uses Deadpool's accelerated healing factor to turn his body into a "living petri dish" to grow a new hybrid symbiote embryo derived from Carnage.
• The Outcome: This leads to the "birth" of a giant, loyal symbiote dog that Wade names Princess, who becomes his sidekick throughout the series. 

Key Themes and Features

• Body Horror: The series is noted for its "gross-out" elements, focusing on the graphic nature of a symbiote growing inside and erupting from Deadpool's body.
• New Supporting Cast: Introduces Valentine Vuong, a non-binary character with the power to manipulate chemicals, who becomes a central love interest for Wade.
• Humor and Tone: The writing blends Alyssa Wong's snarky, Ryan Reynolds-inspired dialogue with high-octane action sequences.