Deadpool is known for his connections to an array of morally ambiguous characters, and now he’s set to cross paths with a villain who might rival him in eccentricity. While they appear to be a perfect pairing, a looming question remains: will they manage to get along, or will they end up destroying each other first?
The upcoming Deadpool #13, crafted by the talented team of Cody Ziglar, Rogê Antônio, Guru-eFX, and Joe Sabino, teases Wade Wilson’s inaugural encounter with Solem, the adamantium-skinned adversary who embodies a similar penchant for chaos and brutality.
In a prior issue, Deadpool #3, we witnessed Solem bestowing one of the two Muramasa blades upon the villain known as Death Grip. This weapon stands as one of the few capable of bypassing Wade’s regenerative abilities, leading to a temporary death for Deadpool. Now, Wade is on a quest to confront Death Grip, a pursuit that requires him to seek out Solem. Their initial interactions suggest an explosive chemistry.
Deadpool’s Encounter with Solem: A Potentially Compelling Connection
Flirtation, Snark, and Violence: A Match Made in Chaos
Solem, introduced in Wolverine #6 by Benjamin Percy and Viktor Bogdanović, hails from Arakko, a realm of mutants that was hidden away until the pivotal X of Swords event. His debut in the massive contest against the X-Men showcased him as a formidable opponent to Wolverine, possessing a skin made of adamantium, a unique counterpart to Wolverine’s adamantium skeleton. As a prolific killer, Solem is notorious for his flirtatious demeanor, particularly with those he aims to eliminate; he represents a version of Deadpool stripped of self-loathing and pop culture references.
A key aspect of Solem’s character arc is his mysterious motivations. He undertook an audacious mission to recover the Muramasa Blades from Hell during the X of Swords, yet he whimsically presented one to Death Grip. This raises questions: Is Solem merely curious about the outcome, or does he intentionally seek to draw Deadpool closer into his life? One thing is certain: Solem relishes a worthy adversary, possibly even someone who could engage him romantically.
In terms of relationships, Deadpool’s identity is canonically omnisexual, but his portrayals of same-sex relationships have been notably sparse. Both Wade and Solem, as sharp-witted, queer antiheroes with a penchant for the outrageous, may find that they share more in common than mere bravado. Their experiences are laden with complexity: Solem endured a century-long incarceration at the hands of Arakko’s leaders. Yet Wade’s tendency towards self-loathing could turn a potential camaraderie into a fierce rivalry.
The Ideal Match for Solem: Wolverine vs. Deadpool
Solem: Wolverine’s Perfect Rival—Should Deadpool Enter the Fray?
The primary compelling argument against a romantic pairing between Deadpool and Solem lies in the potential relationship Solem could share with Wolverine. Benjamin Percy seemingly crafted Solem with the intent to enrich Logan’s dynamic with a rival steeped in homoerotic subtext. While Deadpool may offer a more chaotic counterpart, the allure of witnessing Logan, who embodies traditional masculinity, interact with someone who unabashedly flirts presents its own captivating narrative.
However, it is essential to recognize that Solem does not appear to seek exclusivity in relationships. Hence, much like the fandom itself, he may not need to choose between the different yet enticing experiences that both Wolverine and Deadpool offer.
Deadpool #13 is set to make its debut on April 2 from Marvel Comics.