Writer: Joe Kelly
Artist: Adam Kubert
Colorist: Frank Martin
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Cover Artists: Adam Kubert & Frank Martin; Lucas Werneck; Leinil Francis Yu & Romulo Fajardo Jr
Publisher: Marvel
Price: $4.99
Release Date: July 24, 2024
Delta supercharged Deadpool’s cancer and unplugged his humanity. Wolverine has a soft spot for people who let others brainwash and experiment on them. Delta wanted to see what Deadpool could become. But Wolverine keeps attacking upgraded Deadpool, or as Delta dubbed him, Wade Wilson the Third. Can Wolverine save WWIII from Delta’s influence? And why should he bother? Let’s extend our claws, leap into Deadpool & Wolverine WWIII #3, and find out!
Story
Wolverine is fighting for his life. But he's also fighting for his sanity. Only he's not fighting WWIII but the monster that killed him. Delta calls him Snowflake. It's a hulking, spiky beast that claims it's not afraid. But Wolverine knows that all sentient beings feel fear.
Deadpool's loss affects Wolverine deeply. Delta's teleporter Greta spat them into the wilderness. Wolverine cared for WWIII for seven weeks. Despite the men's healing factors, the cold and lack of sustenance wore on them. As cancer ravaged WWIII, Deadpool's personality returned. Wolverine sacrificed for his friend. Even if Deadpool got on his nerves, Wolverine didn't want him to die.
Deadpool looked up to Wolverine. He admired Wolverine for gaining the respect of the mutant community. But Wolverine disdained Deadpool and saw himself as a monster. So Wolverine allowed people to value him only for his abilities, such as the Vancouver police inspector who alerted him to Wither’s murder spree. She called Wolverine to exterminate Wither but didn’t want him to linger in her city. Deadpool admired Wolverine, but the man with the adamantium claws had feet of clay.
In Deadpool & Wolverine WWIII #3, Wolverine demonstrates his humanity. He's so enraged over Deadpool's death that he loses control. Anger overwhelms him, and he needs someone to calm him down. Then, Wolverine recognizes a voice. Can it be real? Joe Kelly's story attacks our perception of ourselves. He slashes away the façade and forces us to examine the person underneath. Delta promised to upgrade clients to achieve their ultimate potential. Like the Vancouver police inspector, Delta only values people for their skills. Joe Kelly reminds us that we are more than our appearance, finances, popularity, and careers. We should define ourselves not by productivity but by caring for others.
Art
When Adam Kubert delivers Delta's familiar sideways soliloquy, claws slash through narrative boxes. Deadpool takes the spotlight, enjoying a Loganesque happy meal as he toys with Wolverine action figures. Snowflake's four eyes glow, and energy burns in his mouth as he battles Wolverine. Delta shields his eyes with mirrored shades. Purple veins writhe across his face and bald head while green-haired Greta blows a pink bubble.
Frank Martin bathes pages in red as Wolverine loses control and rage consumes him. A familiar figure changes shape as backgrounds fade to white. Troopers parachute from a hoverjet and charge around a double-page spread while protagonists battle attackers wielding white and purple energy. A thrown goblet splashes green across a flatscreen as the billionaires comment on Delta's decision.
Joe Sabino casts Weapon X-worthy lowercase black letters into white and colored balloons and boxes. Sound effects enliven Greta’s teleportation and fight scenes. Yet the final explosions bring little comfort after Delta’s haunting declaration. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.
Final Thoughts
Wolverine and Deadpool’s healing factors deafen them to the physical signals that can spark mental and emotional rebirth. It takes an ordeal and remorse to help each reevaluate his self-image. Yet Deadpool & Wolverine WWIII #3 ends with the threat of more dehumanizing experiments and attacks on Human civilization.
Rating 9/10
To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.
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