There is perhaps no bigger odd couple match-up in comics than Cable and Deadpool. When attempts to revive flagging sales on both their solo titles failed, Marvel made the strange decision to pair the founder of X-Force with the Merc with a Mouth in a team-up book. Its the kind of idea that had absolutely no right to work, and yet it worked beautifully. The book was more focused on Nathans work to make the world a better place, while through a twist of fate, Wade was stuck with him. Cables stoic nature as a soldier and his sometimes overpowered persona could be a bit much for readers, as could Deadpools irreverent humor and tendency to break the fourth wall. But when paired together, they provided each other with a balance that no one really knew was missing. Suddenly, Nathan was the straight man to Wades jokes, while Nathans mission helped Wade stay on the path of a hero hed often tried to walk but inevitable ended up straying from. Both characters were arguably at their best during this series, which featured some wonderful writing work from Fabian Nicieza, the writer who had a hand in establishing these characters in the first place (Rob Liefeld created both, but Niciezas work at developing them should not be discounted). Since the series was cancelled, we have gotten very little of Cable and Deadpools interaction. At the moment, Cable is working with a new X-Force team, while Deadpool is off in his own solo series. And both characters are the worse for it.
Percival Constantine is the author of several novels and short stories, including the Vanguard superhero series, and regularly writes and comments on movies, comics, and other pop culture. More information can be found at his website, PercivalConstantine.com
