Deadpool: A mercenary with pleasure

Abstract

Comic books in their many genres are part of the pop culture, presenting narratives that reflect people’s yearnings, desires, beliefs and social imagery. They raise meaningful sociocultural issues using a fantastic, rich and complex universe, which allows us different interpretations and infinite approaches. Despite the fact that comic books are considered by many frivolous entertainment for children and teenagers, they represent an important object of study for understanding contemporary society. In this context, new characters emerge that do not fit heterosexual standards, bringing with them narratives that deal with this topic from different perspectives. This study aims at analyzing Marvel’s character Deadpool as being an omnisexual superhero, as stated by his creator, Gerry Duggan. Doubts about his sexuality may direct readers to a new superhero (or antihero) model that is no more based on a heterosexual ideal, but one derived from pulses desires. Even though prejudice and discrimination are frequent themes in Marvel’s comic books, the subject of heterosexuality being transgressed may be a marketing strategy to attract a larger consumer market.

Keywords: comic books, sexuality, Deadpool.