Deadpool Collections?

[fumanstan]

I don't really know much about the character, but I understand he's pretty funny and a fan favorite, and even though the character is neutered in the Wolverine movie it has me pretty interested. I read the wikipedia bio, and watching his role in the Hulk Vs. animated movie makes me think he would be a really fun read.

Are the compilations a good read and worth the time to get into the character? Or are his stories so scattered that they wouldn't be what I expect? And has he pretty much been the funny guy from the beginning, or does he start off more like a normal assassin and the witty comments don't come until later? That's the part that appeals most to me and has my interest.

http://www.amazon.com/Deadpool-Classic-TPB-New-Mutants/dp/0785131248/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239581385&sr=8-1

and

http://www.amazon.com/Deadpool-Classic-TPB-Joe-Kelly/dp/0785137319/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239581385&sr=8-5

[Liquid Death]

Deadpool has always been "the merc with the mouth" - he had two 4 issue limited issue series (in the first collection you have linked) and then started about a 60 issue run with various writers. The end of the run is where I started, with UDON on art, guest-starring the Taskmaster and it was great. I'm actually looking forward to picking up Classics Vol 2 (I bought Vol 1, though haven't read it, it includes the first issue of the ongoing series, which is irksome), which really gets into Kelly's run on the book, which I've heard good things about (Vol 2 is issues 2-8, I believe).

Previous to the limited series, he made appearances in X-Force (as a villian) after his first appearance in New Mutants #98 (which ended at #100). As with Venom, they 'heroed' him up and thus the ongoing series. One of my favorite Deadpool appearances was in Wolverine #88. Check it out if you ever go back-issue hunting (I'm sure its not much).

Also, Deadpool just received another ongoing series, which is currently on issue 8 or 9.

[fumanstan]

Hmm, so it sounds like they're all fairly entertaining. Sadly, I think i'll hold off after deciding instead to buy Wolverine Origin and enjoying it quite a bit. I know Deadpool crosses in sometime down the line, but we'll see if I ever get there.