Don’t adjust your dial. You are not seeing things! This is real!
Marvel Comics and DC Comics have released a NEW crossover! It has been over 20 years since the “Big Two” of Comics pulled off a massive event like this. The last took place in 2003 with “JLA/Avengers“.
Since then, both have stayed focused on building up their multi-media brands. That doesn’t mean the fans never lost hope of the world colliding again (and without a vote deciding who wins).
“Deadpool/Batman” kicks off a two part event with Marvel taking the first round. DC is release “Batman/Deadpool” in November of 2025.
Marvel wasted no time in loading the creative deck behind this project:
“The Dead of Knight” Creative Team – Zeb Wells, Greg Capullo, Tim Townsend, Alex Sinclair, VC’s Clayton Cowles
“The Gun & The Sword” Creative Team – Chip Zdarsky & Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson,. VC’s Joe Caramagna
“The Fortress of Solitude” Creative Team – Kelly Thompson, Gurihiru, VC’s Joe Caramagna
“The Red & The Green” Creative Team – Kevin Smith, Adam Kubert, Frank Martin, VC’s Joe Caramagna
“Showdown” Creative Team – Frank Miller, Alex Sinclair, VC’s Joe Caramagna
“Enter: Logo” Creative Team – Ryan North, Ryan Stegman, Frank Martin, VC’s Joe Caramanga
Marvel/DC: Deadpool/Batman #1 was such a big deal in the Nerd Initiative bullpen, one reviewer just wasn’t enough! This comic will be reviewed by Nerd Initiative’s own Ken and Megan!
The Story
Comic book fans rejoice! We finally have the highly anticipated Marvel/DC: Deadpool/Batman #1 and it’s everything you can want in an explosive colliding of universes. Keep in mind, it’s not just one story but actually seven! The comic starts out with the main story of Deadpool and Batman, and leaves you wanting to see so much more of these two together. Batman is on his own mission, stopping The Joker who’s hellbent on spread his “Joker Venom” to the citizens of Gotham. Of course, Batman can’t have that happen, and needs a way to locate The Joker before he unleashes chaos on Gotham City.
In an unexpected housecall, Deadpool makes his grand entrance with a mission of his own; to find Batman. Deadpool is a mercenary for hire, so it begs the question, who hired him to track down Gotham’s vigilante, Batman?
If this story wasn’t fantastic enough on its own, we’re also treated to many other Marvel and DC team ups in the comic. Wonder Woman and Captain America, Krypto and Jeff the Land Shark, even Daredevil and Green Arrow just to name a few.
The Writing
Megan – Zeb Wells is the writer for The Dead of Knight, which is the main story of Batman and Deadpool. I’d say Wells really brought his A-game for this momentous occasion. While I expected the annoyance from Batman over Deadpool, and the pleasure in annoying Batman from Deadpool, there was a very interesting chemistry between the two. I didn’t expect to like them working together as much as I did, but by the end of it, I was hoping this would magically turn into a full series.
Wells did a phenomenal job at counteracting the two very different personalities. Right from the start, it’s established how different these two are who have different morals motivating them in their line of work. However, by the end of the story, there was an unspoken mutual respect between the two.
Ken – Anytime you bring in Deadpool to a story, it can have mixed results. The character has transcended the normal comic realm into something else completely. When paired with the Dark Knight, Wade Wilson shines in the absurdity of his world. The writing takes them into perfect “frienemy” territory. Wells hits on every punchline that mirrors the Ryan Reynolds portrayal. It is no shock to see how heavily influential that performance goes here.
Readers watch as the insanity of Deadpool caters to more elements of the Bat mythos. It results in a fitting response to the conflict at hand. Batman is written in more of a “Batman: animated Series” tone. There’s a fair share of brooding while dancing in the more calmer stages. The fallout gives a solid close to their adventure. It leaves readers with a wide open door for where things *might* go in November.
The other stories are great compliments to the crossover appeal. Zdarsky’s Cap/Wonder Woman story is a fun and heartfelt read. Kevin Smith returning to Green Arrow and Daredevil is just like riding a bike. His previous runs on both breathed new life into both characters. Seeing this meeting is a fun nod to those era. Everything else are sure to bring some smiles to fans faces due endless possibilities for more.
The Art
Megan – The artwork of Marvel/DC : Deadpool/Batman #1 is the perfect blend of the grittiness of a Batman story with the explosiveness and vividness of a Deadpool story. I love that the artists were able to take both characters and mold them into one story, and giving us a whole new energy in the art. Greg Capullo, Tim Townsend, Alex Sinclair, Clayton Cowles work extraordinarily well together and their talents shine brightly throughout the comic.
Along with the main story, you also have 6 other stories that have their own creative teams. Each story has its own brand of artwork that is so unique and delivers the tone of the story perfectly. The one person that was in almost every story was Joe Caramagna, who lent his amazing lettering talents. I am astounded at how well rounded Caramagna is as a letterer, as he’s able to deliver a completely different vibe to each story.
Ken – Bringing back Capullo for Batman is a fun throwback. Deadpool crashes the scene (literally) via full page image. The art highlights his delusional mannerisms . It offsets the stern, brooding face of Bruce Wayne. Readers see how Bruce burns a hole through Deadpool with each look. This carries over to another meeting of Gotham’s finest.
Batman meets Deadpool via a gorgeous full page image. Having Jim Gordon play referee helps to move the story forward. Each pairing keeps up the tense mood as the true culprit comes into light. Seeing Capullo’s Joker back via full page is another gem in this issue. Their face-off during dialogue pays a small homage to the “Death Of The Family” covers. It pays off to starting a frantic switch of events. Readers will enjoy seeing how Deadpool reacts to certain Batman/Joker confrontation.
The fallout sends everyone home happy. Panels encompass the combustible mix of personalities. It also leaves a few doors open to play a return of more to come. Every art team on the other tales give their own spins which shows how all these characters gel together. There’s something for everyone with this issue.
Overall Grade – 9.7/10
Megan – 10/10. This was well worth the wait. Marvel fans, DC fans, comic book fans in general, this was made for us. Seeing these two worlds collide was an absolute treat and the creative teams should be extremely proud of what they’ve done here.
Ken – 9.5/10. If this is any indication of what’s to come, fans are in for something special. Wells leans into the pop culture aspects of the lead characters with the writing. Capullo and the art team shine in bringing Deadpool into Batman’s’ world. Readers will excited to see each panel unfold. Factor in the other side tales & this event lived up to the hype.
Let us know in the comments below your thoughts on Marvel/DC: Deadpool/Batman #1. Thanks for reading!
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