The first issue of the Marvel and DC crossover comic Deadpool/Batman is finally here and, if there is only one way to describe it, it is fun. Featuring some of the big names in comics, the issue is packed with short stories; exploring relationships and encounters that could have been. This first issue is published by Marvel, with the second to be published by DC in November 2025.
Minor spoilers ahead!
Zeb Wells got the main chunk of the issue for a story where Deadpool and Batman meet. Joker, through some cross-dimensional magic managed to find the person that is as mad him in the Marvel Universe and hired Deadpool to capture Batman. While we can only assume Bullseye must have been busy, it does result in quite a fun comic, which doesn’t take itself seriously.
What it does do inadvertently is highlight the disparity between the two characters, with regards to their history and lore. Gotham is chosen as the backdrop, and a Joker as the villain. In the second issue, is there going to be a villain or setting related to Deadpool that has the same presence as Joker or Gotham? Or will it revert to using more of Batman’s large cast of characters?
Where this story does have a heavy hitter though is Greg Capullo on illustrations. As always, his work looks great but feels underutilised, with few action scenes. Tim Townsend’s inks can feel a little heavy over Capullo’s work at points though, giving it a dated feel.
The first real highlight of the book comes with the Wonder Woman and Captain America crossover by Chip Zdarsky and Terry Dodson. It reimagines a world where they meet in World War Two, then partner together. It has some fantastic scenes such as Wonder Woman launching herself at Galactus and how the pair react to key moments in Marvel’s and DC’s history.
The other standout story is a 2 page crossover between Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) and Rocket Raccoon. Who knew Al Ewing could provide such a funny story simply by giving Rocket Raccoon an emerald ring and Hal Jordan access to the Marvel Universe. It definitely leaves you wanting more from this pairing.
Also in the book is a heartwarming match-up with Jeff the Land Shark and Krypto the Super Dog from Kelly Thompson and Gurihiru. Kevin Smith adds a Green Arrow and Daredevil story bonding over dislike of gentrification and ninja grunts, ably illustrated by Adam Kubert. Ryan North melds Wolverine and Lobo to make ‘Logo’, who Ryan Stegman makes look like an established character. Finally, there is a short pairing of Old Man Logan and The Dark Knight Returns Batman, written and illustrated by Frank Miller, and is probably the weakest of the bunch, although a story of characters past their prime does seem fitting.
While there is nothing groundbreaking in this issue, it is worth the cover price as there is a lot of content in here. The Wonder Woman/Captain America and Green Lantern/Rocket Raccoon stories help gloss over any shortcomings in the other stories. With the likes of Grant Morrison, James Tynion IV, and Scott Snyder contributing to the next one, published by DC, it is surely going to be another big seller.
Buy Deadpool/Batman Insignia mashup variant – Forbidden Planet UK (I earn a commission)
Buy Batman/Deadpool Cover A – Forbidden Planet UK (I earn a commmission)
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