The comic book world just witnessed a seismic event. For the first time in over two decades, Marvel and DC have joined forces for a history-making crossover, and it all kicks off with MARVEL/DC: DEADPOOL/BATMAN #1. This isn’t just another team-up; it’s a monumental collaboration that brings together two of the most iconic characters in pop culture, backed by a roster of legendary creators. The issue, which landed in stores on September 17, 2025, has already sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving fans and critics buzzing with excitement.
This landmark one-shot, priced at $6.99, is more than just a gimmick. It’s a carefully crafted event that pays homage to the rich histories of both universes while forging a new, exciting path forward. The main story, penned by the brilliant Zeb Wells (The Amazing Spider-Man) with breathtaking art from the legendary Greg Capullo (Batman), throws the Merc with a Mouth headfirst into the gritty streets of Gotham City. But the fun doesn’t stop there. The issue is packed with backup stories featuring dream team-ups like Daredevil and Green Arrow, Captain America and Wonder Woman, and even the adorable Jeff the Land Shark and Krypto the Superdog.
So, what happens when the Regeneratin’ Degenerate meets the World’s Greatest Detective? And what does this historic Marvel DC crossover mean for the future of comics? Let’s dive in and break down this unprecedented event.
Caption: The official cover of Marvel/DC: Deadpool/Batman #1 showcases the historic crossover between the Merc with a Mouth and the Dark Knight. Credit: Marvel Comics/DC Comics Source: Marvel.com
When Worlds Collide: Deadpool Crashes Gotham
The main event of this crossover doesn’t disappoint. Zeb Wells and Greg Capullo deliver a story that is both hilarious and action-packed, perfectly capturing the chaotic energy of Deadpool and the grim determination of Batman. The plot kicks off with Deadpool taking on a mysterious contract that leads him to Gotham. But as Bleeding Cool reports, it’s the Joker who’s pulling the strings, orchestrating the collision of these two worlds for his own twisted amusement. This sets the stage for a classic Batman investigation, as he tries to unravel the mystery of this new, fourth-wall-breaking vigilante who has suddenly appeared in his city.
What makes this story so successful is how it leans into the inherent absurdity of the premise. Wells’ writing is sharp and witty, and he masterfully balances the humor of Deadpool with the seriousness of Batman. As AIPT Comics notes in their review, “Wells wrote a captivating story with fun twists and turns… Batman and Gordon are written as quintessential as they come, which makes the story all the more natural in feel and tone.” The interactions between the characters are pure gold, especially the scenes where Deadpool’s meta-commentary clashes with Batman’s stoic demeanor. One of the standout moments is Deadpool’s interaction with Commissioner Gordon, which showcases Wells’ ability to capture the distinct voices of these beloved characters.
For more on the latest in comic book news, check out our coverage of the Best Marvel and DC Crossover Events.
Greg Capullo’s art is, in a word, breathtaking. His signature style, which defined an era of Batman comics during the New 52, is on full display here. He brings a sense of grit and realism to Gotham, while also managing to capture the cartoonish energy of Deadpool. The action sequences are dynamic and visceral, and the character designs are flawless. As AIPT’s review raves, “Each panel feels just as detailed as ever, with enough creative paneling to properly merge the typical Batman’s story with a wacky Deadpool one.”
More Than Just a Main Event: An All-Star Crossover
While the Deadpool and Batman team-up is the main attraction, the one-shot is packed with incredible backup stories from some of the industry’s top talent. These short tales expand the crossover beyond Gotham, giving fans a taste of what’s possible when the Marvel and DC universes collide.
One of the most anticipated backups was the Daredevil and Green Arrow team-up, “The Red and The Green,” by the legendary Kevin Smith and Adam Kubert. Smith, who has written iconic runs for both characters, returns to his roots with a story that pits the two street-level heroes against The Hand and The League of Shadows. The result is a swashbuckling adventure that feels like it was ripped straight from the 2000s, earning a 9/10 from AIPT Comics.
Another standout is the surprisingly heartwarming story featuring Krypto the Superdog and Jeff the Land Shark, from the creative team of Kelly Thompson and Gurihiru. It’s a simple, charming tale about two super-pets playing fetch, and it serves as a perfect palate cleanser from the grimness of Gotham. As AIPT notes, “it’s impossible not to walk away enjoying it.”
However, not every story was a home run. The Captain America and Wonder Woman story, “The Gun and the Sword,” by Chip Zdarsky and Terry Dodson, received a more mixed reception. While the art was praised, the story was criticized for its heavy-handed message, with AIPT giving it a 3/10.
A Crossover Decades in the Making
To truly appreciate the significance of this Marvel DC crossover, we have to look back at the history of collaborations between the two comic book giants. The last major event of this scale was the epic JLA/Avengers series, which ran from 2003 to 2004. That series, written by Kurt Busiek with stunning art by George Pérez, was a massive undertaking that brought together the greatest heroes from both universes. For over two decades, fans have been clamoring for another crossover of this magnitude, and Deadpool/Batman #1 has finally delivered.
Caption: The JLA/Avengers crossover from 2003-2004 was the last major collaboration between Marvel and DC before the new Deadpool/Batman series. Credit: DC Comics/Marvel Comics Source: DC Comics
This new collaboration is a testament to the power of these characters and the enduring passion of the fans. In an industry that is constantly evolving, this event is a reminder that some things are timeless. The fact that Marvel and DC were able to come together to make this happen is a major win for comic book readers everywhere. It’s a chance to see our favorite heroes interact in ways we’ve only dreamed of, and it opens the door for even more exciting possibilities in the future.
What This Means for the Future of Comics
So, what does this historic Marvel DC collaboration signal for the future of the comic book industry? For starters, it’s a clear indication that the “Big Two” are willing to put aside their rivalry to give fans what they want. In an era dominated by superhero films and streaming series, this kind of event is a powerful way to generate excitement and bring readers back to the source material. It’s a brilliant marketing move, but it’s also a celebration of the medium itself.
The success of Deadpool/Batman #1 could pave the way for more ambitious crossovers in the future. Could we see a new Justice League vs. Avengers series? Or perhaps a crossover featuring the X-Men and the Legion of Super-Heroes? The possibilities are endless, and this one-shot has proven that there is a massive appetite for this kind of storytelling. It’s a reminder that, at the end of the day, we’re all fans of these characters, regardless of which publisher they belong to.
This event also highlights the importance of creator-driven stories. By bringing in top-tier talent like Zeb Wells, Greg Capullo, Kevin Smith, and Chip Zdarsky, Marvel and DC have shown that they are committed to quality. These are creators who have a deep love and understanding of these characters, and it shines through in their work. As long as they continue to put the right creative teams on these projects, the future of inter-company crossovers looks very bright indeed.
The Final Verdict: A Must-Read for Any Comic Fan
MARVEL/DC: DEADPOOL/BATMAN #1 is more than just a comic book; it’s a cultural event. It’s a celebration of everything we love about superheroes, and it’s a testament to the enduring power of these iconic characters. Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan, a devoted DC reader, or just a casual comic book enthusiast, this is a book that you absolutely cannot miss. It’s a fun, action-packed, and surprisingly heartfelt story that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
With its brilliant writing, stunning art, and a lineup of dream team-ups, this crossover has set a new standard for what’s possible when two comic book giants come together. It’s a reminder that, in the world of comics, anything can happen. And we can’t wait to see what happens next.
And for a deep dive into the world of the Dark Knight, don’t miss our list of the Best Batman Storylines of All Time.
Resources:
- Marvel.com: https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/september-17-2025-new-marvel-comics-collections-releases-full-list
- AIPT Comics: https://aiptcomics.com/2025/09/17/deadpool-batman-1-review/
- Bleeding Cool: https://bleedingcool.com/comics/the-deadpool-and-the-joker-in-deadpool-batman-spoilers/
