Marvel and DC crossover has always been a dream match-up for decades. It’s the ultimate premise of children playing with their action figures together. It’s been a while since the two brands have crossed over, likely due to ownership for both publishers making it complicated for both sides to agree. Fortunately, Marvel and DC reached a new agreement, leading to two new one-shots. Both one-shots feature a team-up between Batman and Deadpool as the main story, with several back-ups serving as the rest of the comics.
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Marvel Comics published Deadpool/Batman #1, which features the talent of Zeb Wells, Greg Capullo, Chip Zdarsky, Terry Dodson, Kelly Thompson, Gurihiru, Kevin Smith, Adam Kubert, Al Ewing, Dike Kuan, Ryan North, Ryan Stegman, and Frank Miller. The number of superstars in the comic is staggering, delivering one of the most diverse anthologies on comic stands. Not every story in Deadpool/Batman #1 is necessarily great, but the issue displays a nice, diverse line-up that highlights the creators of both companies. If you’re a fan of either or both brands, this one-shot is worth owning for being a once-in-a-generation crossover. We’ll never know when the corporate overlords will allow something like this again.
Rating: 4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
| Great artwork from all the artists | Some stories are not as good as others |
| Light and Fun | |
| Heroes Vibing! |
Deadpool/Batman #1 Is The Crossover We’ve Been Waiting For
Wells and Capullo’s Deadpool and Batman team-up forms the meat of the story. Your enjoyment of the issue will be determined by how much joy you take from Deadpool’s constant joking dialogue. While Wells hits some good jokes with his Deadpool dialogue, most of it feels too much. Nonetheless, Deadpool’s non-stop talking is a great contrast to Batman’s straight-to-the-point and silent personality. Wells does a great job inserting Deadpool in Batman’s world, portraying Gotham and its citizens totally straight, whereas Deadpool stands out. Mr. Wade Wilson does not match the aesthetic of Batman’s world, adding a humorous dynamic to the characters’ relationship. Deadpool out-annoying Joker and being double-crossed feels very in-character for the merc with the mouth.
From there, the rest of the one-shot is filled with many fun storylines featuring team-ups of other great Marvel and DC characters. The Wonder Woman and Captain America story by Zdarsky and Dodson is the most emotional narrative in the comic, presenting the two as old souls who serve as each other’s conscience. Diana and Steve are very alike, making their friendship seem genuine and heartfelt. Thompson’s and Gurihiru’s Jeffy and Krypto story is as joyful as you would imagine. The two pets get along wonderfully, with the story presenting a fun and playful game of volleyball between the two. Both pets are super adorable, and you finish the story wanting to read more of them.
Smith’s and Kubert’s Daredevil and Green Arrow section is mostly all-out action. Smith has a long history with both characters and displays a good handling of both heroes’ voices. The preceding stories in the comic are shorter and more disposable. The Rocket Raccoon and Green Lantern crossover by Ewing and Ruan is a comedic story about Rocket being a terrible Green Lantern. The short ends with a humorous jab at Hal Jordan gaining the Infinity Stones and becoming evil again, which may rub some fans the wrong way.
Miller’s three-page brawl between Old Man Logan and Dark Knight Returns‘ Batman is the worst story in the comic. Miller’s pencilwork doesn’t have the same refinement it had in the ’80s and comes across as too unappealing. The Deadpool/Batman #1 one-shot ends with the introduction of a new amalgamation character. Not much to write home about the new character, but artist Stegman delivers some solid linework in the last few pages of the comic. Even if the hybrid character makes you groan, Stegman accomplishes his duty on the artwork.
In general, the artwork is a true masterclass in comics, except for Miller. Capullo returns to draw Batman again, reminding readers why he’s one of the best to do it in the industry. Dodson, along with his inker wife, delivers beautiful artwork for Wonder Woman’s and Captain America’s story, imbuing the narrative with warmth that helps highlight both heroes’ altruism. Gurihiru remains Jeff’s best artist, penciling everything with a softer and rounder edge that helps emphasise the cuteness. Kubert presents his strongest art in years with Daredevil and Green Arrow, showcasing a nice mixture of action and emotion. The colors by Frank Martin also help enhance the Daredevil and Green Arrow story. Ruan’s work on Rocket Raccoon and Green Lantern perfectly matches the comedic sci-fi tone Ewing was going with.
None of the stories in Deadpool/Batman #1 match the epicness featured in previous Marvel and DC crossovers. Instead, this one-shot is more about vibes and has the characters hang out. Although some may find that disappointing, we appreciate the more mellow approach for this new crossover. Not everything needs to be about the end of the world.
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