In this review of Marvel/DC: Deadpool/Batman #1, universes collide and hilarity ensues. Come along on the adventure that fans have been waiting decades for.
MARVEL/DC: DEADPOOL/BATMAN #1
Writers: ZEB WELLS, AL EWING, CHIP ZDARSKY, KELLY THOMPSON, KEVIN SMITH, FRANK MILLER, RYAN NORTH
Artists: GREG CAPULLO, TERRY DODSON, ADAM KUBERT, GURIHIRU, DIKE RUAN, FRANK MILLER, RYAN STEGMAN
Main Cover: GREG CAPULLO
Variant Covers: DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, J. SCOTT CAMPBELL, PEACH MOMOKO, MARCO CHECCHETTO, PEPE LARRAZ, SKOTTIE YOUNG, and MORE!!!
Page Count: 64 pages
Release Date: September 17, 2025
This review contains spoilers
Marvel/DC: Deadpool/Batman #1 begins inside Wayne Manor with Bruce searching through clues about missing chemicals used to make Joker Venom. Out of nowhere, Deadpool comes crashing through a window, beautifully backlit by a full moon (the first of many great action panels). We’re then treated to multiple pages of typical Deadpool quips before finding out that he’s actually on the hunt for Batman. At the same time, the Bat Signal lights up the sky and Deadpool takes his leave in the hopes of meeting up with Batman at the signal’s source.
Instead of finding Batman, he’s met at the Bat Signal by James Gordon and they get into some verbal sparring. Gordon gives as good as he gets, not intimidated by the Merc with a Mouth. Unfortunately for Deadpool, he decides to threaten Gordon with a sword just as Batman shows up to the scene. We get another terrific splash page of Batman introducing his fists to Deadpool’s face and the fight continues for a few pages, filled with serious Batman and sarcastic Deadpool banter.
With Deadpool subdued, Gordon and Batman discuss the situation of the missing chemicals. Deadpool joins in on the conversation, accidentally making himself useful with a comment about the full moon. They all figure out that Joker must be using a cave only accessible at low tide to hide the Joker Venom. The Caped Crusader decides to take Deadpool with him in the Batmobile to search the cave areas, leading to one of the best quips in the whole issue. On the ride over to the caves, Deadpool’s true plan comes to light in the form of a knockout gas grenade that puts Batman to sleep.
When Batman comes to, he discovers that Deadpool’s job is being funded by the Joker, as the two are standing side-by-side. Through the course of some quick dialog, Joker lets everyone know how Deadpool arrived in this universe. Klarion the Witch Boy gave the Joker a spell to show him someone who would be his match in the crazy department. He then had to enlist the aid of the Reverse Flash and the Cosmic Treadmill to get Deadpool to this universe.
Batman sets Joker off by calling Deadpool a clown and a villain more worthy of his attention. Joker pulls Deadpool to the side to have a brief conversation and infects him with Joker Venom. After the double-cross, Wade goes to set Batman free, but he’s already taken care of that himself and is confronting Joker. There’s a trap set to pump Joker Venom into Gotham, infecting everyone in the city, unless Batman makes the decision to press a button that will detonate the venom before it’s released, killing himself in the process.
Deadpool decides to take one for the team and pushes the button instead, blowing himself up as a result while Batman and Joker are still at a safe distance. Of course, that’s not going to keep him down for long. With the Joker captured and the city safe, Batman decides to let Wade go home, bringing this issue to a close.
Zeb Wells has crafted a fun story, presenting a humorous interaction between two characters from different universes with vastly different personalities. The art team of Greg Capullo, Tim Townsend, and Alex Sinclair have drawn and colored a gorgeous issue. Panels are arranged with a clean, easy flow and are packed with dialog or action.
That’s only half of Marvel/DC: Deadpool/Batman #1, though! The rest of the book is filled with short stories teaming up other DC and Marvel characters. We get quick hits of Captain America & Wonder Woman, Krypto & Jeff the Land Shark, Daredevil & Green Arrow, Rocket Raccoon & Green Lantern, Old Man Logan & The Dark Knight Returns Batman, and Logo (an actual combination of Lobo and Wolverine!). The various writers and artists give us some interesting looks at crossovers between the universes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of crossovers, Marvel/DC: Deadpool/Batman #1 will be right up your alley, whether you’re a fan of one or both of the characters involved. You don’t have to come into this one with a vast background knowledge. It is quite enjoyable as presented, for new and old readers alike. Filled with solid art, great humor, and a fast-paced story, this one is sure to please a majority of fans.
