Earlier this year, the “big two” of comics reunited for an unlikely team-up. “Deadpool/Batman” launched a new wave of crossover stories. This new united front sent fans into a wild frenzy. It teased the idea for more characters and impossible stories. The creative aspect has been one of many wins for Marvel and DC. They recently has a crossover involving Thor/Shazam & The Flash/Fantastic Four on their digital library platforms. This was followed with a push to sign up for the services, getting more people into comics.
Before 2025 wraps up, the publishers are reuniting for another special edition. It’s time for round two between the Dark Knight & the Merc with a Mouth!
DC/MARVEL: BATMAN/DEADPOOL #1 by Grant Morrison, Dan Mora, Alejandro Sánchez, Todd Klein, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, Hayden Sherman, Mike Spicer, Frank Cvetkovic, Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Adriano Lucas, Wes Abbott, Mariko Tamaki, Amanda Conner, Tamra Bonvillain, Dave Sharpe, G. Willow Wilson, Denys Cowan, Klaus Janson, Francesco Segala & Steve Wands deliver on another round of mash-up tales.
Let’s break down what is unfolding this go around!
DC/MARVEL: BATMAN/DEADPOOL #1 by Grant Morrison, Dan Mora, Alejandro Sánchez, Todd Klein, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, Hayden Sherman, Mike Spicer, Frank Cvetkovic, Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Adriano Lucas, Wes Abbott, Mariko Tamaki, Amanda Conner, Tamra Bonvillain, Dave Sharpe, G. Willow Wilson, Denys Cowan, Klaus Janson, Francesco Segala & Steve Wands (DC COMICS/MARVEL COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Much like the first crossover, the book is jam-packed with an all-star creative lineup. This results in some show-stealing pairings. None fully steal the spotlight away from the lead pair. A great deal of this revolves around the vivid imagination of Grant Morrison.
Being no stranger to Batman, Morrison throws him into an unstable scenario. This is largely due to his dance partner. While investigating a murder under Amanda Waller, Batman stumbles into Deadpool’s path. The result takes clever shots at Wade’s “origin”. Morrison’s writing keeps its’ zip as the story moves forward. Readers watch as the zany side of their pairing sets a course for a deadly villain's grasp. Knowing Morrison’s history with said character, the mood sets into a comfortable yet dangerous tone.
This allows some breathing room as the story starts taking a different shape. There are many creative reaches attempted. Most all hit their marks. Readers that know some history will pop for a huge reveal in these moments. It spirals the story into a unique spot. The result is a fast finish to tie up loose ends. Ordinarily, this might misfire. Knowing what Morrison does best, the finish is vintage. It sends readers home on a high note until the next go around. You can’t ask for much more than that.
Mora and Sánchez start off events with a traditional look at Gotham City. the brooding tones are very evident in these pages. It ushers in the investigative portion of Batman’s case. This is the arguably last “normal” moment of the story. From here, everything moves to mirror Deadpool’s aura in the chapter.
The two page spread pays a small homage to a classic DC tale. It doesn’t take long before the 4th wall is shattered completely. Once Batman appears, the panels spotlight the clash in personalities. There is plenty of wacky Deadpool moments here. After the pace slows up, the main antagonist reveals themselves.
Readers are gifted an excellent two page spread for this intro. It opens the door for the story to explore the more head-scratching times of the Dark Knight & Marvel. A full page shot welcomes in this volatile character. Panels get extremely brutal in this fight. It helps to bring everything into the final act.
Once here, a new player enters the game. The shadowy figure will raise some eyebrows and smiles. Their persona shines on the pages. They throw the story off-axis. Readers watch another Bat-version crash the party via full page. Their appearance circles the end of the tale. Events close up with a solid near full page send-off. The bar was set high for art and hit the mark for this special issue.
The sub-stories are a LOADED line-up of creators:
Hellblazer & Dr. Strange (James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, Hayden Sherman, Mike Spicer, Frank Cvetkovic) brings out the dark magic side both dabble in.
Nightwing & Wolverine (Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Adriano Lucas, Wes Abbott) re-unites the Eisner-winning team behind Dick Grayson’s best adventures for another classic.
Harley Quinn & the Hulk (Mariko Tamaki, Amanda Conner, Tamra Bonvillain, Dave Sharpe) is as over the top as readers would hope.
Closing up shop is Static & Ms. Marvel ( G. Willow Wilson, Denys Cowan, Klaus Janson, Francesco Segala & Steve Wands). The story pairs up to fan-favorites leaving the readers wanting to see more of their adventures.
FINAL GRADE: 9.5
The second go-around between Wayne and Wilson heads into weird territory for a huge win. Morrison runs wild with the writing to fans’ delight. Mora and Sánchez craft amazing images to navigate the complex tale. Add in the other superb side-sagas and this is one that’s sure to please all. Don’t miss out!
Let me know your thoughts on DC/MARVEL: BATMAN/DEADPOOL #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!