The legendary rivalry between Marvel and DC is taking a backseat as the two giants join forces for their first crossover comics since the iconic JLA/Avengers in 2003. Kicking off this new era of collaboration are none other than Batman and Deadpool, bringing their unique styles to the forefront.
As reported by Entertainment Weekly, Marvel and DC are set to release two one-shot specials featuring the Dark Knight and the Merc With a Mouth. Marvel's contribution, Deadpool/Batman #1, will be penned by Zeb Wells (The Amazing Spider-Man) and illustrated by Greg Capullo (Batman). Meanwhile, DC's Batman/Deadpool #1 will be written by Grant Morrison (Batman) with art by Dan Mora (Superman/Batman: World's Finest). Both comics will also include additional "backup adventures" showcasing other characters from the Marvel and DC universes.
This collaboration marks the first significant Marvel/DC crossover in over two decades, excluding events like Fortnite's Omniverse. Historically, the two publishers have collaborated on crossovers since 1976's Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man.
"It happens kind of once every generation of readers. I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions as to why," says DC's President, Chief Creative Officer, and Publisher Jim Lee to EW. "The timing has to be right in that you don't want to do these too often. You want them to feel special. It is sort of finding that right moment for both companies to come together because it is complex. There's a lot more coordination, collaboration, approvals that have to be done. And, obviously, from the business side, you're sharing revenue, but it's going to be a big deal. So you want the story, creatively, to warrant the hype of it all."
When asked why Batman and Deadpool were chosen to headline this event, Marvel Entertainment President Dan Buckley shared, "It just felt like a fun combo. I'll be quite frank. It was nothing more complicated than that. Like, Deadpool hanging out with Batman. There's a lot of levity to be had in there, a lot of fun. And it would also be a little bit uber violent at the same time... Our big thing is we want to do something that is a lot of fun, showcase comics, generate excitement, and bring new readers or lapsed readers back into the industry."
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Deadpool/Batman #1 is slated for release on September 17, 2025, with Batman/Deadpool #1 following in November. Entertainment Weekly also hints at another pair of crossover one-shots planned for 2026, though the involved characters remain a mystery for now.
