Marvel DC Deadpool Batman Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. The issue is a one-shot anthology featuring characters from both Marvel and DC, with stories contributed by many creators. The featured story is written by Zeb Wells, with pencils by Greg Capullo, inks by Tim Townsend, colors by Alex Sinclair, and letters by Clayton Cowles.
There are also backup stories. A Captain America and Wonder Woman story is written by Chip Zdarsky, pencils and colors by Terry Dodson, and inks by Rachel Dodson. A Jeff and Krypto story is written by Kelly Thompson with art and colors by Guruhiru. A Daredevil and Green Arrow story is written by Kevin Smith, with art by Adam Kubert and colors by Frank Martin.
A Rocket Raccoon and Green Lantern story is written by Al Ewing, art by Dike Ruan, and colors by Moreno Dinisio. An Old Man Logan and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns story features a script and art by Frank Miller, with colors by Sinclair. And ‘Logo’ is written by Ryan North, with art by Ryan Stegman and colors by Martin, letters for the backup stories by Joe Caramagna.
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The main story in Marvel’s DC Deadpool Batman Issue 1 is literally like Deadpool just wandering into a Batman comic and starting to interfere. As Bruce Wayne begins to figure out that Joker is up to no good again, the Merc with a Mouth climbs through the window and starts running his mouth. How he gets there is besides the point, showing off a ridiculous and nonsensical tone. Deadpool is there every step of the way, offering commentary and exploring Gotham.
From Bruce Wayne to Commissioner Gordon and the Bat-Signal to the Batmobile, all the way to Joker’s hideout, Wade is there every step of the way. The pacing is quick, to keep Marvel DC Deadpool Batman Issue 1 moving, but it will occasionally stop to let Deadpool ramble and irritate those around him. The twists are not exactly surprising, but the interactions between the characters are the key element, not the strength of the plot.
Wells’ dialogue is phenomenal in Marvel DC Deadpool Batman Issue 1, highlighting the best of both characters. Deadpool and Batman couldn’t be more different. One is contemplative and quiet, the other talks endlessly. So many parts of the traditional team-up are tired of and ripped apart by Deadpool’s worldview. He’s both conducting the plot and part of it. The dialogue ranges from Wade’s dirty mind to him downright insulting Batman and the other characters of the DC Universe. And yet, Batman remains stoic and calm throughout it all. He is disturbed and driven mad, but never shows it or snaps.
The comedy continues into the traditional team-up battle and beyond in Marvel DC Deadpool Batman Issue 1, always offering something unpredictable. Some of Deadpool’s outbursts are genuinely shocking. Wells also writes a terrific difference between Joker and Deadpool. They are both completely insane, but they aren’t the same. The confrontation between the two of them is just a fantastic, chaotic display that only Batman can make sense of.
The art is glorious and perfect for this setting. Capullo is a legendary Batman artist, collaborating frequently with Townsend. So it genuinely looks like a standard Batman comic that a Marvel hero has invaded. Deadpool isn’t necessarily shorter than The Dark Knight, but Batman is always standing up straight, which makes him appear bigger. Deadpool often slouches or assumes odd positions, which is part of his physical comedy. Twice, we see him trying to climb over things, looking awkward.
Wade looks out of place anywhere he goes in Marvel DC Deadpool Batman Issue 1, even squeezing uncomfortably into the Batmobile. Batman doesn’t react much, not feeling terribly threatened, but there is a scuffle between the two fighters. It does show how brilliant both figures are, with their various toys, but the outcome and how it unfolds are surprising. It’s hysterical to see the Batman characters try to continue their regular conversations with the constant interference.
The city of Gotham is as dark as ever, shrouded in various shades of blue and lit by yellow lights. It’s familiar and strangely comforting. Seeing the bright red of Deadpool pop up makes him stand out like a sore thumb. The lettering is crucial for showing the specific voices of the characters, but the font for Joker can be challenging to read at times.
The other stories included in Marvel DC Deadpool Batman Issue 1 are a variety of different and enjoyable encounters between Marvel and DC heroes. They are creative and see some of the best creators in the business play around. The Captain America and Wonder Woman stories imagine a universe where Marvel and DC characters have always existed together.
Steve and Diana first met in World War II, which started a friendship that traverses time. Zdarsky and Dobson reimagine the most critical moments in both Justice League and Avengers history, but fuse the two teams. It’s a mesmerizing idea, and the conversation between the two most compassionate superheroes in existence is beautifully written.
Krypto and Jeff have a playdate in the following story in Marvel DC Deadpool Batman Issue 1. They play a fast-paced game of volleyball in an extremely adorable interlude. The pages are almost silent, bar some woofs and growls. The art is exceptional, terrifically depicting movement and incredible velocity. The animal heroes look like they’re having so much fun.
The Daredevil and Green Arrow story sees the return of Smith, who had famous runs with both characters. Hand Ninjas surround both the Man Without Fear and the Emerald Archer and have to fight their way out. The introductions are exciting, skipping any confusion and unpacking the team-up. It’s enjoyable to see the duo get some, and the red and green contrasts beautifully with the pitch black ninjas.
Rocket Raccoon and Green Lantern switch jobs for a day, with Rocket even borrowing the Green Lantern ring. Rocket continues to live his life, just accompanied by a horrified Guardian. It’s a hysterical, raucous collection of pages that is just as surprising with how Hal gets on as a Guardian of the Galaxy.
Iconic writer and artist Mike returns to comics in an homage to his most beloved work: Dark Knight Returns. That incredibly violent, embittered Bruce Wayne faces an equally grouchy Logan. The scruffy, almost ugly art style that Miller uses works fantastically for this small story, as it fits the world the characters operate in.
The last story in Marvel DC Deadpool Batman Issue 1 harks back to the Amalgam era, when Marvel and DC characters were fused. The logo is a combination of Lobo and Wolverine, set in a dystopian universe that blends elements from both universes. It’s only a glimpse, but it’s a fascinating and enthralling final tale.
Marvel DC Deadpool Batman Issue 1 is a delightful fusion. After decades of speculation and wishing, the most prominent comic companies return and team up once again. It’s exciting and intriguing as arguably the two most marketable figures for each house come together. The selection of stories features kind love letters to incredible creators and stories, with Miller and Smith remembering their times in the spotlight. And other characters and talents are stepping in to show what they can do.
I will say that none of the stories are groundbreaking, and it’s a little disappointing that you don’t get more from the other stories, with countless possibilities being missed. It is only fair to see how DC’s version of this crossover responds before making a fair judgment on the whole project.
Marvel DC Deadpool Batman Issue 1 is available now wherever comics are sold.
