Batman and Deadpool are officially joining forces in a landmark two-part comic book crossover, marking the first collaboration between DC and Marvel in over two decades. The event kicks off this September, ending a 21-year hiatus since the publishers last shared a creative project in 2003.
The Creative Team Behind the Event
Marvel will publish the first installment, Deadpool/Batman, on September 17. The issue features writing by Zeb Wells, known for his work on Spider-Man, with illustrations and cover art provided by Greg Capullo. The follow-up, Batman/Deadpool, is scheduled for a November release under the DC banner, penned by acclaimed writer Grant Morrison with artwork by Dan Mora.
More Than Just a One-Off
Beyond the main narrative, both issues will include additional stories and surprise DC/Marvel crossovers, details of which remain under wraps. Furthermore, executives have confirmed that the two publishing giants are already planning another one-shot crossover project set for 2026.
Strategic Coordination and Logistics
Dan Buckley, president of Marvel Entertainment, emphasized that these collaborations require precise timing and significant coordination. “A lot of things have to align,” Buckley explained. “You want to have the right talent involved to elevate the project and generate genuine excitement. These events happen once every generation; we don’t want to overdo it, as the goal is for them to feel truly special.”
Buckley noted that the complexity of sharing revenue and managing editorial approvals between two competing corporate entities makes these crossovers significant business undertakings that must be creatively justified.
Why Batman and Deadpool?
For Zeb Wells, the opportunity to write the crossover was too good to pass up, even after a demanding 60-issue run on Spider-Man. “In Batman, we’ve found someone who has even less time for Deadpool’s antics than Wolverine, but a city-wide threat from the Joker makes for strange bedfellows,” Wells said. “It’s been a blast letting Deadpool loose in Gotham City.”
Buckley echoed the sentiment, stating the pairing was chosen simply because it promised to be a “fun combo.” The team aims to blend levity with high-stakes action, hoping the project will serve as a gateway to bring both new and lapsed readers back into the comic book industry.
